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The latest news from the AIM Canada Office and its ministries.

08.20 AIM AIR Resumes Flights

Last week, the AIM family in Nairobi gathered for two separate memorial services. On Tuesday, the 11th, we celebrated the life and ministry of Frank Toews, and on Saturday the 15th, we did the same for Ryan Williams. Each service was marked by numerous testimonies to these two men, about their faith and servant hearts, as well as their love for their families. We cried and we laughed together. And we gained a greater appreciation for the gift God had given to our team in both Frank and Ryan.

Read about  Frank in the Oakville Beaver Newspaper As a team closely bound to one another in a common purpose, and sharing common struggles, we are hesitant to let go of two wonderful men who have served beside us for years. We still wonder how this could be part of God's perfect plan, yet we know He is sovereign. Questions and sorrows from the events of August 1st may linger in many of our hearts.

But we have been reminded of "this blessed assurance." God is good; His love endures forever; it is well with our souls.

Near the close of last week, the men from Mission Safety International (MSI) gave us a final briefing before they departed. This was not the final word however. There are still many more steps involved with the accident investigation, which could take months, and MSI has continued to caution us about drawing conclusions. They did give AIM AIR their blessing on returning to normal operations, and just this week, AIM AIR began flying again.

Tomorrow, a Cessna 208 Caravan will be flying into Dingila, Congo with the last load of relief supplies for Samaritan's Purse and their outreach to the displaced people of that region. Another Caravan is back to normal operations in South Sudan. AIM AIR is being cautious and intentional in their return to flying. Yet they are united in their resolve to get back to the ministry that both Ryan and Frank were called to. And both Dawn and Tiffany are greatly encouraged to know this is happening.

Our team here continues to support both of these families in practical ways as they plan for the future. Many of the extended family have already left Kenya, and both Dawn and Tiffany are hoping to head back to the U.S. and Canada early in September. We ask that you join us in prayer for each of them and the children as they cope with all the changes ahead. Especially pray for Dawn as additional complications with the paperwork for Chloe have come up.

We are extremely grateful for how the AIM family has supported our community throughout this crisis. For the prayers, the expressions of sympathy and encouragement, and the tireless efforts to help with logistics, big and small. Thank you.
 
08.10 Nairobi Memorial Service
On Tuesday August 11 the AIM International Services family will get together to celebrate the life of pilot Frank Toews. The staff and students of Racefield Academy (a school which Frank helped start) will also be in attendance. Pray that God will be glorified during this time.

The plan to get mechanic Ryan William’s body from South Africa to Nairobi is underway. A memorial service is also being planned for Ryan.

MSI investigators and a loss adjuster are already on ground. We expect a report on their findings in a few days.

Continue to pray for Frank Toew's wife Tiffany and kids especially Tuesday as we focus on the one who they greatly loved and now mourn. Pray too for AIM staff as they continue to mourn the loss of their two friends.
 
08. 07 AIM AIR mechanic Ryan Williams Dies as Result of Injuries

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Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows…. Is 53:4

It’s with heaviness of heart that I am forwarding to you the news that Ryan Williams went to be with the Lord this morning, as a result of the injuries he suffered in the plane crash on the 1st August. This news is deeply shocking for Dawn, their children, immediate family as well as the whole family of AIM and we pray that the God of comfort who comforts us in all our troubles will sustain and minister His grace to each one. In our confusion and pain, we look again to our Savior, our faithful unchangeable friend, trusting him and his ways.

Please pray in particular for Dawn and her four children as they grieve, that the Lord would sustain and strengthen them through his Word and by His power and grace as we continue to remember Tiffany and her four children.

We take great comfort in the hope of the resurrection and the assurance that Ryan and Frank, as children of the King, are both now in his presence free of pain and suffering, enjoying the glories of the God whom they loved.

Grace and peace,

Ian Campbell
AIM’s Associate International Director


To make a contribution to the memorial funds for Frank Toews and Ryan Williams please press the "Give Online" button. In the Project line type "Frank Toews Memorial Fund - 099096" or "Ryan Williams Memorial Fund - 099097". 

Give Online
 
08.04 New blog for updates on the aircraft accident

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AIM AIR has created a special blog page for posting updates, prayer requests, and comments related to the aircraft accident which occurred on Saturday, August 1st. We ask for your continued prayers for our team, and especially for the families affected by this tragedy. You can access the blog here.

 

 
 
08. 02 Plane Crash Claims Life of Canadian AIM AIR Pilot

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8/3/2009 - The Africa Inland Mission (AIM) family is mourning the loss of Canadian AIM AIR pilot Frank Toews who was killed on Saturday when the Cessna 206 aircraft he was flying crashed near Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.  AIM AIR mechanic Ryan Williams and two American independent film makers were also on board but survived the crash.

“The two passengers have some broken bones, minor burns, cuts and bruises,” said Charles Mungaithi, Acting Director of AIM International Services based in Nairobi. “Ryan Williams' injuries currently include a fractured pelvis, multiple contusions and some significant burns. However, his prognosis is good and he is receiving good medical attention in Nairobi.” Ryan underwent surgery on Sunday and will be flown to the United States later this week for further treatment.

The four were flying over Kibera slum outside of Nairobi capturing footage for a documentary when the accident occurred. The cause of the crash is not yet known.

Frank Toews served as a pilot with AIM AIR since 2003. He grew up in the Greater Toronto Area. Please pray for Frank’s wife Tiffany and their four children, and the entire AIM AIR team during this time of tremendous loss.

A memorial service in Kenya is being planned.

Updates will be posted to this site as more information becomes available.

 
 
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