Thank You
20/August/
Dear friends of AIM AIR,
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.
In each service we also had an opportunity to stand and sing, as one
Body and in one spirit, the well known hymn, "It is Well with my Soul."
The words of this hymn have special meaning in circumstances like these.
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
remembering to pray 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, both immediate and
extended, 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.
Yours Truly,
Charles Mungaithi
Acting Director
AIM International Services
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.
In each service we also had an opportunity to stand and sing, as one
Body and in one spirit, the well known hymn, "It is Well with my Soul."
The words of this hymn have special meaning in circumstances like these.
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
remembering to pray 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, both immediate and
extended, 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.
Yours Truly,
Charles Mungaithi
Acting Director
AIM International Services
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A tribute to Ryan
17/August/
(Written by a fellow AIM AIR
mechanic and printed in the bulletin at Ryan’s memorial service –
Saturday, August 15)
Ryan loved to work on airplanes, but in reality, anything that moved or made noise, he was into it. He was often doing something with a piki – his, yours, anybody who needed a hand, he was there giving his time and abilities with no questions asked. You might find him tinkering at his toolbox with a toy helicopter for his boys, trying to make it fly again. Once, he made a little kitchen for Chloe out of some odds and ends he had picked up around town. There was even a time he tried to get this ancient-looking juicer going again for Dawn, and he hauled it down to the INdustrial Area and back again a couple times in the process. But today his toolbox sits silently in the corner of the AIM AIR hangar – a reminder of a man gifted in many ways, a man who will be greatly missed.
For many who worked alongside him at the hangar, Ryan was a mentor. He would take the time to teach a young mechanic how to do a specific task, and then help along the way when questions arose. He loved projects, especially sheetmetal; there was no project he would touch that came out with bad results. Ryan cared, and took pride in keeping those airplanes flying safely. For him, it was not a matter of working for the sake of work, but doing it in a way that would honor the Lord. He had a passion for the mission that AIM AIR took part in throughout Kenya and East Africa. He served his Lord well so that others could also serve.
His ministries were not limited to AIM AIR however. Ryan was fully involved in his local church and took seriously the call to be God’s witness to the most remote parts of the earth. He tirelessly gave his time and resources to help with famine relief throughout the Ukambani region. On at least one Saturday a month for the past several months, he spent long days driving a van full of people all over that region, helping to distribute food. Many people complain about being stuck in traffic in Nairobi for an hour, but he never complained about being hot and sweaty in a van for twelve hours out in the middle of nowhere.
Most importantly, though, Ryan loved his Lord and he loved his family. His heart was always longing to be at home with Dawn and the four children – Caleb, Levi, Seth, and Chloe. This was most evident to those of us at the hangar around the time of the kids’ birthdays. They would each show up with him and spend “a day with Dad at work.” He would let them turn wrenches and go for an engine run on one of the 206s. They would ride on the dispatch bicycles around the ramp. They would go and get Kenyan food, because his boys love it so much, even if he wasn’t really in the mood for it that day. Meeting Dawn was perhaps the best thing to happen to Ryan. They met here in Kenya, both doing the Lord’s work. She has been a helpmeet and a strong support for him. Even after he joined Frank in glory, so many have marveled at the inner strength she has displayed. Whether it was fixing her kitchen appliances, or taking her to a movie where they were the only ones in the theater, he loved his wife and cared for her with utmost attention.
This is the testimony of Ryan Williams, that he loved his Lord without reservation. He followed God’s leading and when the time came, he gave his all for the sake of the Gospel. God called his good friend Frank home immediately; Ryan, He chose to wait a little bit before calling him home. We can just imagine that when Ryan entered His Savior's arms, he heard that big laugh of Frank in the background. So now Ryan has joined that great cloud of witnesses that Scripture talks about. We look forward to the day when we shall see our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend again; but for now, we must continue on in our journey. As Ryan stepped out into glory, we must step up into his place and continue to carry the Gospel to those who still have not heard. Human minds cannot conceive God’s plan, but we can rest in the loving arms of the Savior – the same arms that also hold our beloved Ryan with Him in glory.
Ryan loved to work on airplanes, but in reality, anything that moved or made noise, he was into it. He was often doing something with a piki – his, yours, anybody who needed a hand, he was there giving his time and abilities with no questions asked. You might find him tinkering at his toolbox with a toy helicopter for his boys, trying to make it fly again. Once, he made a little kitchen for Chloe out of some odds and ends he had picked up around town. There was even a time he tried to get this ancient-looking juicer going again for Dawn, and he hauled it down to the INdustrial Area and back again a couple times in the process. But today his toolbox sits silently in the corner of the AIM AIR hangar – a reminder of a man gifted in many ways, a man who will be greatly missed.
For many who worked alongside him at the hangar, Ryan was a mentor. He would take the time to teach a young mechanic how to do a specific task, and then help along the way when questions arose. He loved projects, especially sheetmetal; there was no project he would touch that came out with bad results. Ryan cared, and took pride in keeping those airplanes flying safely. For him, it was not a matter of working for the sake of work, but doing it in a way that would honor the Lord. He had a passion for the mission that AIM AIR took part in throughout Kenya and East Africa. He served his Lord well so that others could also serve.
His ministries were not limited to AIM AIR however. Ryan was fully involved in his local church and took seriously the call to be God’s witness to the most remote parts of the earth. He tirelessly gave his time and resources to help with famine relief throughout the Ukambani region. On at least one Saturday a month for the past several months, he spent long days driving a van full of people all over that region, helping to distribute food. Many people complain about being stuck in traffic in Nairobi for an hour, but he never complained about being hot and sweaty in a van for twelve hours out in the middle of nowhere.
Most importantly, though, Ryan loved his Lord and he loved his family. His heart was always longing to be at home with Dawn and the four children – Caleb, Levi, Seth, and Chloe. This was most evident to those of us at the hangar around the time of the kids’ birthdays. They would each show up with him and spend “a day with Dad at work.” He would let them turn wrenches and go for an engine run on one of the 206s. They would ride on the dispatch bicycles around the ramp. They would go and get Kenyan food, because his boys love it so much, even if he wasn’t really in the mood for it that day. Meeting Dawn was perhaps the best thing to happen to Ryan. They met here in Kenya, both doing the Lord’s work. She has been a helpmeet and a strong support for him. Even after he joined Frank in glory, so many have marveled at the inner strength she has displayed. Whether it was fixing her kitchen appliances, or taking her to a movie where they were the only ones in the theater, he loved his wife and cared for her with utmost attention.
This is the testimony of Ryan Williams, that he loved his Lord without reservation. He followed God’s leading and when the time came, he gave his all for the sake of the Gospel. God called his good friend Frank home immediately; Ryan, He chose to wait a little bit before calling him home. We can just imagine that when Ryan entered His Savior's arms, he heard that big laugh of Frank in the background. So now Ryan has joined that great cloud of witnesses that Scripture talks about. We look forward to the day when we shall see our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend again; but for now, we must continue on in our journey. As Ryan stepped out into glory, we must step up into his place and continue to carry the Gospel to those who still have not heard. Human minds cannot conceive God’s plan, but we can rest in the loving arms of the Savior – the same arms that also hold our beloved Ryan with Him in glory.
A tribute to Frank
11/August/
(This was printed in the bulletin
for Frank’s service today...)
There’s an empty place in the AIM AIR pilot’s room at the hangar. The vacant desk is neatly arranged. All the Jepp books are set uniformly on the left side. To the right, a couple of endearing notes written in a child’s hand are placed in such a way that indicate they are intended to be saved, and cherished. A dymo label sticks to the bookshelf in the center. It says “Frankie”, and this was his spot. Sometimes.
If he wasn’t here, chances were that he was out there – In the left seat of the 206 somewhere over the Sudan, or braving an overnight with missionaries in the bush, doing the thing he loved to do. The thing he purposed to do since he was a boy. Frank’s steady hand on the yoke of an airplane was but an extension of his heart. And his steadfast determination to follow his calling is what brought he and his family to AIM AIR. And to the far corners of Africa. To the aid and encouragement of many a missionary. And to the side of several hundred children in the village of Kangoka. Once, it brought him to the rescue of a one-day-old baby in the Northern Frontier. This child, who he tenderly called “his smallest passenger”, had no idea of the largeness of the man who piloted her to safety that day.
Big and barrel-chested, to hold his enormous heart. Contemplative. Kind. Committed. Frank was a man gifted in the art of “being there”. Wherever he was, he was wholly there. In the airplane, every movement of his hands was marked with purpose, and skill. On the ground his ears and heart were tuned to God’s actions around him – In the humor of a leaking roof on a thatched hut, or in the poignant reality of lost humanity at the most forgotten outpost. In a conversation he was a willing listener; but also a great storyteller. He could bless you simply by laughing. He could make your day with a smile.
But the place Frank was most wholly present was in the lives of his family: Tiffany, Aline, Tabitha, Teagan, Loewen – Five people who so encompassed his heart and passions that everything naturally took second place. He played and danced, sang, explored, and discovered. He took the girls on dates. Wrestled Loewen and let him win. On more than one occasion he stuffed his kids into the cargo pod of the 206 just for the photo and the laughs. He turned a 9000-mile road trip into a grand family adventure. And in every moment, Frank was “there”. Undeterred by the demands of life and ministry. Unencumbered by propriety. Understanding that the greatest work he would do in this world would be in the lives of those five people.
Some of us have had the privilege of flying with Frank, and through our experience, been able to teach him how to be a better pilot. But Frank has taught many of us how to be a better father, and husband. We are in his debt for that.
Frankie. There are many places you belong. At that empty desk in the pilot room. Flying high in the African skies. Kneeling low as you serve the least among us. Rolling in the grass with your family. Rolling in laughter with your teammates. But the place you most belong is where we’ll see you next. With your Savior and ours. And He’s probably already told you what we didn’t have the chance to say... “Well done.”
There’s an empty place in the AIM AIR pilot’s room at the hangar. The vacant desk is neatly arranged. All the Jepp books are set uniformly on the left side. To the right, a couple of endearing notes written in a child’s hand are placed in such a way that indicate they are intended to be saved, and cherished. A dymo label sticks to the bookshelf in the center. It says “Frankie”, and this was his spot. Sometimes.
If he wasn’t here, chances were that he was out there – In the left seat of the 206 somewhere over the Sudan, or braving an overnight with missionaries in the bush, doing the thing he loved to do. The thing he purposed to do since he was a boy. Frank’s steady hand on the yoke of an airplane was but an extension of his heart. And his steadfast determination to follow his calling is what brought he and his family to AIM AIR. And to the far corners of Africa. To the aid and encouragement of many a missionary. And to the side of several hundred children in the village of Kangoka. Once, it brought him to the rescue of a one-day-old baby in the Northern Frontier. This child, who he tenderly called “his smallest passenger”, had no idea of the largeness of the man who piloted her to safety that day.
Big and barrel-chested, to hold his enormous heart. Contemplative. Kind. Committed. Frank was a man gifted in the art of “being there”. Wherever he was, he was wholly there. In the airplane, every movement of his hands was marked with purpose, and skill. On the ground his ears and heart were tuned to God’s actions around him – In the humor of a leaking roof on a thatched hut, or in the poignant reality of lost humanity at the most forgotten outpost. In a conversation he was a willing listener; but also a great storyteller. He could bless you simply by laughing. He could make your day with a smile.
But the place Frank was most wholly present was in the lives of his family: Tiffany, Aline, Tabitha, Teagan, Loewen – Five people who so encompassed his heart and passions that everything naturally took second place. He played and danced, sang, explored, and discovered. He took the girls on dates. Wrestled Loewen and let him win. On more than one occasion he stuffed his kids into the cargo pod of the 206 just for the photo and the laughs. He turned a 9000-mile road trip into a grand family adventure. And in every moment, Frank was “there”. Undeterred by the demands of life and ministry. Unencumbered by propriety. Understanding that the greatest work he would do in this world would be in the lives of those five people.
Some of us have had the privilege of flying with Frank, and through our experience, been able to teach him how to be a better pilot. But Frank has taught many of us how to be a better father, and husband. We are in his debt for that.
Frankie. There are many places you belong. At that empty desk in the pilot room. Flying high in the African skies. Kneeling low as you serve the least among us. Rolling in the grass with your family. Rolling in laughter with your teammates. But the place you most belong is where we’ll see you next. With your Savior and ours. And He’s probably already told you what we didn’t have the chance to say... “Well done.”
Memorial service
10/August/
The AIM IS family will get together on
Tuesday, August 11th at 1pm to celebrate the life of 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.
Also, continue to pray for Tiffany and the kids especially Tuesday as we focus on the one who they greatly loved and now mourn. Pray too for the staff at AIM IS as they still continue to process the loss of their two friends.
Planning for Ryan’s memorial service is still underway.
Also, continue to pray for Tiffany and the kids especially Tuesday as we focus on the one who they greatly loved and now mourn. Pray too for the staff at AIM IS as they still continue to process the loss of their two friends.
Planning for Ryan’s memorial service is still underway.
Ryan gone to be with the Lord
07/August/
Dear AIM AIR family,
We are deeply, deeply saddened to give you this news.
At 7:10 this morning, Ryan Williams succumbed to his injuries and went home to his Lord and Savior. Chris Hamilton was with him at the time. Dawn was here with Dale in Nairobi, preparing to board a flight to South Africa.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ryan was medi-vacd via private jet and admitted to the excellent burn center at Millpark Hospital in Johannesburg. Not long after admission, it became clear to the specialists caring for him that his injuries were much more severe than previously thought. The extent of Ryan's burns put him at great risk for infection and other serious complications. It was simply too much for him, even though he fought a valiant battle for almost a week.
From the moment Ryan arrived in Johannesburg, we followed closely the unfolding news about his true condition. As we learned this, plans to move Dawn went into action. We were, each of us, shocked and surprised at how quickly things transpired. But God was not surprised.
Dawn chose to continue on to South Africa with both Ryan's mother and Dale Hamilton, arriving around 1:00 p.m.. She had requested that the news be kept within a small circle of people until she could call from there and talk with the children, which has now happened.
It is hard to understand what God has planned in all of this. For all of us who have now lost two of our friends, two of our neighbors, our coworkers, our family, it seems like too much to bear – as if losing two is more than twice the pain. But we have trusted God from the moment we learned of the accident – we have entrusted to God the lives of our friends. And God is trustworthy.
Ryan and Frank have been reunited. And so will we, one day.
But today we will mourn. Today we will support our family – especially Dawn and Tiffany, and those eight precious children who, each one, bears the mark of their father.
Please keep praying. And let's not forget to hold on to our heavenly Father, as we are holding up one another.
Yours Truly,
Charles Mungaithi
Acting Director
AIM International Services
We are deeply, deeply saddened to give you this news.
At 7:10 this morning, Ryan Williams succumbed to his injuries and went home to his Lord and Savior. Chris Hamilton was with him at the time. Dawn was here with Dale in Nairobi, preparing to board a flight to South Africa.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ryan was medi-vacd via private jet and admitted to the excellent burn center at Millpark Hospital in Johannesburg. Not long after admission, it became clear to the specialists caring for him that his injuries were much more severe than previously thought. The extent of Ryan's burns put him at great risk for infection and other serious complications. It was simply too much for him, even though he fought a valiant battle for almost a week.
From the moment Ryan arrived in Johannesburg, we followed closely the unfolding news about his true condition. As we learned this, plans to move Dawn went into action. We were, each of us, shocked and surprised at how quickly things transpired. But God was not surprised.
Dawn chose to continue on to South Africa with both Ryan's mother and Dale Hamilton, arriving around 1:00 p.m.. She had requested that the news be kept within a small circle of people until she could call from there and talk with the children, which has now happened.
It is hard to understand what God has planned in all of this. For all of us who have now lost two of our friends, two of our neighbors, our coworkers, our family, it seems like too much to bear – as if losing two is more than twice the pain. But we have trusted God from the moment we learned of the accident – we have entrusted to God the lives of our friends. And God is trustworthy.
Ryan and Frank have been reunited. And so will we, one day.
But today we will mourn. Today we will support our family – especially Dawn and Tiffany, and those eight precious children who, each one, bears the mark of their father.
Please keep praying. And let's not forget to hold on to our heavenly Father, as we are holding up one another.
Yours Truly,
Charles Mungaithi
Acting Director
AIM International Services
Ryan flown to South Africa for further care
05/August/
Ryan was successfully flown to Johannesburg today on an AMREF medivac. We had been praying for his condition to remain stable so that he could safely make the move. A Citation jet was equipped for the transfer and he did well over the four and a half hour flight. AIM Missionary Chris Hamilton travelled along with the medical crew and Ryan. Ryan is in South Africa for the next stage of his recovery, which will require expert care of his burn wounds.
A crowd of AIM AIR and IS personnel, missionaries and Kenyan staff alike, were assembled at the Customs building at Wilson Airport to give Ryan a warm send-off. As his ambulance filed past we had but a moment near him and Dawn, a moment to whisper our prayers for his trip - just four hours or so in the plane, but likely a very long time before we see him again. Ryan most likely had no idea we were all there, but it was a great show of solidarity among our team.
Some of the team helped get him moved from the ambulance and into the jet. They circled round and prayed, and Dawn was given some moments alone with her husband before the door was closed. Those two will be catching up with soon.
We each returned to our tasks and responsibilities - which have been huge, and overwhelming in recent days - but a few of the team returned to the takeoff end of the runway and stood plastered against the fence as Ryan's jet maneuvered into position for takeoff. There they stood, like schoolchildren awestruck at the airplanes, but with their hearts tuned to only one thing - one of our own, laying helpless and broken on a stretcher when he should be here with us, and whole. We wouldn't let him go if we didn't know it was the best way to get him back again.
Ryan landed in Johannesburg at 5:47 pm on Wednesday. We're already waiting for his return.
PRAY:
For Ryan to remain in stable condition and for upcoming skin graft operations.
For Dawn and her separation from Ryan for a few days.
Prayer Update
03/August/
It has been 48 hours since the AIM AIR
aircraft accident which occurred on August 1st. In those difficult
hours, our team has come together as a “family” to grieve, pray,
and reach out in a force of support to those closest to the
tragedy. We have also begun to address the many logistical issues
that have resulted.
We continue to ask for prayer for Tiffany and the kids, as they deal with the loss of a husband and father. Among those who survived the crash, Ryan sustained the most serious injuries. He underwent surgery at the Hospital on Sunday, and is currently being stabilized and prepared for a possible move out of Kenya where he will continue treatment and begin his long recovery. The other two passengers had much less severe physical injuries and are stable. Traumatic events have a way of creating a bond between those involved, and we are keeping both of these guys in our care, and prayers, as if they are part of our family.
Both Tiffany and Dawn have been receiving constant support by other AIM AIR wives, as well as personnel from the mission community’s counseling center in Nairobi. Their needs, both emotional and practical, are being attended to as best as we humanly can. For those things beyond our human abilities, we continue to trust God.
We will be receiving family members of both Frank and Tiffany this week, and planning for any memorial services for Frank is still underway.
Shortly after the accident occurred, AIM AIR assembled a Crisis Management Team to comprehensively deal with everything related to it. We voluntarily grounded our pilots and aircraft to help facilitate this process. Later this week, AIM AIR will be receiving a team of independent accident investigators to begin the process of determining a cause. We are also working closely with Kenya Aviation Authorities as they conduct their own investigation.
There has already been a large show of support for those involved in this tragedy. Many have asked how they can help. As a result of this accident, there will be innumerable financial burdens for both the Toews and Williams. If you have a desire to help in this way, Africa Inland Mission can receive gifts on their behalf through their offices in New York.
And we ask that you continue to pray for us. Specifically, pray for:
Tiffany and the Toews kids. Pray for God’s comfort.
Ryan as he remains in critical condition - for his stability and the possible medical transport flight.
Family members of Frank and Tiffany as they attempt to get travel documents and tickets on short notice.
Dawn as she remains by Ryan’s side. For the Williams kids.
AIM AIR as we follow up on a myriad of logistics
The investigation team – for safe travel to Kenya.
Pray for God to be honored in our words and actions. For God to be glorified through this tragedy.
THANK YOU for your prayers.
We continue to ask for prayer for Tiffany and the kids, as they deal with the loss of a husband and father. Among those who survived the crash, Ryan sustained the most serious injuries. He underwent surgery at the Hospital on Sunday, and is currently being stabilized and prepared for a possible move out of Kenya where he will continue treatment and begin his long recovery. The other two passengers had much less severe physical injuries and are stable. Traumatic events have a way of creating a bond between those involved, and we are keeping both of these guys in our care, and prayers, as if they are part of our family.
Both Tiffany and Dawn have been receiving constant support by other AIM AIR wives, as well as personnel from the mission community’s counseling center in Nairobi. Their needs, both emotional and practical, are being attended to as best as we humanly can. For those things beyond our human abilities, we continue to trust God.
We will be receiving family members of both Frank and Tiffany this week, and planning for any memorial services for Frank is still underway.
Shortly after the accident occurred, AIM AIR assembled a Crisis Management Team to comprehensively deal with everything related to it. We voluntarily grounded our pilots and aircraft to help facilitate this process. Later this week, AIM AIR will be receiving a team of independent accident investigators to begin the process of determining a cause. We are also working closely with Kenya Aviation Authorities as they conduct their own investigation.
There has already been a large show of support for those involved in this tragedy. Many have asked how they can help. As a result of this accident, there will be innumerable financial burdens for both the Toews and Williams. If you have a desire to help in this way, Africa Inland Mission can receive gifts on their behalf through their offices in New York.
And we ask that you continue to pray for us. Specifically, pray for:
Tiffany and the Toews kids. Pray for God’s comfort.
Ryan as he remains in critical condition - for his stability and the possible medical transport flight.
Family members of Frank and Tiffany as they attempt to get travel documents and tickets on short notice.
Dawn as she remains by Ryan’s side. For the Williams kids.
AIM AIR as we follow up on a myriad of logistics
The investigation team – for safe travel to Kenya.
Pray for God to be honored in our words and actions. For God to be glorified through this tragedy.
THANK YOU for your prayers.
From the U.S. Director of AIM
03/August/
Sunday, August 2nd
Dear AIM Team:
Please be in prayer for the families and those affected by this AIM AIR accident described below. Frank Toews, our AIM AIR pilot, did not survive the accident and Ryan Williams, our AIM AIR mechanic, is injured and receiving medical treatment. Please pray for Tiffany, Frank's wife, and their four children as they look to the Lord during their time of loss and pain. Please also remember to pray for Dawn Williams as she seeks to encourage Ryan as he recovers from his injuries at this time.
Thank you for your prayer and concern at this time. Even in this time of loss, we are thankful for Frank, his life and testimony, and we are comforted to know that he is fellowshipping with his heavenly Father.
Your brother in Christ,
Ted Barnett
U.S. Director
Dear AIM Team:
Please be in prayer for the families and those affected by this AIM AIR accident described below. Frank Toews, our AIM AIR pilot, did not survive the accident and Ryan Williams, our AIM AIR mechanic, is injured and receiving medical treatment. Please pray for Tiffany, Frank's wife, and their four children as they look to the Lord during their time of loss and pain. Please also remember to pray for Dawn Williams as she seeks to encourage Ryan as he recovers from his injuries at this time.
Thank you for your prayer and concern at this time. Even in this time of loss, we are thankful for Frank, his life and testimony, and we are comforted to know that he is fellowshipping with his heavenly Father.
Your brother in Christ,
Ted Barnett
U.S. Director
AIM AIR Accident - Request for Prayer
02/August/
An accident occurred on August 1, with
an AIM AIM Cessna 206. It occurred around 2:30PM (EAT) near the
Nairobi Wilson Airport. There were four people on board; AIM AIR
pilot Frank Toews, AIM AIR mechanic Ryan Williams and two
Americans. At this time there is still medical evaluation being
done but this is what we know: The two passengers have some broken
bones, minor burns, cuts and bruises. They are both being kept in
the hospital for treatment and further evaluation. 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. Frank Toews, the
pilot, did not survive the accident and has gone to be with the
Lord and Savior whom he loved dearly and served well.
Please pray with us, specifically for the timely return for health of those who are injured, their families, and particularly for Frank's wife and 4 children as they trust God for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
We are trusting God, with all of you, to show Himself to be good, even beyond our expectations and understanding of what good could mean, in a
situation like this.
Denny Dyvig
AIM AIR General Manager
Please pray with us, specifically for the timely return for health of those who are injured, their families, and particularly for Frank's wife and 4 children as they trust God for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
We are trusting God, with all of you, to show Himself to be good, even beyond our expectations and understanding of what good could mean, in a
situation like this.
Denny Dyvig
AIM AIR General Manager