Luke Arthur Philippines Medical Missionary Launch

My name is Luke Arthur and I will be serving in the Philippines as a Paramedic, Mission Pilot, and media manager. My goal is to share Christ’s Love with the indigenous people through lifesaving air transport, and medical care. Through media, I hope to bring a small glimpse of God’s work in the Philippines throughout the world and to encourage others to follow Christs leading in bringing the unreached around the world to Him.

Growing up aviation has always been that thing that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I wanted to do. At two and three years old, I would watch planes fly over, and cry when they flew out of sight. At age four or five I told a family friend that I wanted to grow up to be a pirate, which ofc was a mispronunciation of pilot... At eleven years old, though I had never set foot on an airplane, I took my long-saved cash and purchased my first flight lesson. I loved it, and now, eight years later that same love for aviation lives on.

In 2018 my interest led me to examine the world of helicopters. I called a local instructor, and once again, my first ever time in an aircraft (this time a helicopter) was also my first flight lesson. Over the next year, almost every cent I earned went to learning to fly, and a year later I held my private pilot certificate.

Finally, in early 2023 tragedy struck. A mission helicopter went missing in the Philippines. I knew the pilot, and this event left me wondering if maybe I wasn't really giving all my talents to God. Was God asking me to go?

I began to see God tug me in that direction. First, it was a small pull on my heart. Then, friends and acquaintances started mentioning off-hand that I could use my skills as a pilot to great effect in the mission field.

I didn't make much of it. I figured that the still small voice was just a product of the tragedy in the Philippines and my connection to those involved. I thought the same of those who suggested I go as a missionary.

The Lord was not done though. One morning I got a text from a close friend that lives across the country. He asked if I'd like to hang out for the day, and within a few hours, he had arrived.

This whole thing was out of the ordinary. He couldn't explain it, but that morning he had not been able to sleep and had felt the strong urge to come and visit me. With hardly an idea of what God had in mind, and questioning whether this was just him going crazy, he (being a pilot as well) got up first thing in the morning and flew out to see me.

As we talked God led one of us (we can't remember anymore which of us it was) to bring up the Philippines, and as we talked, we both came to know that God had set this encounter up to affirm each other's calling.

As I step forward into this mission there are challenges to overcome and that is where you can help. I have a helicopter pilot's license, but this is not the only thing I need to serve the most effectively in the field. I am still needing to go through some EMT training and some specific helicopter courses. On top of this, there are of course costs for launching and establishing in the Philippines.

The Lord has led thus far, and I know His arm is not shortened. Thank you for your support!