| Stephen Newton | Location: | Palau | Function: | Missionary Pilot/Mechanic |
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It is amazing how God can place an idea into your mind, and how, as time passes, that dream ends up becoming a reality. Early in 2011, I was at a crossroads in my life and was trying to determine God’s direction. Intrigued and open to mission aviation, I stumbled on the website of a mission organization based in Micronesia and the Philippines.
After a series of events, I made my decision to serve God and love others through mission aviation. I felt a great sense of God’s answer and His blessing of peace in my life. In the summer of 2011, after being accepted by Moody Bible Institute, I began the 5 ½ years of training to become a missionary pilot. This included 1 ½ years of Bible school, 1 ½ years of aircraft mechanic training and certification, and 2 ½ years of flight school ending with an internship in the mission field.
After graduating, I heard from another Moody alumni who was serving with an organization in the Western Pacific. This organization, Pacific Mission Aviation, was the same organization I had noticed years before. After being accepted by PMA, I arrived in the Republic of Palau on May 31st, 2018.
Why PMA? PMA was and is a great mission for a pilot out of flight school to gain real-world flying experience, while truly serving the people of Palau. PMA offers an internship option for those who would like to serve for 6 months to 1 year. The amount of support required to be raised can indeed be raised in a short period of time. Lastly, and most importantly, PMA offers the opportunity to serve others in a meaningful way while being a part of God’s kingdom growth in the Western Pacific.
My inspiration as I serve: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27
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