Published: 09-01-2023

Author: Luke Arthur

Why this? Why me? Why now?

Standing in the abandoned parking lot in Kansas City Missouri, My heart plummeted. It was Thursday morning at ASI. I had driven a friends car from our airbnb that morning, to the convention center and left it in a parking lot nearby. Now as I stood in the rain looking around, that car was nowhere to be seen. Had it been stolen?

I began to think and survey the parking lot. Most likely it hadn’t been stolen because it was not exactly a thief’s first target considering it was over 20 years old. But then, if it wasn’t stolen where was it. I called the cars owner to confirm he had not come and taken it, but he confirmed he hadn’t. Scanning around the lot I found the incriminating clue. By the entrance laying in the mud, was a broken tow away sign.

Sitting down on the curb I called the tow company. “Thank you for calling Downtown Towing and Recovery. How can I help you?"

"I’m calling about my car that I believe was towed sometime today. It’s an early 2000’s white Honda Accord."

"Yes we have it here. That’ll cost about $350 in total, and you can come pick it up tomorrow at noon.”

As I hung up I had to calm my emotions a bit. Anger had begun to creep over my heart. After all, the lot wasn’t marked legally as a tow away lot (the signs were all down). All I could do was fray for a new heart, and to be able to take this trial with a smile.

”Teach me Lord, to be thankful through this. Make this a blessing.”

The following morning myself and the vehicle owner went to the impound and picked up his car. Even though there were some hurtles involved we did manage to retrieve it.

Looking back, I can praise the Lord for allowing the whole event. I see that I needed to learn to let my rights go. It wasn’t right for the vehicle to get towed, but at the end of the day that’s not what mattered. God was in control of it, and I could trust Him in it.

It’s been a bit since my last post, and some things have happened. Of course by this point you know I attended ASI this year. I also was able to attend the first ever Elevate event, hosted by Angel One at Oklahoma academy, and I the Lord blessed me to be able to visit the Three Angels Owasso SDA Church just this last Sabbath and share some of my story and calling with them.

The Elevate conference was a true blessing! I met there, quite a few mission pilots working from around the world. You see, Elevate is a gathering created specifically for building a community in mission aviation, helping missionaries connect, and bringing them closer to Christ. Being able to make new friendships there, as well as rekindle old ones was truly inspiring.

Apart from my little towing incident ASI was a huge blessing and inspiration. I was able to fly in with a helicopter brought for the purpose of fund raising for the mission service, as well as help in manning the Angel One booth. I was able to meet with many people interested in mission aviation, and make some valuable connections toward my preparation for mission service.

Finally, I am so thankful for God’s mercies in placing it on the hearts of some dear friends to sponsor my motorcycle in the mission field. Once again the lord has provided, and I can’t thank him enough.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far!

What’s upcoming.

Over the next few weeks I will, Lord willing, be visiting some more churches around the country in building support for my launch. I will also be moving to Kentucky to Visit with my parents over the last few months before I launch to the service of our king.

I solicit your prayers in my ongoing journey.

- Luke Arthur