GroundCrew Issue - April 1998 - Page Four

Director's Desk - Dwight Jarboe

Growing Pains and Lessons from a Fish Net

Many times people ask, "How many apprentices can MMS train at one time?" For several years my answer has been twelve apprentices. However, that theoretical limit was never tested, as six or seven apprentices was the most we had trained at one time. Well, hang on to your hat, folks, that is about to change.

April began with eleven apprentice aircraft mechanics in the shop. In a very short time the number of people in our hangar has nearly doubled. Even though three apprentices will complete their training this year, we anticipate four more will begin by mid-year.

I am intrigued by the account of Jesus and the miraculous catch of fish in John chapter 21. Perhaps you recall the story of how the Disciples went fishing following Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. No line, pole, worms, and creekbank, as these men were commercial fishermen. They fished all that particular night and caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus called to them from the shore and asked if they had caught any fish. After they answered that they hadn't, He told them to throw the net on the right side of the boat and they would find some. They did and they did. Verse eleven tells us that even with so many large fish the net was not broken.

Among the wonderful lessons in this chapter of God's Word, is this truth - the net did not break. As MMS grows in numbers and in its ability to serve missionary aviation, our "net could break." So we look to the One who held the Disciples' net together for guidance and provision to accomplish what He has given us to do. These are exciting and challenging days for the MMS team as we prepare people and planes for missions.

RAIN, ROUND ENGINES, AND A FLORIDA RAPID RESPONSE

Staff member Dennis Satterthwaite and Apprentice Michael Burch rapidly responded to West Palm Beach, Florida, for two weeks in February. Missionary Flights International had an urgent need to have an old engine removed and a new engine installed on one of their DC-3’s. They also performed various inspections in preparation for this aircraft’s return to service in support of missionaries to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While rain was the predominant weather condition during their trip, the sun did pop out long enough for Dennis and Michael to quickly have these photographs taken.

Dennis and Mike installing the DC-3’s new engine.

Engine run-up after the installation was completed.

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