Big Plans, Transitions, and the Surprise-filled Life of Missionaries: Could This Life Be for You, Too?

“If the Great Commission is true, our plans are not too big, they are too small.” –Pat Morley

Rummaging through the filing cabinet of our missionary commitments, postings, outreaches and sacrifices, Pat Morley’s words could not be more fitting. At one time, it seemed as if our plans were too big, but looking back, we know see them as not big enough.

We, Chuck and Robin Martinez (or C & R), have been aviation missionaries for over 18 years. Memories seem to whiz by like a child running along a picket fence with a stick…being young marrieds with a child on the way, Chuck as a U.S. Marine and Robin a business owner, next, first-time home buyers, and then, a military family returning to civilian life. All of these experiences and more added value when it came to transitioning to a whole new life as missionaries. Not knowing what was in store, we simply said, “Here I am Lord, send me.”

Ministry is often defined by a series of transitions that occur at unpredictable intervals. I can still visualize our first posting at Harvey Young Airport, a tiny airstrip in Tulsa OK, where we learned that perseverance in ministry requires equal measures of faith, focus, and finances. Our Tulsa years served as a bridge to the foreign mission field in Guatemala, where we would direct and operate an aviation department for a longstanding ministry. In the blink of an eye, our initial four-year posting turned into fourteen. Flying over mountainous terrain, administration, and aircraft maintenance under both FAA and DGAC (Guatemala) regulation, became second nature. So too, did all manner of missionary outreach.

Lessons learned and experience gained is the fertile soil from which the next transition sprouted. In August 2019, Serving God by Serving His People (SGSP) Aviation Ministries, Inc. was formed. Faith defined the vision of SGSP, so that we may focus on assisting ministries as they share Good News and good works with the people, and finances ensure that SGSP’s missionary support network remains steadfast and growing.

Are you a person who is sensing a transition in your future? Are you ready to plan big? SGSP is actively recruiting aviation missionaries for service in Guatemala. If you are committed to the Great Commission and desire to use your aviation skills on a foreign mission field, we should talk. Imagine the blessings and life-changing experiences that could await you. Or if missions are not your personal calling, but you want to be involved from home, consider supporting SGSP through prayer and financial commitment. Those who sow into missions will reap a missionary’s reward. Please share SGSP’s mission and needs within your circle of influence. We also welcome opportunities to come and speak about our work to your church or organization when we are Stateside.

SGSP Aviation Ministries- “We Give Wings to Good Works!”

SGSP Aviation Ministries, Inc. is a 501.c.3 public charity and your donations are tax deductible. Email admin@sgsp-aviation.org or call us in Guatemala at 945-546-1904 VoIP (no international fees).