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* The Artic Tern

Some have asked about the bird in our logo. No, it isn't the dove of the Holy Spirit. It is a wonderful little bird called the Artic Tern. It weighs in at less than two pounds but has some wonderful qualities and has an amazing list of accomplishments. At Quest Ministries International, we identify with this little bird for these several reasons.

The Arctic Tern makes the longest migration of any bird on earth. It breeds in the Arctic tundra but flies to the edge of the Antarctic ice pack during the winter. The "Arctic Tern" flies between 22,000 and 30,000 miles each year. Now, that is a Quest. Like the tern, we would like to think that we are always looking ahead and willing to go the distance.

The Artic Tern spends most of its time in the air and often goes many years without ever touching land. Considering an Arctic Tern might live up to 30 years, a single bird may travel more than 650,000 miles in its lifetime. It does this on its own little wings without the aid of jet propulsion. While Mindy and I travel an average combined distance of over 200,000 miles a year, we have help from United Airlines. As a ministry, like the tern, we are not afraid to spend long periods of time flying over rough water.

The Artic Tern is seldom seen on land, often going years without coming to rest on the shore. Like the tern, as a ministry, we are pioneers and are often away from the security of solid footing.

Arctic Terns see more daylight than any other living creature on earth since they are in both Southern and Northern Hemispheres during the days of the year with the longest daylight hours. Quest Ministries International has faced many challenges and will likely face many more. But, our prayer is that we will be like the Artic Tern.

May we see many more bright days than dark days. May we always fly in the light of His son!!

Yeah, we like this little bird, a lot!