Malcolm and Mary Cleope and family serve as missionaries in the Philippines. Malcolm flies for Pacific Missionary Aviation and sent this "Yay, God!" account just the other day. Please continue to pray for God's work in the Philippines through the Cleope's!
Over a year ago, our mission started a search to buy an airplane to fulfill needs in the PMA Flight School training department and for long distance flying. Our current airplane is excellent for grass runways, hauling heavy supplies, large groups, and taking short trips. But it is not suitable for training and long distances since it is expensive and slow. We prayed for an economical, fast, and smaller airplane to compliment our Islander. This was a very specific prayer request.
Last summer, a generous donor from Washington State gave PMA a twin-engine Piper Aircraft PA-30, known in aviation as the Twin Comanche! This 4-seater plane even had a certification to modify the inside – which meant that we could add a stretcher for patients. Our MedEvac distance would be extended, plus we would save hours and pesos in this time of rising fuel costs. The Piper PA-30 is a good, complex airplane for training. Those around the airport would take notice – since we would be the only organization in Manila to have such a plane. In terms of raising funds for our ministry, we would be able to accept charter flights for those calls previously turned down, because of the distance. God answered that prayer with a definite, YES!
The Twin Comanche was disassembled by our missionary mechanic in Washington State last September and shipped in a container to the Philippines. After two months at sea and numerous delays, it arrived in Manila November 30, 2008. The next two months we faced seemingly impossible challenges in having the plane cleared and delivered; we knew that our only way out was through the Lord. It was a "narrow gate". We encountered attempts of extortion and enticement to bribery from various government agencies. However, it has always been a policy of the mission not to pay bribes; hence this was not even an issue for us. Yes, we had moments of anger! We observed another group making the pay-off and receiving their shipment after 1 week. In the end, we had to pay about $2,000 in storage fees, while the papers sat on someone's desk. At one point, the airplane was even put on "abandonment" and almost auctioned off!
The airplane was delivered last Tuesday at midnight. What a fine sight that was when the 40-foot container rolled into our hangar! Thank the Lord. Our mechanic did an amazing job of securing all parts safely; everything arrived intact. I have attached a few pictures. God is always at work; He is the potter molding us everyday. Sometimes we get inpatient because we cannot see the finished pot. :)
Malcolm Cleope
Officer in Charge
Pacific Missionary Aviation
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