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Dear All,
Proverbs 16:1 We may make our plans, but God has the last word. (Good News Bible)
What is the use of a car? To drive. What is the use of an aircraft or helicopter? To fly. A helicopter that’s not flying is useless! Humanly speaking that is so true, but God’s plans are far higher and greater than our thoughts. God can use a helicopter to accomplish His plans, even if that helicopter doesn’t get one centimetre off the ground! You may ask, why are you telling us that? |
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What was happening? Due to the Tsunami, MERCY AIR’s helicopter was asked to help with the distribution of relief goods and personnel to the affected areas. In the beginning of January the helicopter was dismantled, and flown, by cargo aircraft (Lufthansa) from South Africa, via Frankfurt to Sri Lanka. Letters had been written to the authorities in Sri Lanka in order to get permission to fly. All went well, until the helicopter was on the ground in Sri Lanka. In the last 20 years there have been conflicts in Sri Lanka, especially in the north and east, which was the area, most effected by the tsunami. Relief efforts by NGO’s in these areas of the island, are looked at very cautiously and often with suspicion. A couple of days before the arrival of the MERCY AIR helicopter, another helicopter, from an American Relief Organisation, had arrived. This now became very suspicious. |
The Media (newspapers and TV) got
hold of the arrival of the two helicopters and without any checking or
verification, accusations were made that the two helicopters
were there to split up the country.
Because of the negative publications, questions were being asked in the Sri
Lankan Parliament and the suggestion was made to confiscate the helicopters.
In the meantime, the Defence Ministry told us that no other helicopters were needed for relief work, and expressed their gratitude for the help we had offered. We thanked them, and told them that other work was lined up for us and that we planned to take the helicopter to Sumatra. However….. because of the negative publicity we were not allowed to take the helicopter somewhere else. A full security investigation by Secret Services, of both organisations involved in bringing the helicopters, was requested.
So, for almost two months our dismantled helicopter stood there, ‘useless’ at the International Airport of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Was this GOD’s plan? How could a disassembled helicopter be of any use in GOD’s Kingdom?
But, GOD is much greater than we can think of or imagine. Proverb 16 : 1
Because of all the publications and accusations, we were able to get in contact with the High Officials of Sri Lanka. The communication that we had with those people gave us ample opportunity to explain why we came to Sri Lanka and that we had come because of GOD’s love for mankind. The official investigations of the Secret Services, confirmed that our intentions to help the people in need, had been genuine.
By now, everybody on the island had heard about the helicopters and the director of HUMEDICA, the Christian medical organisation, which had requested our help, told us: “The helicopter has done more for us than we had ever expected. Because of all the publicity, the government now knows who and what we are. The contacts we have made, through this, turned out to be a tremendous advantage for us.”
God’s plan was greater than we could have ever imagined, He has the last word. It was as if GOD was saying: “I see what you can’t possibly see!” Our question was: “Lord, what are you seeing that we can’t see?”
We saw a useless helicopter, but GOD saw people, whom He wanted to reach through us. He only asked us to be obedient and pass His blessings on to them.
Matth.10:8 Without
knowing it, they've done you--and Me--a favour, given you a platform for
preaching the Kingdom News! ( The
Message )
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The 5th of March was the Big Day that the seemingly “useless” helicopter was flown out of Sri Lanka, transported by Lufthansa Cargo, on its way back to South Africa, leaving a great testimony behind of God’s love and compassion for the people He wanted to reach! We know that God had started a work in the hearts of High Officials in Sri Lanka, in Lufthansa personnel in Germany and South Africa, and in the hearts of many, many people who have heard the story of the “useless helicopter”. This was God at work, and one day, we’ll see the fruit, fruit that lasts! It is God’s helicopter and HE did with it, what HE intended it to do. He’s got the last word, and we are so grateful that we were chosen to be part of His big PLAN. Someone once said: “Find out where GOD is at work, and then join HIM there. That way you’ll be most effective!” May we encourage you to give it all to HIM, He’s got the last word! Why struggle to hang on to things? |
In the centre of God’s will is the best place to be! Thanks for all your prayers.
In His exciting service,