Episode 18 - Don Noble - Taking over Maranatha Flights International in 1983, food poisoning, car attacks, and doubters saying he was the wrong guy for the job

Maranatha’s president since the early 80’s, Don tells the story of how God called him to a small, fledgling organization called “Maranatha Flights International,” the original name for Maranatha. He shares how he listened for God’s leading in that initial decision, and how he has stayed attuned to God’s direction in every decision for Maranatha since. He explains how Maranatha interacts with the Adventist World Church, from the division level down, to respond to official requests for help through the construction of churches, schools, and water wells.Don describes one of the most dicey non-volunteer projects he experienced while in Afghanistan in the early 2000’s. On this trip he got severely sick, to the point that a General Conference vice president stayed up with him through the night because he thought Don might die. He recounts a car attack in Haiti, and explains why there are certain countries that Maranatha will not send volunteers if it’s not safe. Without a construction background, Don remembers early doubters saying he was the wrong man for the job. He talks about his initial commission by Maranatha’s board to “make it fly,” and how it’s his same job description today. After merging with an organization called “Volunteers International” in 1989, “Maranatha Volunteers International” took on a watershed project in the Dominican Republic where Maranatha constructed 25 churches in 70 days. This showed Maranatha and the Church that the organization was capable of more. Don also considers what he’s learned about God, and about himself over four decades of service through Maranatha.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show.Visit maranatha.org for more info on the work of Maranatha Volunteers International.Text us! Let us know what you thought of this episode and the show in general!On September 19, 2026, join us in Sacramento, California, for our annual convention, Mission: Maranatha. You’ll be inspired by volunteer testimonies, stories from the mission field, and updates from Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders around the globe. Plus, be blessed by Oakwood University's award-winning choir, The Aeolians.Learn more at https://maranatha.org/media-events/maranatha-convention/