Only One Way In

May 8, 2025

FIA February 2025 Appeal: Moving To Share Banner

“How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14)

Moving international workers to remote locations can be difficult and sometimes dangerous. For many, this means relying on small plane or helicopter services to get people and mission-related supplies into and out of those isolated areas. New Tribes Mission (NTM), serving in Papua New Guinea (PNG), has established “NTM Aviation” as an essential support ministry to do just that for those serving in the country’s jungles, islands and mountainous regions. When not flying to provide support, it is ideal that the aviation equipment be stored out of the elements to keep them in the best condition for use. If not, the aircraft can be damaged, or debris can build up in the engine and cause problems down the road.

FIA volunteers building the hangar structure.

NTM Aviation’s Need

The challenge for NTM Aviation has been that though they have a hangar for maintenance, they have had nowhere to store their growing fleet of aircraft when the weather hits.

NTM, an FIA partner, contacted us for help. As God brought the plans together; team leader Rob Donley led six men overseas to construct the 80x100x26-foot (24x30x8-meter) aviation hangar. The plan for Rob’s team was to build the superstructure and install the roofing. However, to operate safely, the team needed a crane onsite, which they didn’t have. Finding a crane to rent in PNG can be difficult with language barriers and availability.

Rob Donley (FIA Team Leader) at NTM Aviation.

A Big Prayer Answered!

By God’s grace, NTM’s project coordinator found a crane the team could use on several occasions – allowing them to install the structural supports and the roof in just a few days.

As the team worked, they monitored the daily rain forecast that could cause construction delays. Each day the team saw the rain coming, but it never seemed to rain on them.

“It’s like God put this dome over us and the rain would come towards us and then part and go around us,” shared Rob.

No rain allowed the team to install the siding and the gutters and hang the extra door NTM had in storage – tasks they didn’t expect to get done. By the end of the trip, the team had nothing left to do but watch the new gutters hold the rain that poured as soon as they were finished.

The Highlands in Papua New Guinea.

“We saw God at work throughout the entire project. Every day, everything was just cooperating. Having this hangar is a monumental thing,” Rob explained.

The increased aviation space is a tremendous blessing for NTM Aviation. Thus being able to better support international workers bringing the Word of God to the people who do not yet believe in Christ.

FIA volunteers and two local children.

Pray With Us!

We invite you to pray with us for this advancement of Gospel ministry, not only in PNG, but throughout the South Pacific. That people will hear the good news and believe. And that more laborers will be sent into the field, to keep moving the work forward.