GroundCrew Issue - August 1997 - Page One

MMS: GROWING AND GOING INTERNATIONAL

From one man and one apprentice working in the basement of a farmhouse in 1975, MMS has grown to seven full-time staff and six apprentices working in a 9,500 square foot airport facility. Ten approved candidates are in support development preparing to begin apprenticeship with three more in the application process. Training program information requests are being answered as fast as they arrive by phone, mail, and electronic communication.

This interest and involvement in MMS is unprecedented. But then, we perceive the mission need for Aviation Maintenance Technicians to be unprecedented as well. There are mission aircraft around the world grounded for lack of qualified maintenance personnel. Missionaries don’t receive critical supplies, ministry suffers, and lost souls are not found when missionary aircraft sit on the ground.

To stay ahead of this growth curve, the MMS Board of Directors has formed a Financial Committee and a Strategic Planning Committee. The Financial Committee will investigate and report on long- range funding options. The Strategic Planning Committee will address the immediate general operating shortfall related to the new influx of personnel. Facility utilization, building expansion, staffing needs, and increasing public awareness of the MMS minstry will also be explored.

Approved candidate Kang, Dae Hyun & Kim, Sung Mee; Kang, Jee Hye & Kang, Eun Jee. (Kwachon, South Korea)

Along with rapid growth, an International flavor has been added to the MMS mix as the Lord brings apprentices from around the world into our hangar. Our first international apprentice was Denny Talampas who graduated MMS in 1994. Dale Coates, from Zimbabwe, Africa, has completed apprenticeship and has stayed on to work toward his Inspector’s Authorization. Helge Evensen, from Oslo, Norway, is due to begin training in October. Kang, Dae Hyun and his family from South Korea have been approved for training. Yet, there’s more. A gentleman from Kenya, Africa, and a young lady from British Columbia, Canada, have initiated paperwork to come onboard. All this world-reaching activity taking place for God’s glory, right here in America’s backyard, Coshocton, Ohio.

We at MMS have been called by God to “prepare people and planes for missions.” We’re doing the best we can to keep up with the pace God has set. Without you, your prayers, and your financial support, we would be unable to meet God’s challenge. You make MMS happen. Your involvement allows us to be involved. Thank you for your participation. Because of your sacrifices on behalf of MMS, trained Aviation Maintenance Technicians will reach the field and grounded airplanes will be made “good to go.”

Dale, Deborah, and Kirsty Coates. (Zimbabwe, Africa)

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