Front Lines

My (Aaron’s) grandfather “flew the hump” in Burma in WWII. I think he was the radioman on the flight crew. Of course, the missions were dangerous. Fortunately, he was not one of the 1,600+ that went missing.

It’s a good thing he wasn’t on the front lines.

Come to think of it, what were the front lines? Being part of the infantry on frontal assaults? The ships that charted the deepest incursions into enemy territory? The fighter pilots who shot down aircraft? Who was on the “front lines”?

For that matter, who was most important in that conflict? Being on the “front lines” or everyone else? Was it more important to be the one firing at the enemy or the one building airplanes back home? Were generals more important than airplane mechanics? It would be difficult to determine who the most important people were in the entire struggle.

And it was massive. It took teams of entire countries. From Rosie the Riveter to infantry crossing the English Channel. From those buying bonds back home to the airplane mechanic overseas. It took a humongous coordinated team in order to win.

In missions, we’re in a spiritual battle. And, we’re winning! We’re taking back territory from the enemy, Satan! But, we need a complete effort to make it work. We need a whole country back home in America as part of the effort – sending prayers, funds, and people to the “front lines”.

Who is most important in this spiritual battle? Those on the “front lines” or those “holding the ropes” in prayer back home? Those who personally speak to a tribal person who believes the gospel or the pilots that flew them there? Mission leadership or airplane mechanics?

Who is most important in this spiritual battle?

Every.

Last.

Person.

It takes a complete effort from every single God-follower. Whether they are translating the Bible or fixing airplanes in order to fly the missionaries in and out of the jungle. Whether they are back home sending prayers and support or working in the Business Office.

I wonder what my grandfather thought of his airplane mechanics in WWII. Guaranteed, he considered them as important than himself. Guaranteed, he was grateful for every last minute they spent maintaining his aircraft. Guaranteed, if they weren’t there, he wouldn’t have been flying to the front lines.

Thank you for being part of our team. We couldn’t do it without you – and neither could the tribal missionaries on the “front lines.”

Let us know if you would like to join us in Papua New Guinea! We need all kinds of people. Airplane mechanics, pilots, accountants, builders, helicopters, you name it.