PNG July Update

Life Flight: Mother in Distress from Mirsey

Container Committee: Going Through Contents of 40' Container

Community Health: Angriman Village Lessons

July has been a busy month for the PNG Team! Medicine deliveries, Life Flights, unpacking the latest 40' container and Community Health Evangelism classes in Angriman Village.

Every day is an adventure, and we thank each member of our team for the part they play in making Samaritan Aviation what it is!!!

Mercy Flight: Baby Dean

Recently we had the honor of flying this little guy, Baby Dean, and his mom, Natalie, home from the hospital. Baby Dean came a little earlier than expected, causing an unexpected plane landing in an unexpected city.

Here's what Natalie had to say about her experience:

"Samaritan Aviation was God answering prayer. I had my precious baby Dean in a place and time that I had not planned but God showed me his hand. 'In his heart a man plans his course but God determines his steps.' God put me in a safe place to have baby Dean and I was ever so grateful but I was also ready to go home and be with my family, especially my 4 year-old son. The doctors and hospital staff seem to think insurance would cover the transport and I could be home soon but the cost was too high and I was crushed when I was told it was not going to happen.

My family, church, and friends responded with more prayers and faith.  God responded with Samaritan Aviation. The day after learning insurance would not cover the transport I learned about Samaritan Aviation and all I could think was that God is good and that the whole experience was so much bigger than me. Not only was God showing me to trust in him and his plan but he was showing me his love through others.

Last Sunday my pastor was preaching from Acts and one of his points was to serve in the name of Jesus Christ and you will impact others and lives will be changed and brought to Jesus Christ. Thank you to everyone involved with Samaritan Aviation for serving in the name of Jesus Christ. I love to tell my story and be able to tell others about your organization and how you help others in the U.S. and around the world in the name of Jesus Christ. I appreciate the follow up and kindness you have shown and I think the best way I can show my gratitude is to pray for those you continue to serve because I know now more than ever that God answers prayer."

Thanks, Natalie and Baby Dean for the privilege of taking you home!
And, THANKS Samaritan Team for making these stories happen. We couldn't do this without YOU!!

One Month Later...Update on Baby Akai

On March 3rd, 2011, Baby Akai, a preemie was flown via Life Flight to the hospital. Now, a month later, Baby Akai is thriving and growing!

PNG Medical Deliveries

 This week nearly 600 lbs of medical supplies were delivered to the Upper Sepik area, including Mowi, Hauna, and Oum; this outpost area serves the needs of over 15,000 Papua New Guineans.

2011 Perspective from Jason Schwitters

Recently, a team from the USA visited Papua New Guinea. Jason Schwitters was part of that team, and he shares his perspective of his first trip to PNG here:

"My Papua New Guinea experience is one that I will never forget. It is hard to put into words the events we experienced as a team in February 2011. 

The country is one of great beauty. The landscape is very diverse; from the breathtaking coastal and ocean views of Wewak to the rugged land along the Sepik, each area has its own form of beauty.

Exceeding the physical beauty is the beauty of the people of Papua New Guinea. As we meet and worked alongside them, this became more and more evident. “People are forever,” is a statement coined by Samaritan Aviation; how very true. Sitting around telling stories, sharing gifts, working side-by-side, praying together, singing, and worshiping the one true God: these are unforgettable memories that will be cherished forever.

Our three day visit to Angriman village was a great experience! The villagers truly wanted to know their visitors on a personal level. Meaning for them is found in community, not individualism. They gave us great gifts and found joy in generosity, not materialism. It was evident that we shared the same truth that is found in Christ. How special to be halfway around the world singing with fellow believers in Papua New Guinea the same praise songs I learned growing as an America.

PNG has great needs, both physically and spiritually. God is working through Samaritan Aviation, and Samaritan Aviation is doing great things to fulfill those needs.  To see firsthand the people that are being touched and the lives that are being saved is a true blessing."

The Story of Mercy Flight Pilot, Rick Weaver

By Rick Weaver, Mercy Flight Pilot (Far Right)

"For the last year I’ve enjoyed serving the Lord through Samaritan Aviation as a Mercy Flight pilot. This has been the fulfillment of a dream for me as a blending of my passion for flying, meeting new people, and desire to serve, support and encourage others in need. The individuals and families we serve with Mercy Flights are under much stress and uncertainty. Most patients have stabilized medical conditions, but do not travel well except by air. It’s such an honor to be able to give them a break from the difficulties they are facing by providing a comfortable, safe, and timely flight. Flying over the mountains provides a new perspective and some relief from the realities they face. They are often open to discussing the ways God is working in their lives and we are often encouraged by their faith and unexplainable peace.

My interests in flying began as a young boy, raised by two WWII pilot parents. I earned my student pilots license in 1971, graduated from college and was married in 1976, then focused on raising a family. I remember one day reading an organization’s requirements for becoming a mission pilot. As I compared the requirement against my experience and age, I began to weep, feeling like that would be something I would deeply enjoy, but I would never be able to accomplish in this lifetime. Later, at the urging of a friend and flight instructor I was able to complete my private, commercial and instrument training and gained about 1,000 flight hours in a Cessna 210, similar to Samaritan’s. Not too many years ago I reflected while viewing the Jesus Film in a migrant worker’s camp in Mexico, and realized that the Lord had fulfilled the desire of my heart by allowing me to fly as a part-time mission pilot for Samaritan and other ministries.

After the Palm family relocated to Papua New Guinea, I also became one of the stateside contacts to help secure aircraft parts and supplies needed to keep the Cessna 206 flying safely. While I’m not too thrilled “turning wrenches” for very long, my attention to detail and experience maintaining equipment help with this job.

The Samaritan Team of staff, supporters, volunteers, mechanics, and other pilots are a joy to serve alongside."

Team in PNG: Pastor Joe

Early last year Pastor Joe Kreng and his family joined Samaritan Aviation as full time staff in Papua New Guinea. Samaritan Aviation helped Joe with his college education and he has been volunteering for the past six years helping to lay the foundation for our current operation.

He and his family are a vital part of the team and he is in charge of Samaritan’s hospital ministry in Wewak.

Joe is going through training as a leader in our Community Health Evangelism program and often goes on medical delivery flights to the jungle. He makes a positive impression on all who come across his path and we are thankful to have Joe and his family on the team.