NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has pointed toward his Christian faith in the days since he and colleague Suni Williams returned to earth following several months of being stranded in space.

The two astronauts traveled to the International Space Station last summer on the first crewed mission of the Boeing Starliner, a mission that was to last eight days, but the capsule had issues preventing their return. They finally returned to the earth last month on the SpaceX Dragon.

Wilmore said during a Monday press briefing that virtual fellowship with his home congregation, Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, was critical to him enduring the challenge. “The Word of God continually infilling me, I need it,” he remarked. “My pastors are the finest pastors on, or off in this case, the planet, and to tie in and to worship with my church family was vital.”

The astronaut, an elder at the church, said that “faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” specifically in the forgiveness of sins and hope for the future he offers, was key to remember.

“He teaches us when he says in his Word about being content in all situations because he’s working out his plan and his purposes for his glory and our good, and I believe that because the Bible says that,” Wilmore continued. “It doesn’t mean there’s no pain, but content and knowing that God’s in control: a sovereign God’s in control, working out his plan and his purpose.”

Wilmore made similar comments during an interview from space toward the end of the lengthy voyage, saying his contentment comes from his understanding that God is “at work in all things.”

“I can tell you honestly, my feeling on all of this goes back to my faith,” Wilmore added. “It’s bound in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity, and how that plays into our lives is significant and important.”