Flying for His Kingdom
By Gertie Ann
Don Irving was a missionary in his own right, flying for the missions of rural Alaska through the Mark Plane Ministry. He was a significant pilot to me because he was willing to lay down his life each and every single day for Jesus. His wife was beautiful inside and out and the type of woman who respected her Husband and took care of her children in a loving manner. I babysat Jodi and Bradley up at the Unalakleet Covenant Bible Camp their older brother Brandon didn’t need one, and they were all a joy. Children have a tendency to make anyone smile, especially Jesus Himself. That is a love all people are capable of to put the future of our Children in the forefront of decisions for they are the ones who will carry on in the works of our Father. When roots are burrowed in the foundations of love even the strongest wind will not cause uproot. Swaying in the wind, standing firm and continuing each day as the blessing it is. You’ve heard the story in prior post of the CORE trip and the miraculous events that that saved a group of High School Students serving the Lord through Missions work in rural Alaska. Don was our pilot. He had a woodman’s look with his beard but it was never out of control. His gentle eyes were passed down to his children, and they are oh so beloved, as you and I are. I often think of his wife and how she might be doing. Only to remember she is in the best care and that is God’s care. When I attended University in Fairbanks I was blessed to see them at their home. I felt the sense of loss and inner hardship and continually pray for them. Not once did God stop loving you. The Mark plane had engine issues. On a solo flight just after take off Don crashed into a lake and passed away. I remember hearing about Don’s passing while on our boat up the Unalakleet River. My heart sank as if it was down on the river bottom, being rallied with the currents, then I remembered, Jesus is in control and His will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Death is not a bad thing, it is a part of this worldly life. When we change our world perspective to an eternal perspective it is impossible to loose hope. Do not deny the love that Jesus has for you, do not dwell in self pity for that is a trick of the evil one. Do be a light that shines in the darkness, and whatever your calling of love in life and that is the will of God, be loving and kind and selfless and always willing. Willing to hug those hurting, smile in delight for those who exhume joy and also be joyous. Our Father in Heaven is watching, taking note of all, do not be afraid, be yourself and be the person God created you to be. We lift up the Irving family and remember those who fly for His Kingdom. Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and that is what lies in the heart of your heart beyond reasoning and understanding it is what your heart beats for. To further advance His Kingdom on this earthly plane, when that one person He loves beyond compare is saved, all the heavens rejoice and exclaim His strength and power over all. That one is you, no more so than I or those who have come before us. It is louder than thunder, deeper than the depths of the earth, and expands further than the ever expanding universe that is His creation. We are not all called to be pilots, but when we do what we are capable, we are more than capable. It is so very simple, so very comprehensible, simply put, Love Him and in turn you become a ray of His love. It is only through love where we find Hope, and Only through Jesus where hope is found. Amen
Sewskimo Gertz 