GroundCrew Issue - April 1997 - Page Four

DIRECTOR'S DESK - DWIGHT JARBOE

I will never forget a classic 1948 Stinson 108-3 MMS restored for missionaries Garland and Reba Cofield. The Cofields oversee a Christian camp ministry they founded in western Ontario, Canada. They also supervise a broader range of missionary work in the region. The routine air transportation needs are met by a modern Cessna 206 and another pilot with their mission. Garland did not want to take that six place workhorse for administrative travel, so the Stinson was added to the "fleet". A Stinson had proven its usefulness as the mission’s workhorse in the 1960’s.

The Stinson that arrived at MMS had no damage history, but was stored disassembled in a barn for several years. During the plane’s restoration the Cofields would come occasionally in a motor home and stay to help with the plane. Since its completion five years ago the plane has received awards at various fly-ins and was singled out for a feature article in an aviation magazine. More importantly, it has met the Cofields’ transportation needs in the US and Canada.

The impact of rebuilding the Stinson is greater than the experience gained by MMS personnel. As a pre-teen Adam Satterthwaite met the Cofields and found a mentor in Garland. Fascinated by Garland’s stories of roughing it in a tent in the Canadian bush while establishing the camp, Adam began to capture the vision of ministry through summer youth camps. Adam later spent two summers working with the Cofields at Camp of the Woods (Dinorwic, Ontario) and saw first hand the impact of a Christian camp. The result is Adam found a direction for his life and ministry.

It is a joy to serve those who use airplanes in support of their ministry. It is an even greater joy to see God work in the heart and mind of those dear to us.

WELCOME TO KEITH DODSON

Keith was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He majored in photography and English while at college and had a love of aviation which simmered in his heart. That simmer didn’t break into full boil until three years ago when he rededicated his life to Christ.

Only months after rededication, Keith heard Max Meyers, President of Mission Aviation Fellowship, speak at missions conference. It was then that Keith answered God’s call. Contact with MAF led to a trip to MMS where he investigated the possibility of becoming a missionary aviation maintenance specialist. His time with Dwight led to two years of prayer and preparation which clarified God’s purpose. God wanted Keith at MMS but not as an apprentice. In June of last year, Keith interviewed and was accepted as MMS's Partnership Development Director.

As part of his preparation for service, Keith returned to college and completed additional courses in English and business communication. He also completed a small-engine repair course which, he says, made clear that while it might be okay for him to work on your lawnmower, you might not want him working on your airplane. We are thankful to the Lord for leading Keith here and are delighted to have him on the team.

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