The Airplane Update

So where does a year and a half leave us with progress on bringing an airplane to Mongolia? A few months ago, we may have told you we didn't exactly know what God had in mind, but that we knew that He had a plan for Mongolia. Here is what happened in brief:

After our plane crash in the summer of 2008 (see older post), we decided to switch aircraft type to a Cessna 182 model that could be modified for a diesel engine conversion. Although this type of conversion is very expensive, we felt that it was the best option available since av-gas is not available here and the engine conversion would run on available jet-fuel. In the last several months though, several events transpired to change our minds.

First, we found out that the new engine conversion was not running well in cold weather such as is found in Canada and similar places. This was a huge red flag, since the weather here varies between moderate, cold, and absolute frigid. Secondly, production of the diesel engine conversion was stopped to improve the model which could take from one to several more years.

The option of a Continental O-470-S engine that is approved to operate on 87 Octane gasoline again came to our attention. This engine operates well in cold weather, is a tried and tested Cessna engine, and should have no problem operating on the available 95 Octane gasoline here in Mongolia. Also, while Mongolia seemed previously against our airplane operation on car gas, we felt that the new government might be more amenable.

We were ready to move forward with the engine change to the Continental O-470-S, but we didn't have the funds. But God had already placed things in order, we just had no idea! About two years ago we had sent brochures telling of the need for a specific type of aircraft to all the airplane owners of that type and year. No one responded with a desire to donate all or part of an aircraft - until just a few months ago.

Then we got a call from someone in California who said that he had an interest in missions and would like to know more about our organization and project. A few days later Beaver flew out there and brought the airplane to AZ where it was annualed and inspected. Someone else in our organization had need of the aircraft in their project and consequently was able to pay us the funds needed for the new engine in exchange for the airplane. So God used this one donor to help Mongolia and Africa both have an aircraft! It is certainly a double miracle!!

The pictures you see above are pictures of the aircraft and the engine change that Beaver and a friend (Erik Vandenburgh and his family pictured above, along with Dave a shop owner that blessed us by the use of his shop, tools, and wisdom) just completed in Walla Walla, WA. Soon it will be on it's way to Mongolia, another miracle that we will post more about later!