BOOK REVIEW: "Mission Pilot- The David Gates Story"

I'm doing a bit of research into the history of Mission Aviation in search of any instances of technical, aviation training offered by the international workers towards locals.  Along this journey, I get to find out about some pretty amazing stories.  Here's the latest book that I'm reading:

Mission Pilot; The David Gates Story- available for online reading or download: http://www.slideshare.net/Afryea/mission-pilot-english-whole-book


175 pages that you can easily read in one setting.

David Gates, an "M.K." (missionary kid) who grew up in Bolivia, shares some amazing, faith-filled experiences from his life living abroad as a pilot, teacher, physician, and visionary (author Eileen Lantry).

The first half of the book details the hi-jacking of his airplane and then imprisonment at the hands of local military in Southern Mexico.  Intertwined are flashbacks to his childhood, teens, college years and early years of international work.

Yep- I like airplanes, so you're going to have…

 ...to deal with some airplane photos:

Late 1970's: as a young man, after the crash of a small aircraft that he had used for training, he invested in a Cessna 140

David used the time in prison in redemptive ways- he talked the warden into allowing him to reopen the dispensary and started treating the illnesses of fellow inmates (50 patients seen a day).  He also worked with other prisoners in health education and Bible study.  His reputation gained him favor in the eyes of the prison leadership which became instrumental in his release after 10 days.

David flew a Cessna 185, like this, in Southern Mexico, until he was hi-jacked by local military and thrown in jail.  Later, when freed from jail, his accusers came for him again and his mission leadership advised that he and his family flee the country- leaving the aircraft behind.

Later, when television ministry in Guyana was birthed and his work was expanding, a Piper Twin Comanche was added to the fleet.  Later a Cessna 172 and 182 were added as well. 

David and Becky never stopped dreaming big dreams for God.  They were passionate about finding ways to express His love to people.  The entrepreneurial spirit that David has is inspiring.  It reminds us that we serve a BIG God who is creative.  One of David's quotes says it all;

"Don't be afraid of failure.  

Rather, be afraid of not trying."