A family of six is making the big transition from military life to missionary life as they begin their adventure serving with AIM Air.
AIM Air plays a crucial role in fulfilling the Great Commission. Their flight services are directed toward that end, and they are eager to support ministries that enhance and advance the vision of Africa Inland Mission: to see Christ-centered churches among all African peoples.
AIM Air is a lifeline to those who work alongside the church in East and Central Africa.
“As a military family, we have spent 12 years serving our country. God used this time to prepare us to serve Him on the mission field, providing Tripp valuable flight training and experience. This opened the door for him to serve as a missionary pilot for AIM Air."
"Resigning from the military means leaving a strong community. Military families have shared experiences and purpose that create a unique culture. People have often thanked us for our service. The sacrifices we have made are respected, like long family separations, moving frequently, and accepting the risk of loss of life. In transitioning over to the mission field, we have seen many similarities."
"Connecting to a new community with a unique lifestyle, we aim to work together with great purpose: to proclaim the name of Jesus among all African peoples. We will encounter similar sacrifices and risks as we did in the military. Even among some Christians, it seems that the military sacrifices are better understood than those for the mission field. Not discouraged by this, we have counted the cost and know that the Lord is worthy of these sacrifices and service."
The theme of our past twelve months has been God provides. You may have heard it said that God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. He called us into this ministry and has been abundantly providing for our needs this year.
We are currently at a four-month missionary aviation training program to provide essential skills and experiences for missionary pilots and mechanics. The sense of community and shared purpose, as well as having your friends and neighbors also be coworkers, certainly reminds us of military life!
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
Please pray for safe flying for Tripp during training and safe travel for our family this spring.
Pray also that our family will "leave well." We have already begun our goodbyes and have been intentional to help our children process this big change.
Interested in serving? Explore your part here!
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More About the Authors: Tripp and Allie are following God's call in pursuing full-time ministry in Africa. Lord willing, we will be moving our family of six to Nairobi, Kenya in summer of 2022 to serve with Africa Inland Mission's aviation ministry, AIM AIR. Tripp has flown as a pilot stateside and is looking to use his aviation skillset to support missionaries who are taking the gospel to the unreached of Africa.