In this interview from Rise & Shine, Gavin and Geoff shared their experiences from a short mission trip with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Inspired by an interview they heard on Vision highlighting the need for help, they both stepped in to assist by repairing old housing for MAF pilots.
Gavin who is a teacher, and Geoff who works with metal, weren’t sure at first about going on the trip. But after learning about the need for help, they felt they should join in. Gavin shares how he was able to take time off from his job to go. And Geoff explains how his metalworking skills were a good fit for the tasks they had to do.
‘I’m a metal fabricator,’ says Geoff. ‘But I’ve also renovated a few houses. So that put me in a unique position for helping up in Arnhem Land.’
Answering God’s Call
Gavin shared that once he heard about MAF, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he should take time off to help in Arnhem Land. After praying about it, he felt led by God to ask his principal for time off. He expected the answer to be no, but to Gavin’s surprise, the principal said yes. This then allowed him to join Jeff on the mission.
‘I just felt like God was telling me to go and ask for the time off,’ says Gavin. ‘God really opened the doors to allow me to join Jeff on this experience helping out in Arnhem Land.’
The trip involved a lot of hard work, like repairing roofs and renovating a portable house for the MAF staff to live in. Both men were impressed by the commitment of the MAF team and how their work helps the local community. They also noticed the MAF pilots had a positive influence on students during school bus runs.
For Gavin, witnessing the dedication of the MAF staff, particularly their deep care for the local people, had a profound impact on him. ‘Just to see the selflessness, their surrender to be serving up there, was amazing.’
A Deep Commitment to Community
Both Gavin and Geoff were pleasantly surprised to learn that the pilots view their planes as their churches, engaging in mission work while transporting students between schools. Their dedication to the students reflects their deep commitment to helping the community. ‘They’re doing the mission work in their planes. It was so good to hear that the pilots have great hearts for the students up there as well.’
Gavin and Geoff are keen to encourage others to think about joining short-term missions. Their story inspires us all to get involved in serving, knowing that God will provide the skills we need. Community support for missions is crucial, and we should all be prepared to step out in faith and offer help in any way we can.
‘God uses each and every one of us,’ says Geoff. ‘It doesn’t matter what skill set we have; it can be used for His glory.’
Listen to Gavin and Geoff’s full interview below, and click here to visit MAF’s website to see how you can support their missions or volunteer. Take action today and be part of something extraordinary, knowing God will provide the skills you need!
All images supplied by MAF.
Further Reading:
Call For Tradies To Bless Aviation Ministry In Arnhem Land
