Life, Death, and Questions in Guatemala

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