Dear Prayer partners,                                May 2010

Spring has sprung, and it seems to have sprung forward at lightning speed! We experienced the easiest “break-up” that we have had since moving to Alaska. With the small amount of snow this winter, there wasn't much to melt. There has not been the usual flooding that takes place this year.  We have been busy with the different aspects of our ministry.  We are thankful to be busy about the Lord's work.

Maintaining ministry airplanes is part of the Lord's work.  Making sure that these airplanes are in good working order for a summer of flying takes lots of time.  The Lord led four men up to help on the planes this year. They were Don Wright, Jim Parvis, Tore Mitchell and John Douglas.  Earl and these men have inspected four ministry planes this spring and have two to go.   The Poelman family serves in McGrath, AK. Their Cessna 172 needed a new windshield, fuel control cable, and an annual inspection.  Also, Ronnie Starr's Cessna 206 and 207 were due for inspections. These planes are worked hard and never “complain” until it is inspection time. The C-207 has over 14,000 hours and, this year, required over 330 man hours to fix everything after the inspection.  All totaled, 490 man hours were put into these three planes.  Multiply that by $100/hour, and you can get an idea of how much money was saved for these missionaries.  One missionary sent us a note and said:  “I don't know what I would do if you could not work on my airplane.  The operating costs are already more than I can really bear, and an expensive annual might put me under.  Not only that, but I really value our fellowship during the week.”  Do you realize that by helping us, you are directly helping other missionaries too?

There are some exciting developments with our second twin engine airplane that we will hold off discussing until our next update.  Please pray for God's clear direction and to give Earl a strong sense of discernment over the next few weeks!

The Great Commission is part of the Lord's Work.  Manley Baptist Fellowship is going well.  We so love this group of folks.  The three and a half hour drive has changed from slippery snow to a bumpy and dusty ride.  But once we start fellowshipping, singing, and studying God's Word, “everything is alright in my Father's house!”

Our Lord has answered many prayers in this small community.  One of our ladies, who lives with her husband 20 miles off any road, had to be medivaced by helicopter recently.  They took her to Anchorage (380 miles south of Fairbanks) to have surgery.  We flew Lynn down commercially to be with her, and the next day, when Earl walked in her room after the surgery, she said she couldn't believe he drove 400 miles to visit her.  Earl told her, “I’m just glad they didn't fly you to Seattle!”

We are pleased to announce that we have a new baby Behr (pronounced “bear”) attending our meetings!  Sean and Nicole saw our Lord answer prayer by allowing Elias to be born the day before the doctors were going to induce labor.

Please understand that because our letters are posted on the web, we can't name individuals.  But please pray for boldness and power as we talk to our neighbors and others about their need for Christ.  Our friend Betty asks you to keep praying for her spiritual needs.

Jeremiah just completed his freshman year of high school.  Many of you know that he struggles in math and have prayed daily for him.  Thank you--God is answering your prayers.  This year, he attended a Christian school, and the Lord has blessed both academically and spiritually.  He earned A's & B's in all but math, in which he earned a C.  When we say “earned” it, we mean homework from 3-10:00 PM, 5 days a week.  We share this, because many of you pray for him and ask how he is doing.  He is learning how to apply his Christian teaching in his daily walk.  It is our desire that Jeremiah will learn to love the Lord and serve Him personally, not just ride his parents’ coattails.

Earl and Lynn are doing fine.  The annual physicals are almost complete, and the doctors say we'll live until we die.  Lynn's blood work was great, but Earl needs to work on his cholesterol.  Some other number that deals with the gall bladder is high also.  He still has “fighter-pilot eyes,” but up close? Well, let's just say he's trying to get used to bifocals.  

Your prayers for this ministry are appreciated more than we can express.  Thank you.  They are making a difference.  Please don’t underestimate this vital aspect of support.


Earl, Lynn, & Jeremiah Malpass