Airventure & Agendas

This past week my family had the opportunity to attend a few days of “Airventure,” the largest airshow in the US.  In typical Airventure fashion, there were spectacular stunt pilots, endless displays of aircraft vendors, buildings full of widgets and gadgets, and a flea market (otherwise known as the “fly” market) where one can purchase the latest in non-stick cookware.  Needless to say, it is not a difficult event to find something enjoyable to latch onto and explore.  Although I’ve been to the show many times in the past, this year was particularly special as my folks traveled from Pennsylvania to spend time before we head out for language school.

My Agenda was pretty simple:

·         Attend a business meeting on Wednesday night…”Check”

·         Do some research on market potential for ag tanks…”Check”

·         See as much (as possible) that the airshow had to offer…”check”

·         Eat something fried…”Check, and Double Checked”  Wisconsin cheese curds J

Not on my agenda, but beyond coincidence (if there is such a thing)

·         Meeting up with Lawrence & Jodie Elroy, the first family to complete the Proclaim program!  Pretty cool to see the various mission organizations represented at such a large event, and Lawrence & Jodie were doing a fantastic job of sharing about the work of New Tribes Mission (the organization they have been serving with since completing Proclaim over 10 years ago). 

God having some Fun

I have no idea of how many people attended the airshow on any given day, but the total number of unique visitors ranges around a half million people throughout the week. (imagine the picture below stretching as far as you can see left and right along the runway) 

While waiting for the night airshow to begin on Saturday, I stretched out on the ground between a couple of empty chairs directly in front of where we were sitting. Next thing I know Gioconda is waking me up because two gentlemen came to take their seats for the show. What do you think the odds are that out of a bazillion people we’ve never met, they would have specific ties to mission aviation and we would end up making a connection, let alone even talking to one another?

What a great few days!

Two Perspectives of God’s Amazing Grace

Even now it is difficult to dwell on the events of July 21, 2010, a day that began with the prospects of standing atop the majestic “Grand Teton,” but ended with the loss of one of our team members: Brandon Oldenkamp.  Eight friends joined by the common bond of our faith in Christ were about to experience His grace in two very different ways; a grace that would allow some of us to walk off the mountain that day, and the same grace that would allow Brandon to stand in His presence.

Bob Miller gave an excellent interview on the events of that day, click Here to view video.

Tim Vogelaar made a wonderful tribute video of Brandon: Click here to view the video

Brandon was only 21 years old when he passed into eternity, but even at that age his faith was strong and he was prepared to meet the Creator. 

 Have you experienced the Grace of God that will allow you to stand in His presence without fear? Do you even know what that looks like? If not, click here for a good place to start.  Our family is dedicated to sharing the love of Christ, and we would love to talk with you if you have any questions. 

Fantastic Article on Mission Aviation!

Click to Open article in new window

From the May 2012 issue of Cessna Owner magazine, there is a wonderful article that takes at look at how mission aviation is making a positive difference around the world.  The cover photo is of SAMAIR's 206, operating in Peru.  I hope to be flying that in the near future!

The link opens to an online version of the magazine.