GroundCrew Issue - August 1998 - Page Four
Director's Desk - Dwight Jarboe
By nature I am more a maintainer than a builder. Learning the inner workings of a complex machine and restoring it to its peak performance appeals to me more than designing and building it. Even though engineers and contractors could (and should) disagree with me, I think the best part of a building program is when it is finished. In spite of all this, we are beginning the biggest building program in MMS history.
Our numerical growth has been well documented in this and previous GroundCrews. It is this growth that makes our need to build immediate. (Over a hundred square feet of floor space is presently needed just for tool boxes - even with the drawers closed.
In addition to our immediate need for space, the ongoing need for competent aircraft mechanics in mission aviation demands that we expand. There is a shortage of aviation maintenance personnel in mission organizations who operate aircraft. The additional space in our facility will allow us to train more people to help meet this need.
The building expansion will enable us to work on more aircraft at one time. In addition to training personnel, we repair, overhaul and modify airplanes for mission organizations. MMS has never been able to keep up with the demand for these services. I suspect we will never do so, but we will be able to do more in a larger facility.
I am excited about the months ahead. There will be more fund raising, permits to obtain, contracts to sign, digging, building, paving, and all the details that go along with them. However, many people are willing to help. Above all, God is in charge; and, having seen Him meet our needs in the past, I have confidence to move ahead.
Prayer and Praise
Please Pray
..that the Lord will fully provide for our hangar expansion project.
..that we will continue to learn how to trust God more than ourselves.
..that our international apprentices will become even more comfortable in their adaptation to
life in America and service in our hangar.
..that Michael Burch will soon be able to serve as a pilot/mechanic with a mission organization.
..that God will be glorified through our preparation of people and planes.
Praise God
..for the positive responses and gifts received in response to our hangar expansion proposals.
..for the good health which has returned to MMS staff and apprentice families.
..for the constant stream of missionary aircraft which arrive at our facility in need of maintenance, modification, and repair.
..for the rapidity with which so many new faces have been incorporated into our program.
..for God’s continued call on the hearts of His children to serve Him through missions.
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MMS is a member of the International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA).