Ready to Solo?

“I’ve taught him everything I know. Especially the few flying restrictions. He likes the idea of uncontrolled airspace,” said Steve.

Jason bristled. “He has to realize uncontrolled airspace or not, I give the final decision about flights.”

“I think John is cool with that. He just has to get used to the idea of falling under your authority and obeying POW-imposed restrictions,” Steve defended.

“That’s your job then. I agree, he is probably more experienced than most of our pilots, but reel him in. It’s not a one-man show.” Jason was hesitant about the idea of giving John a route sooner than usual. “What else?”

“He is aware of weather and terrain dangers. I’ve reiterated that flying in cloud cover and heavy fog is treacherous and unpredictable, strictly prohibited and tightly enforced,” said Steve. “I’ll keep reminding him.”

“Make sure he understands. If not, we’ll keep him in training.”

“Jason, there’s something else.”

Jason flinched as Steve told him of John’s desire to fly for an airline.

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

The Larvae and the Lontar Palm

     “Hey, what’s so funny?” Marta asked as she and Sandy caught up to the cacophony.

     “Just a little lesson about how this tree is host to beetle larvae,” John replied.

     “Oh, the beetles. Those beetles.” Marta tried but she couldn’t suppress the grin that fought its way over the other muscles around her small but full-lipped mouth.

     “Oh, you think this is funny too?” John said, poking her gently in the ribs.

Marta fought to push his hands away. “Stop! That tickles,” she pleaded. Her knees buckled under the sheer exuberance.

     “John, stop, it’s... not... appropriate,” Marta said, smoothing her skirt and brushing her hair back, as she shot her tormenter a playful glance.

     John took the hint. “So, you think my worm experience is funny?”

     Marta caught her breath. Her stomach was sore from its workout during her peals of laughter. “Let’s just say you made the party,” she said between breaths.

     “Would somebody please tell me what I’m missing?” Sandy asked.

     “Just a story about how John ate almost all the roasted grubs, all the while thinking they were...What did you call them? Oh yeah, Macadamia nuts,” Marta replied.

      “Sounds like John is the ‘exotic nut,’” said Sandy.

      “Let’s not pick on John. He has learned so much about life here in Irian Jaya. Besides, we don’t want to scare him off, I.....we want him to keep coming back.” Marta relented.

     “Thank you for the vote of confidence,” John pretended not to notice her mistake. “It’s been good to learn about this place. How could I not? There is a challenge behind every tree and over every mountain.”

     “Not all who come survive as long as you have. In fact, I’ve seen men from different organizations come here to deal with consciences, serve humanity, God, or whatever motivated them and last a scant few weeks. This place can make a mad man out of the sanest,” said Marta.

      “Enough fussing over me. I’m no toy soldier. I won’t break. What did you expect to see in me a...’reed shaken by the wind’,” John said, quoting the Bible.        

     “Now, why don’t you two step back, and let us men get about our business.”

      “Maybe we should sit in the shade sipping tea while these big strong men swelter in the sun,” Marta said.

      “Yes, let’s. We wouldn’t want to break a nail,” Sandy added.

      Once they neared the village they stopped pulling at the giant palm. Two older men brought water gourds, and Marta brought John purified water. It felt good going down, even though it tasted bad.

      “Whew, that was tough,” John commented, wiping his brow with a bandanna. “I haven’t worked this hard in a while. Being a pilot has kept me soft compared to these guys who haven’t sweated a drop.”

     “Wait until the real work starts,” Marta said. “You still have to strip the tree.”

      “That’ll build an appetite,” said John.

     “That’s what the larvae are for, feeds the old appetite,” Marta said rubbing her belly. “Other than fodder for beetle larvae, the soft, spongy inside will be ground to a pulp. We eat that too.” She stood resting her hands on her slender hips. Her legs below the hem of the denim skirt were scratched from the branches, vines, and undergrowth thriving in the drenched forest.

      John thought she fit the stereotype of the outdoor, rugged, Jane-of¬-the-Tarzan-stories type of heroine.

     “John, I hate for you to miss these festivities. But we have a lot of stops to make before nightfall,” Sandy interrupted.

      “I’m glad you both came, and grateful for the difference you made with Digul,” said Marta

     “Just keep an eye on him. Why don’t you pack a bag and stay over this weekend? John can bring you by tomorrow when he picks up Digul,” said Sandy.

      “Good idea, why don’t you come tomorrow?” John added.

Marta thought for a minute. Did his eyes sparkle? “All right, I’ll be waiting.”

     Tucker came up to say goodbye.

     John mouthed, “Bring him if you can.”

     “He would love it,” Marta whispered back.

Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

The Escape

     His plan was simple. He would help Steve the seventy-five or so yards to the awaiting plane and take off straight down the runway. The airstrip sloped upward about five degrees, so he would need all the power the plane had. He nudged Steve, who less than alert.

     “It’s time to go.”

     “Huh? What’s going on?” Steve lifted his pale face, his glazed eyes trying to focus.

     “I need you to be alert. There are very dangerous people after us. We need to get to the plane. Do you understand?” John spoke slowly, hoping the words would break through Steve’s clouded mind.

     “Just help me up and I’ll race you there.” Steve sobered suddenly, as he clumsily labored to his knees.

     John helped him and sighed in disbelief as his disoriented companion stumbled in the opposite direction. “I think you’ve been disqualified from this heat. Here, let me lead you.”

     Both scurried to the plane. It was like a nightmare as John imagined the plane getting farther away. Finally reaching it, John shoved Steve into the passenger seat.

     Running around the plane, checking for damage and remaining debris, he made a hasty pre-flight check. Satisfied, he reached to turn the power switch on-nothing.

     “Oh no, what next!” John punched the instrument panel.

     He immediately cut it off and back on. He heard the faint sound of the gyro and turned the key. Not enough power remained to start the motor. “Steve, Steve,” John yelled shaking his buddy.

     “Hmm?” Steve answered groggily. He wore a stupid smile.

     It’s not over. I need you to take the controls so I can prop the plane. Those guys drained the battery.”

     “Ok, fly to get more batteries,” Steve said in his delirium.

     “No! no! no!” John yelled. “I have to hand prop the plane. Listen; just hold your feet on the brakes.”

John climbed out and turned the propeller a couple of times and prepared for a starting kick. Then he saw a commotion in the jungle. Some of the natives were holding up the ponchos where he and Steve had been. So far they hadn’t seen him.

     “Please, God, let this start,” John prayed before throwing the propeller downward.

It spun around sputtering but not catching. The alerted natives looked and moved slowly toward the plane, taking cover as they advanced.

“Great, an audience.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM

Why Not Me? How God Chooses His Missionaries

Paul was a powerful advocate for Christ. In his letters, he helped the early Christians Jew and Gentile understand their relationship to Christ. His writings still help us to understand that as sin multiplies, so does grace.

So, how does one get called out of a murderous rampage into one the most effective evangelists the world has ever seen? It's called opportunity and preparation meeting a "calling". God created Paul for what he was going to ask him to do.

But why Paul? If you are like me, sometimes how God calls others out of their sinful lifestyle to be His missionaries, ministers and lay leaders while leaving you behind. You are sure that you could be used as well as anyone else and feel God may be ignoring your willingness to serve.

In Paul's case, he was perfect for God's use, he just didn't understand. Paul was a Jewish leader, lawyer, Roman, and Jew among many things. He knew God's law, Roman law, and was very well educated. He just didn't know Jesus.

As soon as Jesus revealed Himself, Paul believed. The same zeal he used to lock up Christians, he now used to free sinners. Paul knew Jesus and he realized grace.

What did God make you for? How is he using you? If you don't know, make it a point to study his word, pray and ask Him how you can serve.


Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM