5-5-17 Friday 6:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
A STORMY RIDE HOME...&...."ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!"
Finally arrived home in the midst of intense storms. Used my Air Navigation (Fore Flight) to work around the worst storms. The little airplane is actually my Ford Escape. Cool tool.
Several months ago, I agreed to Introduce my dear friend and colleague, Colonel Dick Stoops of Remote Area Medical (RAM).
Dick is an Endeavor Awardee and the event will take place in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, so....I'll be boarding a flight for LAX in just a few hours.
Dick has a lifetime of serving others and I'm so glad that he is being recognized for his incredible skill, bravery & service!
Dick made HEROIC air drops out of Cessna 206 in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew (dropped over 55,000 meals to the hungry!)
I just got home....and am "On the Road Again"! I PRAISE GOD for my Cindy who understands the intense, busy schedule and helps me pack my bags between missions.
I LOVE YOU CINDY!!
So, it is time head to the airport to get a quick update on the Little Donkey and pack my bags and fly to LA!
As always, THANK YOU for your precious love, prayer and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
5-4-17 Thursday 7:27 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Florence, SC - Air Mobile "On the Road" - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
MEETING AIRSERV & "THE LAST LEG" HOME
Had a wonderful meeting with Bill of AirServ in Warrenton, VA. AirServ is CURRENTLY flying in South Sudan. Our meeting was very insightful and productive.
Was able to show Bill the Air Mobile Rescuer for planning purposes. Look forward to working closely with AirServ in the future.
While in the parking lot of the hotel, heard from the U.S. State Department. Again, gained a LOT of VALUABLE information regarding the conditions in South Sudan. The main counsel is...."BE CAREFUL"!
Then, it was back on the road for home! Got about half way there and finally "ran out of gas" (not literally) in Florence, SC and had a lovely evening in a nice hotel.
You know, often, in a hotel, while I'm in a comfortable bed with soft pillows, I think of the "Refugees" who have walked countless miles with little or no food or water and often "fleeing" for their lives.
First of all, I'm THANKFUL for all of the blessings that we have and then, my heart breaks for the "MILLIONS" around the world who are on the brink of death.
YES, we must do something. Even if it seems like a "Drop in the Bucket". If you're at the bottom of the bucket, you're THANKFUL that someone is at least putting in drops!
TOGETHER, we can make a difference! THANK YOU for joining me on this journey! We so APPRECIATE your precious prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
5-3-17 Wednesday 6:44 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Warrenton, VA - Air Mobile "On the Road" - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
THE UGLY FACE OF CHOLERA!!
Cholera spreads like wildfire and kills rapidly! The outbreak has begun in refugee camps in South Sudan. Once this fire is lit, it's very, very difficult to put it out. The #1 need is CLEAN WATER!!
Once again, please forgive me for sharing these images, but here's what is happening throughout South Sudan refugee camps right now as I type and as you read this blog - WARNING: THE IMAGES ARE DISTURBING
I, personally have experience with Cholera and actually contracted the deadly disease. It nearly killed me.
This is a dreadful situation and we're accelerating our time-line to get to South Sudan to bring in LIFE-SAVING CLEAN WATER!
Yesterday, I visited an amazing organization, Dynamic Aviation located in Bridgewater, VA. I was met by a team of professionals who have tremendous experience flying in this region of the world.
I'm THANKFUL for the information I obtained and look forward to working with this great organization in the future! They are operating multiple aircraft around the world, and have a huge fleet of King-Airs, a great aircraft!
After visiting Dynamic Aviation, it was back on the road to Warranton, VA. Here, I will be meeting with AirServ, an amazing Humanitarian aviation organization.
AirServ is currently serving in South Sudan. We will be discussing our upcoming mission and the possibility of their flying us into hard hit regions of South Sudan.
Again....as per Solomon "In the multitude of counsel, there is safety!!
Time to fill up my coffee thermos and head over to AirServ to plan our strategy.
Then, it'll be "One the Road Again" (makes me think of Willy Nelson) for the long drive back to Florida.
And...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
5-2-17 Tuesday 6:54 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
"ON THE ROAD....AGAIN" & A VERY DISTURBING REPORT
Time to leave the sweet cabin in the mountains of East TN. On the way home, will be visiting several Aviation Organizations that operate in Sudan / South Sudan.
There is much information yet to be gained...before we launch our mission to that region of the world.
Here is a story on the conditions there and I WARN YOU, there are disturbing images and stories -
Caught in the middle of this cruel, evil and insane killing are innocent men, women and children. We must do something to help!
It's time for me to pack up and head out of this beautiful and tranquil place. The contrast of what is going on in South Sudan breaks my heart and I know it breaks the heart of Jesus!
I'm reminded of the Words of Jesus to His Disciples...
"When you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto Me"
THANK YOU, as always, for your precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
5-1-17 Monday 7:27 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
CONTACT....
After the extremely productive meetings with Remote Area Medical (R.A.M.) and a host of experienced pilots, we're moving closer and closer to launching multiple "Missions" to South Sudan.
This week will be dedicated to making many, many more contacts. May even make a run to Washington DC, where we hope to find out more critical details on South Sudan. We may even find some much needed financial support...we'll see!
The more we research this upcoming mission, the more we realize that it is by far the most complicated and possibly the most dangerous mission we've ever launched.
That is the reason I ask for your PRAYER as never before!
Will be at the cabin for a few more days. What a lovely and peaceful place to PLAN & PRAY!!
I'm so THANKFUL for my precious Cindy, who has taken care of so many Air Mobile details & "Keeping the Home Fires Burning"!
I LOVE YOU, CINDY!!
And...tomorrow is our Ariana's 12th Birthday! I won't be there is person, but will be there "Face Time".
HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, ARI!!
It's time to make "a hundred phone calls"! Have many more contacts to make. As always, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-30-17 Sunday 7:19 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
A LITTLE BLESSING FOR DAVE
You may recall, several weeks ago, Dave Walen "dropped" everything and joined us in Peru for a critical delivery of clean water (10 Air Mobile Rescuers) in the midst of devastating flooding.
Well, I believe our Lord gave Dave a little blessing for his amazing service..
He bought a beautiful 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 (with a 390 V-8) for...shall we say, "A fair price".
Yesterday, Dave drove over from Wilmington, NC and picked up his "Prize".
You never know what you'll find here in the "Mountains of East Tennessee"!
I finally got a day off from the "intense" planning for our upcoming South Sudan Mission.
Just puttered around my tool shed and mowed a couple of acres around the cabin. Nice way to spend a restful day.
Today, will be back at it. Will be doing a lot of research and planning. May even make a trip to Washington, DC early next week.
The plan would be to meet with USAID (U.S. Foreign Relief Arm) and the U.S. State Department to get more critical information on the conditions in South Sudan and the possibility of conducting effective relief flights into there. The entire region is extremely volatile and dangerous.
Literally, hundreds of thousands of lives hang in the balance. The need for clean water and food is absolutely critical! And the situation there is getting worse by the day.
When you add the brutal civil war into the mix....it's almost unimaginable.
So, we're going to do what we can do....with the help of our Lord!!
Time for that 2nd cup of Java and burning up the keys on this computer finding out more about South Sudan and what and how we can help there.
As I say every single day, and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-29-17 Saturday 7:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
HE-BREWS
OK, this is one of my favorite jokes...."Did you know that coffee is spoken of in the Bible?" HE-BREWS! I still chuckle...
While here at the cabin, and in the midst of multiple meetings, and a myriad of chores, I've been listening to and studying the wonderful Book of Hebrews.
And, it seems when I'm pondering this glorious Book, I often sip a cup of coffee. Mmmm, the two go together very well. Coffee is truly a "Gift from God".
I was blessed to have Ron (an awesome Pilot) and his Dad, Don with me here at the cabin for extended meetings regarding the possible upcoming "Mission to South Sudan".
Not only does Ron have a lot experience flying in this terribly troubled region of the world, he knows other pilots who have similar experience. It's good to have such information before "launching" there!
I was hoping to do some work on my next book, but....the South Sudan famine has occupied most of my time up here.
And, there are always chores and things to fix and maintain, like this classic old Gravely Tiller. Need to get it ready for a spring garden.
I guess there are always "Missions" and "Chores". The Book of Hebrews urges us to enter into His Rest.
Maybe, I'll just rest a bit on this beautiful Saturday in the Mountains of East Tennessee.
THANK YOU, as always, for your precious and invaluable and truly appreciated prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-28-17 Friday 6:39 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
SOUTH SUDAN....GETTING WORSE AS AID WORKERS PULL OUT
The "Powder Keg" is about to blow in South Sudan as cholera looms and relief workers are pulling out. Clean water is desperately needed!
"The quantity of water is not enough to survive in this environment," he told a news briefing via Skype from Juba.
"With so many people squeezed in one place, the risk of an outbreak of cholera is extremely high. It puts the exhausted population at highest risk of death."
Yesterday, we had another "Emergency" Meeting at the Remote Area Medical (R.A.M.) Headquarters.
We met with several pilots who have deep current experience flying in this region.
A plan is developing to bring a limited number of Air Mobile Rescuer water purifiers into the area and help with the desperate need for clean water.
Cholera is raising it's ugly head and will spread like wild fire. We must do something and do it quickly.
Can't begin to tell you how valuable the information we exchanged and received yesterday was for our mission.
There are many details that I cannot share here on this blog, but will be most helpful as we navigate these dangerous waters.
Today, we'll be in more meetings as our plans are firming up. I know I say this every day, but I so mean it with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-27-17 Thursday 6:18 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
PRAYER...."STRIKING THE WINNING BLOW" & EXPERIENCED PILOTS
We are told to..."Pray without ceasing" in I Thessalonians 5:17 and with good reason. In this world, there are many twists and turns.
Our Lord desires to lead us and guide us and PRAYER is the avenue to His will!
Spent the afternoon / evening with dear friends, Richard and Teresa. These folks know how to PRAY!
I was able, over a lovely dinner, to lay out the details, as we know them, regarding our potential upcoming mission to South Sudan.
It is so good to objectively look at all of the signs pointing to this area of the world where the suffering is so great.
A wise man once wrote....Prayer is striking the winning blow....service is gathering up the results. Prayer is so vital in our lives. If we really knew what happens when we pray....we'd pray more!
In addition to PRAYER, we need clear direction and good "intelligence" about what is going on in South Sudan. Again, our Lord is good in giving us "experienced" pilots who know the region!
This afternoon, will be meeting with one pilot who has spent years working in that "neck of the woods".
Our good friend, Stan Brock of Remote Areas Medical, will be joining us as we meet with Ron, the Pilot. Stan will be joined with John who also has spent years flying in that region.
We'll be going over many details regarding the best ways to operate there. In the Multitude of Counsel, there is Wisdom and Safety!
So, it's time to get on with this day that our Lord has made. As always, THANK YOU for your vital prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-26-17 Wednesday 6:44 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
CLEARED FOR TAKE-OFF & LOOKING AT SOUTH SUDAN....THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE FOR AID/RELIEF WORKERS
Finally....the weather cleared and our good friend and "Premier Water Mule", Dave made it home. For 3 days storms blocked his path.
We arrived at the airport where Dave pre-flighted his grand old Twin Bonanza (AKA - "T-Bone).
Then, for the first time, armed with his brand new I-Pad with all of his enroute charts and approaches loaded and ready, Dave boarded the T-Bone.
It's a "Brave New World", Dave!
He then roared down the runway here in TN and made it back to his home base in Wilmington, NC.
Can't begin to tell you how THANKFUL we are for Volunteers like Dave!
While Dave was "weathered in" here in TN, we had a lot of time to both flight plan different routes to South Sudan as well as research the situation there. It is truly the most dangerous place in the world for Aid / Relief Workers.
We're coordinating very closely with "Remote Area Medical" (RAM) and "Deliver the Difference" (DTD) as we look toward launching relief missions into South Sudan.
We truly need clear GUIDANCE from our Lord as to how to proceed. So, again, we ask you to join together with us in PRAYER for both DIRECTION & FUNDING for this mission!!
Time is of the essence in this tragic situation, as 1 MILLION are on the brink of starvation...as I type this blog.
This evening, I'll be having dinner with our dear friends and PRAYER PARTNERS, Richard and Teresa Suarez. We'll be PRAYING together regarding this tragic situation.
So, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-25-17 Tuesday 7:14 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
ON A RAINY DAY......
While waiting for a path to clear, Dave and I took on a project. Put together a cool work bench in my little workshop.
Began with a box of parts and a LOT of screws. And....there was not a single extra screw in the box!!
Dave led the way by reading the instructions with a magnifying glass. I did the majority of the assembling under Dave's directions.
I just took a glimpse or two at the instructions and turned it right back over to Dave....who was doing a good job.
After about 3 hours of solid work.....out came a pretty little workbench in my tool shop....while waiting for multiple lines of thunderstorms to clear out.
Throughout the day...we checked the weather on Dave's brand new I-Pad. What an amazing tool!!
But...the weather stayed right in place, giving us ample time to assemble the workbench. A nice way to spend a rainy day in the mountains of East Tennessee!
Things are looking better today and there's a chance that Dave just may be able to fly his beautiful old Twin Bonanza back to his home in Wilmington, NC. Been great having this time with Dave!!
BTW, later this week, another pilot, Ron, will be coming to the Cabin. Ron has spent years flying in the Sudan / South Sudan region as a Relief Pilot.
He's got a lot of vital information to share regarding our plans to fly in that region...."In the Multitude of Counsel, there is safety"!!
Oh....and the new workbench is a wonderful location to both demonstrate the Air Mobile Rescuer and service the unit. Glad we made that workbench!
So, as I say every single day, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-24-17 Monday 7:07 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
4 DAYS OF RAIN....& A NEW I-PAD
Up in this neck of the woods, the whole region has been dry and lakes have been down. Well, that has been changing by the hour. We've had solid rain for over 4 days.
Dave has been here and "waiting" out the weather. So....it was time for him to move into the 21st Century and buy the latest greatest I-Pad and put Garmin Pilot and Fore Flight on it.
WOW! What amazing tools to help pilots navigate and....avoid bad weather!! We definitely took advantage of the bad weather and researched the best deal. There's no going back!
Take a look at what Dave is facing today. There are solid lines of thunderstorms between here and Dave's base in Wilmington.
We're of the generation that depended upon "Paper Charts" and "Approach Plates". The problem is....you can't buy them anymore or you have to put on a full-on "search party" to find them.
Dave may or may not launch for home today. We'll see if a little corridor opens up for him to shoot home.
If he stays, we'll work on some projects around the cabin. So....here we sit and wait. Enjoying the fellowship with my brother Dave.
THANKS, as always for your prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-23-17 Sunday 6:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSEL.....
We met at a R.A.M. (Remote Area Medical) event yesterday in a suburb Knoxville.
It was good to see R.A.M. in "action" as 450+ folks received vital medical care FREE! We love what R.A.M. does!
Meanwhile, we met in the "Wrestling Room" of the Heritage High School.
Our group consisted of multiple pilots who have flown in the Sudan / South Sudan theater and had invaluable information on the conditions.
We also had "Food" experts in Deliver the Difference. Each of us brought pieces to the table.
As we all laid out our experiences and capabilities, it was amazing the amount information that was exchanged between us!
We were joined by Dennis Strege of "Master Flight". Dennis is developing a Drone that could actually fly an Air Mobile Rescuer to location and deliver it safely without putting crew members in harms way.
Our meeting lasted over 5 hours and we all walked away CLOSER to launching our "Mission to South Sudan!!"
We still have many details to work out. Dave and I returned to the cabin and began "Flight Planning" the route to Africa.
This will be, without a doubt, the most complicated and dangerous mission we have ever attempted. Yes, IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSEL, THERE IS SAFETY!
Furthermore, our Lord WANTS to give us HIS wisdom.
Oh, Lord, please guide us each step of the way!!
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
4-22-17 Saturday 5:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
A "GATHERING"
It was a joy to see our dear friends and co-laborers in the Lord, Bob and Mairi Bostic of "Deliver the Difference". They drove up to the cabin to join us on a planning mission to explore reaching into South Sudan.
We were joined by a great "Water Mule", Dave Walen. Dave flew his Twin Bonanza (T-Bone) into our neighboring airport yesterday afternoon.
Dave squeezed that old "T-Bone" into here just before a wicked storm hit. Perfect timing.
Upon arrival at the cabin, I fixed dinner for our special guests. We spent the evening discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Today, we'll be driving to Knoxville to link up with Stan Brock of R.A.M. (Remote Area Medical).
We're "Gathering" our resources and talents to explore launching a "Mission to South Sudan". The needs there are desperate and literally "millions" of lives hang in the balance from massive starvation.
It would be quite difficult for us to "individually" go to South Sudan. We believe that by joining together we can accomplish so much more.
Deliver the Difference specializes in food. Air Mobile in clean water. Stan and R.A.M. in medical. Thus our meeting today to lay the foundation for this outreach.
BTW, the storm that Dave "dodged" yesterday when he flew in has been raging all night and will be with us throughout the day. Again, his timing was perfect.
Time to hit the road for Knoxville. As always, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-21-17 Friday 7:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
SOLAR PANELS & A NEW BIBLE
When Harbor Freight runs a sale on Solar Panels, I usually buy them. We now have 15 panels ready for action if....we lose power....as long as the sun is shining. It's a balancing act to keep us in power when there is none.
Things were getting a little crowded in my little workshop. We've added another secure storage area allowing me to spread out a little.
You may recall, around Christmas, we found another White Lawn Tractor at our airport in Titusville, FL. It was "abandoned".
The airport authority "donated" it to Air Mobile and we quickly refurbished it and got it up to the Tennessee Retreat Cabin. "One mans junk is another mans treasure"!
OK, I'll admit it...I do have a lot of fun puttering around the cabin on the little lawn tractors!
It's also nice to be "Preparing" for hard times. One never knows when the "electricity could be suddenly turned off".
And, it was time to replace my old beat up Bible. Found a Life Way Christian Bookstore and bought a brand new NKJV (New King James Version) Bible.
It's a bit larger than my trusty old Bible but....the print is a bit larger. "Just goes with the territory..of age"!
Today, I'm expecting our dear friends, Bob and Mairi Bostic of Deliver the Difference. Also, Dave Walen will be flying his grand old T-Bone (Twin Bonanza) here.
We'll be in meetings with Remote Area Medical (RAM) and Stan Brock regarding the possibility of an outreach to South Sudan.
PLEASE pray with us that we hear the voice of our Lord regarding this mission. Many, many lives are in dire peril and we believe that we can do something to help some. We can bring them food, water and the love of God!!
Time to get the Little Cabin ready for guests. As always, THANK YOU for your precious and vital prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-20-17 Thursday 6:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
A CABIN & THE BIBLE
Faith comes by hearing...and hearing by the Word of God!
One of the great gifts of coming up to the "Retreat Cabin" here in the Smokey Mountains of East TN is the solitude and quiet and peace.
Often, in the course of life, things come at you rather rapidly and it's not easy to get quiet and alone to "Hear" what our Lord is saying.
It is up here, at the cabin, that I'm learning to Hear Him more clearly.....particularly when in the midst of the battle....as we often find ourselves.
I'm reminded of Elijah, who in the midst of powerful winds and earthquakes and fire....heard the "Still small voice of God". Oh Lord, teach me!
So, as I listen to the Word of God (I love "You Version" for "hearing" the Word), my prayer is that our Lord will continue to change me into what He wants me to be!
My personal Bible is an old "beat up" one that has been with me around the world many times. It's literally been in the hands of kidnappers and returned to me. Well, it's time to replace that trusty old "Sword" with a new one.
I hope to find a good Christian Bookstore and buy one while on this little retreat. I'll always keep my old Sword, but it's time to get a new one.
Besides, just having the Bible on your "Smart Phone" can be a little dicey...if the phone fails. Mmmm, always good to have a hard copy in hand!
Well, it's time to do some more chores around the cabin today. I'm working on setting up a "proper" work shop. Have expanded a storage room in the old barn. This will allow more room for my work shop. Yes, I love spending time up here at the cabin.
I'm THANKFUL for my loving wife who sees when it's time for me to have a little retreat and get away. THANK YOU, CINDY!!
And, I'm also particularly THANKFUL to have you, who meander down this winding Blog road, along with me on this journey. THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-19-17 Wednesday 7:45 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - In the Mountains of East TN - Air Mobile Retreat Cabin - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
AHHHH...AT THE CABIN
Pulled up to the cabin yesterday afternoon. Oh, it's good to be here.
What a wonderful place to sort out missions and just hear from our Lord. It's so peaceful and quiet up here and....my cell phone doesn't work here at the cabin.
So, if you need to get in touch with me, shoot me an e-mail at: airmobilejoe@gmail.com.
Still can't over the view from the front porch. Sure do love this valley.
Along the road here, stopped in to see my good friend, Norman Earl. Norman has a great cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina.
He's flown and brokered just about every kind of aircraft there is. Now, I've known Norman for years, but did not know that he's from Baton Rouge. We grew up close to each other. Small world!
He's a treasure cove of knowledge. We discussed the need for a cargo plane for South Sudan. "In the multitude of counsel, there is wisdom"!
We'll be meeting with Stan Brock and his team this weekend to discuss the South Sudan mission further.
In the meantime, have some chores to do around the cabin. So best get on with this day and will be listening for directions from our Lord as to how to approach this vital mission.
I so appreciate your prayer, love and support!! THANK YOU!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-18-17 Tuesday 7:47 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Hendersonville, NC - Air Mobile Home "On the Road" - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
CHEAP GAS!
I love a long "road trip" all alone. We have such a beautiful country. Left warm and flat Florida on I-95 and eased up I-26 and came to the majestic Blue Ridge mountains.
Hard to believe that gas is UNDER $2.00 a gallon!
Cindy fixed me a nice goody bag of snacks including boiled eggs, home-made cinnamon rolls (mmmm) and Easter candy. My little wheels on the red Ford Escape just kept rolling.
Began to get a little "drowsy" after 10 hours and pulled into a Quality Inn in Flat Rock, NC, just south of Asheville. Nice place.
I think about a lot of things when I'm driving. One thing is the nice roads we have in America. No monster pot holes, or military (or thug) check points or a thousand other things that can hurt you or kill you.
When you get tired, pull off on almost any exit and there's a nice, clean hotel. Yes, we're BLESSED in America. It's nice to acknowledge these things and THANK GOD for them.
In many, many places around the world, it's simply not like this!! I see a lot of folks, including young ones who think America is so evil and bad. I'd like to bring some on an Air Mobile Mission and let them see "just how bad we have it in America"!!
Over the years, I've brought a lot of folks with me. Almost always, when we return to America, they either "kiss the ground" or think about kissing the ground. Folks. we do have it good here!!
OK, OK, enough rant about the blessings on America. It's time for me to get on the road and finish this trek to the retreat cabin in the Mountains of East Tennessee.
As always, THANK YOU for joining me on the meandering journey through life. So appreciate your precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-17-17 Monday 5:24 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
TENNESSEE BOUND....
As we move forward in planning an outreach into South Sudan, we can see that there are huge challenges. This tragic story is unfolding as I type this blog.
Stan Brock of Remote Area Medical (RAM) has shared our concern for this region that is devastated by war, famine and untold cruelty and insanity.
Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, are in dire jeopardy and we feel as if we MUST do something to help.
This morning, I'm going to drive up to Tennessee to spend a couple of days in meetings with Stan and his crew to discuss and plan a possible outreach into South Sudan.
While up there, I'll head over to the Air Mobile Retreat cabin and spend a couple of quite days. May even work on that "long over-due" book.
Time to fill my coffee thermos and hit the road for Tennessee. 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
4-16-17 Sunday 5:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
HE IS RISEN!!!
Jesus: "I am come that they may have life and life abundantly"!! Because our Savior is alive, we can have eternal life with Him in Heaven. (John 10:10)
And....He gives us abundant life here on this earth. Now, THAT'S GOOD NEWS... INDEED!!
Oh, Folks, never has the world needed Jesus as we need Him today. That is the message we bring.
There is so much suffering and death in this world. This is NOT the way our Lord wants it to be. He has come to bring life and love to this world. We need but CHOOSE HIM!!
It is written...."Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved".
We cannot work or earn our way into Heaven. Eternal Life comes to us through faith in Him. He has paid the price in full for all of our sins. We need but call upon Him and believe in Him!!
May you be extremely blessed on this glorious Easter Morning!!
Yesterday, we were blessed to have a visit from Barbara and Astrid (from Germany). It's always good to see Barb!
Astrid brought 2 of her 4 children whom she adopted from Barb. It was fun watching her Anna and Christopher play with our Ari.
Can't begin to tell you how THANKFUL we are for Barb's faithful mission of rescuing children!!
Up early on this beautiful Easter morning getting ready for service at our home church, Redeemer. Then, we'll head to the Hospital in Orlando to bring the Good News of Jesus to the patients. What a privilege!!
As always, we're so THANKFUL for your precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-15-17 Saturday 7:10 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
THE DAY BEFORE EASTER....STORM CLOUDS BREWING
North Korea conducted it's annual "Day of the Sun" military parade. Though, there was much fan-fare, NO nuclear tests were conducted. THANK GOD!
That could have triggered a retaliation igniting full-fledged war.
In the midst of all of this tension, Cindy, Ari and I took a ride across the state and visited the famous (Dolphin Tail Movie) Clear Water Marine Aquarium. Oh, what a wonderful day.
After we returned home, we watched "Dolphin Tail 2". We were just there and recognized so many scenes. Ariana really got close (not really) to "Winter" the dolphin that lost her tail.
Sometimes, it's best to just go out and enjoy yourself and PRAY for this old world that is teetering on the edge of war. That is exactly what we did.
So, today we're getting ready for our big Easter Service at the Hospital tomorrow. It's good to be home!!
PLEASE PRAY TODAY for peace to prevail in North Korea. Many, many lives are on the line and we need Jesus!!
We pray that you have a blessed Easter and we can certainly REJOICE because Jesus did rise from the grave VICTORIOUS -BREAKING THE CHAINS OF SIN AND DEATH!!!
THANK YOU, as always, for your prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-14-17 Friday 6:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
NORTH KOREA SHOWDOWN
This "Easter Weekend" could prove deadly. The tensions are very high between the U.S. and North Korea.
We're keeping a close eye on the events and above all, PRAYING that this situation does not EXPLODE!
We're planning a quiet Easter Weekend. It's a time to reflect on what our Lord Jesus did for us all. What the world needs is....JESUS!
For God so loved that world....
May you be blessed. THANK YOU for your prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-13-17 Thursday 5:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
KNOCKING....
Now, here's another angle on this Scripture (Revelation 3:20). Someone (the Lord) seems to be knocking on my door and urging me to look very carefully at South Sudan. So, that is what I'm doing.
And....there are others that seem to be getting the same message.
Have been up early checking airports in South Sudan and Uganda. Need runway lengths, fuel availability, services provided, etc. etc.
Have spoken with pilots who have already flown there. There are a LOT of challenges, that's for sure.
At any rate, we'll not be departing tomorrow...as so many "Pieces" must come together.
Meanwhile, the dreadful drought and potential catastrophic famine keep moving forward. We're PRAYING that this coming "Rainy Season" will be generous and the simple rainfall will put out the fire of the famine/drought.
However, there are other factors that make this whole situation so volatile. There is a full blown Civil War taking place making it nearly impossible for the South Sudanese to feed themselves.
I would also like to point out that Air Mobile does not have funding for a cargo plane, however....a number of other organizations, along with Air Mobile could possibly secure an appropriate Cargo plane for the mission.
That is why I've been "kicking the tires" on such aircraft. Yesterday, I saw a couple of CASA 212's that could possibly be the right aircraft for the South Sudan mission. We continue to "Seek" the right one(s).
Today, the search goes on and above all, we're PRAYING for our Lord's direction in this matter.
As I say every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-12-17 Wednesday 7:11 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
PUZZLE PIECES....COMING TOGETHER
There are a lot of "puzzle" pieces that must come together for us to launch a "mission" to South Sudan, and piece by piece they are coming together.
We still have a long way to go but....we have begun the journey to South Sudan.
This may sound quite simple at this point, but we're PRAYING for rain to fall and stop this terrible drought that has been lit and may soon kill "millions"!
The Scripture...."I was hungry, I was thirsty...." comes to me. This situation touches the heart of God and in turn, our hearts are being touched to "do something".
We know that we can help with clean water and we have friends who can help with food and others with larger aircraft and a lot of combined skills.
Individually, this would be a very daunting mission, but....together, with God's help and direction, we can make it happen!!
Today, I'll be back down to the Melbourne, FL airport looking at another potential cargo aircraft, a CASA 212.
This aircraft is a bit smaller than the CASA 235 (that I looked at several days ago) but it is in much better condition and almost....ready to go.
Again, we have a LONG JOURNEY ahead of us and many steps will need to be taken. Today, we'll make another step!!
As I say every single day and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for joining together with us with your precious prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-11-17 Tuesday 7:17 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
A LONG SHOT....
Jesus tells us in Mark 14, "The poor (and needy) you will always have with you..."
The question that Cindy and I constantly ask ourselves is..."Where do you want us to go, Lord?". There are so many regions around the world where hunger and thirst are rampant.
Now, for us, South Sudan is a long shot and there are many new logistical obstacles to overcome, but we feel as if we must research this and possibly go there.
The remarkable thing is, we're not alone. Our good friend, Stan Brock, founder of Remote Area Medical (RAM) shares our concern for South Sudan. We have others that are coming forward with the same feeling that we should go there.
Yesterday, I drove down to Melbourne to look at a couple of Cargo planes that could possibly serve extremely well in South Sudan. The CASA 235 is a remarkable aircraft.
Again, this is a long shot, but at least we've begun in earnest researching what would be required to bring food and clean water to this region.
Now, I'm not saying that we're going to South Sudan...tomorrow. But, we are definitely praying about this, as too many are dying from hunger and the lack of clean water...as I type this blog.
PLEASE join together with us and PRAY for our Lord to lead us and guide us to go exactly where He wants us to go!!
Earlier, before driving down to Melbourne to the see the CASA's, I met with Gary. Gary has been unbelievably faithful in finding baby food, formula, clothes, medical supplies and so much more. THANK YOU, GARY!!
And....while writing this blog, our good friend, Bob Bostic of "Deliver the Difference" phoned...about South Sudan!
Yes, we will set our hearts together and PRAY seriously about what our Lord wants us to do.
THANK YOU for your invaluable and precious prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-10-17 Monday 7:07 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
WAR DRUMS & THANK YOU!!
There is no question that tensions around the world are increasing at an alarming rate. These are perilous and dangerous waters!
Since the Syrian airstrike and now the movement of warships toward the Korean Peninsula, America is certainly making a statement.
These are very serious & explosive issues. Again, let's PRAY for leaders around the world to have God's wisdom.
I want to thank you all for praying for me yesterday. That nasty cough has subsided and my strength is returning. THANK YOU!!
Our UBC Team met in Orlando and we were able to bring the GOOD NEWS of Jesus into that hospital.
We're thankful to the Alexander family for joining us, along with Savanna. Where would we be without volunteers?!!
Today, I'll be researching another possible mission for Air Mobile: Bringing clean water to South Sudan. Now, this is an extremely dangerous region of the world and the needs are staggering.
Again, we're praying for our Lord's wisdom and direction on this possible....next mission!!
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
4-9-17 Sunday 10:49 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
A BIT LATE....A WICKED COUGH
This is Palm Sunday, a day that surely led to our complete Salvation!
Thank you, Jesus for coming into this world and dying for our sins!
Sorry about posting this blog a bit later than usual. Last night was quite difficult for me and I only got a little sleep. Spent most of the night up with very bad cough.
I'm sure it will pass, but I'm definitely moving a bit slowly this morning. Will miss church at our home church, Redeemer. However, should have recovered sufficiently to conduct our weekly Chaplain service at the Hospital.
This last mission to Peru, though quite successful regarding getting clean water to the thirsty, did take a bit more than usual out of me. It's nothing more, that a little rest and above all, PRAYER, won't heal.
As always, THANK YOU for your truly appreciated Prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-8-17 Saturday 7:39 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
RESTING.....
Nothing special to report today. It was a day of rest and relaxation yesterday. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed how easy life can be in the U.S.
Need something? Go to Walmart, or order it from Amazon. Snap, just like that, it's here. Very few if any shortages of anything.
Want a good breakfast....go to Cracker Barrel. Mmmm!
I'm certainly not complaining. Usually, we're in some disaster or another. It's nice to be home, have an easy schedule and just chill out.
My Cindy has been up in Massachusetts spending some precious time with her Mom.
I have Ari and school is now out for Spring Break. We don't have anything special planned today. Just another day of rest and recharging. God is good!!
Oh, I may swing by the airport to see how Paul is doing. He'll be opening up the Little Donkey, doing a routine inspection following our 5000+ mile mission to Peru.
As always, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for our truly appreciated prayer, love and support!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-7-17 Friday 6:39 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
WAR DRUMS & CRUISE MISSILES
Wow! Woke up to the headlines.... First a chemical attack and then 59 U.S. Cruise Missiles level the suspected Air Base. Now, that is decisive action. LET US PRAY that this does not escalate into full-blown war!!
There is certainly a lot that I don't know about why this happened. But, what I do know is that our Lord tells us to PRAY for our Leaders to have wisdom. That I can do! PLEASE JOIN WITH ME!
Yesterday, I brought Dave to the airport where he got into his classic old beauty, the "T-Bone" and flew back to his home in Wilmington, NC.
Dave had dropped everything and flew (Commerically) to Peru with 10 more Air Mobile Rescuers. He was an invaluable "Water Mule" in helping to bring clean water to the thirsty in Peru. THANK YOU DAVID!!
In the "back ground" of the Air Mobile Rescuer is Yahn. He builds these amazing machines. Brian and Yahn discussed the need for 10 more Rescuers. Air Mobile and CBN will be ready for the next disaster.
So, it's time to get on with this day that our Lord has made! We'll rejoice and be glad in it.
As always, THANK YOU for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-6-17 Thursday 6:39 AM (U.S. Eastern Time) - Titusville, FL - Air Mobile Home Base - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
CROSSING A LOT OF OCEAN THEN....HOME AT LAST!!!
Up early in Panama. We're on our final legs to home. Have a lot more Ocean to cross. It's very important to squeeze in every last ounce of fuel.
This fuel system has a lot of "inter-connects" and must be constantly "burped" to get all of the air out of the lines. I trust NO ONE to fuel the Little Donkey.
All paperwork is finished. The Flight Plan has been filed and we're ready to go. The weather looks pretty good and winds will be favorable. We load and then PRAY!
Panama is a BUSY airport. ATC worked us in between to COPA 737's and we were off. Climbed to 14,000 and David had his breakfast...a broken granola bar.
This flight is a long stretch of open ocean. The Little Donkey did great and the weather and winds held favorably....maintained around 170 knots the whole way.
As we over flew Cuba (Had Authorization), I remembered the many flights that Air Mobile had made there in the 90's. Yes, it is time to return to Cuba!!
We had enough fuel to make it all the way to Marathon, FL in the Keys but....I had forgotten to file the important U.S. Arrival Report. I should have done it in Panama. Simply forgot.
So....we made a stop in the Cayman Islands. Picked up a little fuel, filed the Arrival Report and back in the air. U.S. Customs at Marathon agreed to wait for us.
We landed, cleared and THANKED the Customs Officer who waited. Then, we were off for the final leg to Titusville.
There was a "wicked" line of thunderstorms along our route home, but they were moving rapidly to the east. We skirted just on the west side of them. By the time we got to Titusville, they had just moved off the field.
We were tired and hungry. That little broken granola bar that Dave ate earlier didn't last long. We found a restaurant still open and sat down and enjoyed a meal on U.S. soil.
Yes, it's good to be home! What an amazing mission. We had many obstacles along the way, but our Lord was with us helped us to overcome each one. We learned a lot.
Thousands of folks in Peru will have clean water and...there's more to come. Time for that second cup of coffee. Need to help Dave and Brian get home. As always, THANK YOU for your invaluable and truly appreciated prayer, love and support!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-5-17 Wednesday 5:31 AM (Panama Time) - Panama City, Panama - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
HURRY UP & WAIT &.... REPAIR & FLY!!!
It was time to finish our "Mission to Peru". 20 Air Mobile Rescuers had been delivered and were in operation and bringing clean water to the thirsty.
Our CBN Peru Crew was well-trained and now had the tools to make a huge difference in a lot of lives. Praise God!
We had a lot of flying before us and needed to get "Cleared" and in the air for Guayaquil and then Panama.
We packed and headed to the airport bright & early to get an early start for this long day of flying.
We were greeted by our host, General Barak of the Peruvian Air Force (PAF). What a gracious gentleman and wonderful host.
We filed our Departure Flight Plan and found a few "glitches" in the paperwork and spent over an hour sorting all of that out.
Finally, we were cleared to GO! We took this "Happy..we're on way shot" and then....
As I attempted to start the rear engine on the Little Donkey....it wouldn't start.
Now, that has been an extremely reliable engine and usually starts after "3 blades". No start.
A team of PAF mechanics joined Dave, who is an excellent mechanic. Multiple efforts to start the engine failed.
Finally, Dave had the idea....the plugs were fouled and flooded after all of the times that we "sat, idling waiting for our clearances".
The PAF provided the tools and the contact cleaner. All 12 plugs were removed and....Dave was exactly right.
The plugs were a mess. We quickly cleaned them, re-installed and VOILA...after "3 Blades", the engine fired right up. THANKS DAVE & THE PAF!!
Oh, we were happy to be in the air, but the paper glitch and the fouled plugs cost us a solid 3 hours. We'd be doing a lot of late afternoon and night flying...in the tropics.
We saw the terrible ravages of the flooding everywhere as we left Peru. Those precious folks will certainly be in our prayers!
Our next leg in this long journey home would Guayaquil, Ecuador. There, we'd get fuel and Oxygen. We landed and the crew was waiting for us. Dave took a little snooze.
We had a quick turn-around and back in the air, but...our arrival time in Panama would be 9:00pm. That meant that there was the extreme possibility of wicked afternoon thunderstorms. WE PRAYED!
We took off and climbed to 14,000 and settled down to long flight to Panama. To our east....the towering Andes Mountains (20,000+') and to our west...a lot of ocean.
The Little Donkey trotted along and we could see multiple buildups but....again, our Lord made a way and made it to Panama right on schedule. THANK YOU, JESUS!!
Oh, we did capture a magnificent sunset. Usually, I see the Caribbean sunrise.
This morning, we're up early. Have a very, very long flight ahead. This one from Panama (MPTO) all the way to Marathon, FL (KMTH) in the Keys. That will be approximately 1000 nautical miles....a long haul for the Little Donkey!
Our route will take us right over Cuba. Yes, we did need to get Cuba Over-Flight permission.
Please remember to PRAY for us as we embark on this long leg toward our home. Our Lord has been so gracious to us each step of the way!
As always, THANK YOU for your FAITHFUL & PRECIOUS PRAYER, LOVE AND SUPPORT!!!
Air Mobile Joe
4-4-17 Tuesday 5:21 AM (Peru Time) - Piura, Peru - Air Mobile Relief Mission - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe
What a precious gift to bring. Our Lord Jesus urges us to bring CLEAN WATER to the THIRSTY. This very act demonstrates the love of God.
In just a few hours, the community got clean water.
This is the incredible flexibility we have with the multiple Rescuers. We can deploy 1 or 7 or 17 as the need arises.
The Peruvian CBN Team has been well trained and CLEAN WATER will flow long after we depart Peru.
BTW, I stayed back at the hotel for one more day. My strength is returning and....THANK YOU for your precious prayer!!
It's getting time to wrap up our "Mission to Peru". The Little Donkey has been fueled and it's time to file our Flight Plan.
We'll make a stop in Guayaquil, Ecuador on the way back to the U.S. It'll be good see Xavier, our Ecuador Water Team Leader.
So, it's time to fill the thermos and check out of the room. As always, THANK YOU for your precious and invaluable prayer, love and support!
This mission to Peru has been absolutely incredible. We've learned so much and will use the things we've learned to bring more clean water to more locations around the world. PRAISE GOD!!
