FAQ
Q. Why use helicopters?
A. The Philippines is full of mountainous terrain where many native people groups are isolated from the rest of the world. They are in need of medical help, education, and the good news of Jesus Christ. Many areas are so steep and rugged that it is impossible to land an airplane or even enter with trucks or motorcycles. There is a huge and unique need here for helicopters to help speed the gospel message to the world.
Q. Helicopters are expensive. How is this funded?
A. We feel that God is ready, willing, and able to make our efforts for him successful if we just trust him. PAMAS is a faith-based organization funded entirely through donations. God has faithfully provided month by month for the needs of this project as we have stepped out in faith and been willing to sacrifice for Him.
Q. Why use such a small helicopter?
A. Currently we are using the Hughes 269 helicopter because that is what God provided through some donors at the beginning of the ministry. The helicopter is able to transport 1-2 people besides the pilot and a small amount of cargo. Though it is small, it has been very useful and continues to serve a vital purpose on southern Palawan where it is based right now.
Q. Do you need more helicopters?
A. We continue to pray for more helicopters as we are in the process of expanding to other parts of the Philippines. Specifically, we are praying for the Hughes MD 500's which would be the ideal helicopters for the areas we are expanding to. They can carry at least 4 people besides the pilot, much more cargo, and have alot more capabilities and features that are needed for the mountain terrain. We are also praying for an R44 which would also be a great helicopter in these areas.
Q. How did PAMAS come to be?
A. Dwayne Harris, a volunteer pilot/mechanic who brought the donated helicopter to the Philippines in 2007 was inspired by David Gates (with Gospel Ministries International) to start this ministry. A year later, he married Wendy Harris, a missionary nurse in Palawan and they have been developing the PAMAS mission ever since. Andrey Mershalov a pilot from the Ukraine answered God's call with his family and came to help fly in August 2009. He is now trained in mountain flying and is handling the flights in Palawan as Dwayne and Wendy expand the work to Northern Luzon.
Q. How many missionaries do you have?
A. We currently have 2 helicopter pilots and their families, and one fixed-wing pilot and his family along with multiple support staff including 5 singles. (13 total staff including 2 children). Support missionaries help with medical work, Bible studies, Children's and Muslim ministries as well as maintenance of the vehicles, helicopters, housing, and grounds etc. They also help manage the finances or whatever needs to be done. Everyone pitches in with medical teams and mobile clinics that we frequently host.
Q. How do the missionaries support themselves?
A. All PAMAS missionaries in the Philippines serve gladly as volunteers. They receive no salary, and their basic needs are supported through donations (or sometimes self-supporting small businesses). They are happy to sacrifice in a small way for their Lord who gave all for them to have eternal life and a hope for the future.
Q. How can I be a volunteer with PAMAS?
A. The best way is to fill out an application with GMI and also contact us directly telling us your interest. Your application will be forwarded to other GMI projects so that even if your skills are not needed with PAMAS at the time, there may be other opportunities for you elsewhere. You can access the application form through this website on the VOLUNTEER page.
