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Pilots for Christ
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Table of ContentsGreat NewsBy Bob Francia, as told to Pam Clark God Is Great! This space can't do justice to all that has happened in the last couple of months. I was to have surgery for a rotator cup injury in August. During preliminary testing for the surgery my doctor reported that I had Cancer of the kidney, and it had possibly spread to other areas of my body. The prognosis was not good. I have had my rotator cup surgery, and the removal of 1 kidney. Doctor said they had gotten all the cancer. I am still a bit sore and tired. My prognosis is Great! I still won't be able to go back to work for a few months. The gift of life has an all-new meaning to me. I am looking forward to serving the Lord in an all-new light. My plans are to attend the PCI Conference on 09/18/98. So until then, Praise Him! PCI MissionsOn Friday, July 31, 1998 PCI received the following request: Hello... I stumbled upon your web site in looking for a "mercy" flight for a 27-year-old friend of mine who is dire need of surgery. She lives in Broken Arrow, OK and needs to get to Frankfurt, Germany, sometime in the beginning of August. She has 2 young children she will be leaving here in the States. However, her husband and mother must travel with her. She has a spinal cord tumor (called chordoma) wrapped around her spinal column and is in severe pain with movement now becoming limited. The surgery she will be having by one of the most famous spine doctors in the world (Dr. Haarms) will be very invasive and complicated and will take at least 15 hours. Her insurance will cover the cost of surgery, but not any travel expenses. My question is this: Do you or any organization you know of or offer "mercy" flights, with either free or very discounted airfares? This woman will die without this surgery, however, the trip over there could very well bankrupt this family of very limited means. If you have any suggestions for me, I would really appreciate it. Thanking you in advance for your attention to this Email......Patricia A. Olcott After reading this request, I called Tracy Mashburn, the patient's husband to get an update on Jeanne Mashburn's condition. I then contacted Ms. Melissa Guerra at Delta SkyWish, United Way International. Jeannie's case was broadcast at 10:00 PM on the local news. Stephanie Dukes is the reporter at the local Oklahoma TV station. Word was put out that the Mashburns needed to have Delta SkyMiles donated in her name. Praise The Lord! As usual the Lord provided all three, Jeanne, Linda (Her Mom), and Tracy received round trip tickets to Frankfurt, Germany. They left for Germany on Delta Flight #628 out of Tulsa, OK on 08/12/98 at 3:25 PM. It was a long flight and Jeannie was quite tired when they landed. What has been the beauty of this mission, is that people from the USA, Italy, and Germany have all contributed to make this mission a success. We have been in constant contact with each other over the Internet. (Email). The surgery has been rescheduled for 08/31/98. The latest update of Jeannie's condition is as follows: Jeanne had her surgery as planned on 08/31/98. The tumor on her spinal column had entwined around some nerves. They did remove 3 vertebrae L3,4, and 5. Some of the nerves had to be removed. Jeannie also had to have 7 pints of blood given to her. The Doctor said she will have some paralysis in her left leg. They won't know the extent until she wakes up. Linda also told me that they already have plans to return Sept. 14. He did mention to her that he is just concerned about getting Jeanne in 1st class. (of course it would be nice for at least Tracy to be able to sit with her). But they can always put Jeanne in the last row of 1st class and Judy and Tracy in the 1st row of coach so they'll be close by. At this time we are trying to get the TV station to run the broadcast again, which doesn't, seem to be a problem. They have set up a trust fund for Jeannie: The Jeanne Mashburn Fund To bump Jeannie, her husband, and mother to 1st class it will take 20,000 SkyMiles each. Of course it would be nice just to get Jeannie and Tracy to 1st Class. We still need added Delta SkyMiles donated. Jeannie was in quite a bit of discomfort on the trip to Germany, as she was in tourist class. We are trying to get her and her husband bumped up to First Class for the trip back. Phone: 703-519-0092 This story isn't over yet, but the Lord surely has had His hand on this situation all along. Praise Him Again! Story By: Pam Clark ***************** 08/05/98 PCI with the help of Corporate Angel Flight was able to send Ms. Sharon Sisk of Brighton, MI. to Bethesda, MD. for medical treatment. Ms. Sisk is in the later stages of Ovarian Cancer. Her son was her companion for the flight. Our prayers go out to her and her family. ******************************************** 07/20/98 We were also contacted by Mr. Thoma Pacuraru of Jenkinstown, PA. for transportation to University Of PA. Medical Center. Mr. Pacuraru is an organ donor recipient. He wears a pager given to him by the Center. When he is paged, he has 4-6 hrs to get to the hospital. We have the times between 7 AM and 9 PM covered. We are in need for Transportation between 9 PM and 7 AM PCI ELECTIONSFor Vice-President and 2 Board of Director CONTACT PCI Headquarters if you are interested! Qualification of a Board Member: Agree and believe in PCI's Mission statement, be (21) years of age or older, be an active registered PCI member for at least (3) years, have e-mail access by either having a personnel address or have a point of contact that would receive e-mail for you, be able to attend at least (3) of the (6) scheduled Board of Directors meetings; be present at yearly convention for election of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors Vice-President: The Term of office is for (2) years. Is elected by a simple majority of PCI members attending the Business meeting of the yearly conference in even-numbered years. Serves as acting president when the President is absent, incapacitated or unable to fulfill the duties of office. Closely assists the President, Secretary, and Treasurer in carrying out the duties of those offices. Acts as a check of accountability of the president, Secretary and Treasurer. Power and limitations are granted and governed by the by-laws and the Board of Directors members under the sovereignty of PCI. 1998 Oshkosh ReviewBy Don Clark From Wednesday, July 29th until Tuesday, August 4th PCI occupied a 10 X 10 foot cubical in Hanger D at the EAA air show at Oshkosh Wisconsin. The weather was great for the first 5 days of the show, as Monday the 3rd, was rainy only in the morning and Tuesday the 4th drizzled all day. It was truly amazing to see how many people in planes, RV, buses, campers, tents and what ever else one could be in one place for such a short time. Those of PCI that manned our booth this year was Les Benson(OH), Alice and Fred Hetrick(KS), Pete Rommel(OH), Pat Ruddy(OH), George Hansel(OH), Dean Kapp(WI), Doug Saddler(OH), Jay Farlow(IN), Kurt Klemm(WI), and Don Clark & Sarah Clark(MD). Nick Godinick(OH) came with us, but unfortunately due to illness he flew home on Tuesday evening. I would like to thanks all those in helped with the booth, as it gave time for all to see and enjoy the festivities. It was the first year that I have been able to attend, but with all the goings on I was really impressed. On the morning of Friday July 31st, PCI was scheduled to speak on a local Christian radio station that was at the air show. That morning Doug Saddler and George Hensel, were taking the cooler to the booth while the Pete Rommel, Pat Ruddy and myself were to go and meet them at the stations setup site. We though that Doug and George got lost, but in fact they were right were the Lord wanted them, having the ability to speak on yet another radio station. We have been invited next year to speak on a local TV station. PCI was able to pray for individuals, become familiar with past fruits of being at the show, add about 30 new members to our roster, found a potential buyer for the "Baby Great Lakes", have the possibility to add two or more Chapters to our organization, having the ability to deepen relationships with other Christian Pilot and non-pilot organizations, as well as Missionary groups such as MAF and JAARS. I am still in the process of going through all the information that was acquired at the show and with my daily duties, will hope to catch up soon. While I was out viewing the show, I got the chance to catch Carl Mortinson on film, demonstrating his aircraft the "Angle". Trying to talk with my wife while the Concord was taking off was impossible, but quite a site seeing that bird lift off and move the way it does. I was mesmerized as two F4U’s, a P47 and P51 strafed the airport and then looked to the south and see glitter of all the planes flying in formation that were soon to fly over the show in their various formations. As we left the show at 5 PM every day, there were 5 aerobatic planes showing off there abilities, heading back to our campsite and the RV which the Lord provided for us to stay in. The Wyldewood Baptist Church of Oshkosh opened its doors all week with nightly services. On Saturday, night, Pete Rommel, George Hensel, my daughter Sarah and I attended a banquet that the church put on. The speaker was a missionary from "Wings as Eagles" and spoke about their ongoing Missionary efforts in South America. Wings of Hope also stopped by out booth, and inquired if we would interested in a DC3, we are currently looking into this acquisition. There has been interest in this by various charitable groups, including the American Red Cross. I would like to thank the Lord for making all this possible through the donations of PCI Chapters, individual members and associated organizations. The big question is, "Is it worth it ?" and I truly believe that it is, there are those aspects of this venture that a monetary value can not be attributed to. Please let me know through e-mail, mail or phone what you think. The Board of Directors will have to decide soon if there will be an "Oshkosh 99". I hope there will be. Pilots For Christ Welcomes It's Newest Members!
‘98 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS ALMOST HEREDate: September 18-20, 1998 Place: Best Western Battlefield Inn, Manassas, Virginia (Telephone # 1-703-361-8000) Exit 41A off Highway 66 (1 mile south of Manassas Battlefield) Host: Virginia Chapter of Pilots for Christ International Chapter President Jim McConnell (W) 202-783-1910 (H) 540-439-0940 Cost: Registration after August 15th: Single: $215 Double: $290 Saturday night lodging only: Single: $135 Double: $190
Airports: Dulles for commercial aircraft, Manassas for private aircraft with
Falcon Head FBO Speakers: Mr. Ed Boyer, founder and CEO of Mercy Medical Airlift and Angel
Flight. Music: Miss Maria Chiafulio Opportunity to visit historic battlefields, cities and estates. Washington DC is 45 Minutes away. Registration: Begins at 1:30 PM Friday and at 7:30 AM Saturday morning for late arrives. Opening Session: 7 PM Friday, presentation by Bob Griffin of JAARS COME AND CATCH THE LORD’S VISION FOR PCI !! BE ENCOURAGED AS WE SHARE IDEAS AND EXALT THE LORD TOGETHER. Chaplain’s CornerBy Major Bill Fox U.S.A. Friday night, there is a long line, and they've got nurses and doctors coming out and pricking fingers and taking blood and putting labels on it. Your wife and your kids are out there, and they take your blood type and they say, "Wait here in the parking lot and if we call your name, you can be dismissed and go home." You stand around scared with your neighbors, wondering what in the world is going on, and that this is the end of the world. Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He's yelling a name and waving a clipboard. What? He yells it again! And your son tugs on your jacket and says, "Daddy, that's me." Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy. "Wait a minute, hold it!" And they say, "It's okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn't have the disease. We think he has got the right type." Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses, crying and hugging one another, some are even laughing. It's the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and an old doctor walks up to you and says, "Thank you, sir. Your son's blood type is perfect. It's clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine." As the word begins to spread all across that parking lot full of folks, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying. But then the gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and says, "May we see you for a moment? We didn't realize that the donor would be a minor and we need . . .we need you to sign a consent form." You begin to sign and then you see that the number of pints of blood to be taken is empty." H-h-h-how many pints?" That is when the old doctor's smile fades and he says, "We had no idea it would be a little child. We weren't prepared. We need it all!" "But -but..." "You don't understand. We are talking about the world here. Please sign. We -we need it all - we need it all!" "But can't you give him a transfusion?" "If we had clean blood we would. Can you sign? Would you sign?" In numb silence you do. Then they say, "Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?" Can you walk back? Can you walk back to that room where he sits on a table saying, "Daddy? Mommy? What's going on?" Can you take his hands and say, "Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never ever let anything happen to you that didn't just have to be. Do you understand that?" And when that old Doctor comes back in and says, "I'm sorry, we've - we've got to get started. People all over the world are dying." Can you leave? Can you walk out while he is saying, "Dad? Mom? Dad? Why - why have you forsaken me?" And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honor your son, and some folks sleep through it, and some folks don't even come because they go to the lake, and some folks come with a pretentious smile and just pretend to care. Would you want to jump up and say, "MY SON DIED! DON'T YOU CARE?" Is that what God is saying? "MY SON DIED. DON'T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE?" "Father, seeing it from your eyes breaks our hearts. Maybe now we can begin to comprehend the great love you have for us. "Amen" ****Author Anonymous**** |
For information about free transportation, contact our flight coordinator, Jim McConnell, (540) 439-0940.
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This page was last updated
May 08, 2008
Copyright © 2006, Pilots for Christ International, Inc.,
Bealeton, VA, USA
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