CHRISTMAS APPROACHES!
I am so glad that the world takes a day and acknowledges that Jesus did indeed come into this world. We all know that Jesus' birthday is probably not December 25th, but it is good that there is a recognition that He did indeed come into this world. Thank the Lord!
Have you gotten your Christmas shopping done? OK, I'm still working on it. I'm supposed to go pick up a few things that I ordered today. I am famous for "last minute" shopping. Truly, not one of my gifts.
We just sent out 1124 Christmas Newsletters. Did you get yours? IF you did not, and would like to be put on our Air Mobile E-Mail list, simply drop me an e-mail at: www.airmobilejoe@gmail.com and request to be put on the list.
I PROMISE YOU, you will not be inundated with a bunch of appeal e-mails from us. We simply don't have time to do it, plus it's kind of aggravating to be get those "appeals" continually. So....if you truly want to be on the list let us know. We generally send out a monthly report (if we have time).
In the meantime, you know that you can always come here to, Air Mobile Joe's Rambling Blog to get a DAILY update. It's kind of funny, my precious Cindy, who is a Psych Nurse, tells me that there is "medication for people like me". In other words, there has to be some obsessive side of me that is able to write a DAILY REPORT.
I believe I do it as a means of therapy or something. At any rate, I rather enjoy getting up every morning, no matter where we are and finding a "connection" and "whipping out" a quick report about our activities. I suppose it takes a "special" kind of person to do that. You see, even today, I'm kind of "baring my soul" with you.
There is another side to all of this. YOU! I truly believe that we are able to do many of the things that we do, because we have folks like you praying for us! That's a fact. Even, the flight that we made on December 16th demonstrates that. I have had several folks, including my daughter, Cherie, that were awakened out of a sound sleep and prayed for us at the very moment that the electrical system in Ti Burik was "melting down". Truly, our Lord does know how to deploy His troops, especially the ones that PRAY!
Prayer is so important. The fact is, we can't pray enough. Remember that scripture that says, "Pray without ceasing". In other words, we should pray about everything. That's a good thing to do. Things in our lives will go better if we pray about them.
As we go through this day, may we pray a bit more. We'll never go wrong doing that. It's time for me to get going to the airport and work on a certain "ailing" Little Donkey. God bless you and as always, THANK YOU for your prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 22, 2011 - Thursday - 6:50am (US Eastern Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Base Camp - Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A SICK LITTLE DONKEY....IN INTENSIVE CARE
We spent yesterday getting all of the damaged electronic components identified and sent off for repair for our precious "Little Donkey". The "Bad News" is: there was a lot of damage. The "Good News" is: A lot of folks and companies are willing to help us get this sweet little airplane back in the air. THANK THE LORD for generous friends.
Paul, our mechanic, is going through every single system and circuit to both identify damage and weak points. By the time we go through all the systems, our "Little Donkey" will be better than ever. This is another example of "All things working together for the good".
As I replay the flight on Friday morning, I am so thankful that the "electrical melt-down" occurred with it did. We had just taken off. We had adequate time to make a rapid course reversal and safe descent and land at our home field. This provided a tremendous advantage on beginning the repair immediately. Even though we are approaching Christmas, all critical components are in good hands for quick repair and return.
I sincerely believe that AFTER this unfortunate event (the melt down), our aircraft will be BETTER. Now, this is where we need PRAYER & SUPPORT. As we go through the systems, please pray that we identify and repair all areas that need attention. Also, pray that the funds come in to pay for these repairs. Even though we are getting some of the work done under Warranty & Grace, we will still need funds to pay for certain parts and labor.
Please consider making this a "Late Christmas Project". So many depend upon this "Little Donkey" to carry the Good News of Jesus & Clean Water & critical personnel & medicine & diapers & baby formula & & & the list goes on and on. I can assure you, your gift be will be good seed in good soil. Do not hesitate to phone me if you'd like a report, update or just want to chat about what is going on. My cell phone is: 321-544-7757. As always, THANK YOU for your faithful love, prayer and support! God bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Air Mobile Joe
PS - If you're moved to make a donation toward this critical project "Helping a Sick Little Donkey", you may use the "DONATE" button in the upper left hand of this blog. If you're local and would like to drop your gift off, simply give me a call and we can coordinate to meet. THANKS AGAIN for your consideration. Joe
December 21, 2011 - Wednesday - 8:15am (US Eastern Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Base Camp - Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A "LAID BACK" TRIP HOME - PAUL GETS SOME GOOD CESSNA 206 TIME
However, there was one thing that Paul lacked. Cessna 206 flight time. Well, our Lord certainly arranged things well for Paul. You may recall, several days ago (Friday) we had a very challenging incident with our Little Donkey. Our entire electrical system "melted down" when Paul and I and Mark were enroute to Haiti. It was a "dicey" moment and we managed to land safely "in a black hole". Our Lord was certainly with us!
Paul gained invaluable flight time and experience by flying Jamie's Cessna 206 both to and from Haiti. Paul and Jo will be heading back to Wales tomorrow. We'll miss them and we hope and pray that our Lord works things out for them to join us on this "glorious mission" of bringing the GOOD NEWS of JESUS around the world.
We had an excellent flight back and Paul did a superb job of giving Jamie and I a relaxing and "LAID BACK" flight home. I love it when our Lord takes things and "works them together for the good"!
Well, today, we face the daunting task of putting a "Sick Little Donkey" back together. Will be at the hangar working with Paul (the Mechanic) on solving the electrical problem and getting many components repaired and replaced. We truly need your prayer and support on this. We must get that precious Little Donkey back in the air. So many depend upon Ti Burik for clean water and hope!
I'll also be working on a Christmas Newsletter (I know it's a bit late, but we've been "burning the candle" at both ends as of late). As always, THANK YOU for your faithful and precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 20, 2011 - Tuesday - 5:33am (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A STEP CLOSER TOWARD GOOD COMMUNICATIONS - A QUEUE FULL OF RESCUERS
By the way, Captain Flambert is an excellent pilot and working together with him has been a real pleasure. We are encouraged by this new relationship.
We're up bright and early this morning. Have a full day. Time for that second cup of coffee. We'll see what our Lord has for us today. And...as always, THANK YOU for your faithful love, prayer and support! God Bless!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 19, 2011 - Monday - 6:48am (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
RESURRECTING A LITTLE MOTORCYCLE - WORKING ON GETTING NEW ATC RADIOS - PRAY FOR THE PHILIPPINES
It was cool watching Paul and Jamie, first get it running and then methodically "tune" it. But then we had another problem. The key also fit the fuel tank. The makers of the motorcycle made the cap like "Fort Knox". So, we had to find a way to get fuel into the tank.
Please join me in prayer, that as I meet with Director General Flambert and his team of Engineers, that we will flow in the direction that our Lord would have us to go.
Well, it's that time. The sun has risen and we're heading into another day. Another thing, please remember to pray for the Philippines. A late season storm struck the Southern Philippines on Friday. The death toll is over 430 and rising. Tens of thousands have been displaced. This part of the Philippines usually does not get such storms and especially one this late in the season. We are following this situation very closely.
As always, THANK YOU for your faithful prayer, love and support! God bless!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 18, 2011 - Sunday - 6:47am (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
WATER MULES "ON THE MARCH" - REMEMBER MAC-GYVER?
Now, I know that you may be getting tired of my old quote, "God knows how to deploy His troops", but I must say it again!
Yesterday, we reached "New Heights" in innovation! Paul has a sheep farm in Wales and like most farmers, has to depend upon creativity and ingenuity to keep things in operation. Jamie's family raises many, many different kinds of plants in an old and well established nursery. Both of these guys are simply amazing when it comes to figuring things out!
We "dug" deeper into the Rescuer yesterday and began coming up with remarkable techniques to "keep em running" when "new replacement parts" are not available. For you see, that is our situation for several of the major components on the Rescuer. We are getting very close to manufacturing certain replacement components, but we have not begun "punching them out yet". By the way, please remember us in prayer in this regard....we are very close!
However, a favorite scripture of mine comes to mind: "ALL THINGS work together for the good, to those that love God, those the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This situation, of not being able to get certain replacement parts, is "driving us to be creative". Truly, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention". The bottom line is: We are keeping these units running after 7 years of operation!
Now, I must admit, it will be wonderful when we're producing all of the replacement parts in unlimited quantities, and this hour is soon approaching. But in the meantime, we're not only making do, but creating great ways to "field repair" Rescuers even in the most extreme circumstances with a few simple things found "at hand".
I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am at our latest discoveries. See, this is what it's like to be a "Water Mule". If you're reading this rambling blog and have some of those "MacGyver" talents, CONTACT ME! Air Mobile needs you!!
Well, the sun has risen. About to get that second cup of coffee and launch into this beautiful day that Lord has made. Really love and appreciate your faithful prayer, love and support!
Air Mobile Joe
PS - After reading yesterday's blog about the sudden and wonderful addition of Jamie to our team. I love it when the Lord works things out!! Joe
December 17, 2011 - Saturday - 7:08am (Haiti Time) - Bon Repos, Haiti - Air Mobile Base Camp - Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A SUDDEN CHANGE IN PLANS - LANDING IN A "BLACK HOLE" - A FAITHFUL FRIEND DROPS EVERYTHING....TO THE RESCUE
My departures for Haiti are typically IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). We would initially climb to 15,000' and eventually go to 19,000. As we rolled down the long runway at Space Center Executive, both engines ran beautifully and our Little Donkey jumped right into the dark, cool air. We were climbing through some clouds when Paul and I both noticed a small "wisp" of smoke. Suddenly everything changed! Our full attention was on the beautiful instrument panel. We knew something was wrong.
Within minutes, instrument after instrument failed...first the autopilot, then the lights began to flicker. I quickly reported that we were returning to our home field. System after system simply stopped working. We were now flying with a flashlight and one separate, battery powered GPS. We lost radios and could not advise Air Traffic Control of our plight and....we could not turn the airport lighting system on. For you see, a pilot can "click" his microphone and actually turn on the runway lights of an airport.
An unlit airport is difficult to identify. As our GPS told us we were approaching our field, I strained to recognize anything. Remember, it was pitch black. There, among many flashing lights was the rotating beacon and with just small bit of help from the cloud covered moon, I could just make out the runway. Our landing gear came down with no problem (the system is Hydraulic), but we could not lower the flaps.
A quick bank onto final and a smooth landing. Ahhhh, THANK YOU, JESUS! As we taxied our Little Donkey back to our hangar, the smell of burning wiring was very strong. What could have caused this? Immediately upon landing, I phoned Flight Service and advised we were down safe. Soon, we had the cowlings off and began our inspection. I called our mechanic, Paul and he started heading our way.
As we began to analyze the situation, it appears that our battery (less than 2 months old) had simply "shorted" out and caused an excessive amount of voltage to race through our system. We all prayed together and THANKED OUR LORD for getting us down safely. As Paul began to methodically work through the systems, I was on the phone. We had to get Haiti!
At 7:25am, I phoned Jamie. Now, this guy is incredible. This is not the first time I've called Jamie with an urgent request. Several months ago, I had to make a flight into Haiti on a moments notice and Jamie and his wife, Amy, dropped everything and flew us to Haiti. Well, when I phoned Jamie, I asked him 2 things. First, was his airplane flying good and second, could he make an IMMEDIATE flight to Haiti. But....I told him NOT to answer question 2 until he spoke with Amy about it. He agreed. I quickly told him about our "black hole" landing and we hung up.
I stood on the ramp and simply prayed. About 3 -5 minutes later the phone rang. Jamie said he was packing his clothes and he wanted to know how long we'd be there. WOW! What could I say but...THANKS! Meanwhile, Paul, the mechanic, was digging down to find out what happened. We told Mark that he'd have to wait to become a water mule. He handled the whole incident with courage and faith. Nice young man. Paul from Wales unloaded our Little Donkey and put our vital cargo on the ramp as we awaited Jamie.
For as long as I've known Paul (from Wales), he has wanted to be a "Missionary Pilot". Now, this guy is DETERMINED, and the kind of person that when he makes up his mind to do something, HE DOES IT!
We made a short roll down the runway and climbed to 11,500 feet and headed to Exuma Island in the Bahamas. The distance is just under 400 nautical miles. We had a beautiful flight to this fuel oasis, right at the half way point to Haiti. Junior Strahan's son fueled us. His Dad, Junior has been fueling our mission aircraft for over 30 years. I've watched his son grow up. It's just like family. Junior also gives a very good price on fuel.
As the sun was setting, we descended down and made a low pass over Barb's Village to let them know we were here. Barb was already at the airport when we taxied up. The Port-Au-Prince traffic is like a nightmare. As the plane was being unloaded, I took some critical documents for the new Air Traffic Control Radios and brought them to the Director General of Civil Aviation. We had a great meeting. He had already heard about our "Black Hole" landing. Captain Flambert is a highly trained, very capable pilot, and we had a good time analyzing the flight and our actions. Pilots love to do that sort of thing.
After our good meeting, we "crawled" back to the village averaging about 3/4 mph. Quite a change from zipping through the "Bermuda Triange" at 160 mph. Now, this was a long day. Paul and Jamie hit the sack and Barb and I played Yahtzee until midnight. Just had to unwind. So glad we made it....with a little (a lot!) of help from a friend. THANK AGAIN, JAMIE & AMY!!
The sun's been up for a while. Jamie and Paul are already fixing things in the village and I'm wrapping up this winding, rambling blog. As always, THANK YOU for your faithful love, prayer and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
PS - I had phoned my daughter, Cherie, to ask her to relay the information to Barb in Haiti. She asked me, "What time did you take off?". I told her. She was silent for a moment. She said, "I knew it!" As our Little Donkey was climbing out this morning, we flew over her home. She awakened and began praying for me. She "knew" something was wrong. Again, here it comes, "God knows how to deploy His troops". When I say, I truly appreciate your prayer, love and support, I MEAN IT! Thanks again! Love you Cherie!! Dad
December 16, 2011 - Friday - 4:17am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Hangar -Report prepared by Air Mobile Joe
SOLAR EXPERT DEPLOYED! GETTING READY FOR THE NEXT MISSION
On our last trip into Haiti, we visited an orphanage run by a young man who works with Samaritan's Purse (Joel). We're currently raising the money for a Rescuer and Solar set up for him. Carl and I have a bit more "tweaking" and testing to do on the system, so it won't be going to Haiti for a bit. We hope to have it all worked out soon. This will be a tremendous blessing for many!
We're at the hangar bright and early this morning prepping for our next mission (which will be very soon). Our Little Donkey is all back together and we had a successful test flight. Well, have to get to work. As always, THANK YOU for your prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 15, 2011 - Thursday - 5:59am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
POWER FROM THE SUN - A LITTLE DONKEY GETTING READY TO FLY
I'm looking forward to taking this unit to Haiti and testing it. We've got multiple locations that just don't have any electricity. When we tie these panels into a battery....Voila! POWER to take dirty, contaminated water and make it very pure with FREE energy provided by the sun!
Have to scoot for a few minutes to drop Cindy at work. Will write more a bit later - OK, I'm back. It only took 24 minutes to take Cindy to the Juvenile Detention Center and get back to the blog. We talked a bit about the young people that she is caring for as the Nurse. The stories will break your heart. We're glad that our Lord has put Cindy in a position to demonstrate the love of God in an area of such pain and turmoil. A number of these young people will end up at the hospital where we are chaplains. Please remember to pray for Cindy as she stands on the "front line" of this battlefield.
Well, it's that time of the morning. As always, we THANK YOU so much for your prayer, love and support! God Bless!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 14, 2011 - Wednesday - 6:43am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
BUILDING A TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS - GETTING SOME SOLAR PANELS TO TEST
I received a call from Barbara Walker, same name different person (not Rambo in the Blue Dress in Haiti, Barbara). This Barbara Walker flew large aircraft for the U.S. Airforce and then went to work for United Airlines and worked her way up to Captain. Now, due to a medical situation, Barbara is not flying. Several months ago she met with Cindy and I and offered to volunteer with Air Mobile.
We have already been talking to Lisa and Alfred, who are wonderful volunteers (see Monday's blog below for the Christmas Party) about helping us to better organize and manage our many volunteers. Now, we're beginning to put our heads and hearts together and look at the "Manual" that has been provided through the great consulting by Emily and Rollins College.
Why even yesterday, heard from Larry up in Illinois, who is about to retire from the medical field and has an airplane and wants to fly for Air Mobile. A couple of hours later, heard from Mike, an Aerospace Engineer in Kansas who wants to know more about what we do and how he can help. The list goes on and on. The truth is, we need help to help organize all of these wonderful folks who want to get involved with what we do.
Our mission is simple: Bring clean water to thirsty people and share the love of God! I must tell you, yesterday was a good day. Even though, there are times that I feel absolutely "overwhelmed" and "need a little (really, a lot!) of help from my friends".
We still have a long way to go in the "Volunteer organization department", but we are working on it. I would like to say, that if you want to help us in any way, and contact us, we'll do our best to help you to help us but....be patient with us, our Lord is definitely not through with us. However, there is good news. Help is on the way.
Speaking of volunteers - Several months ago, another volunteer, who works with a global defense contractor, contacted me and gave me information on a company that makes Solar Panels right here in Florida. Our cartridge company, CSA, began providing cartridges for them. During the course of our business, I visited this company. Wow, what an operation!
One thing led to another and now, my contact is making some highly specialized solar panels specifically designed for the Air Mobile Rescuer. This morning, I'll drive up to Lake Mary and pick them up. I can hardly wait to test the system. We'll do the actual "field testing" in Haiti.
Hope to have that precious "Little Donkey" back in air pretty soon. Getting that next load of supplies ready. Have another volunteer, Dennis (Premier Water Mule), putting some Rescuers together and getting vital parts for the units down in Haiti. See, where would we be without all these volunteers!? Well, this leads me to another quote that you've like heard many times (for those who follow this "rambling blog") - "GOD KNOWS HOW TO DEPLOY HIS TROOPS!"
It's time to head out the door. As always, THANK YOU for your precious love, prayer and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 13, 2011 - Tuesday - 7:04am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
PILOTS & FLIGHT PHYSICALS - STUDYING END TIMES
When a pilot reaches a certain age (such as yours truly), the said pilot, NEVER takes a flight physical lightly. Trust me, this is true. Well, yesterday, Air Mobile Joe went to his favorite Flight Surgeon for the Bi-Annual Flight Physical. Now, before I tell you how it went, I'll describe my actions yesterday morning.
The bottom line is: I feel good, actually quite good. Lost a little weight (as designed), been watching my diet (to some degree) and don't have any real complaints (Thank God!). So, I should not be worried about a flight physical. However, this examination can "make or break" a pilot. In other words, can something be uncovered that could cause the loss of the "license to fly"? Believe me when I say this: pilots take this sort of thing very seriously and I'm no exception.
I got up early yesterday morning. One of the items looked at very closely is our vision. I have legal and approved "Corrected Vision" (I wear glasses). The test includes a Vision test without glasses and with glasses. I wanted my test "without glasses" to go well. So, beginning at 4:00am, I began reading whole articles "without glassses". Oh, it takes a bit longer and one must truly concentrate on each letter. There is a deep focus that needs to be done. I managed to get through several lengthy articles. My eyes hurt from all the extra work, but it was like a very in-depth "eye workout".
Did my usual blog, with and without my glasses. Then spent the morning lining up maintenance and supplies for our next mission. Cindy and I also spent high quality time with Paul and Jo (from Wales) studying what the Bible says about the "Second Coming of Jesus". Oh, what a good morning. The "Signs of the times" certainly point to the fact that "time is running out for this old world". Paul and I certainly can see how important "flying" is becoming as things become more unstable in this world.
Armed with that sense of urgency, I headed out the door to meet my Flight Surgeon (who, by the way is a Navy Pilot). While waiting, I read everything that I could to keep those "eye muscles" exercised. Then my name was called. The Nurse who handles the first part of the exam was quite nice. I got to the eye testing device and......did better than I did last exam 2 years ago. All those eye exercises paid off. I could read down to line 4 and some of line 5 WITHOUT my glasses. Now, WITH the glasses, I read line 7 with ease. I breathed a huge sigh.
Speaking of flying, Paul (from Wales) and I will join Paul (the Master Mechanic) to continue the installation of those 2 repaired Cylinders on our Little Donkey this morning. Been in touch with Barb (Rambo in the Blue Dress) and she needs lots of supplies. The big Village Generator is hanging on by a thread (radiator stop-leak) is holding only....if she runs the generator just a few hours a day to keep the inverter batteries charged.
On our next mission to Haiti, we'll go into town and begin the process of negotiating either the repair or the replacement of the Village Generator. I want to thank some of you for helping with this project. A dear friend of our mission just lost their father. They have asked, that in lieu of flowers, to send a donation to Reach Out To Haiti (Barb's mission). These funds will go toward the generator. If anyone reading this wants to help, simply push on the donate button on this blog and designate the gift for Barb's Generator. Or, you may give me a call at: 321-544-7757.
Time to head to the airport. God bless and as always, THANK YOU for your love, prayer and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 12, 2011 - Monday - 6:29am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS PARTY!
14 years ago, this Christmas, the Hurston Family began a weekly service at a Psychiatric Hospital, located in Orlando, that caters to young people in "trouble". Peter was only 6 months old and we carried him into that first service in a removable car seat that I affectionately dubbed, "the bucket". Now Peter is over 6 feet tall, plays multiple musical instruments and loves the Lord.
Peter, along with Juliet, Angelica and now Ariana, have been part of this ministry for most of their lives. Our adult children, Cherie and Christian have been with us many times over this long and priceless road. We have stopped counting long ago, the number of decisions that have been made for Christ or the number of Bibles that we have handed out. We simply show up each week with love for these young people (and staff) and share the Good News found in Jesus. Our Lord does the rest.
Alfred, Lisa and Alfred Jr., FAITHFUL Volunteers to Air Mobile, along with Paul and Jo & Baby Holly from Wales and of course, the Hurston Family did the wonder transformation. As the children streamed into the cafeteria, that they had just eaten in less than an hour before, they could hardly believe it was the same room. This very act spoke volumes of the love that we have for these young people. The place was packed!
I can't even begin to tell you how thankful Cindy and I are for this precious "Open Door" to share the Love of God with those that are "locked up and hurting". Over the years, our own children have learned so much about ministry through this outreach. The Hospital Administration has been simply wonderful over these last 14 years to allow us this amazing opportunity. We are indeed blessed!
At the end of our service, Cindy gave a very simple, beautiful invitation for "whosover" wanted to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Over 30 hands went up. The actual number is recorded in Heaven and we will leave that there. We are simply thankful to be used by Him!
Afterwards, we headed to a wonderful restaurant. Air Mobile traditionally pays for the meal for our Volunteers. Again, Alfred would not hear of it and insisted that he pay for this celebration meal. Wow, where would we be without volunteers who love the Lord so deeply? Again, Cindy and I are so thankful!
Well, it's that time of the morning. Time to get the kids going and get on with this day. We'll be working diligently on getting a certain "Little Donkey" back in the air to carry hope and help to those in deep need. As always, THANK YOU for your faithful love, support and prayer!
Air Mobile Joe
December 11, 2011 - Sunday - 8:13am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A BEAUTIFUL POND & A FISH NAMED JULIAN - A LITTLE DONKEY ALMOST READY TO FLY
It was the coldest night of the year. As the water splashed out, it became ice crystals and after 20 straight hours of grueling work, Michael began to hallucinate thinking that the ice was broken glass. Wow, as we look at the pond now, we have a greater appreciation of the love and dedication that so many came forward with and blessed our family. THANK YOU MICHAEL!
I can stand on our balcony and quietly look over the rail at the pond and "Julian" will come to the surface and look me right in the eye. We all love Julian and we're even more thankful to Michael for giving us his prize fish. Just another "Extreme Story" on our Extreme Make-Over! Michael, along with 3000 other volunteers built our Family the most incredible home in 106 hours!! Complete with pet fish and all!
After working on our precious "Little Donkey", I dashed home just in time to throw the football with Peter a bit. We also taught the other Paul, our dear friend from Wales, how to throw an "American Football". Then, I picked up my dear Cindy from work. We then all went out for a nice meal at Beef O'Brady's (kind of like an Irish Pub). Overall, we had a beautiful, productive day. Thank the Lord!
Well, it's that time to get ready for Church and then to the Hospital, where we, as Chaplains, will throw our Annual CHRISTMAS Party. Yes, notice, I called it exactly what it is: A CHRISTMAS PARTY! We are celebrating the birth of our SAVIOR! Time to wrap our little "rambling blog" today and get ready for this beautiful day that our Lord has made! As always, thank you for your love, prayer and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 10, 2011 - Saturday - 7:03am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
A RESCUER HEADED TO UGANDA / ANOTHER RESCUER FOR HAITI TODAY
Drop by drop, clean water is flowing through the remarkable Air Mobile Rescuer all over the world. Yesterday, we overnighted a Rescuer to Reverend Ben from Uganda. Today, a new friend from Florida Institute of Technology, Roland will be picking up a Rescuer at our Village in Haiti. Thank the Lord!
A week and a half ago, I spoke at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) at the invitation of Winston Scott (Former Astronaut & Dean of the School of Aeronautics). There I met another Professor, Roland. We discussed how the Rescuer could be of benefit to an orphanage in Bon Repos, Haiti. Well......it just so happens that is where Ruuska Village and the Famous, Barbara (Rambo in the Blue Dress) and the Air Mobile Rescuer Refurbishment Center are located.
Of course, we could do something and we did! Today, Roland will be in Haiti and will travel to Barb's Village and pick up a Rescuer and get training from the "best Rescuer Trainer" on the planet. Yes, Barb does a better job than yours truly (better known as Air Mobile Joe).
So, in just a few hours, another Rescuer will be purifying very contaminated water and blessing another orphanage in Haiti. Folks, I LOVE MY JOB!
Our faithful mechanic, Paul, worked on those freshly repaired Cylinders and will be working on them today. Meanwhile, the other Paul, from Wales, and I will be heading up to the hangar to see if we can be of assistance. We hope to have a certain "Little Donkey" back in the air very soon.
My dear Cindy has already headed to work at the Juvenile Detention Center this morning. She'll be working with troubled teenagers. It's time to get on with this day (that our Lord has made). Let's see what HE does! Sure do appreciate you and your prayer, love and support!! God Bless!
Air Mobile Joe
December 9, 2011 - Friday - 6:35am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
2 BEAUTIFUL CYLINDERS (RESCUED) - VERY GOOD COUNSEL - OLD FRIENDS FROM WALES (GREAT BRITAIN)
Also, we have such good maintenance support. We "caught" a problem before it became a serious problem and repaired it quite economically and safely, thus rescuing those cylinders from the "scrap heap". I love it!
We'll continue the installation process today. After delivering the cylinders to the hangar, I dashed back to our home base to meet with Emily of Rollins. Now, some of you may recall, one of the many "Extreme Blessings" that the Hurston Family received included very quality and in-depth consulting for Air Mobile Ministries.
At the end of final session, Emily presented an Operational Handbook that is chocked full of nuggets of good counsel and excellent strategies. As the Bible says, "In the multitude of Counsel, there is wisdom". Again, we are so blessed. Air Mobile has been given a great gift. We are so thankful!!
Time to get those cylinders on that Little Donkey. As always, I so appreciate your faithful love, prayer and support! God Bless!!
Air Mobile Joe
December 8, 2011 - Thursday - 6:44am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
STEADY PREPARATIONS - GOOD MONITORING
We should be re-installing the cylinders today and get that Little Donkey back into the air. I always feel a bit "unprepared" when maintenance has Ti Burik "grounded". That feeling will soon pass. However....I would like to mention that we have a number of friends who own aircraft and we know, if the need arises, we can usually launch a plane or two in very quick fashion. Again, thank God for good friends!
Cindy has already headed out the door to work (she is working with young people in trouble). Again, we are so blessed that our Lord put her into this position. A number of the young people that go through the Juvenile Detention Center (where Cindy is the nurse), end up at the hospital where we are chaplains. Surely, our Lord knows how to deploy His troops!
Time for me to get the kids up and to school. Will be "hanging" those Cylinders back on the Ti Burik today. Thank the Lord for this beautiful (but chilly - down to 42 this morning here in sunny Florida) day. This is the "day that the Lord has made, let us REJOICE and be glad in it"! As always, THANK YOU for your love, prayer and support!
Air Mobile Joe
December 7, 2011 - Wednesday - 6:43am (Eastern U.S. Time) - Cocoa, FL - Air Mobile "Home" Camp - prepared by Air Mobile Joe
REMEMBER: PEARL HARBOR
70 Years ago, today, the world was shaken by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The number of Veterans who were there is shrinking every day. May we simply take a moment and remember the event that led the U.S. into a war that took so many lives.
We're making good progress on getting our Little Donkey back in the air. The cylinders should be repaired today. Please remember to pray about Barb getting the main generator repaired (or replaced) in the village. This is so important for so many reasons. If you would like to help with this vital project, give me a call and I'll tell you how you can help. My cell is: 321-544-7757.
It's time to head out and face the day's challenges and seize the opportunities. May our Lord use us for His glory today. Oh yes, and please take a moment and remember to pray for all of our troops worldwide. As always, THANK YOU for your prayer, love and support! God Bless!!
Air Mobile Joe