mission_365

COLOSSIANS 3:17 AND WHATEVER YOU DO, WHETHER IN WORD OR DEED, DO IT ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM.

This morning we are traveling to South Carolina to pick up an 83 yr. old gentleman, Earl. He and his wife moved to Greenville SC. from Cleveland, Ohio after his retirement from the Ford Motor Company several years ago. 

Unfortunately she passed away about 5 years ago after sharing over 50 years of marriage. Together they raised 2 sons and have 4 grandchildren. One son still lives in Ohio and the other son Doug and his wife Karen live in Fort Wayne. Until recently Earl was living on his own however, due to several health issues he has been in a rehab facility.

His family has made several trips back and forth in an effort to help oversee his care. In addition to that they have also been taking care of his home and all that goes along with it. For these reasons he will be relocating to Fort Wayne near his family. Upon our arrival we are greeted by the staff who are all very helpful and personally escort us to his room. Here we are greeted by Karen who walks over to immediately give us a hug, telling how thankful she is that this day has finally come. She introduces us to Earl and explains he is very hard of hearing. She was right but Earl is both pleasant and friendly with a kind smile and he too is ready to go.

During our flight Earl defers all conversation to Karen as it is even harder for him to hear in the plane.

Karen explains that her job had been eliminated a few months back which turned out to be a blessing, as it had allowed her the flexibility to stay with her fatherinlaw during this time of transition. For this she was thankful. She also told us about a big family vacation they were all able to take to Hawaii several years back that included her inlaws and the 4 grandchildren as well. These were great memories that she and her family treasured greatly.

Once in Fort Wayne we make our trip to the new facility that Earl will call home. When we arrive his son Doug is there waiting. As he walks over, Earl has a huge smile on his face as does Doug. Then the relief on Doug’s face to finally have his dad closer was evident as he embraced his father. The new facility was lovely and they had Earl’s new room prepared and ready for him. We placed him in his bed and prayed with he and his family. 

We received hugs from Earl, Doug, and Karen. They were extremely grateful for Grace on Wings and for the donation of the ambulance transport in Indiana.

I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU, HOW GOD IS USING EACH OF YOU TO HELP TOUCH MANY LIVES THROUGH THIS MINISTRY AND WHAT A BLESSING YOU ARE TO SO MANY !! THIS MINISTRY WOULD TRULY NOT EXIST WITHOUT YOU.

Each and every family are extremely thankful for this ministry and for all of you who make it possible.

Here is just a small glimpse of the lives that you helped to touch just today:

1. Upon our arrival at the Greenville Airport we were greeted by a very friendly gentleman, Bill who happened to be part owner of the FBO. He immediately approached our plane and with great enthusiasm pointed to the “showing Christ’s love through aviation” written on the side. With a huge smile he said, “I love what that says.” He was so interested in what Grace on Wings was about and we were thrilled to share it with him. Hal gave him a copy of the physician’s reference bible (the one all of our patients receive) as well as the small olive wood cross. He told Hal that he had just prayed that very morning for a bible that would give verse references for everyday life issues and now here it was. He was ecstatic and it was so refreshing to see.

2. As we rode in the ambulance in S.C. to pick Earl and Karen up we chatted with the crew. We found out that one of the crew members, Mandy was actually from right here in Indiana. She had moved to S.C. only 3 yrs. ago from Greensburg which is where Chris lives. It turned out that they knew many of the same people. She was very interested in our ministry and had no idea that a “charity air ambulance” even existed. She was surprised to know that the medical staff would volunteer their time off to serve patients in this way. Chris pinned one of our Grace on Wings pins on to her lapel and her eyes sparkled with delight.

3. Today and recently we have had several flights to or from our home state here in Indiana. Heartland ambulance is gracious enough to donate their services to our patients saving them hundreds of dollars. Each and every one of the crew we have encountered have been so excited to serve in this was. Several of them have donated their time as well serving on their days off. They are always excited to help and have been such a blessing not only to the families but to us as well.

Thank you to Hal, Chet, and Chris for sharing this mission and to Heartland ambulance for their donation of their ambulance service here in Indiana.

Special thank you to everyone who continues to pray for our ministry here at Grace on Wings may the grace of God be with each of you.

Many Blessings,

Shelli Engle RN