GroundCrew Issue - August 1999 - Page Four

Director's Desk - Dwight Jarboe

Long before I learned to land an airplane between the parallel edges of a runway, I learned to steer a farm tractor between the parallel rows of bales in a hay field. In the late 1950s putting hay in the barns was work but could also be fun. Young fellows from the community were eager to work for the five dollars and the noon meal the day's labor earned them. Friendly competition and good natured teasing between the boys on the haying crew always made the day seem shorter.

My memory of loading countless thirty to fifty pound hay bales on the wagon, riding atop the load of hay to the barn, and stacking the bales in the barn grows more agreeable as the years pass. Yet, one thing stands out to me about those experiences is that many hands make light work.

Here at MMS we are finishing a 5,600 square foot expansion to our hangar. Major elements of the construction were completed by contractors. However quite a bit of work has been done by capable volunteers. Whether for an evening or a Saturday or more, each has helped move the project toward completion.

In June, nine people from a church near Lansing, Michigan arrived on a Sunday evening with a motor home and a camping trailer. We set them up on the new ramp by the hangar and the next morning they went to work. Their work over the next five days made a tremendous difference as they painted, framed rest room walls, and installed plumbing. It was a real challenge to keep ahead of them with paint and building material.

Just a year ago we began the fund raising for this expansion. Generous grants by the Coshocton, Montgomery, and Schooler Foundations along with the contributions of many individuals, churches, and businesses have made it unnecessary to borrow funds to complete the building.

Many hands still make light work. We are grateful for all who have helped and equipped us to better prepare people and planes for missions.

Prayer and Praise

Praise God

For Andrew McCain who completed his thirty month apprenticeship. Andrew and Tammy have been accepted to serve in Indonesia with Helimission where Andrew will serve as a helicopter pilot/mechanic.

For Doug Lupo who completed his advanced training. Doug and Lillian were accepted for service with Mercy Air in White River, South Africa. Doug will serve as a pilot/mechanic.

For Holger Ziessler as he prepares for his FAA exams. Holger and Maria seek the Lord’s will for where He would have them serve as a maintenance specialist family.

Please Pray

For the three families and two individuals in various stages of application, evaluation, and support development with MMS; that they will look to Christ for their strength and guidance as their trust in His provision is tested.

For God to be glorified through contacts made and witness given during the process of hangar expansion; and, that we will continue to be good stewards of His property.

For strategic relationships to grow between MMS, MAF-France, and MAF-Netherlands which will facilitate the training of apprentice mechanics from those countries.

Page One Page Two Page Three

Back to GroundCrew Index
Back to MMS Home