It's not quite a game, but we are waiting.

Currently, my classmates and I eagerly await the arrival of our spring semester here at Moody Bible Institute - Spokane. "Eagerly?" you might ask. But yes, in only a month (on January 30), we begin a three-week theology class which is closely followed by a semester full of aircraft mechanics (26 credits total)! We are teetering on the brink of the most intense time of our lives. Quite literally, the most difficult missionary aviation program just became harder.

Regardless of this difficulty, the aviation students in my house are chomping at the bit to begin working with tools and engines. In the meantime, we must actually acquire those tools we anticipate using. I am using this month before the program begins to both work at Bed, Bath, and Beyond in an attempt to save more money and to purchase the necessary tools. I am already aware that I will not make the amount necessary, but I am grateful for the ways God provides.

I wish to point out the fact that God is in control. This is an undeniable reality, yet I often act as though I am the one in control of my life - were it the case, manipulation of my circumstances would be the easiest route to success. My methods for self-fulfillment are the antitheses of God's methods. Recently, I heard a particular quote which has struck my thoughts and influenced the way I operate.

"Pray as if it all depended on God, work as if it all depended on you."

Everything depends on God. He has asked us to trust and obey. I will pray, trust, and work. Relying on God does not mean that I shut myself up in my room for months then emerge expecting everything to be better; it means that I ask God to do what He does best, then present myself as a willing vessel for participation in what He will do. Given these distinctions, please pray with me for the following things.

Please pray for:
- Diligence in completing necessary tasks during this time called "a break"
- Purity in thought, word, and deed
- Provision of tools, funds, and food

P.S. Praise God! Numerous opportunities have opened up for me to be able to speak with coworkers about God, life, etc! I was not fully confident that my choice to stay in Spokane for winter break was worthwhile, but this has clearly proven that God is blessing the decision.

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Meaning of "Vessels of Unearthly Radiance"

I have decided to write this blog in order to inform friends, family, acquaintances, and the like, what God has been doing in, around, and through me.

However, while trying to think of a blog name which adequately describes my life goals, I could not help but be overwhelmed. I have surrendered my life to my God who has brought me out of despair and death, so many of my thoughts were centered on the following idea: God gives life. As one who has been made alive, I have been given the privilege to carry this hope to those who are still languishing, lost, and blind.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke of this concept in his poem "Joy and Sorrow". He states that as sorrow becomes slowly revealed and its features are more clearly seen, most onlookers gaze for a moment then turn away, hard-hearted. Bonhoeffer continues to explain that this moment when sorrow in its brutality is unveiled, is the moment in which the compassionate, the mothers, the friends and brothers swiftly act.

"Loyal hearts can change the face of sorrow, softly encircle it with love's most gentle unearthly radiance." 

May it never be that I turn away from sorrow, but that I face it with defiance, knowing that the Almighty God is the One who fights for me.
As one who desires to carry Love's radiance to the far reaches of the earth through the means of aircraft, I thought it would be appropriate to consider myself (and my piloting) a mere vessel by which the grace of God will travel.

I pray that you, the reader, will clearly perceive this vision and join me on this journey.

- May Love's radiance fill the Earth

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How to Give

If you feel led to give towards my training and do not require a tax deductible receipt, please write my name and student ID# 4035977 on your check and mail it directly to:

                                                Moody Bible Institute

                                                Dept #1018

                                                PO Box 6500

                                                Chicago, IL 60680-6500

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation toward a scholarship fund that will help prepare me for missionary service, you may do so through Moody’s partner organization, Proclaim Aviation Ministries.

Please make your check payable to “Proclaim Aviation Ministries”.  Attach a separate note that includes the following: “Next Generation Fund.  My interest is in Moody Aviation Student (Name of Student).” and mail to:

                                                Next Generation Fund

                                                Proclaim Aviation Ministries

                                                PO Box 356

                                                Worthington, MN  56187

Or, give online at www.proclaimaviation.org and select “Next Generation” under Categories & Fund and enter the amount.  In the comments field, please type “My interest is in Moody Aviation Student, Paul Wood.”  Scholarship Funds awarded to Moody Aviation are reviewed by a committee that determines the financial needs of each student and gifts are awarded through this fund.

Thank you for your partnership in what God is doing! 

   Gratefully, 

         - Paul Wood