Ron and Donna work for AIM/AIR in Central Africa, where Ron is a mission pilot

and mechanic, though he is called on for other aspects of outreach, too. Transportation

is a major problem in Africa, and Ron’s job is to carry people, supplies, and information

from place to place. It is part of his life to be involved in both routine and emergency

situations. He has plenty of stories to tell. Perhaps some of you remember the account of

how he and John Haspels were captured in 1983 and held hostage for a time by southern

Sudanese rebels. Like other missionaries in Central and East Africa, the Pontiers

have had to contend with more than contrary people. Poisonous snakes, such as cobras,

live there, too. Then, there was the time when Ron had to make a 150 mile truck trip,

during which he had to rebuild 15 of 19 bridges along the way, as well as the sad time

when he had to fly from Uganda the bodies of two missionary friends who had been

killed by Muslim extremists. Is there a chance that prayer is relevant to the work of

people like this?

Ron grew up in a missionary family in Africa, and was graduated from LeTourneau

College in Texas. Donna is a nurse who has worked in Guatemala, Kenya and Zaire.

The two met while students at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and began their life

together in Zemio in the Central African Republic, where Ron’s first task was to build a

home and a hangar.

First Presbyterian has supported the Pontiers with encouragement, prayer, and

funds since 1986. They are high in the affections of a number of us, and we hope those of

you who do not know them will be able to join us on July 20. Keep their visit in mind,

and watch for more details. Come and revel with us in this aspect of our church’s riches.