As we spend our first summer in Bolivar we are learning new routines and rhythms. The neighborhood we moved into is great. It has been a blessing for Jordis to have friends who live close by and love to ride bikes as much as she does. It’s hard to get her to stay and play in our own yard, she spends more time in the neighbor’s yard.
We are trying to set a new routine of having friends or family over once a week. One of the main reasons we moved closer to our ministry is to be able to build a closer community. Not only with those at SOAR but for more margin to spend time with you guys our fantastic community of partners! If you want to come up for dinner or coffee send us a message and we will make it happen!
New to us Airplane
As we look to the future of evolving technology we want to make sure that our mission candidates are trained on the latest equipment that we have access to. Many aircraft on the mission field are equipped with a full glass avionics suite, instead of individual gauges that display just one piece of information. Through a partnership with LeTourneau University in Texas, we were able to purchase a 2016 Cessna 172. This advanced avionics training aircraft will help our mission candidates be better equipped to transition into aircraft that will be on the mission field. This was SOAR’s largest purchase to date. If you would like to give financially to a special project, we will allocate those funds towards this aircraft. Reach out to us if you would like more details.
EAA Airventure
This year was a special year for us at Airventure. We were able to take Bella along with us. No free rides though, she served in the MASA(Mission Aviation Support Association) tent. This team is a huge blessing to all of the mission aviation groups. They provide daily meals, housing, transportation, and any other needs that may arise during the week. Bella worked in the meal tent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She loves to serve and we were proud to watch her serve the missionaries throughout the week in this way.
Taking on More Responsibilities and Long Term Planning
Over the past couple of years, Seth and Kerrick have been planning on what the long-term future of SOAR looks like. Seth has been assuming several of the operational responsibilities and learning the foundational tasks that it takes to run the SOAR business. As the skills have developed over the past couple of years more and more emphasis has been placed on Seth’s role in this area. Last month Seth’s official role changed from just Flight to Chief Operating Officer. While the responsibility of the flight department and flight instruction hasn’t changed this positions SOAR for the future generations of SOAR.
Prayer Requests for the September:
1. School and New Friends: As we begin another school year please pray for our girls. We are hoping to narrow down a church and we are praying that they transition well and make new friends.
2. Missionary Candidates: Lift our missionary candidates who are currently undergoing training and preparation for their future service in the mission field. Pray for the ones who have not decided on the organization they are joining.
3. Financial Provision: Join us in prayer for our financial needs at SOAR. Pray that God would provide abundantly, enabling us to meet our monthly budget and move closer to our financial target. Ask for open doors, divine connections, and generous hearts to support our ministry financially.
Prayer Requests for 2024:
1. Global Impact: Pray for an increased impact of our missionary pilots and mechanics in reaching unreached areas with the Gospel. Ask God to open doors for strategic partnerships, favorable relationships with local communities, and effective ministry opportunities. Pray lives would be transformed, and communities would be impacted through our ministry.
2. Spiritual Growth: Please pray for our personal spiritual growth and deepening relationship with God. Pray that we would have a hunger for His Word, a fervent prayer life, and a sensitivity to His leading. Ask for a greater understanding of His will for our lives and the strength to walk in obedience.
3. Wisdom in Decision-making: Seek God’s wisdom on our behalf as we make important decisions personally and professionally. Pray that we would have the discernment to make choices that align with His will and bring glory to His name. Ask for clarity, guidance, and confidence in the path that God has set before us.