My Long Journey To Becoming A Mission Pilot – by Lincoln Gomez

Seventeen years ago, little did I dream that I would be flying over the jungles of my own country, Guyana. I was baptized when I was nine years old into the Paruima Seventh-day Adventist church but after several years of studying in the capital city, Georgetown, I gradually strayed from God’s will and way. In the year 1999, I became interested in getting a Christian Education at the Davis Indian Industrial College (DIIC), located in Paruima, my home village.

The school (DIIC), was re-established after about 30 years thanks to Uncle David (Gates) who served as a volunteer missionary in the area at that time. I thank Uncle David for allowing God to use him.   There at DIIC, I re-surrendered my heart to God after studying the book “Steps to Christ” in Bible class. As I studied the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, I realized that God loved me so much that He gave His only son to die for me.  The words “The matchless love of God for a world that did not love him” was what really hammered my heart.  I learned that although my mother and my earthly father would forsake me, God would never leave me nor forsake me.

 Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that I had seriously injured the lower, left side of my back and it often caused intense pain. I believe it was one of God´s ways to bring me back to Him. Being familiar with this kind of situation, there is no doubt that the apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote, “For we know that all things work for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:20.  Each night before going to bed I literally cried to God – ‘forgive and heal me of my sickness.’ I even promised God that I would serve Him, as often happens in dire situations. Through the mighty influence of the Holy Spirit I decided to re-surrender my heart to the one who loves me and you “with a love stronger than death.” During my schooling I was deeply convicted that the most important and best thing in the world is to give ones heart to God, walk with Him and serve Him.  I had never spoken in public before but through public speaking classes and the help of the Holy Spirit, I was able to share the Good News publicly as well as privately.

Gradually, through God´s mercies my health improved after several months. My plan was to study theology after I finished High School.  However, after I graduated, I placed my plans in God’s hand to carry out His will.  I was worried and prayed fervently each day for God to show me His will for my life.  One day as I was looking for something to read and I found a magazine that I believe was a direct answer to my prayers.  The large title of “A thousand Ways” – on the front cover caught my attention. Curious of what it was about I turned the pages looking for the title mentioned. When I read the first paragraph it described my situation. Later on I realized that it was taken from the book “Ministry of Healing.” It read as follows: “Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest.  Let us remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life.  We have not wisdom to plan our own lives…  Christ in His life on earth made no plans for himself.  He accepted God´s plans for Him and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our steps to Him He will direct our steps.

 Too many in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure.  Let God plan for you.  As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will “keep the feet of His saints.”  1 Samuel 2:9.  “God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with him.” Help in Daily Living pg. 20

 Another important principle that I learned from reading the magazine is the importance of being faithful in little things in whatever is near at hand for us to do. Also I learned that “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.—The Ministry of Healing, 481 (1905).  From then on I decided to put into practice what I had learnt and just accept God´s plans for my life. With God´s help, I decided to do my best and be faithful in whatever responsibility God offered. 

Through God’s providence I went to Venezuela to serve as a volunteer and learnt Spanish as well.   Sometimes my efforts to be a volunteer led me to be misunderstood and sometimes I lived all by myself in a hut with a hammock as my place of rest at night.  God has been merciful to me inspite of myself and has protected me from all dangers. After four years I returned to Guyana and studied at Bethany Medical Missionary College (BMMC), where I studied more about the Bible and the use of Natural Remedies.  

 Through all the hardships and trials I know that God has been, continues with me and allowed hard times to happen, to keep me close to Him – inspite of who I am.  After studying at the BMMC, located in Bethany, Guyana.  I accepted the offer to be trained as a Mission Pilot, which I did in Bolivia.  It was quite a journey.  I could not fly at the pace required by the flight school because of lack of resources.  Furthermore, the Bolivian Civil Aviation misplaced my papers which greatly hindered my progress to finish my Instrument Rating.  As a result, it took five (5) years for me to complete my flight training. During this time, I got married and we welcomed our first child.

 One of the main issues about being a volunteer, is the financial aspect. However, as a family we have experienced time and time again that God is faithful.  To help me finish flight training, God inspired one of my former teachers, Pamela Bartle and her husband Dennis from Florida, to donate a generous amount. They also donated recently for my flight experience. Recently I went to the USA, there friends donated some funds to help with my family and ministry needs. God is amazing and money is not a problem for Him. “The Savior has not promised His followers the luxuries of this world; their lot may be shut in by poverty; but His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied” is so true.   All we need to do is surrender all, study and obey His words and He will guide us through ways that He knows best. I thank God for His long suffering and patience with someone like me.

In January 2017 God made a way for me to go to the US to obtain my FAA private pilot´s license because I need to fly US registered airplanes in the mission field of Guyana.  I am excited about what God will do for me.  I believe time is short.  We can see and hear it.  The mark of the beast is about to hit the news and “the final movements will be rapid ones.”  I invite you in the Mighty Name of Jesus to give your heart to the One who loves you “with a love stronger than death” and He will guide and show you “great and mighty things which you do not know.”  Amen.