NTM - New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches

Coastal approach into Port-au-Prince

The earthquake in Haiti happened over a year ago now, and we  have all heard some of the heartbreaking stories as a result of the disaster.  Shortly after the earthquake, I was given  the opportunity to finally put my training to good use by being part of the massive relief effort pouring into Haiti.  I was given the opportunity to fly Cessna Caravans  with my brother from Fort Pierce, Florida into Port-au-Prince, Haiti daily for Missionary Flights International with all kinds of medical supplies, food, water, and even X-ray equipment for a local clinic in Port-au-Prince.  Over the course of the 12 days that I flew, I logged over 120 hours of flight time, flew almost 17,000 miles, carried over 37,000 lbs of freight, and transported about 30 people for various reasons out of Port-au-Prince into Florida.  The stories that I tell are their stories, as well as some from missionaries working permanently in Haiti.  The experience was both amazing and heart wrenching all at the same time.  I loved being a part of something that made a difference, and came away strengthened in my faith and encouraged by the teamwork I saw in the many organizations that came together.

My brother and I were able to support many mission organizations, including MAF Haiti by bringing in needed generator parts, tools and medical supplies for their missionaries in Port-au-Prince, and by simply bringing them fresh oranges and bottled water each day.  We were able to link up with another NTMA missionary pilot, Zach Keller, who was flying a helicopter for Samaritan Air in Port-au-Prince by supplying him with fresh water and oranges, as well as back packs, clean clothes, messages and care packages from home, and even barrels of aviation fuel.  We were also the lifeline for many of the local clinics and orphanages with which missionaries were involved.

Small Haitian village

There is always the question in my mind when a person has the opportunity to share his or her gifts in a way that benefits others about who really is the one benefiting.  I have been training for many years to be able to serve as a pilot flying where I am needed to provide logistical and medical support.  With the earthquake in Haiti, that opportunity presented itself.   To answer the question above, I know that I was blessed to have the opportunity, and I am always amazed at how God can teach and encourage your own heart through something like this.

Feel free to comment on any of the posts, navigate to the Stories page for some of the personal stories I was a part of or was able to hear.  I will post some video; you can find it on the Video page, and will make sure there is a gallery of Haiti on the photos page.  I hope this adds some personal perspective to what we have seen on the news.