Small Parts of a Grand Plan

Suk carries Siti on the day of the medevac by pilot Brian Schaadt

On April 25, 2011, when pilot Brian Schaadt did a medevac flight on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, he had no idea the impact it would have on the Agta people group.

Suk and Bulintik’s young son Siti had been desperately ill, beyond the help of his caring parents and the meager medical knowledge of their village.  Missionaries Donovan and Char Epp were rather new in the Agta people group, still preparing to teach the foundational message of the Bible.  But they knew how to show the love of Christ – so they called for a medevac flight. 

Even with medical help, though, and with blood donated by others, including pilot Brian, Siti did not survive.  As Donovan recalls, “Char and I were with Suk and Bulintik when Siti passed away. It was such a sad moment. But they were overwhelmed and grateful when [Brian was] able to fly them and the body of Siti back into the village, [a very culturally-necessary action]. It honored them in a meaningful way, far more than we could imagine.

“I think those days of showing dignity and love to this family broke down barriers and built trust! And with trust, they let their guard down to accept the message we were there to give them. Suk and Bulintik were thrilled at the gospel message, and both believed in Jesus. So amazing! Both Suk and Bulintik were baptized in the first batch of baptisms.”

Donovan Epp baptizing Suk

Donovan goes on to tell of Suk’s legacy:

“There were several key moments in his life that impacted the gospel acceptance in his village. The first thing that Suk did was accept us into his family group. This was pivotal to our family being accepted in the community. And being a part of his family group meant we were a part of this group-orientated culture. This meant we had protection if needed, our kids were looked after by his, we were welcome to join events that they were involved in, and we were a part of problem-solving in their community. When we let our boys leave the house and go on outings with the Agta, Suk's boy was the one who would look after Koi and Zane, letting our family settle into this culture and thrive. Suk's wife would help Char, bring flowers, and show her what to do in situations that needed input. This relationship was pivotal to us living in the tribe and having the platform to teach the gospel! Suk even gave his blessing or approval to listen to the Bible teaching!”

In a group-oriented culture like the Agta, people accept the gospel in two phases.  First, a leader decides to allow the Bible teaching.  “Suk made a small decision for the family group to accept the teaching of the Bible. ... This acceptance allowed for others in his family to make a personal decision to follow Jesus, which is the second phase,” related Donovan.  In fact, “All of Suk's family decided to follow Jesus because of his initial decision.” 

And that brings us to July 17, 2024, when Brian flew another medevac.  This time, it was for Suk.  A while after his medevac, on August 11, 2024, Suk made his entrance into Heaven.  Donovan spent time with the Agta people, rehearsing Suk’s life.  “Suk left a legacy in his family by making pivotal big decisions in the 'small days.'  Those small decisions of Suk made a HUGE impact for us being able to stay and live with this group of Agta people and made a HUGE impact for his family, having fertile ground in accepting the gospel.”

Maybe as a follower of our aviation ministry, you feel like you only have a “small” part when you donate or pray.  Maybe Brian thought he only did a “small” thing in the 2011 medevac.  Suk just made “small” decisions. But, as Donovan shared, "Who dares despise the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10 NIV). As Brian reflected on the whole story, he wrote, “I kind of imagine that we don’t even know what we are REALLY involved in each day as we live out our lives for Christ.”  Small things may really be great things in God’s “grand plan.”  If you would like to help make flights available to people like Suk and Bulintik, you can give to Missionary Flight Sponsorship.