I know this is "hot on the heels" of a previous update, but I just had to pass this on immediately.
Prior to bringing our new plane to Kenai, I was encouraged by a friend of our ministry to make sure the local paper knew about the grant we received and what we are doing in the bush. This is not an exact quote, but he told me "People NEED to know about this fantastic ministry and the tremendous grant and donations you have received for the plane. Our local community needs to know!"
Now, I know that goes without saying - - Public Relations is a key ingredient. But frankly, we had been immersed in this effort for better than a year and a half, and when it came to pass, we were in an immediate "crunch" to acquire the plane and we just didn't think about it too much. Until this friend put us back on track!
Joel was making final preparations to leave, so he told me to "Do it." "What if they interview me?" I said. "Well, get it right." he responded
I went down to the Peninsula Clarion Newspaper just hours before I was getting the cashiers check ready so Joel could go pick up the plane. I talked to someone in the press room. I prayed beforehand - - - because how do you convey what you are doing In Christ to someone who just "might not get it?"
They took down information, and then called me back later in the week, the day after the plane came in. I went through a phone interview, and then asked the reporter to PLEASE call the Director of ABM (Joel) and interview him as well, since he was now back in town.
Joel did the interview but was unavailable for the picture. We had decided a long time ago that our ministry was about PEOPLE nor about PLANES or PLACES, so Kris and Cassie and I got in the picture. The last thing we wanted was a picture of nothing but the plane!
Now, consider this as well - - - we are having our first ever fundraiser banquet to raise money for our general and airplane fund this Friday evening. What better way to start off the week than with a front page article in today's paper? Isn't that cool! God is so good.
Read the article at the newspaper's website below. They did a great job. Praise the Lord!
http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/021003/new_0210030003.shtml
See ya!
Gary
