THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES - NOVEMBER 2024

11-20-24 Wednesday 7:07 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

FAREWELL MENENDEZ!

Bright and early this morning, Lisa, Alfred Jr. & April Menendez bid us farewell and hit the road for Michigan.  

We so enjoyed having them with us for a couple of days.

Our fellowship included a lot of laughter and memories and deep theological discussions, along with a few games of Pool, and just an overall sweetness & fun to their visit.

Meanwhile, Sam and Grace (who is enjoying her first visit to the U.S.) will be with us for several more days.  What a blessing to be able to host these two.

So, on this smokie, lovely mountains in East TN, we simply enjoy our wonderful retreat cabin with our dear friends.

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

Air Mobile Joe

11-19-24 Tuesday 7:34 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

A SWEET GATHERING...

Yesterday evening, I picked up Sam and Grace (from India) at the McGhee-Tyson (Knoxville) Airport.

BTW, Sam has traveled the world with Air Mobile bringing CLEAN WATER in the Name of Jesus.  It is Grace's first ever visit to the U.S.    

Meanwhile, Lisa, Alfred Jr. & April arrived at our Retreat Cabin from Florida.  

Cindy and I have ministered together with the Menendez family for 25+ years.  Yes, we truly love these guys!

Cindy prepared a lovely dinner and our "fellowship" of many years continued with love and laughter and joy and just plain old fun.  

So good having our dear friends with us for a few days.

And...THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love support!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-18-24 Monday 6:47 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

GUESTS FROM NEAR & AFAR....

Today, Cindy and I will host friends from India and Florida.  We can hardly wait.

Sam, from India and Grace, his sister will land at Knoxville Airport this evening. We love Sam and Grace, like our own "India Children".

Then, a bit later this evening, Lisa, April and Alfred Jr. Menendez,  will arrive from Florida.  

The Menendez family and the Hurston's have ministered together for many, many years.  WE LOVE THESE GUYS!! 

I'm so THANKFUL for this sweet "Retreat Cabin" that lends itself to wonderful hospitality for our friends from near and afar.

Suffice it to say, we'll have a blast with our dear friends for the next couple of days.

And...as I say, every single day, without exception, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

 

11-17-24 Sunday 6:05 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

THE FIRST NIP OF FROST....

It's a bit chilly this morning.  Our first touch of freezing this smokey fall morning.

Soon, we'll light that old wood stove and enjoy it like watching an old movie.

Cindy and I are getting ready for Church this morning.  We've missed our fellowship in the Little Mulberry Baptist Church, as we've been doing a lot of Air Mobile deployments around the world.

It's time to spend a little "Cabin" time and replenish and refresh.

Folks, I can't begin to tell you how BLESSED we are. Oh, it's just good to be home!

We so appreciate your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-16-24 Saturday 6:11 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

AN EYE FOR BEAUTY....

Recently, Cindy bought a Canon Rebel T-7 camera.  

We have so many lovely views here in the Mountains of East TN.  She thought it good to 'CAPTURE' some of the beauty.

Recently, Cindy made an Air Mobile Rescuer delivery run to Ashville.  She brought her 'Rebel T-7' with her and captured this lovely Fall Walk.

She surely does have "An eye for Beauty"!

I never cease to marvel at the extraordinary gifts endowed upon my sweet Cindy.  I am, indeed, a BLESSED man!

So, though there are always chores and work to be done here at our Cabin, there is a sweet 'JESUS-GIVEN REST'.  

My batteries are being charged and I'm enjoying this precious time here at our "Retreat Cabin".

I truly appreciate your invaluable prayer, love & support!

Air Mobile Joe

11-15-24 Friday 7:14 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

SETTLE IN....& REST

Having just returned from Valencia, Spain and prior to that several weeks in North Carolina, it's time to just settle in to our sweet "Retreat Cabin" and REST.

We are fortunate and blessed to have placed  28 Air Mobile Rescuer Water Purifiers in those hard hit regions.

For now, it's a matter of chores and the ever on-going projects around our Cabin.

Above all, THANK YOU JESUS for giving me the strength and ability to travel far and wide to bring folks in need, CLEAN WATER!!

THANK YOU JESUS, for giving me your REST!!!

Folks, I can really use the rest.  As always, THANK YOU, for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe  

11-14-24 Thursday 6:39 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

MORE HEART-BREAK IN HAITI....

The "Gangs" have done it again.  More SELF-DESTRUCTION and SUFFERING IN HAITI!

WESH Channel 2 (NBC) in Orlando gave me a call and wanted my perspective on the recent AIRLINE SHOOTINGS in Haiti.  Here's the story:  

"JUST DEVASTATING" : BANNED FLIGHTS IN HAITI IMPACT VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS

 The sad and tragic truth is the children and vulnerable and suffering Haitians will suffer even more.  

WE PRAY FOR HAITI and all those who are impacted by these senseless and insane actions of the "GANGS"!

Meanwhile, back here at our beloved "Retreat Cabin", I'm enjoying some rest and peace and recharging.

But, ever, while here are the chores and wonderful critters and my precious time with my sweet Cindy.

And...as always, THANK YOU for your invaluable prayer, love and support!

Air Mobile Joe

11-13-24 Wednesday 6:29 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - At home, in our "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

MEANWHILE....BACK AT THE "CABIN".....

After our "Divine Rendezvous" somewhere on I-75, yesterday morning, Cindy and I hit the road for the final leg to our beloved and sweet "Retreat Cabin".

We marvel that my long flight (12+ hours) from Istanbul, Turkey and Cindy's long drive from Florida would coincide with our exact routing to meet and celebrate our 30th Anniversary.

Oh, it's so good to be home!  We have surely missed our critters and the sweet "Retreat Cabin". 

Perhaps, we'll be able to spend a little time here before heading back out again...to the next disaster, or wherever our Lord would have to go.

Oh, BTW, on our way home, we stopped at Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, to give our Pastor's son, Luke Ginn, some gifts for his first year in this beautiful College.

Well, it's time to get on with our usual chores at this sweet refuge and retreat cabin.

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

Air Mobile Joe 

11-12-24 Tuesday 7:51 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - Somewhere between Atlanta & our "Retreat Cabin" - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

30 YEARS AGO TODAY & A RENDEZVOUS

My Cindy and I celebrate our 30th Anniversary today.  So, here is how we Rendezvoused last night to celebrate.

I was flying into Atlanta from Istanbul.  Cindy was driving from Florida (having attended a wedding) to our home in the Mountains.  

By a stroke of perfect timing, she was only a few minutes from me on I-75 and realized that we could actually meet and stay in the same hotel.

Around midnight, we met and celebrated, in person our 30th Anniversary.  PRAISE GOD!!

Well, there you have it, a perfect timing Rendezvous, like two ships in the night meeting.

We're only a few hours from home and we may stop and do something special.  We'll see what our Lord has in mind for us on this wonderful celebration.

As I say every day, and mean with all of my heart, THANK YOU for your precious prayer, love and support!  And....THANK YOU JESUS for bringing my sweet Cindy into my life!!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-11-24 Monday 6:07 AM (Istanbul Turkey Time)  - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

THE LONG JOURNEY HOME....

Yesterday, I wrapped up our "Mission to Spain".  We successfully deployed 5 Air Mobile Rescuers to the "REMAR S.O.S." Mission.

What a great organization.  We were introduced to REMAR by another great mission, Operation Blessing (OB).

I began the LONG journey home yesterday.  Flew from Valencia to Istanbul (4 hour flight).  Have a long-lay over (15 hours) in Istanbul and then a 12+ hour flight back to Atlanta.  Then...a 5+ hour drive to my beloved Retreat Cabin.

Found a lovely Airport Lounge in Istanbul called IGA LOUNGE. 

Not exactly like a hotel, because it does not offer a bed.  So, many improvise by putting 2 chairs together, as did I.  But it offers a nice buffet and good spot to write a blog....as I am doing right now.

So, I'll just hang out in this beautiful airport and await my afternoon flight back to Atlanta....and the long journey home.

Thank you, as always, for your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

PS - I'm so THANKFUL to be heading home, back to America...the GREATEST country in the world!!

Joe

11-10-24 Sunday 8:20 AM (Valencia Spain Time)  - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe 

INTO THE HEART OF THE VALENCIA DISASTER...

Yesterday, I met with Joshua of REMAR S.O.S. (a great Mission in Spain).

I was assigned GiGi an extremely knowledgeable Volunteer who would bring me to the "Heart of the Valencia Disaster".

There were police / military checkpoints all along the way.  I placed an Air Mobile Rescuer in plain sight and GiGi would explain that we were bringing in Water Purifiers.

This gave us a PASS every time as we went deeper and deeper into the Valencia Disaster.

Along the way, we met with other Relief Agencies, such as World Central Kitchen, Red Cross and other Valencia Relief Agencies. We discussed the water situation and how we could help.

I must say a huge thanks to GiGi who was able to get me into the very heart of this terrible disaster and able to accomplish this mission.

All along the route into this disaster, images stand out and show the depth and scope of this horrible disaster.  

So many volunteers, just dropping everything, and rushing to the disaster and helping, often with a wheel-barrow at a time.

Mud and destruction was every where.  So many VOLUNTEERS to  lend a hand, was truly inspiring.

We worked our way back out of the "Heart of the Disaster" and arrived at the REMAR S.O.S. main warehouse.  

There, we would train a REMAR Team on the Air Mobile Rescuer.

I set up the Rescuer for training.  Mark, my trainee, would lead the team for deployments into strategic locations.

Our source of water to purifiy was further enhanced with putting Mark's boot in the bucket.  

Mark had just been in the "Heart of the Disaster" and the highly contaminated mud was still on his boots.

Then came the moment of truth. I would take the first drink of water AFTER  it passed through the "Rescuer". Others quickly joined in for a drink.

After the training was complete, Air Mobile presented 5 Rescuers for this and future disasters.  

It has been a pure pleasure working with REMAR S.O.S..  What an amazing "Mission for Jesus"!!

With our Lord's Amazing Grace and the help of so many willing volunteers, and with your precious prayer, love and support, we are able to accomplish this mission!  

After the long day, I headed back to my hotel and had a good nights sleep.

This evening, I'll board a flight from Valencia to Istanbul.  Then after a rather long lay-over (15 hours), I'll board another long (12+ hour) flight to Atlanta and then....will drive 5+ hours to my precious "Retreat Cabin".

I want to THANK YOU again, for meandering down this road of life and service to our Lord Jesus, with your invaluable prayer, love and support!!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-09-24 Saturday 7:14 PM (Valencia Spain Time)  - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

FIRST VALENCIA AND NOW....CATALONIA!!

Just 9 days after the catastrophic flooding has hit Valencia killing hundreds and inflicting massive damage...a new wave of flash flooding is hitting the Catalonia region of Spain!

Here's more on this on-going CATASTROPHE! 

SPAIN HIT BY FRESH FLASH FLOODING AFTER DEADLY STORMS!

MORE TO COME....STAND BY..

Air Mobile Joe

 11-08-24 Friday 3:37 PM (Valencia Spain Time)  - " Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

JUST LANDED IN VALENCIA, SPAIN

Last night, found a comfortable spot in the beautiful Istanbul Airport and managed to catch a few winks.  

Up early to catch a flight from Istanbul, Turkey to Valencia, Spain.  All went well.  

Good flight and all 5 Rescuers arrived.  A beautiful sight  to see them come on the luggage conveyor.

The next challenge is to get them processed through Customs.  

As you can see, it is quite clear what we have in those gray tubs.

I stacked them up and rolled right through Customs and the agent simply smiled at me and I kept pushing until they were out of the terminal.  PRAISE GOD!

A few minutes later Joshua, from REMAR SOS RESCUE rolled up.  We loaded them up and drove straight to a nice small hotel. 

WOW!  It's been a long 2 days, not sleeping in a bed, but accomplishing this critical phase of the "Mission to Spain".  

I'll be training several operators today and will look forward to that comfortable bed.

For now, it's get to work and train these new "Water Mules" how to take very dirty water and make it very clean.

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

Air Mobile Joe

11-07-24 Thursday 7:51 PM (Turkey Time)  - "FLEW ALL NIGHT"  Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

FLEW ALL NIGHT....ATLANTA TO ISTANBUL 10+ HOURS

Boarded a flight from Atlanta to Istanbul late last night.  Flew 10+hours to Istanbul in a 777-300.  Actually, slept pretty well.  Had a smooth landing.

My next leg will be to Valencia, Spain tomorrow morning. Have 5 Air Mobile Rescuer Water Purifiers.  Will be working with a ministry (REMAR), a close associate to Operation Blessing (OB).

More devastation and suffering.  I PRAY we can be a blessing by bringing CLEAN WATER where desperately needed.

Still, many are missing and active Search & Rescue (SAR) is taking place.

PLEASE PRAY that we are directed by our Lord Jesus each step of the way.

BTW, this blog is posting a bit late due to the fact of flying all night.

I truly appreciate your precious prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-06-24 Wednesday 7:19 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

FINALLY....AMERICA HAS SPOKEN!

Early this morning, around 1:30 AM, President Donald J. Trump reached 277 Electoral Votes becoming the 47th President of the United States of America!

In his speech at Trump HQ early this morning, President Trump said..."God spared my life for a reason"!

All I can say is....AMEN!!!

Here's more:  "GOD SPARED MY LIFE FOR A REASON!" - TRUMP

Well, now that the Presidential Election is behind us (votes are still being tallied for the Senate and House) it's time for me to get to work.

This evening, I'll be catching a flight out of Atlanta for Valencia, Spain.  

Will be bringing 5 Air Mobile Rescuer Water Purifiers to that devastated region.

I am so pleased and blessed to say that I am completely free of pneumonia!  THANKS for your PRAYER, LOVE AND SUPPORT!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-05-24 Tuesday 8:42 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

VOTE - VOTE - VOTE!!

This is the last day to have your voice heard!

WE PRAY for a FAIR & HONEST ELECTION!!

Hopefully, we will have a new PRESIDENT by this evening.  WE PRAY!!!

Air Mobile Joe

11-04-24 Monday 7:26 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

DEADLINE COMING...

Tuesday is the last day that you can vote!  PLEASE, PLEASE PLAN TO VOTE!!!, if you haven't done so.

Folks, in all my years, this is, without a doubt, the most significant election of my lifetime, in my humble opinion. 

Cindy and I are PRAYING like crazy for GOD'S WILL TO BE DONE!!

What you do and how you vote is between you and God. It's not my business.

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

Air Mobile Joe

11-03-24 Sunday 6:57 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

THE CLOCK IS TICKING....COUNT DOWN

As we watch the Presidential Race unfold, I find myself PRAYING for God's will to be done!!

I'm  reminded of Jesus' response to His Disciples' request on "How to Pray"?

His response was, "THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!!"

Folks, if you have not voted yet...PLEASE do so by Tuesday!

Also, PLEASE PRAY ABOUT WHO TO VOTE FOR.  May God lead you!!

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

Air Mobile Joe

11-02-24 Saturday 5:36 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

ANTI-BIOTICS FINISHED / X-RAY CLEAR

PRAISE GOD! Pneumonia is GONE!  THANK YOU for your PRAYER!

Again, I'm so THANKFUL for excellent medical care.  

I'm also BLESSED to be married to Cindy, who has vast medical knowledge and skill.  I am indeed a BLESSED MAN!

I so appreciate your faithful prayer, love and support!!

Air Mobile joe

11-01-24 Friday 7:42 AM (U.S. Eastern Time)  - "Retreat Cabin" - In the Mountains of East TN - Report submitted by: Air Mobile Joe

A DREAM COME TRUE...

The other day, Cindy found this beautiful Brunswick Pool Table on Market Place for a Great Price ($500.00!).

When I saw it with my own eyes, I didn't dicker with the ridiculously low price (retail new $3999.00!).  Yes, I bought it!

Moving the table required some muscle, brawn & ingenuity. THANK YOU Jeremie, Yahn & Dusty!

For many years, I've dreamed of having my own pool table.  The dream came true.

I had the joy of making the very first break! 

So, on this rainy day, Cindy and I will shoot a game or two.

THANK YOU for meandering down this road of life with me.

Air Mobile Joe