In Papua New Guinea, mission aviation pilots land on short, grassy runways like Nankina, which sits at 5,470′ above sea level and boasts a 11% slope at its steepest point. (For comparison, the maximum grade for U.S. mountain highways is 6%.)
When missionaries need to reach villages on the mountaintop, they rely on skilled pilots capable of flying and landing them safely in places like Nankina.
There, geographical barriers can make sharing the gospel impossible by road or foot.
Johnny, a pilot and mechanic with SIL Papua New Guinea, was trained and equipped by JAARS to face remote overseas missions’ challenges—challenges that aren’t limited to grassy, mountaintop runways.
It’s one thing to see one of these runways in a photo. It’s another to land there.
“If you just take a second after landing to look around or walk around, you see that this really is the uttermost ends of the earth,” says Johnny. “There’s no road access in or out, no boat access.”
In places like Nankina, modern infrastructure like roads or communication systems are non-existent.
As he and his fellow mission aviation pilots fly, they contend with weather, airspace restrictions, high mountainous terrain and demanding schedules, all for the sake of the gospel.
“I’m thinking of a pass we often fly through,” says Johnny. “It’s a pass in the mountains, and on one side you have terrain that’s very high. On the other, you have airspace restrictions, and you might have a cloud layer above you while you’ve got the ground below you. Your options are slim.”
Sometimes, he navigates the obstacles and reaches his runway. Other times, he knows to stick to his training: turn back and watch for better circumstances.
“JAARS does a really good job of equipping us with the right tools, and not just technical, but some of those soft skills too,” says Johnny. “It's like a lifelong mentorship.”
The runways translators and locals have carved out in the dirt along the mountainside are lifelines to medical care, education, supplies, local trade and, most important, the gospel.
In more ways than one, they mean the difference between life and death, between reached and unreached.
Locals gather along the runway around the parked plane.
“We've had translators tell us, ‘If we had to carry what we need to bring with us, our supplies, our solar batteries, and we had to make a four-day trek into the jungle, it would take two or three weeks just to recover from that experience,’” says Johnny.
By flying translators to their destinations, pilots like Johnny help missionaries use the time they would have spent traveling and recovering to share the gospel.
The aircraft transport services Johnny and his team provides are essential for moving equipment, personnel and medical services. When the locals need food and supplies, he flies them in and returns with a plane load of coffee providing trade for those without roads.
In everything he does, Johnny serves as a bridge between unreached people and the gospel.
“If you're someone who's feeling led by the Lord or called to serve on the mission field, whether that be in aviation or other areas, just say ‘yes’, take the first step,” says Johnny.
“Don't be afraid,” he adds. “God's got it. He's gonna take care of you if you feel like you're called to something, and he will equip you. And I can attest that there's no greater joy and fulfillment than doing what he's called you to do.”
Ready to take the first step? Join the crew and help us cover the last mile of missions.
Photos by Brent Fox