Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
Hello Friend
Last month, we asked for prayer over a big decision on a big opportunity. We are excited to share in more detail what we could only allude to in our previous newsletter.
Just before Easter, the Director of Aviation at JAARS called Philip in for a meeting and asked if he would consider stepping into a new role. Would he consider becoming the Director of Maintenance at JAARS? This is a significant position that oversees all maintenance operations and training, while ensuring compliance with federal aviation regulations and airworthiness standards. It requires a high level of administration and would help Philip develop invaluable skills to serve in any JAARS base overseas. The reality is, though, that it is a local assignment…and not exactly a short one.
Every overseas aviation program depends on strong leadership behind the scenes—people who can plan, organize, and sustain complex operations. The senior leadership at JAARS wants to intentionally invest in Philip’s growth in this area, with the hope that he would step into a similar role overseas down the road. That vision and investment is encouraging to us.
At the same time, this shift would come with some real weight for our family. It means delaying our plans to move overseas. It involves saying goodbye to the group of friends we started with at JAARS when they leave for their overseas assignments, instead of leaving with them. Philip will also be stepping away from training the group he’s been investing in, as they will also deploy before we do. Those transitions feel significant.
After a lot of prayer, many conversations, and feedback from wise counsel, we have felt led to have Philip accept this position! We feel a lot of peace that this is way forward. We are still confident in the Lord and His plan, even though our path looks different than we anticipated.
Just how different? Well, one of the biggest implications this decision means for our family is that we will be in Waxhaw a while longer. Philip will begin the role of Director of Maintenance this summer and has committed to serving in it for the next two years. While this wasn’t the timeline we had originally expected, we are genuinely excited about what this opportunity could mean for the future, and also for our time here at the JAARS training base.
This new role will also bring a higher level of responsibility—and stress—over the next couple of years. We are stepping into it with open hands, asking the Lord to help us walk faithfully and do all things well as unto Him.
Would you pray with us in this season?
- Pray for wisdom and endurance for Philip as he grows into this role.
- Pray for our family as we navigate unexpected changes and goodbyes.
- Pray that through it all, we would remain grounded, faithful, and aligned with what the Lord is doing.
We are so grateful to be partnering with you in this journey. Thank you for walking with us.
With gratitude,
Philip and Anna
