This is a report from Paul Jones, our pilot/mechanic in Guatemala, about his first flight in support of Hospital Shalom. It provides some insight into who we are, whom we serve, and the challenges inherent in what God has called us to do.
Saturday, July 5; Peten, Guatemala
"This day has been many years in coming. I flew my first air
ambulance flight today, serving with Missionary Air Group here in
Guatemala. I have been involved in much prep leading up to this moment.
It is encouraging to be in service to The Creator showing the compassion
of Christ.
Two different types of ambulances: one with wheels, one with wings!
Hospital Shalom's medical staff transfers the patient to our airplane.
"This man was dying of Kidney complications as a
result of a gun shot wound. His only hope for life was to be flown to
Guatemala City for dialysis. The drive in a ground ambulance would have
taken 9 hours and he would not have survived the rough journey. The
flight was 1 and 1/2 hours in smooth cool air. The two doctors on board
had to constantly mechanically breath for the patient with a respiration
bag. These doctors are very passionate about caring for those in need.
The air traffic controllers cleared all aircraft out of our way,
including airliners, giving us priority to land.
Paul pilots the aircraft as the medical staff cares for the critically ill patient.
"Unfortunately,
the flight ended sadly. Upon arrival we were informed that the director
of security of the international airport would not allow the ground
ambulance to enter the airport to transport the patient to the hospital.
They would only tell us it was not authorized but gave us no means of
getting authorization. The airport fire department ambulance came to the
scene but simply stated they had no authorization to move the patient
to the waiting ambulance. The doctors informed the airport authorities
standing there that soon they would be exhausting the drugs that were
keeping the man's heart beating and that his death would be on there
hands. After 40 minutes of waiting his heart stopped beating and the
doctors began CPR for another 20 minutes before the authorities allowed
the ambulance to come in. However, it was too late.
"I have been
flirting with thoughts of futility, but know there is a greater purpose
and plan for all that unfolds on this earth. I take comfort knowing I
serve The One who is truly in control. I look forward to the times He
allows me to have a positive impact on a life, physically and
spiritually, but also to the comfort that comes when the outcome appears
negative in my eyes.
"I have attached some photos of our
departure from San Benito this morning. The airport here in Northern
Guatemala has so far been very helpful in this new air ambulance
program. We shall see how things unfold in the future in Southern
Guatemala at the International Airport."
"It
has been a long road. (Years of flight training, working as a commercial pilot, support raising)...maintenance apprenticeship, language training, (and)
the last 10 months of ground prep work here in Guatemala. The deal is
though - it's really not about this flight or any to come. Its about all
the other stuff that surrounds it and how God weaves us together for
what He has figured out. But, I admit it is cool to have this be part of
my story." Paul Jones, Missionary Air Group
