Shelter from the storm

Situated just 1,000 feet from the west side of the Quetzaltenango airstrip (MGQZ) is the 100 X 120 Ft. hanger facility built out of the vision of Pastor Jim Zirkle.  With forethought of purpose this facility was constructed with administration and maintenance control offices, pilot lounge and conference area, living quarters, and aviation maintenance bays.

In those days, the floor of this hanger was filled with aircraft, heavy and light, single and twin.  This facility and those aircraft were used to serve the people of Central America, linking countries by air, transporting relief, supplies, and ministry workers to the benefit of the people.

Today, with renewed dedication, MWI has begun this work again with an eye toward serving every aspect of the original vision.  With pilot, mechanic, and aircraft in operation; we are conducting operations with the highest degree of safety and excellence.   To this end, we look to the current condition of the hangar. 

Guatemala is a tough place, and after 20 years of constant exposure to volcanic ash, natural disaster, and the punishing sun, our faithful  hangar is registering signs of age.  If allowed to continue, corrosion will spread and sink in deep; permanent damage or failure of the structure becomes imminent.

  The roof that could once withstand the seasonal winds and torrential downpours of western Guatemala is now plagued with rusting holes and separations where the rain finds its way through freely.  In the photos left and right, water enters and gathers, causing the beginnings of uncontrolled corrosion.   Think of how dominoes fall one after another, in the same manner one type of damage leads to another.

Over the administrative and living areas, the wood ceiling and rafters are at risk from dripping rain water that begins the rotting process, weakening the habitable structure.  Our current prevention is to catch as much dripping water as possible to minimize the seepage and the water damage that is ongoing.

There is however, hope for another 20 years of service. Replacing the roof now would guarantee that no lasting or devastating damage will be incurred in any area of our hangar.

A professional roofing concern, located in our city of Quetzaltenango estimates they can fully recondition the steel trusses and replace the entire roof with modern zinc coated material at a cost of $25,000 USD.

Here at Mercy Wings International (a division of Living Water Teaching), we believe that the restoration of MWI air services to Guatemala was ordained and ordered of God for a season such as this, and that all things are possible through Christ Jesus.  It is up to each of us to view through the eyes of Faith, the work already completed.

Join with us, and watch in faith the things that fervent prayer and generous giving can accomplish.  We can raise the roof, as we labor together building the Kingdom of God in Guatemala.

A little faithful sowing from a lot of faithful people is all it takes! Can we count on you?

You can direct your giving to:

Living Water Teaching, PO BOX 1190, Caddo Mills, TX 75135.  Make your check payable to Living Water Teaching with "Mercy Wings- Roof", on the memo line.