What does it take to complete a flight here in Zambia?
You may have been at the airport waiting for a flight and have watched as the planes come in and all the activity that happens around the plane as it gets ready for another flight. The other day as I was flying I was thinking about all the people that are involved in making a flight happen.
Before we even get to fly we need the approval from the Department of Civil Aviation for our licenses and also the airstrip to which we will fly. Next we need the Zambian Air Force clearance number for each plane and for every place where we plan on flying to, which is only good for 15 days at a time. Before the flight we check the flight schedule to see who is flying, whom we are flying, which plane is to be used, the routing and the passenger and baggage load. All of this is made possible by one of our staff who has spent many hours writing the program and those in the office who schedule and plan the flights. We then contact the briefing office to file our flight plans, get the latest weather by calling around and looking on the internet. At the international airports we get our fuel and we contact the airport manager to make sure there are no cows or people on the runway and that the grass is cut an
d that the runway is in good condition to use. Once we take off we get in contact with air traffic for other traffic avoidance. As I am flying along at altitude and the engine is running smoothly I am thankful for the mechanics who maintain our aircraft. Along the way we also have someone flight following us to make sure that everything is going well. Once on the ground it is always good to see that someone is there to pick up the arriving passengers and another flight is complete.
Upcoming Deputation
Is it that time already we hear you asking? Well not just yet, but we are already thinking about it. March, April, May 2010 we will be in Australia for our mid-term deputation. Please be in prayer with us as we prepare for this time. We will also be making contact with many of our supporting churches
in the near future to arrange when we can spend time at each church. If you would like us to visit with you personally or speak at your church, please contact us so that we can make these arrangements.
In the first 2 weeks of June we will spend a very short holiday time in Canada to see family and friends and for them to meet Junior who will be 9 months old by then.
Life in Macha
There is a saying here "Much a to do in Macha", and it isn't far from the truth. One of Flying Mission's partners who we have mentioned before, LinkNet, is part of a bigger group called 'Macha Works'. Macha Works is responsible for the up keep of the runway, the building of our house, as well as the building of a school building, restaurant, and the Cares Centre. It has also started a jatropha farm (to produce the seeds for bio-fuel), and has as a transport division.
It was the transport division, that one Saturday afternoon Rick was asked to help. A shipping container was to be unpacked, inside was a Ford tractor someone had donated. Because of his farming background he was asked to be the one to off load it and the one to teach others as how to use it. It is amazing how God uses our skills for his glory. Since then, Rick was able to spend an afternoon with our airport manager teaching him to drive it. 
now be seen here and there on most days. We feel it a real blessing to share in the life of this community. "It is good to find satisfaction in our toil – this is the gift from God" (Ecc 3:12, 13)
What is happening to us?
Housing – Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The building of our new house has started. The builders are all excited to build this house for us. The promised date of completion is May 2010, so it is with thankful hearts, that we were able to extend the lease on the house we are currently living in for another 6 months. God is so good.
Pregnancy – As of the 16th of June, we are 26 weeks pregnant. The Dr's seem pleased with Junior's growth. Junior is really starting to kick now, and Rick was
able to feel Junior for the first time on his birthday. We will be traveling to Lusaka in early September where we will be based until the birth. From there we will be a 5 min drive from the FMZ office so Rick can go to work easily.
Flying Mission isn't just about flying
When you hear the name Flying Mission, what is it that you first think about? Planes, pilots maybe even aviation mechanics, but what if I told you that Flying Mission isn't just about flying.
The first objective of Flying Mission states: "To further Church, Mission and medical work in Botswana, Zambia and the surrounding regions …" This doesn't just involve flying, however this is the main way.
Web design, ICT System Administrator, Administration, Logistics, Guest House Manager, Human Resources are just a few of the 'desk jobs' that are so important to keeping the whole TEAM running.
But there is another side of Flying Mission too. Community Outreach Coordinators, Nurses, Teachers, Councilors, Building and Maintenance coordinators all of whom work to build up the communities in which we live through other practical means.
Many of these positions are still needed within the Flying Mission team. Pray with us as Flying Mission seeks those who God would have on our team both here in Zambia and in Botswana.
