Start to Finish: Seeing results

Don’t you just love seeing results after a long, long stretch of commitment? After 20 years of service, pilot John Meerstra has a long-term view of aviation service, and he wants you to “see your important part in this chain of support.”

John started flying with NTM Aviation in Papua New Guinea in 1994. It’s been far more than just a job for John. He and his wife Joyce, along with their two children, are passionate about sustaining the Bible translation teams working in the bush. They are determined to serve, whether or not they ever see glowing results.

But fruit does come.

Travel with John on a couple jungle trips to see some of the outcomes.

On April 15, 2015, John takes his family along with him. After two hours in the plane, they spend another two hours in a boat, finally arriving at the Waxe tribe. Today, they are celebrating “the completed New Testament in their hands, for their eyes to read and in their own language.”

“This is why [I] fly an airplane here!” emphasizes John. “Many of the people in this little jungle hamlet now clearly understand and claim Christ’s name alone for their forgiveness of sins. The Lord is building His Church among the Waxe.”

Next fly with John on May 5, 2015, to the Malaumanda tribe. Today John is representing all of NTM Aviation at the New Testament dedication festival. He’s been a pilot for this church planting team since near the beginning of their outreach 20 years ago. In a touching moment during the ceremony, one of the translators gives John two New Testaments. In turn, John presents the books to a believing Malaumanda man and his wife.

“It was a special day and extra special for John,” writes Joyce. “Many of the tribal people have become our friends and the missionaries are kind of like family.”

Now, because of Christ, these tribal believers are family. To John. To his family. To you. To all believers.

As you participate with NTM Aviation, you are seeing the fruit of your labor too. Unreached people like the Waxe and the Malaumanda are hearing God’s Word and believing. Thanks for being a part.