two weeks of Flight Standardization

It's been more than a month since the last post, after 48 hours of planes and airports I arrived in San Francisco two weeks ago. During a quick stop over I saw the Golden Gate Bridge before getting on a 26 hour bus trip, bit of a different experience but I arrived safely in Nampa Idaho. I quickly made friends with other incoming missionaries all in different stages of the intake process. It is wonderful to learn how God works uniquely in each of our lives to get us to a place of complete surrender so that we can best serve Him.

Our first week was filled with ground school lectures; learning procedures, checklists, methods and theory why things are done the way they are. In order to serve God best, we must do our part by showing good stewardship of what we are given to serve with.

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle but safety is of the Lord." ~Prov. 21:31~

Although our final safety is in the Lord, we are not to go into battle unprepared.

Practicing Air Drops

During the second week we started taking the principles to the air as we learn to get the job done while staying within our own limitations and that of the plane and the conditions. We are progressing well and I am learning a lot. Things intensify as we now start to take the principles into more challenging terrain and airstrips. Please continue to pray as I learn and apply the skills in increasingly difficult environments.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

on the move and licensed...

What a feeling to get airborne again after more than a year of no flying!!
I came up to Johannesburg last week to prepare for my commercial license and instrument rating renewals. It also served as good preparation for the upcoming flight standardisation course. I got some valuable time in the Cessna 206 and some heads up from an experienced MAF training captain. All went well during the test with the South African Airways training captain and active MAFSA board member. There is always room for improvement, but everything was up to standard to revalidate my license.

Thank you for the prayers, I must say I was quite stressed, but a sense of calm came over me and checklists and procedures returned to memory, it can only be an answer to prayers. Please keep on praying, for safe travel and more calmness and vigilance as the flying will only intensify from here onward. Visit the blog for updated prayer requests.

Thank you for your partnership as I prepare to help MAF overcome barriers, change lives and build God's Kingdom.

Marco (MAF TC), me, Andrew (Examiner & SAA TC)
after the test in ZS-ANA, MAFSA's C206

and so it begins

Well, actually it continues... I officially started the application process with MAF in January 2010, I got approved in November and got assigned to the MAF Tanzania Program today! And it will be at least another 7 months before I actually get there. But a lot has to happen...

March/April I will be doing my license renewals at MAFSA at Lanseria.
9 May I start the 8 week intensive Flight Standardization Training in Nampa, Idaho USA. 3-15 July it's time for Facts & Friction (cross-cultural preparation) in Ashburnham Place, UK.
Up to then and until I leave I will be actively busy meeting people and starting partnerships through which we can "Overcome Barriers, Transform Lives and Build God's Kingdom."

Exciting times ahead, Praise God!!

New Year ahead

Blessings for 2011, I believe it's going to be a great year: Lots of changes and challenges but God will be at every turn to guide the way! 

I am looking forward to taking up this journey with your support and knowing that God is in control.

May He bless you and keep you throughout 2011.

Thank you for your support.

Introduction

It is with great pleasure that I share with you that I have been accepted into service as a missionary pilot with Missionary Aviation Fellowship.

Please browse around to learn more about MAF and my calling as a missionary pilot. I cannot undertake this journey without God's blessing and faithful partnerships. Read more about becoming a partner with this ministry and if you would like to receive news updates or feel called to get involved in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information wings4christ@gmail.com

Your brother in Christ,

Kirstein Combrink