I admit, Mission Aviation is not something you routinely hear about, even in mission minded churches. And, like many folks we've talked with, you may find yourself with questions. Well, here is a broad sweeping attempt to cover some of the questions we frequently get.
What is mission aviation? It is providing air transportation in support of missionary efforts and humanitarian needs in hard-to-reach areas of the world.
Who will you serve with? Right now we are not certain. We are prayerfully considering several organizations (see list on Blog), and once we achieve the necessary qualifications, which are the same for most mission aviation groups, we will interview and perform a technical evaluation (TE) with them. We trust God to lead us to the one He wants, and give us a heart for a particular mission and/or people group.
Where will you serve? Again, we don't know yet. Mission aviation is utilized in many countries all over the world.
How long until you leave? Our schedule is based on several criteria that must be met before a mission group will accept us as a missionary pilot/mechanic family. How soon we accomplish these things is up to God. Currently, Jeff needs approximately 200 additional flight hours and the completion of his Commercial Pilots License, which he works on in the evenings and on weekends, as finances allow. He is currently enrolled at Middle Georgia Tech and will complete his A&P certificate in September 2009. The A&P (airframe & powerplant) certificate is an FAA license to inspect, repair and maintain aircraft. We are also taking the first of 12 hours of required Bible classes through Moody Bible Institute and building a network of supporters to help us reach the field. We are praying that these 4 things (flight training, A&P Certification, Bible courses, & support raising) will be completed by April 2010. And then we go for the TE, Orientation/Deputation, finish raising support (if needed, though prayerfully not). And finally, Lord willing, we hit the mission field! (That's the plan anyway.)
Do you own a plane? Much to Jeff's chagrin, we do not own a plane. Since October 2007 Jeff has been flying at Robins Aero Club at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. There he flies the Piper Warrior or Arrow; all of which are low-wing, single-engine, and are not classified as high-performance (>200 hp). The aircraft most widely used in Mission Aviation is typically a high wing, single-engine, high-performance aircraft, like the Cessna 182, 206, or Caravan. To be best prepared for this mission, this is the type of plane that is needed. The Aero Club has been a great resource but doesn't have a high-wing, high-performance aircraft in it's fleet. Please join us in prayer for God's provision in this area.
What will Kathy do? Hopefully, Kathy will continue to be a Homeschooling mom to the kids and work toward making a new home in a new land. We know also, that in building relationships outreach opportunities will come. As the children get older we are praying for God to provide mission opportunities for the family to be involved in.
How are you currently making ends meet financially? We are living off of God's provision! Before Jeff left his paycheck behind we had some money in savings, we cashed out some small investments, and a few dear people have been led of God to support us monthly. Jeff picks up work with the Army Reserves during school breaks and Kathy works as a pharmacist 1 day a week. These things in combination with the GI Bill and the Hope Grant are mostly covering our school and living expenses, but not completely. By far the most expensive item on our agenda is flight training at around $125 per hour (average). This is an expense that we do not know how God is going to make provision for. However, we know that he has called us to this, and we know that He will make it happen through His people. We would ask that you prayerfully consider whether you are one of these people.
What will you be doing when you get there? First order is generally language/cultural training; this will be for the whole family, and may run up to a year, in country. Next, we arrive at the assigned location and settle into a home furnished by the sponsoring organization. Jeff will perform daily flights carrying everything from indigenous pastors and bible/church resources, to humanitarian relief and performing medical evacuation. Generally, tours are three to four years in length with a six-month furlough.
Is financial support - tax deductible? Currently, we are not on staff with a non-profit (501.c.3) mission organization, and cannot provide a giver with a charitable contribution statement (1099). However, most churches are set up to do so, whereby giving toward a mission is in-line with their non-profit charter, and are therefore, willing to accept and give an offering to an individual or family preparing for full-time missions.
We would be honored to hear from you should you have a question, or if you would like more information about Mission Aviation or our journey! We may be reached by email at: hoovercrew@gmail.com.
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