Oshkosh: Brough to you by MASA

Airventure 2010 in Oshkosh, WI is well underway. The dates are July 26-August 1.

To date, IAMA has collected all the fees for participation and has purchased exhibit the space. 26 Mission Aviation Agencies have registered and will be part of the exhibit tent with JAARS and MAF anchoring each end. Praise the Lord, we have the same location as last year. Jeff & Wonita Werley, New Tribes, will be managing the IAMA exhibit tent. The Fly4Life presence continues much like it did last year, but without the separate Fly4Life tent.

In order to pull off this massive event, IAMA, and all the participants, depend on the generous and extensive work of MASA (Mission Aviation Support Association) . MASA is lead by a governing board with Lee Smoll serving as Executive Director. Leadership teams have been assembled to care for those attending this event.

MASA provides 3 meals a day at the hospitality tent in Camp Scholler on the EAA grounds. They provide housing in area homes as well as loaner vehicles. They pick up and deliver from airports. For over 30 years MASA has made it possible for Mission Aviators to attend EAA. The cost would be prohibitive without their help.

More than just Oshkosh, MASA is also managing the IAMA store. If you have need of any tee-shirts, polo’s, caps, etc…you can contact leesmoll@tds.net to order them. These items will be available at EAA

Web Portal – Coming Soon!

In this day of hi-tek info-sharing and partnering, IAMA  is finding itself in a very relevant, and time critical, position.  IAMA has been facilitating and supporting mission aviation organizations for many years.  But just recently IAMA has been able to step in to fill a need that is shared by nearly all mission aviation organizations.  Enter: The Mission Aviation Portal.

First of all, the portal is not an original IAMA concept.  It is the result of a partnership between Wycliffe Bible Translators, IAMA, and Finishers.org.  Primarily the brain-child of people like Jamie Farr (Wycliffe) and Nelson Malwitz (Finishers), IAMA comes in to be the host and caretaker of the project.

So what exactly is a portal and what does it have to do with mission aviation? First of all, step with me into the world of recruiting – that industry that feeds us the most valuable resource we have; people.  At its most elementary level, the Mission Aviation Portal is an on-line tool that will make a meaningful connection between recruiters from mission organizations and potential candidates.  It is a one-stop shopping site for both the recruiter as well as the candidate.  At a deeper level it is a hi-tek search and matching engine that automatically matches a candidate’s profile / resume with all available openings in mission aviation – pilot/mechanic, AMT Specialist, administrator, etc. – based on the candidate’s criteria.

At an even deeper level it is very much a ‘Facebook’ for mission aviation.  And anyone that has tried to make meaningful contact with anyone of the younger generation over the last 5 years knows, that’s where you find them: On-line social environments.  The portal will allow both public and private messaging that is logged for referencing years later.  That’s important for a recruitment process that often takes  5 or 6 years.  For the recruiter, it is one place where he can keep all relevant information about the organization, upcoming events, membership requirements and processes.  He too can perform searches that seek candidates that match his criteria.

Will it work? Fortunately the concept has already been proven.  MissionTeach.org, also developed by Wycliffe and Finishers, is the proof-of-concept.  This portal has already been filling teaching positions for years, at a rate near 10 times faster than before, and saving the organizations thousands of recruitment dollars.  The Mission Aviation Portal is one of several more ‘industry-specific’ portals that are being developed to help meet this need in missions.

But the benefits don’t stop there.  Using this same technology and platform, IAMA will have the ability to better serve mission aviation by also connecting schools, vendors, donors, pilots and anyone else who wishes to be involved.

When will we see it? IAMA hopes to go live with the portal this fall.  Start visiting the IAMA website (www.iamanet.org) this summer as bits and pieces of the portal start appearing.  For those interested tecky-types, the technology for this tool is being provided by WM Tek, using a platform they created called Site Stacker.  You can check them out at www.wmtek.com.

Where Worlds Come Together

IAMA is an association of many incredible organizations, working to bring the love of Christ to a world in need.  IAMA exists, in part, to represent this work to the general public at big events such as EAA Airventure at Oshkosh, or SUN’n FUN in Florida.  It’s there that people are able to see the work, ask questions and get involved.

But it takes a lot of work to host these events.  For years, MASA ( a.k.a. “Mission Aviation Support Association”) has been hosting IAMA at the EAA Airventure event with increasing excellence. 

Now, a new opportunity has surfaced because of the generous and high-energy efforts of people like John Hoke and Robert and Teena Ray. John Hoke and the Ray’s have assembled a MASA – Florida chapter that will allow more mission aviation organizations to be represented at Sun ‘n Fun this year.  Thanks guys, for the great work.   Please click here>>> to  check Out  MASA’s  Florida chapter site to see what they are doing!

IAMA Presidents Note: November 2009

This has already been a banner year for IAMA, and it looks like many more good things are just around the corner. Starting with approval for 501c3 non-profit status; an energized and enthusiastic board that began meeting by teleconference every two weeks to plan for AirVenture 2009 and continues monthly now; huge response from AirVenture; a re-designed logo, website, newsletter; more special pricing on parts, satellite tracking systems, and title services; and the list continues.

Where are we heading? IAMA is committed to providing increasingly valuable member services and benefits, and encouraging cooperation and mutual success of all our members. Further major developments of the website are underway, with plans to begin listing services being offered with ways to rate them by those who have used them; a screening function for initial inquiries, so people wanting to get involved with missionary aviation are pointed to the ministries most suited to their interests and skills; listing of resources available; listing of resources needed; contact information for key people in organizations; listing of important documents and reference materials; and the list goes on.

Along with the website, our newsletter is being published online and sent out primarily by email. This not only saves a lot of postage, but people get it faster, and continue to get it when they move or go on furlough.

IAMA continues to seek an Executive Director who can help develop the organization and bring together all the different people who want to support and promote missionary aviation. A job description has been drafted and agreed upon by the Board, and we are now seeking funding for the position.

Jerry Miel, the IAMA Vice President, has graciously agreed to serve as the official Office Manager for IAMA, so we have a new address. It is:

IAMA
P.O. Box 5612
Tucson, AZ 85703

520-908-7122

The very active IAMA Board is shouldering much of the work now, with Jerry taking the office responsibilities, Jack Sluiter covering the website and newsletter, Bill Jones taking care of trademarking our logos, Scott handling minutes and agendas, and  Vic, John A., Jack and me serving on the website committee. This arrangement is enabling us to get a lot done even when we are very busy with our primary ministries.

One other area of note is that we are encouraging individuals who are interested in supporting missionary aviation in any form to join IAMA as associate members. For a nominal fee of $50, they will get regular updates on what is happening in missionary aviation, and the dues they pay will go a long way toward increasing the benefits to all the IAMA members. Now is a good time to encourage someone to join IAMA!

Jon Egeler
IAMA President

IAMA Mission Aviation Podcast #7 – Jungle Flying Simulator at EAA AirVenture 2009

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – “That is my village”

“That’s my village.”  Meet Nard Pugyao, JAARS pilot.

Nard used to be from a family of cannibals  from the jungles of the Philippines.

In the 1950’s a Wycliffe Bible Translator came to his village called Dibagat in the highlands of the Philippines, home of his people the Isnag.

The man took notice of Nard and eventually helped him attend school in Manilla and later the US where he attended both LeTourneau University and Moody Bible Institute.

Eventually Nard joined JAARS as a pilot/mechanic and was assigned to the Philippines.  The truly amazing full-circle to his story is completed when he was allowed to fly the Helio in carrying first copies of the New Testament in his own tribal language to Dibagat.

Later Nard came to the US and worked at Moody Aviation as a flight instructor.  It was my privilege as a student at Moody Aviation to have Nard as my first flight instructor, earning my Private Pilots License under his watchful eye.  Later Nard would be recognized by receiving the Alumni of the Year award from Moody Bible Institute.

Given this background it is no wonder his story was chosen as one of the story highlights in the Fly4Life tent where Mission Aviation was featured.

If you make it to EAA AirVenture 2009 this year, be sure and look him up.

Sandy

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – A great MASA breakfast!

A great day starts with a great breakfast at EAA Airventure 2009!

Thank you MASA (Mission Aviation Support Association) for you hospitality.  Without you the mission community presence at the EAA Airventure 2009 in Oshkosh would be difficult to say the least.

Our days always start at the MASA tent (just behind hangar D in the camping area) with smiling faces and marvelous breakfast food.  Local churches in the area combine their efforts and cater our meals.  Because of thehuge niumber of aviatiors this year, we have three churches catering each meal in combination.  That is teamwork!

Today I met up with my first flight instrictor from Moody Aviaiton, Nard Pugyao.  Nard was a liot for many years with JAARS.

Next stop and next post will be from the Fly4Life tent.  Stay tuned!

Sandy

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009 – IAMA Blog – Sunday July 26, 2009

After a year of preparation, tomorrow is the start of the EAA AirVenture 2009, with Public Benefit Flying as a keystone emphasis this year.  IAMA will play a pivotal role in the formal introduction of many to this unique form of ministry.

Many are already there, assembling, testing, and lifting the parts into place.  Many more are traveling today from points all around the US and the world to be a part of this historic event for missionary aviation.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we update this site [and specifically this blog] with up to date photos, video, and podcasts from the event!

Blessings

Kodiak Kids from IAMA – Personalizing World Missions

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Kodiak Kids Program (KKP) is to provide an opportunity for local groups to be involved with missions through the raising of funds for mission aviation.

WHAT IT IS

The KKP enables groups, such as schools, churches, and businesses, to raise money for a mission aviation aircraft or project through a variety of creative means.  You and your group would interact with the mission aviation organization of your choice on a consistent basis.  This fosters a sense of ownership and personal connection.  In this way, you and your group can have a tangible role in helping fulfill the Great Commission through aviation.

The KKP is a service of IAMA, the International Association of Missionary Aviation (www.iamanet.org).  IAMA oversees the program and coordinates the initial contact between your group and the mission aviation organization you’d like to team up with.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Mission aviation organizations identify projects.
These projects could be for the purchase, maintenance, overhaul, or operation of an aircraft.  (Note: See the “requirements” section below.)
The program is open to all IAMA-member organizations and can include any airplane or helicopter type.

2. Mission organizations register their projects with IAMA, who will post them in a special section of the IAMA website.

3. Your group selects a project and then contacts the IAMA Kodiak Kids Program Coordinator.

4. The KKP Coordinator will put you in touch with the project contact person at the mission aviation organization.

5. The aviation ministry organization will provide information to help your group connect with the project.
Such connection could be in the form of videos, photos, email updates, or other materials.  Field trips to the organization could be arranged.  Visits to your group by missionaries could be planned.
Connection is a hallmark of the KKP.

6. Your group raises funds for the project in whatever creative ways it devises.

7.  Working with its organizational partner, the group will see the fulfillment of its fundraising efforts and follow the aircraft or project as it goes into action on the field.

BENEFITS

To IAMA-member organizations:

1. Funds are raised for aircraft or other aviation projects.

2. Public awareness is increased and public relations are enhanced.

3. Relationships with the participating groups/individuals are forged, potentially leading to future involvement, either on a personal or group level.

To your group (and the individuals comprising it):

1. Opportunities to be tangibly involved with mission aviation are readily available.

2. A sense of community and teamwork is fostered.

3. Individuals (particularly young people) can learn about missions and have their horizons expanded.

4. Relationships with the mission aviation organization are forged, potentially leading to future involvement, either on a personal or group level.

REQUIREMENTS

Mission aviation organizations must meet the following requirements to participate in the Kodiak Kids Program:

1. Participating mission aviation organizations must be members in good standing of IAMA.

2. Projects must be identified and sufficiently described, to include:

TITLE:

For example: Mauritania Caravan Refurbishment.

NATURE OF PROJECT AND WHAT IT ENTAILS:

For example: The refurbishment of a Cessna 208 Caravan for service in Mauritania, West Africa.  The cost of this project is $400,000 and will entail an engine and propeller overhaul, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a pod, safety seats, and utility interior.

HOW THE PROJECT WILL BENEFIT FIELD MINISTRY:

This is a descriptive paragraph explaining the “what, where, who, how, and why” of the project’s outcome.
For example: This Cessna 208 Caravan is being refurbished for service in Mauritania, West Africa, where it will transport community development specialists, health care workers, and national evangelists.  By providing safe, reliable transportation, XYZ Mission will be meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the isolated people of Mauritania.  (Note: This is a short version; longer would be desired.)

SPECIFIC MECHANISMS FOR KEEPING THE PARTICIPATING GROUP INFORMED AND INVOLVED (e.g . email updates, photos, videos, visits, etc):

This also includes information, photos, or video of the people whom the aircraft or project will serve.

HOW THE GROUP’S MONIES WILL BE RECEIPTED AND HANDLED

3. The name, email, and phone number if a person who will be the point of contact (POC) with which the KK group will interact.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Teena Ray, KKP Coordinator for IAMA.  iamachristian@rocketmail.com or call my cell: 863-738-6434.

Mission Aviation Moments: A History Through Art

Mission Aviation Moments: A History Through Art – In keeping with the AirVenture 2009 “Fly for Life” theme, award-winning artist Sharon Rajnus has created a series of paintings depicting historic moments in mission aviation to debut July 2009 at Oshkosh. From the Andes to Oshkosh, the artist will tell the stories behind these paintings.

Name:    Sharon Rajnus
Company/Organization:    American Society of Aviation Artists
Sponsor of Series: Quest Aircraft Company
Website:     www.rajnusart.com
Biography:
Sharon has won awards from EAA, National Museum of Naval Aviation, Aviation Week and Women in Aviation, International, and others. She has piloted Stinsons, Maule, C-120 and Helios to out-of-the-way places.
Presentations:    Wednesday, 7/29/2009 – 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM – 027 Vette Theater – Museum Lower Level

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