Mark Palm, Samaritan Aviation President and CEO
This past January and February, Samaritan Aviation President and CEO Mark Palm, along with his entire family, returned to Papua New Guinea for the first time since 2019. What unfolded over those eight weeks was a powerful reminder of why this ministry exists and why your partnership matters so deeply.
Mark flew emergency medevacs and nurse patrols into some of the most remote villages in the Gulf Province, where they are days away from the nearest hospital by canoe. He welcomed short-term teams and volunteers, strengthened partnerships with government leaders and medical professionals, and helped transport doctors and teachers into communities that hadn’t seen either in months.
The trip also carried deep heartbreak. On February 8th, Mark responded to a snakebite call for a twelve-year-old boy and arrived just minutes too late, a first for him in sixteen years of rescue flights. Later that same day, he flew out again and was able to aide in saving the life of a village elder. Heartbreak and hope, side by side, on the very same day.
From new partnerships, to a donated ambulance and meetings with provincial governors, the doors God is opening are remarkable even as the need continues to grow.
Mark recorded a personal video to share the full story with you. The moments that inspired him, the ones that broke his heart, and his vision for what’s ahead. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch it.
