A Time to Share our Faith and...Refresh ourselves!

Report Submitted by Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile - Mumbai, India August 28, 2005 11:49pm (India Time)

Dr. Stephen is a wise doctor. Our plans had been to head right up to the mountains to an isolated village on Saturday morning (Plan A). Then, on the way down, stop in Thune (Dr. Stephen's town) and share at a home Church meeting. That was the plan until Dr. Stephen suggested we take Saturday morning to rest and reschedule the mountain village for Monday (Plan B). We opted for Plan B. It was a "God-Plan". The full effects of jet-lag and a grueling schedule would have taken a toll on our team. So...Saturday morning, we chilled out. Cindy and Barbara went shopping (they rode in an "Auto-Rickshaw" before me - I'm jealous). I stayed back and actually rested.

Our faithful driver, Willy showed up right on time and we were off to Thune for our evening Home Church service. Enroute, we encountered road-blocking bulls in the street and an elephant. India is an amazing place!

Willy has been such a friend and guide. He's also very patient with road-blocking bulls! You can also see from the photo with the bull why I described our van, as mini-mini van. Of course, Barbara jumped out, literally grabbed the "bull by the horns" and shushed him out of the way (we have it on video-it's a kick!).

Dr. Stephen had directed us to Willy. This is just another example of how our Lord has led on this entire journey. When we arrived in India, we did not know a single person. Within minutes of checking into our hotel, we made contact with Dr. Stephen. Now, on day 6, we stand absolutely amazed at how, once we stepped out by faith, our Lord has been with us each step of the way (and there hasn't been a dull moment)!

Sharing in the home church meeting was phenomenal! First of all, it was such a blessing to be asked to speak. I shared on stepping out of the boat and that it's not easy, and can be quite scary. Yet, our Lord puts Grace under our feet to keep us afloat. Delivering the message really built my faith. That often is how it is; we go to be a blessing and end up getting blessed! After sharing, our hosts laid out a feast of succulent Indian food. There must have been 30+ people in that small apartment, yet the sweetness and love and faith was overwhelming.

Then Dr. Stephen asked me if I would share at the Church service in the morning. Whew, what a shock. I really, really had not expected to be asked to speak. Of course, the Word tells us to be instant in season and out of season. In other words, always be ready to share. Well, again, that's easier said than done. I told the good doctor that I would pray about it. I felt exhaustion creeping up on me. We went back to their beautiful home and went to bed early. Then at 2:30am, my precious Lord awakened me and gave me a fresh message on His Amazing Grace.

The Church meets at the hospital. The singing and ministry was so sweet. We had Communion then I delivered the message on Amazing Grace given to me in the early hours of the morning. I'm still blown away by the love and sweetness of this divine encounter with Dr. Stephen, his family and church. Truly, our Lord knows how to deploy His troops!!

It was back to the Dr. Stephen's home where Claire had prepared a feast. Oh, Indian food is so good!! It didn't take Cindy and Barbara long to be at it with Ben (Steve & Claire's lively 9 year old). They had a blast playing a very cool Indian game like pool, but you "flick" the disc with your finger. After multiple games and fun fellowship, we bid them farewell. Will likely hook up with them just before our departure. We had an uneventful trip home. Cindy has urged me to get to bed, but I had to finish the "blog" to you. We'll be up early and on the road for the mountain village.

Oh....Just saw the news about Katrina! I am from that part of Louisiana. We are PRAYING for the people in Katrina's path! Prayer is powerful. Though we are over 10,000 miles away, we are standing with you all during this time. God Bless you and keep you during this hour of great trial!!

Until the next report!

Joe, Cindy and Barbara

PS - One last shot of an auto-rickshaw having an elephant encounter!

Another VoyagerTM Deployed! Dream location!!

Report Submitted by: Joe Hurston - Mumbai, India - August 27, 2005 1:16am (India time)

This time the Air Mobile Team headed north in the mini-mini van skillfully driven by Willy our "God sent Driver". The trip was long and hot with numerous delays, badly damaged roads and bridges and a flat tire.

Finally we arrived at the Anugrah Children's Home about 3 hours north of Mumbai. We were greeted in the rain by Hiram Christian and Dr. Ila Paul. Within minutes Cindy and Dr. Paul were going over the medical situation in the area caused by the great flood of July 26th. As they discussed the various post flood water-borne diseases, Hiram and I went over the all too familiar "disaster after the disaster" story. The flood destroyed homes, leaving many homeless. It also damaged the factories leaving many unemployed. The roads are a mess, bridges washed out or severely damaged, crops destroyed, etc. etc.. The disaster just keeps on going and going and going. What are we to do? Well, we do what we can, in our case one drop at time. That's why the Lord lead us to this incredible location.

It is truly difficult to describe the atmosphere of the Childrens Home. The children, 34 girls under Dr. Paul's loving care surrounded us with love and sweetness. Now, I don't want to sound boastful, but this is definitely not the Air Mobile Teams "first rodeo". Between Barbara, Cindy and me, we've seen hundreds, maybe thousands of orphanages. We've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. This home is THE REAL THING! The young ladies and staff just swept us off our feet. We knew within minutes that we were just where our Lord wanted us on this day, in this place with these precious children of God. Dr. Paul is doing a great job raising these girls (she began the home in 1996).

Dr. Paul is a third generation Doctor. Her skill, knowledge and compassion is the perfect combination for a Vortex VoyagerTM recipient. In addition to Dr. Paul, we met her staff. One of the teachers in the school is a bacterialogist. As we went over the training on the use of the Vortex Voyager TM, we were so blessed by the apparent understanding and appreciation of the gift we were presenting. Wow, what a deal for us. But the story just gets better.

Hiram and Dr. Paul urged us to visit several communities in the area that were equally devastated as their immediate area. They wanted us to consider donating other units. Just this very act of unselfishness encouraged us. Soon, we were winding down mud/rock slide paths to a small community just minutes away from the home, but now nearly an hour away due to a washed out bridge. This community was made up of "Gypsies" that had put down roots. That's right, this nomad tribe had settled in this area 13 years ago and have been educating their children. Soon we were meeting Ramesh Ingle, the "Chief" of the community.

When I asked Ramesh how he felt the program had been going, he warmly shared how the very first children were now graduating. The program and the "Gypsies" were here to stay. I was touched by the love that Dr. Paul and Hiram had shown to bring us here to share clean water with these 300 school children.
After investigating the water situation, we found that their water source was very contaminated and needed to be boiled 3 times a day. Also, having Hiram and Dr. Paul to support this community with medical and technical support made it an excellent choice. Now we left the community without a final decision.

Well, on the way home this evening, the Air Mobile team decided to place the Vortex Voyager TM in the Gypsy Community. We'll likely return with the unit next Wednesday. I know they're going to be blessed and very surprised that we came back so soon.

There is more to this whole story, but it's well after midnight and I'm just beat. Will continue the report tomorrow. Also, Cindy and Barb are both sleeping and haven't had a chance to edit it yet. So, what you read now will likely be changed a bit over the next 8 hours. You're getting a sneak preview of the final report, but I thought it would be good to share something with you.

Until later morning (it's 1:15am India time), an exhausted Joe signing off.

It's 9:57am - we've all had a reasonably good nights sleep. Life is good for us India. I'm amazed that that were no significant edits at the top. Cindy has her daily Bible fix, checks the e-mails from our kids and now we can begin the day. It's great to leave out a little later today, as our schedule permitted some "down" time. Cindy also wanted you to know that we're making lots of good friends here in India and we're pretty sure we'll be back.

Barbara looks forwarding to returning to the "Gypsy Village" and seeing the Gypsy's in their cultural attire. We'll be sure to snap a few shots for you.

This afternoon we're heading back to the LOK hospital with Dr. Stephen, who, by the way directed us to Hiram, Dr. Paul and the Children's Home. Dr. Stephen has asked us to share tonight in home Church meeting.


One other thing, I'll be putting in some cool shots of the various means of transportation here in India. Moving 1+ billion people around is quite a challenge. I've been absolutely captivated by a little vehicle called an "Auto-Rick Shaw".


These little 3 wheel "people/cargo movers" are just amazing. Many have a 1 cylinder engine (2 cycle & 4 cycle), must get a "gazillion" miles to the gallon and can carry a load up to 70 KPH (kilomters or about 40mph). They're very cheap and very cute! Each blog, I'll drop a shot or two of different configurations. Hope you enjoy them as much as me.


Until next time:

Joe, Cindy and Barbara


PS - PS - We're praying for Florida as Katrina plans round 2!

Joe

All over the city of Mumbai!

Report submitted by Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile - August 26, 2005 12:38am (India time)

We were all over Mumbai today. We were exploring the city and learning more about the effects of the great flood of July 26th. We were absolutely amazed at how the city has been cleaned. There is little evidence that a massive flood had occurred. Yet, so many that we spoke with had been effected. Just as Dr. Stephen had told us, the flood came quickly, often between thirty minutes and an hour, the water was upon them. The levels were between three and eight feet. Yet, the massive, sprawling city of Mumbai is functioning "almost" as if nothing happened. We really enjoyed the old and beautiful parts of Mumbai. I couldn't resist sharing this shot of Cindy at the "Gateway to India".

We were saddened by the poverty and the ever present street begging. Though we've spent years in Haiti, the scenes of poverty and desperation still break our hearts.

This day in the city simply made us all the more resolved to place as many Vortex Voyagers TM into the right hands! We were reminded of what Dr. Stephen said yesterday, "What would Jesus do?"

After returning from a full day we met several leaders from the Church of Mumbai. Their ministry focuses on the slum areas in and around Mumbai. We were really encouraged to see their love for the Lord and see their desire to reach out to those in such need. After demonstrating the Voyager TM to them, we have set next Tuesday to go and see their work and hear their plans of using the Voyager TM.

Tomorrow, we're off to a Children's home in an area greatly impacted by the flood. It's way past our bedtime so we'd better run and get some sleep. Again, we truly appreciate your love and prayer. We'll write more tomorrow.

Joe, Cindy and Barbara

PS - We've been monitoring a storm named Katrina and seeing that up to 20" of rain is expected in South Florida! From over here in India, we're certainly praying for Florida! Love you all!!

Joe

The First Vortex Voyager TM has been deployed in India!!

Report submitted by Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile
Mumbai, India - August 24, 2005 10:28pm (India Time)

We arrived at the Hospital in Thane at exactly noon! No small accomplishment after weaving our way through the Mumbai traffic and traveling an hour and a half north with a skilled driver named Hossein. Meeting Dr. Stephen Alfred at the LOK Hospital in Thane was an incredible experience! This is certainly one of the reasons why our Lord sent us to India.

We were moved by Dr. Stephen's wonderful story. A successful cancer surgeon in the UK who sensed a higher call, he returned to India with his wife Claire and their two young sons, Joshua and Ben seven years ago. Today, a beautiful hospital stands as a testimony of grace and obedience. Now, Dr. Stephen is reaching out to Aids victims in the slums. The plan is to break ground on a new hospital and transform the existing LOK hospital into a specialized AIDS hospital. What a vision! We were directed to Dr. Stephen by a dear friend of Barbara Walker, Dr. Steve Henley. I never cease to marvel at how the Lord puts the pieces together.

It was a pleasure to donate India's first Vortex Voyager TM to Dr. Stephen. We trust that he will use this machine in an area of great need. The pure water it will produce will enhance the lives and help bring healing and health to many. This is exactly what Jesus meant when He said, "I was thirsty and you gave me to drink....when did we ever see you thirsty, Lord?....when you've done it unto the least of these, my brethern, you've done it unto Me". As Dr. Stephen quietly said to us, "I beleive this is what Jesus would do".

We'll be traveling to a rural area closer to where the flood of July 26th(37.2" of rain in 24 hours!) did devastating damage. Oh yes, Dr. Stephen described that fateful day. He was seeing patients, nearly 250 that morning, when he noted the heavy rains. He just kept seeing patients when within 30 minutes the entire first floor of the hospital was under 6-8 feet of water. As we observed the hospital today, there was little or no evidence of the great flood. It must have been a heroic effort to get the area cleaned and functional so quickly. Dr. Stephen showed us the high water mark, the tell-tale evidence of the flood. The atmosphere in the hospital was very sweet. Barbara, Cindy and I then left and had lunch with Dr. Stephen, Claire and their two sons in their home. We were blessed by their kindness and love.

On the way back to the hotel, the Air Mobile team collapsed in exhaustion. The jet lag hit us like a ton of bricks. After a couple of hours sleep this afternoon, we're up and functional again. The problem is, it's 11:47pm here and we're wide awake. Tomorrow is going to be a full day viewing slum areas right here in Mumbai hard hit by the flood. We still have many excellent contacts to make. We'll keep you up on all that's happening.

While writing, just got a phone call from another contact. This one is a result of the trip to Thailand and Sri Lanka by our daughter Cherie in May. A solid connection was made that has developed into another meeting tomorrow evening. Again, we stand amazed at how this mission is progressing. We all knew that our Lord was strongly directing us here. It's just cool to see the pieces come together so wonderfully!!

We can say with great joy that Day One of our Mission was a complete success! Your help, love and prayer means alot to us. Until tomorrow, God Bless You!!

Joe, Cindy and Barbara

PS - Feel free to e-mail us. Each evening we've got great access to the internet. Besides that, with our clocks all whacky, it's nice to be able to communicate with friends in the late hours. Joe

The Air Mobile Team is on the ground in India!!

Report submitted by Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile

After 25 hours, on Northwest through the strike, we arrived in Mumbai safe and sound. Only a couple of small delays and here we are half way around the world. All Vortex Voyagers TM passed through customs with no problem. We're settled into our hotel and have already made contact with a doctor in a hospital that is treating flood victims. We'll be meeting him at the hospital today at noon. India is 9.5 hours difference - later - from Eastern time). He's very excited about the Voyagers TM and the ability to purify contaminated water! We found about Dr. Alfred from Dr. Steve Henley, a close friend of Barbara. Our internal clocks are all turned around, very little sleep on the planes.

Will try to get a report off tonight after visiting the hospital and surrounding flood area. We'll be targeting areas that have received little or no assistance.

So many of you have responded to help us to get here! THANK YOU!!

The Air Mobile Team
Joe, Cindy and Barbara

The Mail is on the way! We just checked the Voyagers in with Northwest!

Report submitted by Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile

We're at the Orlando International Airport, just checked our bags and having a great lunch. Christian and Cherie have joined us just before we depart. It's nice to be here early. Northwest is not anticipating any problems for this leg of our flight, but the strike is going full steam ahead. Please pray that this issue is resolved quickly.

We just got some more crucial contacts from a dear friend, Allen Reesor. Allen grew up in India. Well, here we are on the threshold of another mission.

Checked the weather a little while ago and there are some very serious thunder storms forming over Thailand at this time. This will make the situation there more difficult. After years and years of flying international flights, I guess I look at weather with a greater interest. Also, track weather patterns days before arrival. Again, it's so cool to have all of this technology available.

Well, we fly to Detroit then to Amersterdam then to Mumbai. We arrive sometimes tomorrow night. Going to be close to 26 hours enroute.
Will try to write from Amsterdam. Feel free to call the Air Mobile office at: 321-=267-7726 or 321-567-0332. Cherie or Christian will pretty much know our whereabouts. God Bless You and THANKS for your prayer!!

Joe, Cindy and Barb

Water-Borne Diseases are causing outbreaks of a variety of illnesses in India! - Air Mobile is going!!

Report Submitted by Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile

As we begin loading our suitcases with Vortex Voyagers TM, we're monitoring the various diseases that are gripping the region. The latest outbreak is Encephalitis and Malaria. We're also getting excellent contacts upon arrival in Mumbai. So many details to bring together. We just booked our Thailand internal flight from Bangkok to Chaing Rai in the Northern region. We'll be going into areas that have been greatly affected by the flood. Been checking the weather, via the Weather Channel and the rains are still falling, but not in monsoon quantity, thank God!

It's difficult for us to imagine the suffering and grief that these precious people are going through. First the floods, then the diseases! These precious people need clean water and encouragement! Our team, Cindy, Barbara and me, just have this strong urge to just get there!

I am very pleased to tell you that we have received funding for 3 more units since yesterday! PRAISE GOD! That leaves funding for 4 more units! We're really trusting the Lord for every dime necessary to make this journey.

You know, I'd like to share something with you. It seems that the Lord doesn't need to urge me very strongly to get out of the boat. I was meeting with some of advisors to this ministry when this subject came up. I chuckled to say, our Lord sometimes has a harder time keeping me in the boat until He's ready for me to get out. I guess that can work both ways. I guess I'd rather err on the side of eagerness to plunge in, than gripping the side of the boat not wanting to get out. I suppose I've gotten out so many times in the past, I just know that I know that our Lord won't leave me or forsake, even when.....I plunge out of the boat before He's ready for me to. Believe, me, I don't say any of this boastfully, I'm actually confessing a weakness. I know some of my wise advisers will agree. Thank God they love me and put up with me and my eagerness to "just GO"! We truly need each other. Well, enough of the soul-cleansing.

In just a few minutes, I'm heading to our local airport to do a little flying with a fine young man, Ryan Goheen. Ryan's dad is John Goheen, the guy who did the HD Net World Report DVD when we went to Indonesia immediately after the tsunami. Ryan is interviewing for a job with a local flight academy and is taking a check ride on Monday. I've offered to fly with him a bit and let him "practice" his flight instruction skills on me. Then, it'll be back to packing.

Oh yes, just found out the Northwest Airlines has gone on strike. Yes, we are flying Northwest Airlines. They have assured me that the strike should not effect us. PLEASE Pray that they are correct!!

Again, really appreciate you reading my ramblings, kind of like "The anatomy of Relief Mission". I'm really sharing my heart with you. Feel free to call our office and speak with Cherie and Christian Hurston while we are in India. Also, e-mail us. In the evenings, we usually manage to find a free computer to communicate. Again, I just love this technology. It's certainly not like the old days of Ham Radio and slow boats! Well, better run for now. God Bless and stay in touch!!

Joe

Preparations for departure continue - The pieces are coming together!
Titusville, FL - Report submitted by Joe Hurston - Air Mobile

Cindy, Barbara and I are getting so excited about this trip to India / Thailand. We just know that great things are going to happen. Today, Friday, was spent bringing in the pieces. It's kind of like lacing many pieces together and slowly drawing the string in. Certain parts for the Vortex Voyagers TM have yet to arrive, but thank God for Saturday deliveries and gracious vendors to ship. We hope to have all the suitcases packed by tomorrow (Saturday). The most important thing to us is "just getting there". There are so many variables and unknowns about this trip, yet, we know that we know that our Lord is directing us there! I want to thank you all again for standing with us in prayer.

Putting together a relief mission half way around the world involves many elements, all of which need to come together by departure day, August 22nd. I affectionately call it the "great funnel effect". One by one, items are checked off the check list, but the list keeps growing. New contacts are being made hour by hour. Items for survival (* See below) and outreach are being added and adjusted throughout the day. Regular checks of the Mumbai / Thailand weather via "www.weather.com" shows the monsoon patterns. This will help to identify new potential floods. Frequent scans of the latest news of the areas we'll be going to helps us to "kind of know what to expect". Thank God for this incredible technology.


It's amazing to realize, that which began as a tugging in Cindy (my wife) and my heart several weeks ago is about to launch! We are so thankful to have so many friends and supporters around us to help this mission to happen!

Our team is compact and tight. It is made up of Cindy, myself and Barbara Walker. Barbara has traveled around the world with us on other missions. She also heads up our Caribbean operation and resides in Haiti. We will be bringing in 10 Vortex Voyagers TM as of this posting. The number will hopefully change. 7 Vortex Voyagers TM are for India and 3 for Thailand. To date, we have not received funding for a single unit for India. The 3 units for Thailand are funded, thanks to the efforts of Barbara.

We have been speaking to many people about India and there is much consideration being given toward our India / Thailand trip among numerous groups. We are confident (In the Lord) that by departure time, all of the units will be funded.

After we received the news of the Mumbai flood (37.2" of rain in a 24 hour period!!), our hearts were really touched by our Lord. We knew that we had to do something to help. We began putting the wheels into motion for this mission. There comes a time when one must "just step out of the boat" so to speak. Well, when I authorized the purchase of the airline tickets (non-refundable), our feet hit the water and here we are. This is nothing new. Most of our missions are carried out in this manner. The Lord always comes through!!

Please remember to pray for us as we embark. If the Lord touches your heart to help us to GO, then please contact us immediately. Feel free to phone me on my cell phone at: 321-544-7757 if you have any questions. God bless you and thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings! We love you!!

Sincerely:

Joe

*ITEMS FOR SURVIVAL INCLUDE....GPS (Global Positioning System), Satellite phone, life vests (the exact same kind used in airliners), toilet paper, Emergen C (high concentration of vitamin C) malaria pills, CYPRO (a very powerful antibiotic that is very effective against cholera and a host of other dreadful diseases). We as a team will carry these items with us at all times. We wear pants and shirts with lots and lots of pockets! The monsoon season is still extremely active and is far from over. The areas we will be going are extremely saturated already and have little tolerance for more water. New flooding is always a potential. We are also concerned about the dams that are full and stressed. This is the reason we ask you to remember us in prayer!! Joe

Titusville, FL - Report submitted by: Joe Hurston - President - Air Mobile
Thank God, we had Thailand already in our itenerary. Dreadful flooding is taking place in Northern Thailand - AIR MOBILE is right on time!

Air Mobile (AMM) is gearing up for an emergency trip to India and Thailand. We are planning to deploy and train local relief agencies on the use of up to 50 Vortex Voyagers TM, which will be utilized in behalf of the victims of the record breaking monsoons. When we first put this trip together, we included a quick run into Bangkok to deploy 3 Vortex Voyagers TM. This was planned primarily as follow up to tsunami work carried out earlier in the year by Barbara Walker and my daughter, Cherie. Little did we know that within the last 24 hours, Thailand has received record rainfall (Breaking 100 year record!) We need immediate donations to make this mission happen.

Air Mobile is preparing a tiger team for immediate deployment to India to help with possible epidemic due to water borne disease. Click here for current news stories:

Current News Stories

Last week there was 37.2 inches of rainfall in a single day in Mumbai, India. That is more than any single day ever in India’s recorded history. So far over 1200 people have died and an additional 20 million are in imminent danger of disease due to destroyed water lines and contaminated wells. There are daily reports of continuing danger in the more than 7000 communities that have been flooded. Additionally, there has been flooding in the warehouses where the drugs that prevent/treat diseases are housed. The Red Cross is seeking help from the international community. Meanwhile in Thailand, the disaster is still unfolding. With your help, Air Mobile Ministries is going!

AMM is planning to depart Orlando for Mumbai, India on August 22, 2005 with as many as 50 Vortex Voyager TM Water Purifiers. This machine is a 20 pound portable water purifier that saves lives. The Vortex Voyager TM can produce up to 30 gallons/115 liters an hour and sets up in under a minute. For more information on the Vortex Voyager TM please visit our site at

Vortex Voyager TM

We will be posting regular updates on this site as we prepare for this mission, as well as writing regular updates while we are traveling. Please continue to pray and check up on our progress. God Bless!


1. A boy jumps from the top of a flood-submerged temple in the River Ganges in Varanasi, India, Friday, Aug. 5, 2005. Further south, flooding and landslides that started after Western India was hammered by monsoon rains last week have killed 1,039 people, a senior Indian official said Friday. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
AP - Aug 05 7:17 AM



1. Residents sit on a tire tube and wade through flooded water, in Beltola area in Gauhati, India, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005. Flooding and landslides that started after Western India was hammered by monsoon rains last week have killed 1,039 people, a senior Indian official said Friday. (AP Photo/ Anupam Nath)
AP - Aug 06 4:42 AM

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