into 2012

2012 is only hours away and we look forward to a New Year with new opportunities and inevitably new challenges. The challenges build character and prepares us to make the most of every opportunity. May we all grow through the challenges and make the most of every opportunity as we follow God's lead into 2012.

Keep company with God,
      get in on the best.
 Open up before God, keep nothing back;
      he'll do whatever needs to be done:
He'll validate your life in the clear light of day
      and stamp you with approval at high noon.
Quiet down before God,
      be prayerful before him. (Ps.37)

make me an instrument

I am patiently excited as time for my departure to Tanzania gets ever so close. In the mean time I’m enjoying the time with family and the opportunities to share with others about MAF’s ministry and my passion. Without a calling to ministry I set out to become a pilot more than 10 years ago. A dream that was finally fulfilled in 2008 only after God called me to ministry and taught me to trust Him completely. I’m sure that most pilots will testify that giving up command is not an easy thing; we enjoy being in control of a situation, or at least we like to think that we are. While I believe that this is a much needed characteristic of a pilot, personally I need to constantly remind myself that God is the ultimate Pilot-in-Command for my life. When I give Him his rightful place, He puts me in the best position to best serve Him and others, which in turn brings purpose and fulfillment to my life.

My application and preparation with MAF has been a continuation of this learning process. At every junction there is a lesson to learn in order to be a useful instrument in God’s hand. During my recent flight standardization course in Nampa, I had to learn that it is not about me doing everything I can and then trusting God to do the rest. It is rather about trusting God first, for everything and then doing my best. Besides all the excellent training I received, I had to realize that I will always be the instrument in the Maestro’s hands. No matter how polished or well tuned there will be no music without the Maestro’s input. The purpose of the training was not to turn me into a maestro but to make me a useful instrument for Him.

Now I’m looking forward to become part of what God is doing through MAF in Tanzania. I know there will be many challenges, but seeing people physically and spiritually transformed for God’s glory will be worth every effort behind me and every obstacle ahead. Thank you for all the faithful prayers and support, please continue as I finish off to move to Tanzania in January. By God’s grace and with you behind me we can overcome barriers, transform lives and build God’s Kingdom as MAF plays its part in The Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World. 

Lord make me an instrument in your hands.

Kirstein Combrink

excited nervousness or nervous excitedness?

I'm sure nobody needs to be reminded that there are only 15 days left in 2011! For me 2011 had three main acts: 4 months preparation; 4 months training and orientation and 4 months final preparations. Besides some crazy (safe) flying skills, I learned to be patient, obedient and wholly dependent on God.

Now, 15 days means that I have 25 days before I leave Cape Town! So, for this phase I will not need that much patience, but obedience and dependence will come more into play. I'm sure the patience will be needed again once I'm in Tanzania.

We recently had a MAF stand at the Wings & Wheels Airshow at Ysterplaat Air Force Base. It was a great opportunity to meet new people, see old MAF friends and share with others how we serve God's Kingdom through aviation. Besides talking at churches and men's groups, I had some great opportunities to share at a local primary school, my old high school and the members of SAAF 22 Squadron!

It is funny how the mind works; I have known for a long time that I will be leaving early January, but when I received the official date to report in Arusha, it was as if it all dawned at once. The last week has been an emotional roller-coaster; I am extremely excited to go, but at the same time the reality of leaving is quite scary. 

Thank you for the wonderful support in many different ways, I know with your continued prayers and God's provision the move and transition will also go well and soon I will be able to effectively serve in Tanzania.