N2668G

Lifters might as well be coarse sand paper.

A damaged rod journal from debris in the oil.

I spoke with the mechanic last week who is working on 2668G, the Cessna 182 that I flew for the month of January in Collegedale TN. This plane was donated to GMI around Christmas time, and is being prepped to go to Guyana. They got the new cylinders back. While they were cleaning everything up and inspecting everything before it goes back together, they found BAD NEWS. Because the engine had been sitting for much of its life it had developed corrosion on the camshaft and lifters. The corrosion made the surfaces rough and increased the wear in the engine significantly. The particles that came off were then circulated in the engine oil causing damage to the crankshaft. This means that a thorough tear-down, inspection and rebuild of the engine is required. Fortunately the cylinders, which are the expensive parts in an overhaul, are already purchased. Yesterday David Gates was at the hanger and talked with the mechanic and gave him the go-ahead to complete the overhaul.

Clarification: this is not the plane that I am using in Oklahoma to finish my IFR training. that one is a Cessna 172 that looks similar but is smaller. N4192F seems to be working just fine. I flew with the instructor yesterday and spoke with the Examiner and they feel that I will be ready for the test with just a few more mock exams.

The Cessna 172 that I am training in.

Casualty of WAR!!!

Every war has casualties. Even spiritual battles have physical casualties. Each soldier has their orders. Each has a job to do. It takes each one doing his or her part, working as a team within each fighter group or battalion, each giving it their all, pressing towards the mark. It is keenly felt when a soldier is taken out. It leaves a hole in the ranks, a role that has to be filled. Who will fill that hole? Who will pick up the standard from the fallen?

Not unlike physical war, families are not only hurt but torn apart, suddenly and without warning, leaving holes in hearts and emotions. Hurting deep down more than a person can know possible. It can happen to anyone, any family whether you are in the trenches, on the water, in the air, or on the bleachers.  This Great Controversy has no civilian casualties; all are soldiers whether they decide to be active or passive in this conflict. You can die just as easily sitting in the bleachers as you can in the fight.

Fortunately our King has fought in the trenches; He set an example of how it is done. He laid His life down that we may live eternally with Him. He died to expose the depths of the evil that Satan brought into the universe. Jesus’ life was cut short by this war. Now He calls to each of us,”Whom shall I send, and who will go for US? (Isaiah 6:8)

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords says “be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” Rev 2:10

Todd Anderson with his family, had chosen to be active in this fight. They were a much needed part of the team. Todd’s fight is over, but it is not over for the rest of his family. They need prayer and comfort and encouragement like never before. I encourage you, to read his widow’s recent post http://www.athomewithmillieandsam.com/2016/04/i-am-widow.html

Cas Anderson posted the following information;

"We are holding a memorial service to celebrate Todd's love, life, and legacy in Tacoma, Washington at Tacoma Central SDA Church on Sunday, May 1 at 11 am. All whose lives were touched by this wonderful man are invited to join us.

Additionally, because my inbox is filling up asking me, the address to send cards is;
Cas Anderson
c/o Jenn Kilgore
PO Box 176 
Brewster WA 98812”

For Todd, this fight is over. To him, he will have a short nap. He went to sleep gripped with the pain of cancer and treatment to wake up on that bright and glorious morning when the trumpet of God will sound, piercing the ground, arousing the dead from their slumber never more to sleep the sleep of death, without pain and suffering.

Let us run this race, let us fight this fight, let us say “Here am I, send me”.

Davidson’s Guyana trip Q & A

By Laura Davidson April 19, 2016 The biggest news is, WE SOLD OUR TRAVEL TRAILER!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers. The Lord sent a buyer for which we are very thankful! We are currently staying with Edwin’s parents in Owasso OK. We are working to sort through and pack our stuff. Edwin moved the plane to a paved runway on Friday. With all of this rain we have been getting, it is making the grass air strip soft.  When Edwin flew last Tuesday he realized that if he didn’t get the plane moved, it could result in the plane not being able to be used until the rains let up and things dry out. There are still a lot of things that we don’t know the answers to, but I thought I would answer our most frequently asked questions: Question: “So when are you leaving for Guyana?” Answer: We are hoping to have a date soon. As soon as Edwin passes his Instrument Rating Check-ride, then we will buy tickets. Question: “How long will you be gone?” Answer: We will be in Guyana for a six month trial period with plans to return on a more permanent basis. Question: “Are you going to be working with a ministry, or going on your own?” Answer: We have the privilege of working with Gospel Ministries International, David Gates ministry. GMI has clinics, schools, aviation programs as well as TV and radio stations in many countries around the world. Visit their website for more information about the amazing work that GMI is doing. gospelministry.org Question: “Were will you be living in Guyana?” Answer: I wish we knew the answer to that. All we know is that we will be living near the Ash family, wherever they happen to be at the time. It may be Georgetown, Paruima, Bethany….We will just have to wait and see. Question: “What will Edwin be doing in Guyana?” Answer: Edwin will be apprenticing under James Ash who is the head pilot for Gospel Ministries international, in Guyana, also known as Guyana Adventist Ministries and Services, (GAMAS). James Ash flies supplies to the missionaries in the interior, and transports people with serious health concerns back to Georgetown to be treated. Edwin will be doing a lot of ground work for James. When there is space available on a flight, Edwin will go along to learn the ropes of being a mission pilot in Guyana. Question: “Laura, what will you be doing while you are in Guyana?” Answer: I will be a homemaker. Edwin needs me to keep the home and have clean clothes for him to wear and meals ready! Kathryn also needs me in these formative years, to teach her to be an obedient and cheerful worker for Jesus. I am looking forward to doing friendship evangelism and helping out wherever I can. Joy Ash has graciously offered for me to use her washer while we are living close to them. From what I understand, most everyone in the interior does their laundry in the creek. I am hoping to have an oven and stove and running water! I have been advised to take whatever kitchen items I “have” to have, like knives, can opener, nonstick skillet etc. There are also many food items that are not available or are prohibitively expensive in Guyana, like nutritional yeast flakes, gluten flour, seeds, nuts, TVP etc. I am hoping to take some of those items, but I am really hoping to learn to cook and enjoy the local foods. Everything that is for sale in Georgetown is of poor quality and costs more than the same item in the US. We are taking all the clothes, linens, shoes and boots that we will need. Several people have advised, “Don’t take very much stuff”  “Pretend that you are going on a camping trip.” Oh boy, they must not have seen our truck when we pack to go camping! Ha ha, I am a heavy weight camper for sure. It feels more like I am undertaking the impossible feat of being nonexistent while still living. It certainly is a character developing task, for which I am thankful. I continually pray for strength and wisdom as we pack and prepare. When I am tempted to freak out about all the things I think I NEED, I stop and remind myself of the five things that I truly DO need: food, water, shelter, air and the most needful, HOPE.  "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them 'With man this is impossible; But with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26)