Sunday, September 13, 2015

Where are the Gringos

 
Serving in the jungles of Peru
 
No Images? Click here
 
Where Are The Gringos?
The word "Gringo" isn't necessarily a term of endearment regardless of what context it is being applied, but you know it is going downhill fast when a group of men force their way on a boat and demand an answer to the question "where are the gringos?"   There were three separate occasions this summer where a team of missionaries were targeted (or in danger by nature of their travel), that God used SAMAIR to avert volatile situations.  
 
 
An outreach team travels to a nearby community called "Nuevo Paraiso" (New Paradise) to work with local children in this small Shipibo village.  SAMAIR accomplished six shuttle flights (less than 15 minutes each way) to transport the team and their equipment, saving 8 hours of travel time on the river.  Nationals who traveled back by river reported that all of the belongings were searched by men looking for equipment from the Americans...but to no avail as everyone (and everything) had already been flown back safely.  
Another group traveling back from Iparia, encountered a similar situation after SAMAIR completed two flights (30 minutes each way) shuttling missionaries back to Pucallpa.  National workers were bringing back supplies when their boat was boarded by men asking "where are the gringos?"  After finding no gringos, the men left without further incident.
Lastly, a group of ten missionaries scouting out villages to build fresh water wells, found themselves trapped in a town that was having political unrest against the government.  Any type of travel was completely forbidden and very dangerous.  SAMAIR was able to arrange a quiet exit to a nearby community, where the group was shuttled by float-plane to a safe location, so they could be brought back to Pucallpa.  In the end it took all three airplanes flying over 18 hours that day to safely bring the team home.  Over a week later we received the following note from one of the leaders, "Honestly, we couldn't have gotten out of the strike situation without your brainstorming and all the extra efforts that went in to getting us all out...by the news on radio/TV, my daughter and I think that we might still be there since the strike escalated."
Another team member wrote, "We needed you…and you were there!" 
For those who are praying for SAMAIR and the flying taking place...THANK YOU, please do not stop! 
 
How do you capture the thrill of taking off over 80-ft trees at the end of a small river deep in the jungles, or attending a Bible dedication of the very first copies being delivered  to a small village? How do you convey the anxiety a mother has while holding her child that will die if they don't make it out of the jungle?
SAMAIR is seeing God at work throughout the jungles of Peru, and there is no way to adequately capture all of that on video or even to describe in words. "Salt & Light" is a four-minute micro-glimpse of the amazing ministry and flying that you are enabling...THANK YOU!
 
 
Raising support is an interesting balance between faith and practicality.  I would never take off over the jungle without being absolutely sure the airplane had adequate fuel to complete the flight...yet when it comes to finances, our family is in Peru "in faith" that our financial needs will be met.  Circumstances change for many individuals and donations ebb and flow leaving our family financially in the grey (not black or red).  Honestly, it is an uncomfortable place to be, but our faith holds steady that God will provide in His timing.  With that said, the practical side of me says that we can not remain indefinitely in ministry at 60-65% of an already modest budget, and now is the time to stabilize the ministry.
Our family currently needs to makeup a shortfall of $1000/month to remain fiscally responsible to the ministries of SAMAIR & Proclaim, and we are actively seeking people who will make a monthly commitment of any amount towards that goal...will you help?  
To Give Online
If you would like to make an online tax deductible contribution, or sign-up as a monthly team member,  click here.  choose "select a Proclaim Missionary" and you will see the Armstrongs.  
To Give by Mail
If you would like to download a support form and mail to Proclaim Aviation Ministries (instructions are on the form), Click here to download the form.
We would love to hear from you! Please do send an email with updates and how we can be praying for you!  
Our Sincerest Love,