At the end of January, I met with the Martin Ministries International (MMI) board members to celebrate all God had done in 2023 and to set vision for 2024 and beyond. One of the topics discussed, approved, and set in motion was the launch of project Abundantly Above. Before I get into it, I’d like to build your faith on what it takes to accomplish a God-size vision.
God-initiated vision or steps must be taken from the extravagant dimensions of His love, which encapsulate His protection, provision, and promotion. From this knowledge, faith is strengthened, and impossibilities are made possible. Abundantly Above is such a step and I believe it will initiate the growth and increase needed to establish and build the kingdom of God where MMI is concerned.
I want to begin with the verse that the Lord gave me concerning this exciting step,
Ephesians 3:20 reads, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask (prayer life) or think (imagination) according to the power that works in us.” Think about this. You cannot out-ask or out-imagine God! You cannot imagine a realm of breakthrough or blessing beyond God. God has already promised to do abundantly above all we ask or think, and yet this is where He is constantly inviting us to, as it gives Him glory.
I don’t believe I must completely comprehend what He’s asking of me or calling me to do, but more importantly, I’m facing in the right direction, leaning into Him, and looking unto Him, the author and finisher of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2) God will awaken dreams and desires in you that are completely unknown and seemingly impossible. As you begin to take steps toward what you see in your heart you hear, “You can’t do that!” or “You can’t go there or have that!” and “That’s never been done before!” These limiting statements must be destroyed because they create boundaries, restrictions, and impediments that hold you back from accomplishing your life’s mandate.
When stepping out you must solidify that God has anointed you to do what He has stirred in you. Isaiah 45:1-3 describes the support of one identified as being anointed. This is you! You are anointed and appointed no matter your age or season of life. God is still wanting to do more in and through you. In short, we read in these verses that God calls Cyrus His anointed. Then God goes on to outline three areas. The first is “I will go before you” This statement declares that God has already been where you are going and has prepared passage and safety bringing you to a place of fulfillment. We see this in Psalms 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil…”
The second is, “I will break in pieces the gates” This is open doors, opportunities, and favor. Gates are not weapons that the enemy throws at you, they are barriers that are used to keep you from taking possession of the promises of God. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 16:18b, “…and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it – against the church.” There is no restriction or limitation that the devil has set up that can succeed against the assignment given to you.
The third one is where most are challenged. We know and believe that God is with us, that we are victorious in theory and in word but when it comes to “always having” we draw back. The last statement is, “I will give you the treasures of darkness” This is resources, riches, and supply in all things and fullness. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” When God gives you a vision or a faith step, it always demands provision for a need. Our responsibility is not to take the weight of providing, but to rest in the giving and supplying of the Father. He invited you and He will take care of it and you!
With this said, I want to present project “Abundantly Above” God has been speaking to me concerning the aviation mandate He has placed on this ministry. It’s time to move forward with the call. On June 11, 2013, The Lord said to me, “Don’t doubt Me, know Me! Get ready to fly, I want you in the sky. He continued to say, “I know how to fly planes and I will show you, it’s easy and through this knowledge and understanding, I will take you beyond the limited boundaries and control of those who would try and hinder My word. No delays or cancellations. Only swift, fast, steady, and ready. The Word has taken flight and has wings to reach the nations. When I say go, you will go. Your schedule will be by My direction and watch and not by any other. This step will initiate opportunities that otherwise would not be seen. This is your new assignment. Orders have been given, favor released, and doors opened. Take flight son for it has begun. Remember, there can never be doubt where absolute knowledge is; God revealed, doubt removed.”
I recently talked with a Pastor friend in the New England area to get counsel concerning aviation. Besides pastoring, he flies corporately and has extensive aviation training and experience. During that conversation, we both concluded that my best move would be to acquire my single-engine commercial rating. This sets a pilot apart providing better insurance ratings on aircraft and enables one to fly for hire. As a bold step of faith, I am planning to set time aside and accomplish this step starting in May. I am also actively reaching out and educating myself on acquiring a plane. Whether we purchase one, or a plane is made available so I can fly as needed, MMI will always have access to a plane with no restrictions.
“Abundantly Above” is an MMI project to give God glory! “Abundantly Above” will begin with two steps, first a commercial rating and second an aircraft. I’d like to note that I have been a good steward with the aviation skills that I have already acquired. I just finished my bi-annual flight review and am current with the FFA requirements for instrument and night flying.
I’m setting my faith in obedience to what God has spoken by taking the first steps to believe in finances to cover the commercial rating at the cost of $11,000. At the same time, I am getting my commercial rating we will be funding $300,000 for an aircraft.
Here are three areas in which you can financially participate in this project. Remember no amount is insignificant. You can give a one-time gift or become an “Abundant Above” monthly partner.
Commercial Rating:
- 110 individuals sowing a one-time seed of $100 we would reach our financial goal.
Airplane:
- 300 individuals sowing a one-time seed of $1,000 would enable us to negotiate an aircraft purchase and make any FFA-required updates.
Continued Maintenance and Hangar:
- 50 individuals sowing $100 a month, or 100 sowing $50 a month.
No matter how you break it down, I know many hands make light work.
Most likely if you’re reading this it’s because you are a faithful partner of MMI. If you’re new I say Welcome! My only request is that you prayerfully ask the Lord if He’d have you play a role financially specifically in this project. As always, I covet your prayers. There is no pressure at all, I know God is going to accomplish this step and I am at complete rest. In fact, without any communication concerning this project God has already spoken to individuals to sow and we have $2,000 in the aviation account. Praise God!