Another amazing missionary pilot story. During my training to become a missionary pilot, I faced a lot of challenges. Biggest one was financial. I couldn’t work because my visa was not permitting me to work. Living in the US with no work option is not easy. My pilot training was costing me $1,000USD weekly. Struggling to find food and shelter, I had an idea. I noticed that there is alot of recyclables in the back yard where I was staying at the time. So I asked for them. Made a link on my website and told people to save theirs for me.
Being a Jamaican living in poverty I grew up selling bottles to buy food. Honestly as a child, it was very embarrassing for me. I remember I would do everything I could to not let them rattle especially when I passed my neighbors. Then clang clang, I hit my feet on the rough roads. Head hanging in shame , I kept going to the shop to sell my bottles. So doing it for a few more dollars to help survive in America and get my pilots license, no problem. The culture was different.
This time I drove my miracle car that was given to me for free. I drove pass neighbors houses this time. Humbled with my classical music pumping lol. I never cried once with the hardship I was going through, because I had so much more to be grateful for.When I first shared this on my Facebook, only a few people noticed it. Life is like that, most people will be at the finishing line, not along the journey.
Moral of the story is that, it’s easy to complain about what we don’t have, and dream of what we want but unless we are willing to do what we can to help ourselves, some dreams will only be a nightmare for many.Selling recycled materials wasn’t enough to pay for flight lessons but it was enough to buy gas to drive to school. I think people helped me out with donations because God knew that I was willing to do all I can to help myself and where my efforts failed, He sent backups.
What are you doing today to help make your dreams come true?
As Jamaicans we say “God helps those who help themselves” Every time I fly a mission, I look back in the airplane and with joy in my heart, I whisper to myself, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. Yes, selling recyclables to be a missionary pilot without a salary or stipend is worth it. I tell people, my paycheck as a missionary pilot is the smile of my patients face as they leave the airplane.
Along the journey, many question my faith, many told me its not practical to work so hard to learn to fly then fly for free, but majority prayed me on, encouraged me on, supported me on and that’s how I made it across the finish line.
Over 2000 years ago someone else gave up His comfort, faced embarrassing situations, just for me. He did not have much in this world, but everytime He helped someone He was happy. He said, “my meat and drink is to do the will of my father who sent me.” He looked at the joy before Him and endured the cross. Another author wrote “often He forgot to eat because the joy of service to others took away His need for physical food.” I am not worthy to be a missionary pilot. It’s a humbling opportunity to be a blessing to fly and help others.
If this was a blessing to you, please share this with others.
