The first landing

It was a momentous day. Daren Spence, along with his good friend and fellow NTM missionary pilot Gerhard Buettner were off to try out a brand new airstrip.

Years have passed since the missionaries first started talking to villagers about using some land to build an airstrip. Finding the right piece of land involves many long, grueling trips on a trail bike. In this case, six different pieces of land were surveyed. And in the end, Daren shares, the best spot was found less than two miles from the missionaries’ homes.

With so much time invested in planning and preparation, it was an exciting culmination when the day for the airstrip try-out finally arrived.

“Praise the Lord, the flight was a success and this is a huge encouragement,” Daren says. 

The first landing is a notable event. And things can feel a little tense.

“After making a few low passes, we set up for a landing. Upon touchdown, we immediately realized that the team and villagers had done a great job of smoothing the surface since the last time I had been there. What a great privilege it was to be able to finally fly to this difficult-to-reach village.”

Daren says that after initial greetings all around, he and Gerhard supervised the installation of end markers, a windsock and distance markers on the new airstrip.

“Then it was time for some take-offs and landings,” Daren continues. “We do this for our own practice as pilots, in order to learn how to approach for landing, as well as to ascertain at what point over the ground we must apply full power again and climb back up if we end up too high or fast. There are a lot of things to consider and we are easing into using this new airstrip with caution. All of the testing is designed to allow us to come up with the various parameters which will make the use of this new airstrip safe.”

Since the initial try-out went well, Daren was able to deliver missionary Tim Ullum and his family to this village after they returned from home assignment in the USA. He shares, “I can’t tell you how satisfying it was to be able to deliver them safely back to the village in just over an hour.” Tim remarked that the trip overland would have been very difficult and long for his young family.

Daren is mindful of the fact that every person who prays and gives toward his aviation ministry has a vital part in this Bible translation project that this young missionary family are involved in. As relationships are built and language is learned, as literacy and translation prepare the way for the presentation of the gospel, he adds, “Each of you who pray for us and support this ministry have a direct part in Bible translation and the teaching of God’s Word to this village in the coming months.”

Thank God for the aviation ministry of Daren Spence and Gerhard Buettner and other NTM pilots who play a vital role in the support and encouragement of missionaries who live and minister in remote locations. Thank God for new airstrips and willing airstrip builders. Pray that God will continue to bless and use NTM aviation ministry to support the establishment of mature tribal churches. Pray for encouragement, joy and many thousands of ongoing miles of safe travels.