Summer mission trips…………the enthusiasm that only youth can bring! A group of 10 youth and their leaders, from Virginia, have made their way to Quetzaltenango for a 9 day adventure in the Lord. Their mission is to show the love of the Lord to all they encounter. Today in Concepcion Chiquirichapa the Alcalde (Mayor) has given the green light for the team to minister in the square. Loud speakers call attention to the street ministry about …
All things to all men……….
When asked, what’s it is like to be a missionary, 1Corinthians 9:22 comes to mind. As a missionary, being all things to all men, can also mean taking on unexpected roles. On this day I was invited to say a few words at a gathering of city and Government officials. The Quetzaltenango Chamber of Commerce (Mesa Economico) was hosting a city wide meeting with special guests from the Aviation directorate from the La Capital, …
A stitch in time saves….
Robin loading up for her sewing class at Living Water teaching Bible Institute, Xela Campus, Guatemala. Now that the fundamentals of the machine have been mastered, its time to guide each student through several practical projects. Students meet twice a week to exercise their new found skills in practical ways. This week aprons are the target project. Adding pockets and decorative lace to a project, makes it their own …
Signs of growth
Since January 2016, there have been signs of growth and maturing in Guatemala’s aviation infrastructure. Even at our home base (MGQZ) in Quetzaltenango, things are changing. Soon a genuine security fence will provide the means to keep people and livestock from crossing the runway. Meanwhile, the new airport Administrator is about the task of patching open sections of wall that allow people and animals dangerously close to operating aircraft. Today Mario (hangar guard) and I, Chuck, are …
What I see at work
During the dry season in the western highlands of Guatemala, you can see for 50 nautical miles in any direction. There is a beauty about the landscape that is apparent to the casual observer. But, to the missionary pilot, the view of the terrain is characterized as rugged and unforgiving. Over the past 9 years (and counting), it’s both a privilege and blessing, to have this view where I work …
The enthusiasm of children
What started out as “one of those days” on the mission field, unexpectedly, morphs into loud and colorful morning. All of this ushered in by the enthusiastic beat of a base drum. Drawn out of my office in the Mercy Wings hangar, I open the 30 ft doors and stand on a rock to look over the wall onto the dusty road. School children on this day are on parade. …
Medical Outeach- La Victoria
It’s the month of March and the seasons are changing in the western highlands. Rain and clouds that were the normal just weeks ago, have given way to dry and clear days. The seasons in Guatemala can change unexpectedly, forecast rain may not fall, or sunny skies instead are hidden by layers of clouds. One thing remains the same, people all over the world need Jesus. Someone must care enough …
Our neck of the woods
The high plateau that makes up the western region of Guatemala, is home to ancient volcano, some asleep for decades, others restless and ever active. Fuentes Gorginas (Georgina fountains), is a favorite afternoon for many who live in the western highlands of Guatemala. Including us missionaries who, from time to time, need a refreshing few hours. Not too far from our home city of Quetzaltenango, a little slice …
Must be a hundred ways to…..
Just goes to show that there must be a hundred ways to serve using aircraft in Guatemala. Organizers from Mt. Hope church, Lansing MI, are in the final preparation stages for a stadium event to take place in San Marcos, Guatemala. Using local radio broadcast, loudspeaker cars, and flyers to announce and invite the pubic. Distribution of the flyers (no pun intended) fell to Mercy Wings International (MWI) and pilot Chuck Martinez. …
Our small but “scrappy” volcano
Not everyone can say they have an active volcano in their backyard, but we can. This morning many heard the rumble and watched as the ash plum produced by our neighborhood volcano ascended miles into the sky . Actually there are two volcano (s), the larger silent one is the Santa Maria, and the smaller the Santiaguito. The smaller but scrappy volcano is active daily, but the rumble heard today …