Attending the world’s largest airshow is fun, but that isn’t why we do it. At AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI we have a beautiful opportunity to partner with others in raising awareness about mission aviation and inviting people to get involved in what God is doing. It’s amazing how many people stop by the “mission aviation corner” and chat with us. Some of them have never heard of mission aviation, some support missionary aviators, some want to become missionary pilots, and some are alumni of Moody Aviation. Each one has a story of God’s faithfulness and our need of His grace.
The highlights of the week are these stories and the interaction with others serving in mission aviation, but most of these are not our stories to share. I think of the young man who came by the booth and shared how his family has been broken in the past year and some of our team prayed with him. He has stayed in touch and has shared how his relationship with Jesus is growing. He is planning to attend Moody Aviation next year and recently completed his application to do so. I remember the couple who offered us their camper, parked within walking distance of the venue for the time we were there. I think of the young people who served us meals all week, and I am blessed by the knowledge that they could have been earning good money elsewhere, but they chose to volunteer to see mission aviation succeed. I consider the people who stopped by the booth and didn’t know the Gospel but heard it that week. Would you join us in praying for these people, that God would continue to work and bless and that each of them would grow in relationship with Jesus?
This year at Airventure was a bit different because we had a team of 18 from Moody. Half of us were from aviation and the rest from different departments in Moody Bible Institute, working together to bless and encourage those at the airshow. We enjoyed serving together and seeing team members go the extra mile to see the time be as beneficial as possible for the spread of the Gospel. That’s the point, isn’t it: seeing the truth of God’s Word impact people’s lives and challenge them to align their lives with God’s call.
The other big thing this year was that Garry flew the Cessna 185 across the country to Wisconsin with several team members. I enjoyed being in the back seat of a C185 again, watching the beautiful scenery and reflecting on the years the C185 was my school bus and our family’s main form transportation. And it reminded me to pray for the many missionaries who serve in remote areas and remain dependent on small airplanes and mission aviation for their transportation.
What a privilege to serve God in mission aviation. Thanks for joining us in the mission!
