THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES....OCTOBER 2017

10-20-17 Friday 7:37 AM (Eastern U.S. Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

BLOG COMING.....

10-19-17 Thursday 6:27 AM (Eastern U.S. Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

COMING HOME.....

Dave and I wrapped up the Puerto Rico Mission.  It was good and....we'll be back.

The weather looked mmmmm, somewhat friendly until the afternoon.  We have a long flight (6+ hours) and a lot can happen from departure until arrival.

You can also see from this image that a line of thunderstorms were forming just south of Puerto Rico.  Yes, it was time to depart.

I personally fuel the Little Donkey because with those 14 fuel tanks, there is a definite technique to "squeezing" in every ounce of fuel.  For this long flight, we need it all.

After take-off, we climbed to 14,500' and settled down for a comfortable ride.

It's such a blessing have Dave with me.  He's a great pilot and I can truly relax.

As we approached the Bahamas and Florida, it was obvious that the storms were rapidly forming.

We prayed again and asked our Lord to make a nice path between the towering cells and....HE DID!  God is Good!!

6 hours and 20 minutes later we landed and....still had an hour and half of fuel in reserve.  What a great Little Donkey!!

Oh, did that nice, long shower feel good.  But, I'm ever reminded of how the the folks in the Islands are still suffering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria!

So good seeing my Cindy and Ari.  Yes, it's good to be home!!

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

Air Mobile Joe




10-18-17 Wednesday 7:27 AM (Puerto Rico Time)  - Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

IT'S TIME.....

Our "Mission" to Puerto Rico is ending....for now.  There's so much yet to do!

Had an amazing day yesterday.  It began with ALL cellular service, limited though it was, going DOWN.  Like every cell phone of every person that we encountered.  Now, no matter what you planned, that will put a crimp in it.

We were scheduled to Train more Air Mobile water purifier operators.  With the loss of communications, the training was cancelled.

Dave and I were at the airport capturing what internet signal we could find, when a request came to fly a key person to the Dominican Republic (DR).

So, our "Mission for the Day" changed to a flight to Punta Cana, DR.

Gary was very appreciative and made an extremely important meeting, thanks to our quick lift.

Upon landing, Pastor Puente and Hiram were there to pick us up.  We had another Air Mobile Rescuer to deploy to a great friend to our ministry, Gerry.

Gerry has been invaluable in every one of our missions to Puerto Rico.  He also heads up a community that has a school and the need for clean water is critical.  Praise God for Gerry!

BTW, while at the airport earlier, ran into our friend, Captain Hartman (USAF).  He gave a good report on his Harris Falcon Radio.  It was working fine since the Harris Engineer came over and "tweaked" a few things.

You may recall several weeks ago we put Captain Hartman together with a Harris Engineer that was in Puerto Rico.  It was perfect timing.

So, it's "Time" to wrap this mission up.  Just fueled the Little Donkey and Dave and I are getting ready for the 6.5 hour trek right through the middle of the infamous "Bermuda Triangle".   The Lord is with us!!

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

Air Mobile Joe




10-17-17 Tuesday 7:47 AM (Puerto Rico Time)  - Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

INTO THE "HEART" OF PUERTO RICO

When "Plan B" becomes "Plan A".

Yesterday, our plan was to fly to the East Coast of Puerto Rico and Deploy Air Mobile Rescuers in that region.  It was not to be.  

Weather prevented us from venturing over by the tropical disturbance that has been brewing there for days.

Instead, Pastor Puente', our CBN contact told us of other regions in the "Heart" of the mountains that were very hard hit and desperately needed clean water.  Off we went by road to Las Maria's.

The sheer force of Hurricane Maria continued to take my breath away.  Valley after valley, town after town just shattered.

The roads were remarkably cleared, but we had landslides that were occurring with dangerous frequency.  

Literally, every time it rains, mud slides occur.  This disaster will be on-going for a long time to come.

Once in Las Maria's, we visited the Fire Station.  Our "Trainee", Pastor Felix, was a retired Fireman for 29 years.  

The crew showed us great respect and it was an honor to meet them and pray with them.

Our next stop was by Pastor Felix's Church was was heavily damaged by Maria.  

His attitude was....we'll rebuild BIGGER & BETTER!!  I love the spirit of the Puerto Rican People!!!

Along the road, we found people getting water from wherever they could.  My hope and prayer is that this water is clean!!

Having been a Fireman for many years, Pastor Felix knows every single road, short cut and nook and cranny of this region.  He is the ideal Candidate to be a "Water Mule" and bring life saving water to thirsty people.

It was a great honor to train this precious man of God!!

It was a further joy to present Pastor Felix with an Air Mobile Rescuer.  He will do a lot of good and bless many people with this incredible tool!!

On the way back to Aguadilla, we encountered multiple "near misses", such as this 500 drop off.

You could hear our "nervous" laughter as we slid around this "hairpin" turn and went down at about a 10% slope.  Mmmm, adventure in the mountains of Puerto Rico!

As we worked our way back to Aguadilla, Pastor Puentes took us by his home where driving rain from Maria penetrated his home and destroyed all of the floors and most contents.  Here is his "attitude"!

At the end of this 12 hour, grueling day, we returned to our little house with no electricity and a trickle of water and collapsed.  It was a GOOD DAY!!

Today, we have another challenge.  My I-Phone is not connecting to any Cellular Service.  Help!  Please pray that we get re-connected.

So, 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

10-16-17 Monday 7:37 AM (Puerto Rico Time)  - Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

BACK TO PUERTO RICO!!

I called in my good friend and fellow pilot, Dave Walen to fly back to Puerto Rico with me. 

It would be a long flight at high altitude and Dave knows the route!  The weather would also "grow" to be a challenge after we launched.  It was good to have Dave with me.

BTW, Dave borrowed a friends Cessna 172 and flew from Wilmington, NC to join me on this flight.  PRAISE GOD for good friends and "Water Mules"!!

We met at the Space Coast Regional Airport at 4:30am and did a final inspection and fueling on the Little Donkey.  Ti Burik was "Ready to Go"!!

We climbed to 17,000' and had the Oxygen flowing.  

We could see that the weather was "brewing" and by mid afternoon, it could be a real challenge.  Glad we were airborne early.

6 hours and 20 minutes later, we landed in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.  It was GOOD to be back.  This is beginning to feel like home.

I never cease to marvel at just how much the Little Donkey can carry!

We brought in baby food, formula, flu & other medicines, diapers and...the most important thing:  CLEAN WATER!!

THANKS to the generosity of Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and so many others who funded these "life-saving" units and supplies, we're back in Puerto Rico in their greatest hour of need.  PRAISE GOD for this privilege!!

We were met by Church Leaders who would take these precious machines to the most remote and needy areas.

Soon, I was training them on the simple operation of the Air Mobile Rescuer.

We had good students.  When I made the statement that soon they would be going out to the desperate areas, they said...."LIKE TONIGHT"!  I love their willingness to serve!!!

After the training, Dave and I just had a bit of free time and....collapsed.  It was an exhausting flight.

I realized that I left my reading glasses in the Little Donkey and walked to the airport.  Have a few thoughts about the day, the flight and privilege it is to bring thirsty folks clean water.

Up early this morning, heading over to the airport.  Will stop along the way for a much needed cup of Cafe' Con Leche'.  

I'm so glad that you are on this journey with me.  As always, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe


10-15-17 Sunday 3:15 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

CLEAR SKIES....FOR NOW

Looking at the weather, one can see that there is a "relatively" clear path from Florida to Puerto Rico.  

However, just to the East of Puerto Rico is a bit of instability and this could indeed develop into another....STORM.  We're keeping a close eye on it.

Mmmmm....could be a good time to get down there with some CLEAN WATER!

Here's a look at the weather for this week.  THE WX THIS WEEK...KEEP AN EYE

You know, with all of the named storms this year and the death and destruction that they've brought, it's a good idea to watch the weather and...PRAY!

Up early this morning.  Think I'll head on over to the airport and see how the Little Donkey is doing.

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

Air Mobile Joe

PS - Yes, I did watch the LSU - Auburn Game.  What a come-back!  GEAU TIGERS!!

Joe

10-14-17 Saturday 6:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

TIME....IS NOT OUR FRIEND...IN PUERTO RICO!

It's been 3 weeks since Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico and a host of other Islands on her deadly trek through the Caribbean.  

Valiant efforts are being made to HELP the victims of this terrible storm.  

I have witnessed it "First Hand"... actually beginning with Hurricane Irma that grazed Puerto Rico earlier.

We have had to privilege to work with such amazing people who are wonderfully capable and willing to serve "For Such A Time As This"!!

Organizations such CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) responded and reached out to us at Air Mobile with help to deploy CLEAN WATER IMMEDIATELY!

Likewise, CTN (Christian Television Network) did the same.  Our phones at Air Mobile were ringing off the hook as soon as the Hurricane hit.

 

And, of course RAM (Remote Area Medical) was ALREADY on the Mission with Air Mobile from Hurricane Irma.  

We PRAISE GOD for such organizations and the people who so generously support them!  

We've seen notable MIRACLES, like the 63,000 pounds donated supplies being flown in by FEDEX at NO CHARGE!!  

And the local Puerto Rican Churches that responded on very short notice to mobilize and distribute these much needed goods.

However, we still have a long way to go.  Puerto Rico has a long uphill battle and still needs all the help and prayer that we can give.

Here's a good assessment of where Puerto Rico is today - PUERTO RICO IS STILL A DISASTER ZONE...3 WEEKS AFTER MARIA  

TIME IS NOT OUR FRIEND!!

We must do all that we can to get CLEAN DRINKING WATER where it is most needed!  Many of the internal roads are still blocked making it very, very difficult to get water trucks into those regions.

WATER BORN DISEASE IS ALREADY BREAKING OUT AND PEOPLE ARE DYING!!!

With the Air Mobile Rescuer, we can take that dirty, contaminated water and make it extremely CLEAN!

Here is a good example....

So, today we're preparing for our "Next Mission".  We're getting the Air Mobile Rescuers ready to load along with much needed medical supplies.

So, as I say every single day and truly mean from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

10-13-17 Friday 6:47 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

CLEAN WATER....CRITICAL NEED...& VICTORY IN CHAOS

The need for Clean Water is more desperate than every.  Disease from contaminated water is breaking out.  

Here's more on this critical need....PUERTO RICO INVESTIGATES POST HURRICANE DISEASE OUTBREAK  




I'm having a hard time sleeping...knowing what is going on in the Islands.  Woke up around 2:30am and found this letter in my Inbox from CBN - 

Subject: Phone Call from Benjamin Puentes Puerto Rico

Dear Ron,
I just received a very grateful phone call  from Benjamin Puentes who in the midst of burying people who are succumbing to the conditions, called in to thank CBN and Joe Hurston for saving lives. He said that he is seeing miracles in day to day things that only God could help him to accomplish.

By the grace of God it has rained for 3 straight days and because he had a swimming pool at his home, he could collect it and purify it with the 2 purifiers donated to him. People walk from surrounding communities to find him and he has been able to provide water daily to well over 2,000 people.

He is sending water also to
Aguada and Isabella

The biggest needs other than clean water are still for diapers, formula, powdered milk and canned food.

Benjamin is so grateful for our help in the midst of so much chaos and hardship. He sends appreciation and blessing.

Sandra

We are so THANKFUL to CBN and so many others who have been helping to fund the water purifiers!!

We're working very hard to build Air Mobile Rescuers for Puerto Rico.

Yahn, a GREAT Water Mule, is doing a super job of pulling all the pieces together and building the Rescuers!

I'm very pleased to say that the Little Donkey passed the "Post Mission Inspection" and is soon ready to go!  Praise God!

Please PRAY for those who are struggling daily for CLEAN DRINKING WATER!

It's time to head out into this day that our Lord has made.  May He use us for His glory!!

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

Air Mobile Joe

10-12-17 Thursday 6:44 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

PREPARE TIME.....HURRICANES / WILDFIRES / VOLCANOES - ROUGH TIMES AHEAD

Hurricane Ophelia makes the 10th Named Storm this season.  The storm is heading for Ireland and tying a record set in 1893.  The Season isn't over yet...

Here's more - HURRICANE OPHELIA BECOMES RECORD TYING 10TH STRAIGHT ATLANTIC HURRICANE

The Wildfires in California are raging and expected to intensify today.  The best thing to do is just get as far away from these killer flames as possible.

WILDFIRES KEEP CALIFORNIA UNDER SEIGE

And...The Ring of Fire is beginning heat up.

"RING OF FIRE" VOLCANOES REMIND ASIA OF SEISMIC PERIL

If you're in a safe place, be thankful but....always have an escape plan.  Your area may be next.

Also, PLEASE PRAY for those, whose lives are being threatened.  These are indeed rough times for many!!

Today, Paul and I will be conducting a "Post Mission Inspection" on the Little Donkey.

We're also gathering as many parts as we can to make as many Air Mobile Rescuers as we can.

Who knows what "Disaster" lies ahead.  The Lord does and we seek His direction during these perilous times.

All of these Disasters remind us that we need to have a "Plan" in the event of the need for a RAPID EVACUATION.  Just look at how rapidly those "Wild Fires" are moving!

Also, it's a good time to assess the things that are most valuable such as records / medicines / food / water.  Believe me, it does not hurt to think these things through and form a PLAN.

Well, enough of my "Prepping Preaching" this morning.  It's time for me to get to the airport and get that Little Donkey ready for... "The Next Mission"....wherever that might be.

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

Air Mobile Joe





10-11-17 Wednesday 6:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

A NORMAL ROUTINE....

Went to sleep in my comfortable bed.  Had the A/C set to a pleasant temperature.  

  

Our pantry is full and Walmart is open.  Clean drinking water.... no problem.

Earlier, had a nice long, warm shower.  Made phone calls / checked my e-mail.  Got in my car and stopped to fill up (no line).

The people in Puerto Rico and many other islands could not do ONE of the things above without great difficulty.  

Yes, I feel a bit guilty about being here and enjoying these simple luxuries.  

May I never take them for granted!

Having just been in Puerto Rico and other islands that have been ravaged by brutal hurricanes,  I am ever reminded of how so many are suffering.    

There is a time to recharge and replenish.  That is exactly what we're doing.  We're building more Air Mobile Rescuers.  We're raising the money to fund these life-saving units.  

We're getting the Little Donkey ready for our "Next Mission" and I'm just getting some much needed rest.  

We plan to return to the Islands soon.  Our schedule is in the Lord's Hands.

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

Air Mobile Joe



10-10-17 Tuesday 7:07 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

A BIT OF PEACE & QUIET....FOR THE MOMENT

Having just returned from Puerto Rico, looks like there will be a bit of "down time".  I can use it!

This has been a horrendous Hurricane Season.  First there was Harvey, then Irma, then Maria, then Nate.  Will those tropics calm down?  I certainly PRAY they do!

Oh, we are planning our "Next Mission".  The situation in Puerto Rico and a host of other Islands, is just terrible.  Clean water is still desperately needed in so many areas.

Before we launch the Little Donkey back to the Islands, we'll be doing another post mission inspection later this week.

We're building more Air Mobile Rescuers and....we're keeping a close eye on the weather.

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

Air Mobile Joe

10-9-17 Monday 5:03 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

GOD'S TIMING...

Shipping supplies / relief after any disaster can often be challenging with many pitfalls along the way.

From time to time, a "mission" comes together with "miraculous" results.  Such was the case with this 63,000 pound shipment of vital supplies.  

What would normally take weeks took merely hours! Here's more...

RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME - AID MAKES IT TO NEEDY HURRICANE MARIA SURVIVORS IN PUERTO RICO

All I can say is PRAISE GOD for His divine intervention and flawless timing.  

Again, I must say a huge THANK YOU to  Stan Brock, Founder and President of Remote Area Medical (RAM) who rallied folks to give and  move these vital donations to the Fed Ex Hub in Memphis.

Then Fed Ex loaded them onto a huge aircraft and flew them to Puerto Rico....AT NO CHARGE!!!!!

The Churches responded with man-power and trucks on a couple of hours notice.

The Fed Ex Staff was GREAT!  Within hours of this shipment (72 pallets!!!!) landing in Aquadilla, it was being loaded onto trucks and heading out to remote and hard hit areas.

We're also EXTREMELY THANKFUL to CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) and CTN (Chrisitan Television Network) and the many other donors who helped us to get 10 Air Mobile Rescuers to the thirsty in Puerto Rico!  

WEEKS AFTER HURRICANE MARIA, PUERTO RICO STRUGGLES TO FIND A NEW NORMAL

John Torres with Florida Today did a superb job of capturing the process from "Dirty Water to Clean Water" in this clip.  THANK YOU, JOHN!

Well, I'm back on the Mainland now from Puerto Rico.  I don't take having clean water and electricity and abundant food for granted.  

May we all remember our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and the other Islands that have been devastated and suffering so.

We await our "Next Mission".  As always, and I mean this with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!!

Air Mobile Joe


10-8-17 Sunday 6:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

MANNA FROM HEAVEN &....A LONG FLIGHT HOME

Stan Brock, Founder of Remote Area Medical (RAM) has been hard at work finding critical supplies for Puerto Rico.

He called me a couple of days ago and said...."Hey Joe, Fed Ex is shipping, at NO CHARGE(!) 63,000 pounds of food and supplies to Puerto Rico.  Can you arrange the pick-up & distribution?"

Literally, within hours pieces came together, Churches rallied, trucks were secured, locations were arranged and VOILA, yesterday, the trucks showed up and the load was accomplished.  Just like "MANNA FROM HEAVEN"!

THANK YOU AGAIN TO STAN (RAM) & FED EX!!!!!

Once that wonderful load got going, we realized that we'd better get in that Little Donkey and point it's nose toward Florida or...we'd get caught in another storm.

Notice that there were storms to the East of our route and Hurricane Nate to the West of our route.  Timing IS VERY IMPORTANT!

We fueled, loaded and took off for the long, direct flight from Aquadilla, Puerto Rico to Titusville, FL.  

We settled down to 16,500' and had a smooth, but rather long (6 hours 25 minute) flight back to our home base at Space Coast Regional Airport.

Looking back on this "Mission to Puerto Rico", all I can say is... THANK YOU JESUS for giving us this grand opportunity to spread your love.

I am reminded of the Words of Jesus...."I was Hungry and you gave Me to eat, I was Thirsty and you gave me to drink...when you've done it unto the least of these...you've done it unto Me"

I can't THANK YOU enough for your precious prayer, love and support!  Together, we are on this "Mission from God"!!!

Air Mobile Joe

10-7-17 Saturday 6:47 AM (Puerto Rico Time)  - Aquadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe  

EVERYWHERE I LOOK.....

The people of Puerto Rico are AMAZING!!

Everywhere I look, I see destruction and...I see a hard working, determined people putting their lives back together.

On the street, where we stay, here's a glimpse into the heart of Puerto Rico.

I'm so pleased to say that the 10 Air Mobile Rescuers have been delivered and are producing clean water from dirty water as I type this blog.  PRAISE GOD!!

Communications are still extremely spotty in Puerto Rico and it's a challenge to coordinate and deploy, but we're managing to do it with our Lord's help and grace.

We're also very THANKFUL to Western Aviation who have provided us with a "Command Center" and a HOT SPOT!  Thank you, Eduardo and Western Aviation.

In between calls and commissions, John Torres' Cousin showed up and we witnessed another precious reunion.

Meanwhile, we're monitoring Hurricane Nate that is taking aim at New Orleans!

We pray that folks in low-lying areas will simply leave as soon as possible.  It's not worth "Riding it out"!

Here's more on Hurricane Nate - PREPARE NOW!! WATCHES / WARNINGS IN EFFECT AT HURRICANE NATE'S STRIKE NEARS!!

Today, we'll be receiving an amazing gift from Remote Area Medical (RAM).  Stan Brock arranged for Fed Ex to bring in 63,000 pounds of wonderful gifts for Puerto Rico at NO CHARGE!!!

THANK YOU, STAN & FEDEX!!!!

I can't give any more details, but we'll be very busy today.

It's time for a cup of Cafe' Con Leche'!  As always, THANK YOU for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!!

Air Mobile Joe



10-6-17 Friday 7:27 AM (Puerto Rico Time)  - Aquadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

INTO THE "HEART"

Our Team arrived at the Aquadilla Airport early to "capture" a signal.  Internet coverage in Puerto Rico is rare extremely spotty.  However, thanks to Western Aviation, we were given the "key" to a good signal.  Thus...the Blog.

While awaiting our "guide" who would take us into the "Heart" of the destruction, I found an Air Force Officer that was having a problem with "range" on his radio.  

Just so happens that I know the company (Harris) that makes the radio and within minutes connected him a technician "on the ground" in Puerto Rico.  Praise God!!

Then, our guide, Rey Matos from Catacumba 5 Church, arrived and we entered into the deep destruction of Hurricane Maria.

On the way, we met Rey's father who would be able to get an Air Mobile Rescuer into an area that had been extremely hard hit and has yet to receive any help.

As we turned closer and closer to the ocean...the smell was overwhelming.  There were dead animals scattered throughout the flattened fields.  We passed this dead horse.  

The smell of rotting flesh "haunts" me. 

Everywhere we looked, we saw destruction.  

But....the roads which had been completely blocked with debris...and dead animals.... had been cleared.

The Puerto Ricans are not going to let Hurricane Maria stop them!  I love this sign!   

John Torres, a great Journalist for Gannett, whom I've traveled the world with, was on a quest to find some of his relatives.  What a JOY to see John re-unite with members of his family. Praise God!! 

Today, we will be meeting a FedEX plane with 63,000 pounds of supplies.  PLEASE PRAY that our Lord will pave the way for these vital supplies be processed and released and SAFELY delivered where most needed.  Can't give any more details.

Here's a story published by John Torres - JOHN TORRES IN PUERTO RICO WITH AIR MOBILE MINISTRIES   Time to go get that freight!  God bless and THANK YOU again for your faithful prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

PS - Here's another story posted by John - DELIVERING WATER PURIFIERS IS GOING TO SAVE LIVES!!



10-5-17 Thursday 7:57 AM (Puerto Rico Time)  - Aquadilla, Puerto Rico - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

AIR MOBILE IN PUERTO RICO!!!

NOTE:  The Blog is late this morning due to the fact of extremely spotty Internet.

Up early, fueled the Little Donkey, paid exorbitant landing fees (ugh) and departed Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

 Our destination:  Aquadilla, Puerto Rico.  It was a quick 30 minute flight.  

Aquadilla got “Hammered” by Maria.  We were in Aquadilla 2 weeks ago, just before Maria struck.

Upon landing, Customs did a thorough inspection and representatives from Christian Broadcasting Netwrok (CBN) and Christian Television Network (CTN).

It is amazing just how much the Little Donkey can carry!

After Customs, I re-positioned the Little Donkey at Western Aviation.  We were just here several weeks ago after Hurricane Irma and just before Hurricane Maria.  Here's what I saw...  

We had to wait several hours to get our trainees together.  Traffic in Puerto Rico is horrendous!

We found some very dirty water, perfect for training and demonstrating just how powerful the Air Mobile Rescuer is.

The training went extremely well.  I had very good students who will "take the ball and run"!

Praise God, surely, our Lord knows how to deploy His troops!!

Here's a close look at the water that we cleaned and drank!!

Photo Courtesy - John Torres Florida Today

At the end of the training, it was with great joy to present Air Mobile Rescuers to CTN.

I want to personally thank my dear friend, Bob D'Andrea, founder and President of CTN for entrusting this wonderful mission to me.  THANK YOU, BOB!

Then to CBN. 

I have worked very closely with Ron Oates and Brian Scott on assignments all over the world to bring clean water.  THANK YOU for entrusting me again to bring clean water to Puerto Rico!!

Clean water is a NON-NEGOTIABLE!  One must have clean drinking water or dreadful sickness and disease will overwhelm the population.  

THANK GOD for giving us the privilege of bringing the gift of CLEAN WATER.

And THANK YOU for being with us on the journey.  Your prayer, love and support is vital to this mission.  THANK YOU AGAIN!!

Air Mobile Joe

10-4-17 Wednesday 5:21 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Air Mobile "On the Move" - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

6 HOURS 35 MINUTES LATER....

After flying nearly 1000 Nautical Miles and dodging "towering" thunderstorms and fighting fierce headwinds, the Little Donkey brought us to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (just 40 miles west of Puerto Rico).

BTW, by the time we got half way down, those storms had grown a LOT!

Overall, though the flight was quite long (6 Hours 35 Minutes) and there were a few tense moments threading our way between storms, our Lord gave us a nice path right through the middle of the infamous "Bermuda Triangle"!

Today, we'll make the quick flight to the Puerto Rico where folks will be waiting for us at the airport.

We'll be presenting the Air Mobile Rescuers to several groups and will actually train them right at the airport on the simple operation of the unit.

Please pray with us for "FAVOR" with the Government Officials that all of our precious cargo will pass through Customs smoothly and without COMPLICATIONS!

It's time to have a quick bite to eat and head to the airport for the next "Phase" of this mission.

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

Air Mobile Joe



10-3-17 Tuesday 3:51 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

A LITTLE DONKEY...CARRYING A BIG LOAD!!

Our good friends at Orlando Aircraft Company had the exact antenna that we needed in order to fly to Puerto Rico.  These Guys have been working on our Avionics for 35 years.  Thank God for such good friends and professional support!

We conducted another Test Flight and the Little Donkey was "talking" properly to the Air Traffic Control.  Yea!  We're heading to Puerto Rico!

Note:  For Security reasons, we will not be publishing our Flight Route.  We're just heading into the Islands to bring much needed water, food and shelter.

We loaded 10 Air Mobile Rescuers, enough to provide fresh clean drinking water to 10,000 people per day!

Thanks to Bob Bostic and "Deliver The Difference", we have 1500 meals and a load of tarps.  It's amazing how one little airplane can provide "FOOD - WATER & SHELTER".  Praise God!

Dave Walen found a remarkable "Man-Powered" Water Pump.  This will help us to "move" dirty water close to our water purifiers.  Here's a little clip on how this pump works...

This pump has been developed by "Full Belly Project" - THE FULL BELLY PROJECT  - THANK YOU, Jock Brandis for this donation of your great invention!

I can't begin to tell you how excited and thankful we are to be going this area that has been so devastated.  Our Lord Jesus tells us to do this....I was hungry..thirsty...homeless...Matthew 25:35 

Jesus tell us..."When you've done it unto the least of these.. you've done it unto Me".

We're up early this morning, getting ready for our "Next Mission". 

THANK YOU for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!  We could not do what we do without you!!  THANK YOU AGAIN!!

Air Mobile Joe


10-2-17 Monday 6:37 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe

ANNUAL INSPECTION....FINISHED!

Our Air Mobile Maintenance Team completed a thorough Annual Inspection on the Little Donkey.  

We had a successful Test Flight and...I breathed a sigh of relief!  Here it is...LITTLE DONKEY - TAXI FOR TEST FLIGHT!

There remains only 1 little item...a broken Transponder Antenna.  We should get that wrapped up today.

I must give Paul and Dave a huge THANKS for pushing this Annual through in remarkable time!

Now...we can launch for the Islands.  I'll not be publishing our exact route or itinerary for security reasons.

Today, just one more test flight to verify that our Transponder is "Transpondering", then we load and await "Clearance" to depart.  PRAISE GOD!!

We'll be bringing in 10 Air Mobile Rescuers, 2000+ meals and a number of tarps.  We're just glad to be able to bring this vital aid to those who are suffering!!

I'm so THANKFUL to you for being with on this journey.  Your prayer, love and support are a vital part to this mission!!

Air Mobile Joe








10-1-17 Sunday 6:47 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by:  Air Mobile Joe  

THANK GOD FOR "WATER MULES"!!

Joe Prussel, a long-time faithful "Water Mule" called to tell me that that he had Tarps for Puerto Rico.

BTW, he found 40'X40' tarps!

Not only did he deliver them, but he helped Dave and I as we worked on the Little Donkey.  

He arrived at 10:00am and by 8:00pm he was still there "lending a hand".

Throughout the day, Folks came by bringing donations and PRAYER for our "Next Mission".

It was good to see my son, Christian's, Father and Mother in Law, who are from Puerto Rico.  Ray and Mercy came with some "fuel money" and prayer!

We also had a visit from Victor, a local Policeman who is also from Puerto Rico.

We're overwhelmed by the generosity and love and care from our local community for those who are suffering in Puerto Rico and so many of the Islands that have been devastated by Hurricane Maria!

Today, we continue on the Annual Inspection.

We're also working on back up aircraft in the event that the Annual Inspection becomes extended on the Little Donkey.

Time to head to the airport and continue getting ready. 

THANK YOU, as always for your greatly appreciate 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!