A Good Deed Rewarded

Shelia's Medevac in 2016

Have you ever wondered if a good thing you did made a difference in anyone’s life?

A good thing happened in 2016 during pilot Nomad Nelman’s checkout in Asia-Pacific. He and instructor pilot Daren Spence flew over the airstrip in a Tugutil village, not even sure if they could land. Providentially, the people had done the work needed to make it ready for them, so they landed. What a relief for the distraught dad who waited for them, his daughter in his arms, hoping they could help!

Shifting into “medevac mode,” Nomad and Daren flew them to the nearest town and landed without prior notice – not a good idea - but God had “stationed” some guys there who knew Nomad. So that turned out well.

The hospital in that town couldn’t handle Sheila’s case, so she was sent to another, and then to Jakarta. Inquiries were made to Singapore to see if they had facilities to help, but no. Ultimately, she and her dad traveled to Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles.

Andy Miles remembers that: “My Dad (Keith Miles, church planter among the Tugutil) and I rushed to LA to assist with care and translate for her and her dad, as both only spoke the Tugutil language.”

A year or so later, after Sheila had healed and returned from the USA, Nomad flew into the village with a church planting consultant. Sheila’s family came up to him, crying and thanking him for helping their little girl. Nomad took that moment to get a photo testifying of God’s perfect orchestration in a traumatic situation!

Shelia and Nomad a year later

Move forward to just a few weeks ago, when Andy Miles traveled to revisit the Tugutil village where his parents, Keith and Anita Miles, had invested their lives to bring the gospel. As he sat and talked with the villagers, he rejoiced with so many who told stories of how their lives had been deeply influenced by his parents.

And he connected again with Sheila, now a lovely young lady. “What a joy a few days ago to see how well she is doing today! She reported she has no restriction to her movements from the scar tissue!”

Shelia today

Maybe you yourself were one who prayed or gave generously to help Sheila’s situation. You can enjoy the satisfaction of a good deed done in Jesus’ name and see the wonderful outcome of a story in which so many had a part.

And what a joy that a thriving group of Tugutil believers – still being served by Ethnos360 Aviation – is actively reaching out to other remote Tugutil villages with the message of hope in Christ.

Flights like these are made possible through gifts to Missionary Flight Sponsorship.