be fly, testify!

Alaska, flying and hanging with the Walker’s

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 10:28:31 -0700

Alaska is beautiful! My time here has been so amazing. The way I got here is cool too. Back in 2003 I had put a deposit down for “float training” out of Moose Pass, Alaska ( A couple hours south of Anchorage) and I hadn’t made the time to come up and do the training. Thankfully, the school kept my deposit over the years and I was able to come out this August. A very good friend of mine and his wife are teachers as a mission in western Alaska. He too is a pilot and we were able to meet at the flight school and we both are seaplane pilots now.

I am now in Chevak, Alaska with him and his wife, helping out wherever I can. He teaches aviation at the high school and it looks like I will be writing a syllabus and working on the overall strategy for the courses (this is a new program) and maybe even teach a little too! It is great to be here, I pray they are encouraged.

going to Nicaragua

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:45:46 -0700

Hello!
It is official, I will be going to Nicaragua next month for 2-3 weeks. Definitely 2 weeks but may go a week early to step up the Spanish a notch. I am excited to be working with Globe International and more importantly to learn and grow! I will be in the capital of Nicaragua, Managua. The program I am attending is called, “Next Step” and includes teaching, services, and outreaches. I look forward to learning more about Globe International.

home, what’s next?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:40:01 -0700

Praise God! I am home. After a few delays I am home.

Well, Easter was great. Food, family, and fellowship. He is Risen!

There are a few ‘next steps’ I can take, each leading to Ecuador, yet very different. I am earnestly praying that the Lord will reveal to me which organization to partner and serve with. As I have said earlier, it is a huge decision to me. I am in contact with several organizations at the moment and I trust the Lord will lead me where He would have me. If I am blessed to sign on with someone in the near future, I will have orientation and training to attend, and start fundraising. If that does not happen, I may go to Central America to improve my Spanish skills. I am eager for whatever God has for me.

I just completed a Video on Ecuador, it is a short 9 minutes or so and gives a sort of introduction to Ecuador. Please watch it and let me know what you think. You can find it on the ‘Vision’ page of this site.

Have a blessed day!!

Last Days in España

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:42:41 -0700

It has been about 11 weeks since I first arrived in Spain. Over the part few months God has done an amazing work in the lives of many young people, myself included. I was challenged, encouraged, and blessed by each and every student and staff member. The gates to Rio Vida were once open, now they are closed as each person embraces this ending and walks with boldness to a new beginning. God did an amazing work, it is my prayer that the staff and students make an impact in this world for Christ. Read His Word. Have a heart for God’s world. Participate in God’s work.

I will be home soon...

Cambodia ...

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:13:09 -0800

I have been in Cambodia for about ten days now and I have truly been blessed by this experience. I have learned so much about myself, and what God has called me to do. We have had lectures on cross-cultural ministry, strategy, evangelism, and so many other topics that are very relevant to me and the work in Ecuador. There are brothers and sisters from all over the world represented here and several come from regions of the world where Christians are persecuted. Because of that I cannot share their stores but I do ask that you continue to lift the church in India, Vietnam, and Laos in your prayers.

One series of lectures had us complete a “Because I believe ...” statement after each lecture; here is one of my responses:
“Because I believe effective church planting via evangelism is achieved in teams, I as an organized catalyzer will intentionally seek out operators and others to create the balance needed to effectively win souls for Christ”
Those of you that know me, know I am an organized person. As that relates to ministry I need to make sure I am working and partnering with people that will balance me, that our strengths will complement each other and thus be effective for the kingdom.

We are now in Phnom Penh after about a week a Seam Reap. We took a very relaxing 6 hour boat ride from Seam Reap to Phnom Penh down lake Tonle Sab. Seam Reap was a very nice place, and home to Angkor Wat, a very famous buddhist temple. In Phnom Penh we have had the chance to visit the House of Love and the House of Joy. These are Christian education centers for the children in Phnom Penh area. Have a great week!

Almost in Cambodia to say Happy New Year!

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:00:28 -0800

I am a couple days late now. I was checked in, luggage was on the airplane! When it came time to board they said “Security!”.. actually they didn’t but there was a problem finding my ticket number so I was not allowed to board the airplane! When they finally got it figured out it was literally 2 minutes too late as the flight had been closed but they were able to get my luggage off? So I went home for another night on MY bed :) rather than an airplane seat!

I am as far as Thailand and have another 5 hours of this layover until I fly to Cambodia. It will work out ... and I get to pray for the people inside and flooding the outside of this Muslim prayer room at the airport.

I added a link on the Johnny V? page of this website ... “Where in the world is Johnny V”. If you click the link your computer will ... I mean you will be taken to a page that tracks my whereabouts with a lil GPS gadget. Check it out when you get a free minute.

Have a great New Years Eve/Day and be blessed!

Happy New Year ... 2009!!!

2 weeks in Ecuador, no license

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:17:06 -0800

My trip to Ecuador went well. On my flight there, we didn't make a connection in Costa RIca so I had to spend the night (free room and food on the airline!) But I did make it to Ecuador a day late ...

I just got back state-side early yesterday morning. I had hoped to return with my Ecuadorian Pilot’s license but that did not happen. I am learning that what the government promises down there doesn't always happen as they say... I had met with the DAC (Aviation Department) on Monday (12/15) before flying home and they said my license should be available later this week. I am hoping this is the case; if so brother Rick will be able to pick it up for me and bring it stateside when he comes for Christmas.

When I was not working on my license, I got to spend some quality time in Shell. I had a great time ministering in the jungle and I am very anxious to get back full-time. I got to see some friends I had made down there and awesome brothers and sisters in the Lord, faithfully doing the work God has called them to. I look forward to working with them in the future!

I leave to Cambodia in 10 days ... that countdown begins ...

my plans are changing, His are amazing!

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:29:59 -0800

I recently posted and emailed the latest “Flightline of Faith” newsletter. In it I talk about the recent changes to my plans. I am learning to be obedient and to enjoy each day. One of my major weaknesses is being too goal-oriented and missing opportunities right in front of me. As I am making progress in this area, I will be in Ecuador in December, home for Christmas, and off to Cambodia Dec 27, and from Cambodia to Spain until April. I think I will celebrate New Years in an airplane somewhere ... I like airplanes!

All of the traveling and meeting people has really been exhausting but it has been such a blessing and so encouraging! From here to there, but He is everywhere! I am challenged to THRIVE in life (for His glory), not just survive what is at hand. And with His strength I will! Praise God!

I am excited about Thanksgiving (you Canadians, the REAL Thanksgiving is November 27th!) I will get to see family, eat food, and play football .. and in California it should be warm :) And then ill be off. I hope your Thanksgiving is great. God bless! JV

The Vision, Ecuador

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:07:47 -0700

The flight to Ecuador allowed for much sleep, however problems with customs definitely woke me up! I had two pieces of checked luggage, one with airplane parts and the other with my clothes. The clothes took about a week to arrive, but the parts were on the flight with me. I thought airplane parts were “Materials and Equipment used for professional use”, as the declaration form said. The customs officer had a different idea. After much “discussion” with the officer, I paid taxes, fines, and was allowed on my way.

I had the honor to work with Rick and Sharon LaBouef in Shell, Ecuador. They are an amazing couple whose lessons were priceless, hospitality gracious, and their heart for the lost very evident. It is by God’s grace that I was able to work with them and witness a couple who is sold out for Christ and who are truly living with their eyes on eternity; Loving as Jesus loves and making the most of every opportunity to share the love of our Lord. Whether it is flying in the jungle or walking through town. 24/7.

There were also many other missionaries I met who are living it. Who are passionate for people and the ministry God has called them to. I think that is one thing that God is helping me recognize, we are partakers in HIS ministry, not our own.

Brother Rick and I had flown into a village in the Amazon near the Peruvian border and we were able to present the word and sing some songs of praise, as we would do fairly regularly. At the end of our time a native lady asked if we could come back, no one is available to teach them the word of God. On the flight home and to this moment, my heart is broken for people like this lady, so very new in the Lord and desiring more. And those who have never heard the great news of Jesus Christ. There is such a need to present the word, to stay true to the great commission: make disciples, baptize, and teach. I feel God calling me to be a partaker in the work he desires for the people of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

As I read of missionary journeys throughout the new testament 2 things stand out to me, 1) The apostles stayed awhile. 3 days, a week, a year, to make disciples of the people. I feel as though we need to do more than just preach the good news, but help our brothers and sisters grow in the Lord. 2) They worked in teams. I can fly an airplane and preach to villages, but we are a body! Working as His body, God will do great things, His things!

With that being said, I would love to return to Ecuador as a missionary pilot. Develop a cooperation with believers from Ecuador and abroad to consistently present the gospel and water the seeds. There are over 200 airstrips in the jungle serving even more villages, and there are only a few churches or pastors throughout this dense jungle region.

So what do I have to do? What is next? PRAY. Join a mission organization, possibly start an organization, work on visa particulars, and many other logistical issues. I met with the head of licenses at the Ecuadorian Aviation Department in Quito and it was such an encouragement. The man in charge is a believer and while I had heard that Americans can no longer get licenses in Ecuador and other not so positive news, he told me that there will be no problem and was excited to hear of what God wants to do. I ended up staying in the building for several hours, talking to people in different departments. Everyone was very helpful. Praise God!

Ecuador Countdown...

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:15:01 -0700

I will be headed to Ecuador for the month of September to work with an awesome missionary couple. God has really opened up the door for this opportunity and I am very excited to serve and to enjoy the fellowship of believers down there. I will be flying into Quito, Ecuador and the following day make the bus ride into Shell Mera, Ecuador. Many of you may have seen either End of the Spear or Beyond the Gates of Splendor, or maybe even read a book about Nate Saint and the missionaries who were martyred in Ecuador. Well, that is where I will be, Shell Mera, Ecuador.

While in college, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Ecuador, and even visit Shell for a long weekend. While my time there was great, I never truly planned on returning. And now I am headed back and very eager to participate in the great work God is doing down there. The missionaries I will be working with fly an airplane from Shell into the jungle and serve the people in the remote areas, without forgetting about the ones in their own backyard! One thing I truly admire about this ministry is how evangelism comes first.

My good friend Thad and his wife also had the opportunity to go down and visit Shell and they were truly inspired by the precedence evangelism took. And that is exactly where my heart is in missions. I love to care for people, to care for the poor and for widows as Jesus commands, and yet I feel as though we sometimes forget the heart of missions in our acts if service. What good is it for us to educate and modernize people if they do not know Jesus, they will just go to hell educated and modernized. With that being said, evangelism must be the priority in all our works of service and I feel the Lord has given me this conviction so that in my service I stay true to the heart of missions.

I have about a week left before I leave to Ecuador, please keep me in your prayers. I will try and post some updates while I am there ... be blessed!

Johnny V ... picking up my cross daily.