Hengst, Ian

January 2010

As 2009 drew to a close we were once again reminded of the awesome gift of life that we have been offered. 

In the summer of 2009, Ian was invited to consider filling the role of Chief of Maintenance @ MFI which is located in F. Pierce, FL.   Involved in this role would be the supervision of the maintenance of their fleet of DC3s and Cessna aircraft and the crew of maintenance technicians.  It would also involve accomplishing inspections, completing paperwork and communication with the FAA.  As time and scheduling allows, Ian would also be flying on the mission flights to Haiti, Dom. Republic, and other locations in the Bahamas and Central America to provide much needed air support for missions in this region of the world.  This opportunity of service has come about from an invitation from the administration of MFI looking ahead to determine how they would fill positions that will be vacated by retiring staff.

As we prayed for several months about this, we as a family, have come to believe that God would have us pursue this opportunity. We served with MFI for the first 12 years of our missionary career and are very familiar with the operation of the ministry and are excited about the future and vision of this next chapter of our lives and how we can be a part of this ministry.  The past 8 years of experience gained while at MMS Aviation have been very instrumental in preparing us for what He has for us in the future. 

At MMS Aviation, Ian is working on an aircraft restoration project for a mission in Brazil to be finished sometime late this spring or summer.  We have also committed to help with summer events at church (mission trip, VBS) so the earliest we plan to move would be late this summer.  Please be in prayer for us in this transition.

Family Headlines:  This fall we started a Bible study w/the senior high group at Calvary Baptist.  It was a book study by John Piper called "Don’t waste your life".  The Jr and Sr high youth group enjoyed a Christmas banquet.  We had them dress up in formal outfits and served them dinner followed by a gift exchange.  Jethro had the opportunity to share about his experiences at school and from God’s Word.

At long last the Lord has led us to the replacement for our tired and worn out Suburban.  It is the third Suburban we have owned, and is a real good fit for our needs. 

Jethro finished the fall semester at ABC and was able to spend the Christmas break with us.  Abi and Lydia have been busy with their school work and keeping up with their friends.  Abigail plans to enroll at Appalachian Bible College where Jethro has been attending this year.

Thanks for your suppor and prayers

Ian, Staci, Jethro, Abi & Lydia Hengst