Flying in Alaska — UIM Aviation

In Alaska, summer is prime time for native kids to attend Bible camps. Mission groups based there often need more pilots then. As a member of the International Association of Mission Aviation (IAMA), we in UIM Aviation were made aware of this need. By God’s orchestrating, David and Olivia Wolf have served on-loan with Mission Aviation Repair Center (MARC) for ten summers. David flies as a crew member in their twin-engine, turbo-prop airplanes. MARC is a like-minded mission based in Soldotna, Alaska. The mission serves a number of Bible camps by flying native children from remote villages to camp. The villages and most of the Bible camps are off the road system requiring air service for supplies, camp staff, materials, and emergencies. MARC provides many of these services for the Bible camps. The pilots and other staff buy, weigh, and warehouse ordered supplies, building materials, and groceries for the camps. A 14-hour day of camp flying includes removing seats for cargo, loading the supplies, reinstalling the seats, refueling stops, and loading and unloading the passengers’ bags besides flying ten to fourteen legs.

David loading the plane in preparation for the day's flights

During these summers David has flown into 67 villages throughout Alaska. Often the weather conditions require piloting solely on aircraft instruments and using instrument approaches to arrive and land at isolated village airstrips or city airports. Thank the Lord for His safety and protection for these many flights over vast regions of mountainous terrain, flooded tundra, and numerous river systems.

Attending camp is a meaningful experience for native children. They enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, fellowship with kids from other villages, and learn about Jesus Christ who loves them. This caring environment is in sharp contrast to village life that can be lonely, dark, and abusive. David enjoys meeting campers who are excited about returning to camp each year and seeing God work in their lives as they mature.

Children in Alaska enjoying activities of camp while they hear about the love of Christ!

While David is flying, Olivia teaches at Vacation Bible Schools, helps with Child Evangelism Fellowship outreaches, and meets with ladies for prayer and encouragement. God has put many ladies into Olivia’s life for mentoring. She also enjoys sharing her missionary and life experiences to disciple young female missionaries.

Although the Alaskan economy is very expensive, God has always provided housing for David and Olivia while serving there. They are blessed to serve with the MARC team that is similar in staffing to UIM Aviation. Each summer God uses the camp ministries to grow His Kingdom and affect lives for eternity. What a privilege to be part of His work. Thank you for your prayers and being a vital part of this ministry.

Written by David and Olivia Wolf, UIMA pilot