THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES....SEPTEMBER 2017

9-20-17 Wednesday 6:37 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

HURRICANE MARIA SLAMMING PUERTO RICO....MEXICO HAS 7.1 QUAKE WITH DEATH TOLL RISING  

Again, I urge all reading this blog to PRAY for those in the path and wake of deadly Hurricane Maria!!

Here's more - HURRICANE MARIA HAS BEGUN ITS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SIEGE ON PUERTO RICO AFTER HAMMERING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS!  

We are planning to do what we can to help those who have been devastated by Hurricane Maria.  We have a number of challenges ahead, in order to do that.

The Little Donkey is still in maintenance receiving its Annual Inspection.

We're running low on parts for the Air Mobile Rescuer and must enter into a new phase of manufacturing.  Please PRAY that we find all of the needed components to keep this clean water flowing!!

Meanwhile, Mexico just had it's 2nd Major Earthquake, a 7.1 yesterday.  The death toll is rapidly rising.

Please PRAY for those in extreme danger in collapsed building and for those Rescuers who are desperately trying to save their lives.  Please PRAY for the injured and dying.    

Here's more on this catastrophic quake - AT LEAST 20 SCHOOL CHILDREN AMONG 248 KILLED IN MEXICO AFTER THEIR SCHOOL COLLAPSED DURING THE 7.1 QUAKE THAT TRIGGERED EXPLOSIONS, COLLAPSED BUILDINGS AND SENT PEOPLE FLEEING INTO THE STREETS!  

Folks, the Bible tells us in Matthew 24 that these things will happen. 

Our prayer at Air Mobile is that our Lord will use us to help those in desperate need.

Again, I can't THANK YOU enough for your faithful prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe 





9-19-17 Tuesday 6:47 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

HERE COMES HURRICANE MARIA!!!

Yes, another extremely powerful Catagory 5 Hurricane, Maria, is bearing down on the Caribbean and aiming straight for Puerto Rico!

Here's more on this DEADLY STORM!  

CATAGORY 5 HURRICANE, MARIA TARGETING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO WITH A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC HIT AFTER HITTING DOMINICA & GUADALUPE  

FOLKS, I ASK EVERYONE READING THIS BLOG TO PRAY for those in the path of this terrible storm.  

For many, evacuation is not an option.  Safe shelter is hard to find and I can only imagine what these precious people are going through.

Dominica & Guadalupe,  Islands we visited several years ago, have both taken DIRECT HITS!  We have no word from them.  Again, we PRAY!

Yesterday morning, after completing a very  successful missions to Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Tortola and Provo, we bid farewell to the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Team.

I've already been speaking with Stan Brock of RAM about our "Next Mission".

Once again, I'm so THANKFUL to have you on-board with us with your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe 





9-18-17 Monday 6:44 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

THE FINAL LEG

I must tell you about Jerry.  When we first landed on Aquadilla, Puerto Rico (on Friday), we needed a place to stay and ground transportation.

In comes Jerry, a retired school teach who has lived on Puerto Rico for over 45 years.  WHAT AN ANSWER to PRAYER!

In a moment, Jerry arranged a full home for our team and gave us the keys to a car...

My I-Phone had a shattered screen and literally within minutes, Jerry brought me to a top technician and the screen was replaced in 15 minutes.

Our RAM / Air Mobile Team staged our operations out of Aquadilla with the invaluable help of Jerry.

We needed Tarps and lots of them for the victims of Irma.  Clean water and shelter are important elements following any disaster.

Of course, Jerry knew right where to get them and even arranged a healthy discount from the owner of the Hardware Story.

I just had to tell you how our Lord sent Jerry to us.  Here it comes.....

SURELY, OUR LORD KNOWS HOW TO DEPLOY HIS TROOPS!!

Yesterday morning, received an urgent request for water purification on the Island of Provodenciales in the Turks and Caicos.  It came from Team Rubicon, a group of Veterans who respond to disasters.

I first worked with this group immediately after the earthquake in Haiti.  These are serious and extremely capable Responders.

Thanks to the RAM King Air and Stan and Team, we decided to pay these guys a visit and check out the need.  We flew from Aquadilla, Puerto Rico to Provodenciales and there met the Team Rubicon Team.

BTW, Provo (MBPV) was right on our route home.

After taking a quick drive through the area, we saw the all too prevalent DESTRUCTION wreaked by Irma.

We would donate an Air Mobile Rescuer to Team Rubicon.  Training began immediately.  These guys know what they're doing and saw the incredible value of the Rescuer.

It was a pure joy to put this incredible tool into the hands of Team Rubicon.

After the training, we had to rush in the air to arrive in Fort Pierce before customs closed.

We made it there just minutes before closure and yes, it 's good to be back in the U.S.

We touched down at our home base of Space Coast Regional Airport as the sun was setting.  What a Mission!!

So, for now, the "Mission" is completed.  We await our next assignment.  As always, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe


9-17-17 Sunday 6:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Aquadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

AIR MOBILE / RAM DELIVERS.....

We were awaiting a FINAL APPROVAL (From the Prime Minister) to land in St. Maarten.  

Finally, it came and we headed to the airport at Aquadilla, PR airport (TJBQ) ready to launch into flight missions to several islands.

We did a final load and rolled down the runway for St. Maarten.

We did have a bit of weather just south of our destination and we'd keep an eye on that.  BTW, more potential Hurricanes are forming off of Africa.

Had a bit of a crosswind on landing at St. Maarten, but Stan did an exceptional job of landing the King Air.

We met the officials and unloaded our precious cargo of clean water / food  / tarps and supplies.

The main Hospital at St. Maarten would be sending staff to bring us to the hospital for training.  

Upon arrival, it was explained that the journey to the hospital would take a while due to traffic and....the possibility of danger.  

We opted to train the team at the airport.  We also had a retired U.S. Doctor, Carter, who was "recruited" into the service of bringing clean water to thirsty people.

He gladly accepted the mission.  THANK YOU, Dr. Carter.

It was our joy to present a total of 4 Air Mobile Rescuers to the Island of St. Maarten.  The needs are staggering!!

We then took off for Tortola Island in the British Virgin Islands.  Tortola was HAMMERED, like St. Maarten.

It was a quick flight there.  Upon landing, we could see the ferocious force that hit this landing.  Here is a crushed Aztec.

Right next to the Aztec was crushed Piper Navajo.

We were picked up by a Tortola Policeman and a representative of the Prime Minister.  The drive from the airport to the hospital revealed the terrible destruction of Irma.

The conclusion was to deploy the Air Mobile Rescuers into the isolated regions.  

We were blessed to meet Lianna, who would be training and deploying the Rescuers and the operators.  THANK GOD for such help.

As the sun was setting, we rolled down the runway bound for Aquadilla, PR.  It was a good day!

Today, we'll be off to another Island.  We're gathering information at this time.  May our Lord lead us each step of the way.

As always, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe




9-16-17 Saturday 5:37 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Aquadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

SKIRTING BY JOSE' - AIR MOBILE / RAM ON THE WAY

Our team met at Space Coast Regional Airport early yesterday morning.  The RAM King Air was all fueled and loaded.  We rolled down the runway right on schedule headed for Puerto Rico where we would fuel.

The King Air was loaded with water purifiers / food  and critical supplies for Islands that are absolutely desperate.

As we climbed to 25,000' and settled down to a 240 knot cruise, we could see Hurricane Jose' looming up ahead and to our left.

We would skirt right along the right side of this persistent and....unpredictable Hurricane.  Jose' was NOT going away.

And besides, Jose' is spinning and turning in the "Bermuda Triangle", which we were, by the way cutting right through the middle of.  Oh, I've been flying through this interesting piece of earth for 40 years and have a story or two.

Looks like Mr. Jose' may pay a visit to New York!!  Here's more - HURRICANE JOSE' EXPECTED TO VISIT EASTERN SEABOARD NEXT WEEK; MORE STORMS BREWING IN THE TROPICS

We traversed the mysterious area unscathed and armed and ready to help those in need.

We landed in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico right on the edge of a nasty storm.  Our Mission has completed leg one!

Upon landing, our team went into high gear preparing for our next Island.  For Security Reasons, we will not publish what islands we will be visiting.  However, AFTER we depart, we'll tell you all about it.

Again, we had an AMAZING encounter with one of our Lord's Troops, Jerry.  The weather prevented us from proceeding to our next Island.  We needed a place to stay in Puerto Rico.

Jerry, a retired school teacher provided us with a wonderful home for our Team.  While preparing paper work for our mission, my I-phone took a spill and crashed on the floor with a broken screen.  All Communications ended...for the moment.

Jerry just happened to know an I-Phone Tech who could fix anything.  We dashed to his shop and literally within minutes, we had a new screen and the Communications continued.  

Yes....SURELY OUR LORD KNOWS HOW TO DEPLOY HIS TROOPS!!

Well, it's time to head to the airport and point the nose of that King Air to an Island that desperately needs help!!

As I say every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!!


Air Mobile Joe



9-15-17 Friday 4:07 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

REACHING HARD TO REACH PLACES!

This morning, Air Mobile and Remote Area Medical (RAM) will fly to some of the most remote Islands that have been ravaged by Hurricane Irma.  

We'll be flying the RAM King Air 200.  For Security Reasons, we're not publishing which Islands we will visit over the next few days.  

Many Islands are in absolute desperation and CLEAN WATER is the most important thing right now.

Here's more - SURVIVORS STRUGGLE ON ISLANDS DEVASTATED BY IRMA

Late last night the RAM Team landed at Space Coast Regional Airport in that beautiful King Air.  

On-board was Stan Brock (legendary Humanitarian) Ron Adams (we worked with Ron in South Sudan) and Dr. Chris Sawyer (we worked with Chris in Haiti).  

 While in a thunder storm,  we loaded 10 Air Mobile Rescuers and highly nutritious meals provided by my good friend, Bob Bostic of "Deliver the Difference".

Bob has partnered with Air Mobile and RAM all over the world.  We so appreciate Bob and his heart to "Deliver the Difference".  Together we bring medical care, food and clean water, Praise God!

I can't begin to tell you what a blessing it is to work together with ministries such as RAM and "Deliver The Difference".  

As a wise Pastor once told me...."Son, remember, God knows how to deploy His troops"!

Due to the utter devastation on the Islands, we may not be able to post our daily blog but....we'll do our best to bring you reports from the field.

Well, it's time to head to the airport and fire up the engines on that King Air and fly into utter destruction and desperation.  

I also can't tell you how much it means to me to have you on-board with your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe


9-14-17 Thursday 7:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe  

"FIRST STRIKE" OF HURRICANE IRMA

After deadly Hurricane Irma struck, devastation, suffering and desperation lies in the wake.  

Here's more - A WEEK AFTER HURRICANE IRMA, CARIBBEAN DEVASTATION IS LAID BARE  

Massive aid is mobilizing in the U.S. and for that, we are extremely THANKFUL.

However, many small, isolated islands are absolutely devastated and often forgotten.

Air Mobile and Remote Area Medical are working together to launch a mission to go to those islands.  

We're putting our supplies together, securing the proper aircraft and seeking Flight / Landing Authorizations.

We're also keeping a very close eye on Hurricane Jose' that is spinning and circling in the warm Caribbean waters right in the middle of the "Bermuda Triangle".

Who knows what Jose' will actually do?

In the meantime, our faithful "Water Mule" friends, Cindy Scarborough and kids were giving FREE CLEAN WATER to our neighbors!

BTW, much of our community here in Florida is under at a "Boil Water Alert".  

THANK YOU again for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

  




9-13-17 Wednesday 7:11 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

A BLUSTERY FLIGHT...JOSE' LOOPING IN THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE

It was time to get the Little Donkey back to Florida.  I knew that there would be fierce headwinds in the trail of Hurricane Irma.

Here, Cindy jumped in and helped hold the Little Donkey down in a blustery gust....and she had a little fun doing it!  

Am THANKFUL for those 14 fuel tanks giving me long range and being very helpful with strong headwinds! 

Much of the route (K0VG to KTIX) was overcast and there were reports of turbulence along the way.

I knew it would be a long and bumpy flight back to Florida.  Actually had 58+ knot headwinds nearly the entire flight back....all thanks to Irma!

As I flew over Jacksonville, the flooding was obvious as the St. Johns River was overflowing, causing more suffering.

Hurricane Irma has caused suffering to untold millions.  And....will do so for years ahead.

IRMA ASSAULT LEAVES SOUTHEAST REELING

Meanwhile, it appears (for the moment) that Hurricane Jose' is looping in the "Bermuda Triange" and will...hopefully go north away from land!!

Here's more on Hurricane Jose - HURRICANE JOSE' LOOPING IN THE "BERMUDA TRIANGLE"  

Now Folks, I'll tell you this; I've been flying through the Bermuda Triangle for nearly 40 years and....it's not easy to "predict" what will happen in it.  We're keeping a very close eye on Hurricane Jose'!!

Air Mobile and Remote Area Medical (RAM) will be working diligently to reach out to the isolated islands that are in desperate need of clean water, food and medicine.  We are working on getting flight clearance and landing authorization at this time.

Please PRAY that our Lord leads us each step of the way!  

And....THANK YOU for your faithful prayer, love and suppport!!!

Air Mobile Joe







9-12-17 Tuesday 8:32 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Mountains of East Tennessee - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

HURRICANE IRMA PASSES....HURRICANE JOSE' LOOMING

Over 7 million without power and staggering destruction in the wake of Irma.

Here in Tennessee, the remains of Irma passed us last night.  

Today, I'll be flying the Little Donkey back to Titusville.  Air Mobile is getting ready for the "Next Mission"!

Our Retreat Cabin has been a haven for 11 Evacuees.  Thank God for a safe place.  A true refuge in the storm!

Jacksonville, FL is still dealing with major flooding and evacuations.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Jose' is still churning and turning and the Forecasters just don't know where this storm will go.

We're keeping a very close eye on Jose' because we will likely be flying to a number of isolated islands that have NO WATER / NO FOOD / NO MEDICINE....and help will likely take a while to reach them.

Here's more - DUTCH AND FRENCH STRUGGLE WITH HARSH CONDITIONS

Here's more - HURRICANE JOSE' LOOPING IN THE "BERMUDA TRIANGLE" - PROSPECTS FOR BAHAMA / EAST COAST IMPACT UNCERTAIN  

Even our home was damaged in Titusville.  Nothing that insurance and a few $$ can't repair.

So, it's time to pack my bags and get in the Little Donkey and fly back to Titusville.  \

We'll be meeting Stan Brock of Remote Area Medical and flying the RAM King Air 200 later today.

THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe









9-11-17 Monday 8:12 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Mountains of East Tennessee - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

6+MILLION WITHOUT POWER / TERRIBLE DESTRUCTION FROM IRMA'S WRATH - AIR MOBILE PREPARING TO DEPLOY....

Hurricane Irma was everything we feared.  A last minute "wobble" spared Miami the brunt of the blow.  However, Naples / Tampa / St. Pete received the full force.  

Here's more - IRMA HAMMERING FLORIDA - "HUMANITARIAN CRISIS LOOMS IN KEYS" - NEARLY 6 MILLION WITHOUT POWER

Literally, hundreds of Tornadoes have spun out of the outer bands.  

We've gotten word that our home in Titusville has been damaged....nothing that insurance and $$ can't fix.  I'm relieved that we did EVACUATE.

We're getting word of absolute desperation for clean drinking water in some of the Caribbean Islands.

At this time, we're awaiting Hurricane Irma to pass us here in Tennessee.  As soon as this occurs, I'll fly the Little Donkey back down to Titusville, FL so that the Annual Inspection can begin. 

You can see from this image that Hurricane Irma is exactly in the middle of our route from 0VG to KTIX, our home base.

Meanwhile, Stan Brock of Remote Area Medical (RAM) is preparing the King Air 200 for vital relief flights.  THANK GOD for Stan and RAM!!

As our mission becomes clear, we'll let you know.  At this time, we're PRAYING for our Lord's direction as to where we should go.  The needs are so great!!

As I say every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe


9-10-17 Sunday 9:22 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Mountains of East Tennessee - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

UP ALL NIGHT....UNDER THE WEATHER....IRMA STRIKES KEYS

I apologize for the blog being posted a bit late.  Something hit me and I was ill all night.  I kept monitoring the news....it's dreadful as Irma ravages toward Florida.

The stories from the Islands just break my heart.  Some with no food, water or shelter and facing looters.  

I can only imagine what these folks are going through.  Here's more - SURVIVORS OF IRMA BEG FOR AID AND FACE LOOTERS AS THEY BRACE FOR JOSE'  

Meanwhile, Irma is striking the Keys at this hour and will continue up the west coast of Florida.

Here's more - CATAGORY 4 HURRICANE IRMA MAKES LANDFALL IN THE KEYS; STRONGEST KEYS STRIKE IN 57 YEARS

Millions are in danger as the wicked storm surges are expected.  Storm Surges kill more people than anything else!

I'm so THANKFUL that so many heeded the order to EVACUATE!  

Today, Irma will continue it's dreadful march leaving death and destruction in it's wake.

We PRAY for all in the path of Irma.

When the weather clears, we plan to fly the Little Donkey back to Titusville.  We hope and pray that the hangar is in tact.  It is time for our Annual Inspection, so the aircraft will be down for several weeks.  We pray the inspection goes well.

We plan to reach out to other Aviation Organizations and fly to some of the most hard-hit, isolated islands.  We can bring them clean water, food and hope as we share the love of God with them.

We're THANKFUL that the U.S. has a strong infrastructure in place to get help to those in need.  We'll help in any way that we can.  These are, indeed, perilous times.  We should hold tightly onto Jesus!

As always, THANK YOU for your faithful prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe




9-9-17 Saturday 7:47 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Mountains of East Tennessee - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

CINDY & ARI ARRIVE IN TENNESSEE

After an exhausting 16 drive from Florida, my Cindy and Ari pulled up to the Retreat Cabin in Tennessee.  PRAISE GOD!

There was no question that we would EVACUATE Florida.  Again, we've seen too much and it is NEVER a good idea to ASSUME that the Hurricane will be kind...and wobble away.

It's just not worth the chance.  We've been doing relief work for many, many years and we know first-hand just how destructive and deadly these storms can be.

Thus, WE EVACUATED!

Note:  I had flown the Little Donkey to TN on Thursday evening.  Cindy & Ari left by road on Thursday morning.

We do PRAY for those who have chosen to stay and "ride it out".  Our Lord has a lot of grace and we pray for those who stayed.

And....it's not too late to still EVACUATE!  The roads will be crowded and fuel may be in short supply, but IF you can possibly get away from IRMA, please PRAY ABOUT IT!!

FLORIDA GOVERNOR SCOTT: "DO NOT WAIT - EVACUATE"!!

I would also like to say that Weather Forecasters do an amazing job.  They're pretty accurate, though the very violent nature of Hurricanes makes them difficult to track with perfect accuracy.

I am relieved that the Little Donkey is out of harms way up here in Tennessee.  We'll be able to launch a relief effort AFTER Hurricane Irma passes. 

We do not know what the next 24-48 hours holds for Florida, but it is not good.  

Here's more - HURRICANE IRMA LESS THAN 24 HOURS AWAY FROM A DEVASTATING CATAGORY 4 OR 5 STRIKE ON SOUTH FLORIDA!  

Hurricane Irma is ravaging the north coast of Cuba as I type.  We PRAY for those in the path of this terrible storm!

So, as I say every single day, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe





9-8-17 Friday 6:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Mountains of East Tennessee - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

ESCAPING IRMA!!

Yesterday was the day the Hurston family evacuated Florida...and not too soon!



We loaded up our Ford Escape and Cindy and Ari hit the road for Tennessee.  I-95 was already beginning to back up and slow down to, at times, a crawl.

I fueled the Little Donkey and took off for Tennessee with...Irma roaring toward Florida.  You can see the storm clouds forming behind me.

I climbed to 16,500' and settled down to the 3 hour flight.  Here, I'm pointing to the Little Donkey enroute.

You can see the "Monster", Irma just hitting the Eastern tip of Cuba.  Again, I'm so thankful to have gotten out ahead of this terrible storm!

We would hate for the Little Donkey to be sitting in a hangar in Florida and damaged or destroyed by Irma. 

Meanwhile, Irma is leaving a path of death and destruction.  Already, Saint Martin, Puerto Rico and the Turks and Caicos have been hammered.

Nearly all projections have Irma delivering a direct blow to Miami and then proceeding all the way up the Florida Peninsula and into Georgia.

Here's the latest - IRMA...WORST CASE SCENARIO NOW POSSIBLE FOR FLORIDA  

Cindy and Ari will be arriving at the cabin later this morning.  Again, so THANKFUL that we evacuated when we did.

Now, we wait and watch and do what we can to help those in the path of the storm.  As always, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe



9-7-17 Thursday 7:07 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

EVACUATE!   

Cindy and I have seen too much, particularly after the storm leaves, to choose to stay.  It's just not worth it!

We're gathering up important documents and vital supplies and will be heading up to Tennessee later today.

Simply put, we don't want to put ourselves into a position to beRESCUED!

We want to be in a position to be able to HELP others AFTER the storm has passed.

IRMA IS A KILLER STORM OF STAGGERING STRENGTH!  

Here's more - HURRICANE IRMA ON IT'S WAY TO THE BAHAMAS AS A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC CATAGORY 5 HURRICANE; DANGEROUS THREAT FOR FLORIDA SOUTHEAST GROWING! 

I'll be re-positioning the Little Donkey to get this precious tool out of harms way.  Irma is a killer and not to be taken lightly.

To anyone reading this blog...if you're in the path, justEVACUATE! You'll be glad you did.

Now, I know for some reading this blog, it's not easy to just pack up and leave.  However, now is the time to be creative and above all PRAY and ask our Lord to lead each step of the way!

Time to do the final packing and head away from Hurricane Irma.  

THANK YOU, as I say every single day and mean with all of my heart for your faithful and critical prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

  



9-6-17 Wednesday 5:23 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

BACK TO FLORIDA....GETTING READY FOR IRMA

Brian Scott of CBN gave me a ride to the airport yesterday morning.  He will remain in Houston.  We bid farewell and had a word of prayer for safety and guidance.

Topped off every fuel tank and boarded the Little Donkey bound for Titusville, FL.

The 800 nautical mile flight from Conroe, TX (KCXO)) to Titusville (KTIX) had a few thunderstorms along the way, but they would be easy to get around.  

Again, thankful for the extra fuel (the Little Donkey has 14 fuel tanks!).

Took off and climbed to 15,500' and actually had a small tail wind.  Love those!  Cruised along around 210-220 MPH.

I must admit, it was a bit difficult to leave Houston / Beaumont, as the needs are so great.  But I can tell you, the Church is alive and well and rising to the occasion.

I settled down to a 5 hour flight.  The Little Donkey is flying like a dream.  I love this little airplane!

Upon landing in Titusville, headed straight home to my Cindy.  We're getting ready for Hurricane Irma.

IRMA IS A MONSTER!!

Here's more - HURRICANE IRMA PASSING THROUGH THE LEEWARD ISLANDS AS POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE; DANGEROUS THREAT FOR FLORIDA SOUTHEAST 

The track is still uncertain, but looks like the Islands and Florida will definitely get hit by this monster storm.  WePRAY & PREPARE!!!

We, as a family PLAN TO EVACUATE.  We're just not quite sure where to go.  We may head to the cabin in East Tennessee.  

One track has Irma actually hitting East Tennessee.  We're keeping a close eye on this extremely dangerous storm!!

THANK YOU as always for being with us on this journey.  We so appreciate your invaluable prayer, love and support!!!

Air Mobile Joe



9-5-17 Tuesday 5:19 AM (U.S. Central Time)  - Houston, TX - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

LEAVING HARVEY....PREPARING FOR IRMA

NOW is the time for Floridians and those on the U.S. East Coast to prepare....as well as the many Caribbean Islands in the path of Hurricane Irma.  I must admit, it is difficult to leave Texas today, but I must.  

Hurricane Irma is barreling on a westward track and that puts Florida and many Caribbean Islands right in the cross hairs ofCATASTROPHE!

Here's more on Hurricane Irma - HURRICANE IRMA A DANGEROUS THREAT TO FLORIDA; SOUTHEAST U.S. - HURRICANE WARNINGS FOR LEEWARD ISLANDS, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO 

I plan to fly back to Florida this morning.  Brian Scott and Trinity Sutton with CBN will remain behind and continue the vital relief effort in Texas.

Cindy is preparing now and we're getting as many Air Mobile Rescuers ready for what lies ahead.

Yesterday, we spent time at one of the many "Ground Zero's" left in the wake of Harvey.

We were so BLESSED to work together with the "Church On The Rock" whose Pastor, Ron Hammond, absolutely understood and embraced the Air Mobile Rescuer.

After we demonstrated the Air Mobile Rescuer, Ron immediately went into action and purchased a 550 Gallon Holding Tank.  A couple of Rescuers were hooked up and began filling the big tank for immediate distribution.  WOW!  Texans move FAST!!

HERE'S A SHORT CLIP OF THE OPERATION AT "CHURCH ON THE ROCK" IN BEAUMONT  

THE CHURCH ON THE ROCK BEAUMONT...GIVES CLEAN WATER!!

Then, they took the same model and set up another Tank fed by a couple of Air Mobile Rescuers and gave clean water...in an area that has had NO RUNNING WATER for a week and counting!

Along the way, we drove through one of the many flooded neighborhoods that went under.  

We witnessed just one victim, a 91 year old World War 2 Veteran who lost it all.  Family and neighbors quickly rallied to help.

I interviewed his grandson, Luke.   We both cried in the interview.

Here's a clip of a young man helping an old Veteran - This story is playing out all over southeast Texas.  Praise God for His grace!!

A YOUNG MAN HELPING AN OLD VETERAN!!

Folks, there is so much more that I could write now, but....it's time to pack up and fly the Little Donkey back to Florida to get ready for Hurricane Irma....winds are already 150 MPH and increasing.  This is going to be a DEADLY STORM!

Now, as I say every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your faithful prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe



9-4-17 Monday 5:21 AM (U.S. Central Time)  - Houston, TX - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

HURRICANE IRMA LOOMING & THREATENING....& WORKING HARVEY....BACK TO BEAUMONT

We have been tracking Hurricane Irma and this is a POWERFUL & DANGEROUSStorm.  

The projected path today has moved south, endangering Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas and...possibly South Florida.

While here in the Houston Area, Air Mobile is making plans by preparing more Rescuers for service.

Here's more on Hurricane Irma - HURRICANE IRMA A GROWING CONCERN FOR THE U.S. - POTENTIAL THREAT LEVEL TO LEEWARD ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, HISPANIOLA & CUBA 

A number of team & planning meetings took place yesterday here in Houston, affording me a bit of "free time" at the hotel.  

Took advantage of that and had breakfast with my cousin, Laura and her husband, Mark.  Thankfully, they did not sustain damage from Harvey.

Was able to get some much needed rest.  Then, later met with my childhood friend, Charlie and his wife Karen.  

Charlie retired from the FAA and it was just so good seeing he and Karen and catching up.  This was indeed a pleasant break from the disaster taking place all around us.

So, today, we're up early and preparing to return to Beaumont to check on the Church On The Rock "Clean Water Team".  They pumped a lot of clean water yesterday.

We'll fly the Little Donkey there.  The 30 minute flight is so much better than the 2+ hour drive (with the possibility of road closures all along the way).

The water situation in Beaumont is still critical  and will be for some time - Officials are working hard to restore....here's more - BEAUMONT WATER CRISIS

Time to head out and plunge back into the disaster of Harvey.  Can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate your invaluable prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe



9-3-17 Sunday 7:11 AM (U.S. Central Time)  - Houston, TX - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

GETTING CLEAN WATER TO BEAUMONT

The destruction of Harvey is still going on.  Water is still rising in places.   Chemical plants are burning and folks are still evacuating.

In the midst of all of this, we loaded up the Little Donkey and flew from Conroe (KCXO) to Beaumont (KBPT)...an area desperate for clean water.  

The flight only took 30 minutes.  If we would have driven, it would have been hours because of the many road blocks.  

We were met there by member of the Church On The Rock.  We had  5 Air Mobile Rescuer water purifiers.

After arriving at the Church, we saw tremendous movements of food, formula, diapers, bottled water and so much more to the needy.  This Church is AMAZING in their outreach!!

Then, we met Pastor Ron Hammond.  Ron and his great church have put in water wells all around the world with CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network).

They understand and know the need for clean water!  I then had the opportunity to explain the Air Mobile Rescuer and how it works.  THEY GOT IT!

Literally, within the hour, the church was securing a large water tank, extra hoses and putting into place the ability to take the highly contaminated tap water and turn it into very clean drinking water!  WOW!!

After careful prayer and consideration, we decided to present 2 more Air Mobile Rescuers to the Church On The Rock!  

BTW, Pastor Ron is also a pilot and really loved the Little Donkey!!  I know that our paths will meet again!!

After this strategic deployment of Rescuers, we flew back to Conroe, our staging area.

Along the way, we could see rivers literally rising.  On the flight earlier, we noted their levels and in a matter of hours, they had risen.  The DISASTER of HARVEY is on-going!!

Here are a few more shots taken from the Little Donkey on the flight from Conroe to Beaumont and back.

I want to THANK Brian Scott of CBN for joining me on this journey.  I particularly want to THANK CBN for funding these 7 Air Mobile Rescuers to bring clean water to those in such need!!

Today, I'll be meeting with some of my family who live in the area.  We'll see what this day holds.  As always, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!!

Air Mobile Joe


9-2-17 Saturday 5:28 AM (U.S. Central Time)  - Houston, TX - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

DODGING HARVEY....FIGHTING 50 KNOT HEADWINDS....ARRIVED IN HOUSTON!

Brian, Trinity and I arrived at the Space Coast Regional Airport....with the mission to fly to Houston.  Did our final load, pre-flight and PRAYER.

I pushed the throttles forward, rolled down the runway, reached rotation speed and we are up.  

Would the landing gear function as designed?  I retracted the landing gear and VOILA!  They came up perfectly.  We were on our way to Houston!

In the wake of Harvey, there were multiple build-ups.  We had to make significant deviations to get around them.  

And....we were fighting 40-50 knot headwinds.  This was going to be a long flight.  Brian did capture a rainbow.  

Our fuel reserve would be low upon arrival.  I decided to make a fuel stop in my old "Stomping Grounds"....Baton Rouge.

Other than long (over 6 hours), we had a lovely and smooth flight.

While on the ground in Baton Rouge, I phoned my dear friend, Stan Brock of Remote Area Medical (RAM).  He had already flown into Conroe, TX.  

Upon landing, he was there by the RAM King Air.  We discussed the situation and as is usually the case, things are very fluid.  Needs come up fast and it is an ever moving target.

We sat and discussed what was going on and how CBN, Remote Area Medical (RAM) and Air Mobile we can help.

Brian had arranged for the CBN Church Partner Liasons to meet us and discuss the situation on the ground.

The devastation is so vast and the needs are so great.  We met for hours discussing what is happening and how we can best serve.

BTW, a local church paid for our Hotel room in Houston and took us out to a lovely dinner.  I love how the Church and Body of Christ come together to help those in need.

Today, our plan is to fly to Beaumont where the entire water system has been shut down.  

We saw helicopters loading bottled water and flying them to Beaumont.

Here's more - BEAUMONT, TX IN CRISIS AFTER CITY LOSES WATER SUPPLY INDEFINITELY

  
We hope to find ways that the Air Mobile Rescuer can be used.  We are entering now into the devastation.  We PRAY for our Lord to lead us where He wants us to serve!!

Time to head to airport and seek authorization to make the 25 minute flight to Beaumont.  BTW, if we attempted to drive, it could take many hours.  So glad we have the Little Donkey!

Also....so THANKFUL to have you with us with your faithful love, prayer and support!!

Air Mobile Joe




9-1-17 Friday 4:16 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe 

HARVEY STILL WREAKING HAVOC....AN UNEXPECTED DELAY &.....HERE COMES IRMA

Yesterday, we arrived at Space Coast Regional Airport all ready to go to Houston.  Put a final top-off of fuel in and prayed for a safe journey to Houston.  

Our Team of Brian and Trinity of CBN boarded the Little Donkey.  We were off to Houston, or so we thought.

We roared down the runway, had a smooth lift off and....the landing gear failed to retract.

Had to return to base.  Called Paul, our mechanic and we inspected the system carefully.

Had the local ABC affiliate there to capture the moment.  Here's the interview.

CHANNEL 9 - ABC - INTERVIEWS AIR MOBILE JOE  

So, today, we're heading back to the airport to try again.

BTW, after the inspection and a few tweaks on the Little Donkey, Paul and I did a successful test flight and retracted the landing gear 4 times with success.

As we prepare to plunge into the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, we're keeping a very close eye on Hurricane Irma.  

This looking like a MONSTER.  Here's more - HURRICANE IRMA BECOMING DEADLY CAT 5 HURRICANE!  

So, as I say every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious and faithful prayer, love and support!!!

Air Mobile Joe

PS - If you're new to this "rambling blog" and want to see how we've gotten to this "juncture of the journey", just click on "Older Posts" (below) and you'll see how we've gotten here.  God bless and WELCOME ABOARD!