Since January 2016, there have been signs of growth and maturing in Guatemala’s aviation infrastructure. Even at our home base (MGQZ) in Quetzaltenango, things are changing. Soon a genuine security fence will provide the means to keep people and livestock from crossing the runway. Meanwhile, the new airport Administrator is about the task of patching open sections of wall that allow people and animals dangerously close to operating aircraft. Today Mario (hangar guard) and I, Chuck, are …
Skills for life
Robin’s sewing classes have been underway for several weeks now. Two groups of Living Water Teaching Bible Institute (LWT/BI) students are being trained up with basic to advanced sewing skills. The young ladies (Jovencitas) will complete several projects along the course of their training. Robin desires to equip these students with additional life-skills as they complete their Bible Institute courses. Donated sewing machines, fabrics, and finish items make this project …
What I see at work
During the dry season in the western highlands of Guatemala, you can see for 50 nautical miles in any direction. There is a beauty about the landscape that is apparent to the casual observer. But, to the missionary pilot, the view of the terrain is characterized as rugged and unforgiving. Over the past 9 years (and counting), it’s both a privilege and blessing, to have this view where I work …
The enthusiasm of children
What started out as “one of those days” on the mission field, unexpectedly, morphs into loud and colorful morning. All of this ushered in by the enthusiastic beat of a base drum. Drawn out of my office in the Mercy Wings hangar, I open the 30 ft doors and stand on a rock to look over the wall onto the dusty road. School children on this day are on parade. …
……;A time to break down, and a time to build up.
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a …
Medical Outeach- La Victoria
It’s the month of March and the seasons are changing in the western highlands. Rain and clouds that were the normal just weeks ago, have given way to dry and clear days. The seasons in Guatemala can change unexpectedly, forecast rain may not fall, or sunny skies instead are hidden by layers of clouds. One thing remains the same, people all over the world need Jesus. Someone must care enough …
Our neck of the woods
The high plateau that makes up the western region of Guatemala, is home to ancient volcano, some asleep for decades, others restless and ever active. Fuentes Gorginas (Georgina fountains), is a favorite afternoon for many who live in the western highlands of Guatemala. Including us missionaries who, from time to time, need a refreshing few hours. Not too far from our home city of Quetzaltenango, a little slice …
Must be a hundred ways to…..
Just goes to show that there must be a hundred ways to serve using aircraft in Guatemala. Organizers from Mt. Hope church, Lansing MI, are in the final preparation stages for a stadium event to take place in San Marcos, Guatemala. Using local radio broadcast, loudspeaker cars, and flyers to announce and invite the pubic. Distribution of the flyers (no pun intended) fell to Mercy Wings International (MWI) and pilot Chuck Martinez. …
Our small but “scrappy” volcano
Not everyone can say they have an active volcano in their backyard, but we can. This morning many heard the rumble and watched as the ash plum produced by our neighborhood volcano ascended miles into the sky . Actually there are two volcano (s), the larger silent one is the Santa Maria, and the smaller the Santiaguito. The smaller but scrappy volcano is active daily, but the rumble heard today …
Run the race, finish the course
The end of 2105 is marked by many events in Guatemala. In our corner of the western highlands, there is a lot of excitement. A year of sacrifice, study, and work have come to an end. Resident, night, and weekend, Bible Institute students are ready to “move the tassel” and mark the day. But, before the family dinners, and tearful goodbye’s are said, the traditional group photo is taken. Think …