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!

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."

Letter from Papua New Guinea, Spring 2011

By Mark Palm

Greetings from Papua New Guinea! It is hard to believe we have been here a year! The transition was hectic to say the least, but overall I think it was probably just about “normal” considering we moved our family halfway across the world.

The first few months went by quickly with the major focus being the transition of the family, developing relationships with local leaders here in Wewak, hiring local staff, putting the plane back together, and beginning our flight operations.

Since the middle of last March, the Spirit of Paradise and I have been busy delivering medicine to remote clinics and performing emergency evacuations.

This truly has been a dream come true for Samaritan Aviation and our family. Kirsten has done a great job of being a wife, mother, teacher, and tracking my flights on the computer.

One of our highlights here was when our whole family was able to deliver medicine to the remote clinic at Hauna. We were able to tour the large high school and clinic there. The kids were able to experience a ride on a fifty-foot canoe and see village life firsthand.

On the flight home, an emergency call came in and we diverted to pick-up a mother who had a breached birth. The whole family was able to experience a medicine delivery and a Life Flight. Both the mother and child are alive today because of that flight! There is something special about doing ministry as a family. It was truly memorable for each of us.

The need here is great and we are excited about the coming year as Samaritan Aviation continues to minister to those in need, both physically and spiritually.  Thanks for all of your prayers and support for our family and Samaritan Aviation! We could not do this without you.

PNG Life Flights

Take a look: Baby Akai, a preemie, is in good hands! He's headed for the hospital nursery where he'll have a chance to put on some weight.

Samaritan's PNG Life Flight team making things happen. Way to go, guys! Anna is on her way to the hospital for a much needed blood transfusion and more testing. Please keep all of them in your prayers.