UPDATE FROM GUATEMALA!
We just talked with Paul. He thanks everyone for your prayers and
concerns regarding the difficult situations surrounding his first
medical flight. While the political ramifications and governmental
investigations continue, Paul shared his growing assurance that neither
he, Missionary Air Group, the doctor on the flight, nor Hospital Shalom are
being singled out for special attention.
Everyone at MAG appreciates your continued prayers. We'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
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.
"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.
"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
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
Friday, June 27, 2014
When the Husband Is Away.....
"For everything there is a season" so the Good Book says and so I believe! When Keith told me he was going to be away for a week in June I decided it was the "season" for girls week. My good friend Cindy and her daughter Joanna, along with Joanna's friend Lydia, traveled from PA to NC to spend the week and enjoy some time off.
Cindy and I go back a long time. I returned home after college to a new town where my folks had moved and so really knew no one. Cindy was a wonderful answer to my Mother's prayer for a good friend for me. We've known each other for about 32 years if I count correctly. Our friendship preceeds husbands, kids, missions and professions and includes all the ups and downs of life. She is a constant reminder to me of how God answers prayer (personally, I think a mother's prayers are especially close to God's heart) and provides for our every need.
We met in a retail store working in the craft department together and our faith and "craftiness" continue to define our relationship. Cindy showed me how and helped me hand knot my first quilt while she was here. I had sewn the top and we worked together to add the batting and backing and then knot them together.
Joanna and Lydia enjoyed some shopping near by on one of the days they were here and then came home and cooked supper for us all. What a joy it was to be served in that way and delicious too! They cooked a very healthy style of vegetable alfredo. Keith was glad there were some leftovers when he got home!
Joanna and Lydia are turning sweet 16 this summer so we decided to take a field trip and tour the campus of the University of North Carolina. We had such a fun day walking the campus with its beautiful old trees and buildings, stopping on campus at a unique little place for lunch, and then something special at the sweet shop. We all enjoyed the campus which I had not visited before either, and the girls got their first look and feel of a beautiful, and very large, venerable old campus. It was fun to be part of their first college "look-see".
Good friends are a treasure and a blessing from the Lord and I do not take that for granted. It's refreshing to spend some "down time" with those who have been through the thick and thin of life with you while never letting go.
So, while Keith was away and Cindy's husband and son (Duane and Josiah) stayed in PA to work and hold down the fort, we had girls week out right here in Graham, NC.
Cindy and I go back a long time. I returned home after college to a new town where my folks had moved and so really knew no one. Cindy was a wonderful answer to my Mother's prayer for a good friend for me. We've known each other for about 32 years if I count correctly. Our friendship preceeds husbands, kids, missions and professions and includes all the ups and downs of life. She is a constant reminder to me of how God answers prayer (personally, I think a mother's prayers are especially close to God's heart) and provides for our every need.
We met in a retail store working in the craft department together and our faith and "craftiness" continue to define our relationship. Cindy showed me how and helped me hand knot my first quilt while she was here. I had sewn the top and we worked together to add the batting and backing and then knot them together.
 | |
| Cindy and I take over the kitchen table to knot my quilt. |
Joanna and Lydia enjoyed some shopping near by on one of the days they were here and then came home and cooked supper for us all. What a joy it was to be served in that way and delicious too! They cooked a very healthy style of vegetable alfredo. Keith was glad there were some leftovers when he got home!
 | ||
| Joanna, Lydia and Cindy ready to serve dinner. |
Joanna and Lydia are turning sweet 16 this summer so we decided to take a field trip and tour the campus of the University of North Carolina. We had such a fun day walking the campus with its beautiful old trees and buildings, stopping on campus at a unique little place for lunch, and then something special at the sweet shop. We all enjoyed the campus which I had not visited before either, and the girls got their first look and feel of a beautiful, and very large, venerable old campus. It was fun to be part of their first college "look-see".
 |
| Joanna and Lydia take a first look at college together. |
Good friends are a treasure and a blessing from the Lord and I do not take that for granted. It's refreshing to spend some "down time" with those who have been through the thick and thin of life with you while never letting go.
So, while Keith was away and Cindy's husband and son (Duane and Josiah) stayed in PA to work and hold down the fort, we had girls week out right here in Graham, NC.
 |
| Friends for 32 years and counting. |
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
MAG Staff Meeting & Aviation Summit, June 4-6, 2014
From Wednesday, June 4 through Friday June 6, Missionary Air Group held its first Staff Meeting & Aviation Summit. It was a blessing to have our entire missionary staff in one place at the same time (Carlos participated by video conference) to discuss organizational issues, review manuals, conduct training, and enjoy fellowship with each other and our volunteers.
The picture above is extra fun because God graced me to help bring both Paul and Scott into ministry as apprentices with MMS Aviation. Now I have the privilege of serving with both of them as part of a full-time, medical/evangelistic ministry saving lives and souls in remote areas of Central America!
Here is the assembled MAG crew of staff and volunteers outside our international headquarters. Carol is displaying one of Daily Donut's world-famous Apple Fritters.
The conference coincided with our monthly First Friday Fritter Fest. Scott washes down his second apple fritter.
Here's our aviation staff (left to right): Westley Wiles, Honduras; Sean Donnelly, CEO & Chief Pilot; Paul Jones, Guatemala; and Scott Grote, Aviation Maintenance.
Sean (left) conducted Paul's Instrument Proficiency Check as part of our conference. Paul is wearing "foggles" to simulate instrument meteorological conditions as he flies our Cessna 172 over Alamance County.
Paul, me, Scott, and Sean on the ramp at Alamance Regional Airport.
The picture above is extra fun because God graced me to help bring both Paul and Scott into ministry as apprentices with MMS Aviation. Now I have the privilege of serving with both of them as part of a full-time, medical/evangelistic ministry saving lives and souls in remote areas of Central America!
And these are some of the people we're working to reach.
Thank you for being part of saving lives and souls in Central America. Your friendship, encouragement, gifts and prayers are what enable us to deliver Help and Hope by Air!
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