Letters are out!

I want to start this post with an apology for being so tardy in updating what's going on with us! Things have been quite busy around here with being out of town, work, and trying to assemble everything for GMF to get our support letters out. We are now in the beginning of our transition phase from a normal working class family to a family entering into full time ministry living off of raised support that God will provide. I have to be frank, it was a lot easier to think about this transition last year when it was still 9 months away. Well, now we are just shy of two months before I begin aircraft mechanic school! I guess it's time to put our money where our mouth is, as the phrase goes.

God is definitely still teaching us new things each and every day that encourages us in this journey that we are on. I recently met with a missionary from the MIddle East and he had some great advice. One thing he said that really struck me was the notion of being self sufficient. Throughout this process I have always thought of us as being self sufficient when it comes to income. You know, going to work, depositing paychecks, shopping for food, etc. He completely humbled me by saying that no one is really self sufficient in ANY way! If this economy has shown us anything, it is that no one is self sufficient and though you may have a job today, tomorrow you may be unemployed. I say all of this because God has made it known to us that we have never been self sufficient, and as we trust in Him to meet our needs, He will provide like He always has (even when I did have a job).

As the title of this post indicates, GMF has now sent out our ministry and support letters! This is a very exciting time for us! We are looking forward to seeing God raise up supporters who will join us in the Lord's mission of reconciling all peoples and nations to himself. The process has been challenging at times, but very rewarding as well. For those of you receiving the letter, there will be a brief introduction of GMF and the Missionary Aviation Outreach (MAO) that Richard Hamlet has put in place for our ministry. The letter that Jenn and I wrote is included as well. We have included a personal and a ministry budget that will enable us to continue in ministry. The personal budget is more of day to day expenses such as house payment, insurance, food, and other miscellaneous costs. The ministry budget is geared more to the expenses for school, tools I will need to buy, books, and flight currency. Some may wonder why I need flight currency while I'm in school. Well, since I will be a pilot/mechanic with MAF, I don't need to lose any flight skills that I have since I will be flying most days on the field. Flying about twice a month will keep me up to speed. Raising support is definitely not something that Jenn and are used to, but we hope and pray that you will consider partnering with us during this process. Some people might be more hesitant to give because we are not leaving for overseas immediately, but one thing we have to explain is that this type of missionary work takes much more technical training than most other ministries. Missionary aviation works together with other ministries and helps mobilize and facilitate missions, but the act of becoming a missionary pilot takes a lot of training and time to do it.

As people are getting the letters in the mail our main prayer is that God will stir their hearts for God's mission for His people. Of course we hope that people will give out of the thankfulness of their hearts, but more importantly that God will be glorified! Also, if you are reading this blog and have not received a letter and would like to then please email me your name and address at: ajtaylor7@gmail.com.

Know that Jenn and I are praying for you all and are humbled by your interest in what God is doing in our family! Please let us know if there is any way we can serve you as well.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with endurance the race that has been set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" - Hebrews 12:1-2