Changes at SOAR
This year at SOAR has brought many changes—some challenging, some exciting—but through it all, we’ve continued to rely on God for guidance and direction. In March, we successfully hosted the IAMA conference, a significant undertaking that required everyone’s efforts, but we were grateful for the opportunity. Also in March, we partnered with Convoy of Hope to host the Mission Aviation Banquet at their facility. This amazing event introduced mission aviation to the Springfield community in a meaningful way.
In April, part of our team attended Sun N Fun in Florida, and in July, we participated in EAA AirVenture alongside our new advocate, Mark Hillenburg. Both events were fruitful in helping us accomplish our goals. October brought another exciting partnership with Ethnos360 Aviation, where we hosted an event to connect the local community with mission aviation. This was a fantastic experience with a great turnout! In December, we wrapped up the year by participating in Light the Park, where we had the chance to engage with the Bolivar community in a fun and festive setting.
Our mission candidates have made incredible progress this year. Bailey earned his instrument rating, Madeline achieved her A&P license, and Josh is moving forward in his application process to join a mission organization. We also welcomed the Penner family to SOAR and began the partnership development process with two additional families, whom we hope will join us in 2025.
As we look ahead, please pray for us to continue seeking God’s direction in all that we do. We are confident that He is leading our steps, and we remain committed to staying in His will above all else.
Whittingtons through 2024
This year has brought its share of ups and downs for our family. Following God’s direction, we relocated to Bolivar in March. The move proved to be more challenging than we expected—not because of the physical transition, but because of leaving behind a community we deeply loved and that had loved us so well for 16 years. Adjusting to our new community has been slower than we hoped, but we’re praying for that to change in the coming year and trusting God to build new relationships around us.
Jo has quickly settled into our neighborhood and made plenty of new friends—she even learned to ride a bike this year! After graduating from Kindergarten in the spring, she’s now thriving in 1st Grade. Bella joined us at the IAMA conference and EAA AirVenture, and we couldn’t be more proud of her. Her servant’s heart continues to amaze us, and she has grown so much. She’s learning to lead worship at co-op and in the local youth group, and it’s been a joy to watch God work in her life.
We’ve started attending a local church. Please pray for us as we seek to find where we can best serve here. After years of being involved in areas like production, photography, youth, kids, and the worship team, we’re seeking God’s direction on how and when to get involved again.
Through it all, God has been working in us, and we trust that nothing—whether good or hard—will go to waste in His hands.
When God’s answer is No (Deb)
This morning, as I sipped my coffee and scrolled through Instagram posts reflecting on 2024, I found myself wondering if there was anything I could share from this past year. I wanted to highlight something positive, but the truth is, this year has been incredibly hard. As many of you know, I have been living with Lupus for nearly 15 years—January 2025 will mark that milestone. The journey has been filled with both ups and downs, but the constant pain can wear down not just your body but your spirit and will. In May, we had a glimmer of hope. My hair was growing back, and although I was in pain, it wasn’t as severe as it had been. But as summer progressed, stress and medication issues caused my health to take a turn for the worse. By the fall, I was mentally and physically exhausted, and the pain had become unbearable. So, we decided to turn to another medication that is harder on your system and is injectable at home.
For years, I’ve prayed and believed for healing, but God’s answer has consistently been “not yet.” I’ve struggled with this response, but I’ve also leaned into the goodness of who God is. I know He mourns with me in my pain, as this brokenness isn’t what He desires for me any more than I do. We navigate the brokenness of this world, longing for the wholeness that is yet to come. In these moments of pain, I find myself resting in the truth from this verse.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10:
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Each year, this disease takes a little more of my strength and who I am, but I remain rooted in Him. He is my strength, my hope, and my promise of wholeness. I long for the day when there will be no more tears or pain.
As we step into 2025, we’re making changes to better manage my health. Please join us in prayer—for wisdom for the doctors, for direction and relief, and for our hearts to be renewed this year.
Prayer Requests for January:
For SOAR: Pray for wisdom and unity as SOAR continues to equip missionary aviation candidates.
Personal: Pray for health and renewed strength for our family in this season.
For Mission Candidates: Pray for perseverance and clarity as they prepare for mission field service.
Prayer Requests for 2025:
- Pray for God’s guidance in all the decisions we face throughout the year.
- Pray for spiritual growth and deeper faith for each member of our family.
- Pray for God’s provision to meet our ministry’s financial needs.