November 29 - Wings Over Papua

In the rugged highlands
of Papua, Indonesia,

where steep mountains
and dense jungles separate villages

there are no highways.

No easy paths.

But for years, Gary Roberts
bridged those impossible distances

with wings of faith.

Gary was a Seventh-day
Adventist mission pilot.

From his cockpit,
he brought more than cargo.

He brought hope, healing, and the gospel

to some of the most remote
places on earth.

Sometimes you can look out

and you'll see just one or two small huts
in the middle of the jungle,

nothing else around.

And I often think, Lord,
how are we going to reach those people?

He airlifted the sick to hospitals.

He delivered Bibles, food,
medicine, and encouragement.

Today, we had the unique privilege
of carrying Bibles

in the indigenous language
for the first time to those people.

To the people he served,

the sound of Gary's small plane overhead
meant help was on the way.

It's a tremendous sacrifice,
but a tremendous blessing as well—

to be able to work in those areas

and see the transformation
of really an entire village.

It's not just one person,
but the whole village

that's going to be changed
because of their efforts.

Gary simply followed where God led,
even when the skies were rough

or the runways clung
to the side of a mountain.

In 2024, Gary's mission came to an end.

After being diagnosed
with an inoperable brain tumor,

he passed away, leaving behind a life
poured out in service to God and others.

But in Papua,
his legacy continues to soar.

Villagers still remember the pilot
who always came.

How he paused to pray before each flight.

Fellow missionaries
recall his calm, humble spirit

and unwavering commitment to the mission.

Gary was born into a missionary family,
raised on stories of faith and sacrifice,

and chose to continue
that legacy in his own life.

He lived with courage.

He flew with purpose.

And he loved the people he served.

Gary's mission wasn't just about flying;

it was about reaching people
with the love of Jesus.

Your support of mission
makes this work possible.

Though the skies are quieter now,

the legacy of his service still ripples
through lives forever changed.

And the work goes on.

Gary's brother has stepped in
to continue his role,

and other Adventist mission pilots
are still flying across Papua,

bringing help, hope,
and the gospel to those in need.

Because of your support for mission,
stories like Gary's don't end—

they take flight in new ways.

Thank you for supporting mission.