The Wings for Christ family celebrated our 50th anniversary on October 8, 2011 at the Keith Hull Worship Center next to our airport. We shared good food, great fellowship and listened to many stories of lives spent serving our Lord. Chief pilot Monte Michael co-hosted the event with Development Director Kelly Filgo.

Gracie Bird and Mercy Bird made an appearance on static display, since both airplanes are in the middle of maintenance projects. One airplane braved the forecast stormy weather (which never materialized) and was proudly displayed right by the highway.

Many friends of Wings for Christ were there, both old and new. One gentleman from Arizona even dropped in as he was driving by on the highway. He said he saw airplanes and people and just had to find out what was happening. Isn’t it awesome that when we follow God, we are part of one big family?

Pastor and advanced student Rick Cobb gave testimony of how gaining his private certificate at WfC has directly improved his ministry of mentoring pastors at small rural churches all over Texas. Beginning student Matt Dillon and his wife Kim shared the story of how God led Matt to Wings when Kim applied to the Baylor Graduate School of Music, allowing both of them to pursue their callings at the same time. A letter was read from long time Wings friend Max Boggs, who couldn’t attend, but was there in spirit. Rick Caywood brought his big rig 18-wheeler, which he uses to haul freight to food banks all over the country, out for display. He also shared tales of God’s mercy and grace when he and Monte Michael were stranded for three days in west Texas by an ice storm during a long cross country flight.

Also in attendance were Glenn and Dorothy Wied. Glenn and Dorothy came all the way from Galeana, Mexico, where they serve churches and families, for the event. We were blessed to receive encouragement and inspiration from their story of God’s faithfulness in their lives during many years of service.

We also heard from several sporting “unscheduled” speakers that Brother Monte cajoled into giving testimonies as well. Many thanks to Ron and Jackie Banks, Ron and Sue Snyder, Greg and Vicki Smith, and Joel New, who all told their stories of involvement with WfC.

A special treat was listening to some wonderful bluegrass style gospel music as we were led into a time of worship with Waco musicians Dale and Lauren Barron, who graced us with their amazing talents. You can listen to one of their songs by clicking here.

Keynote speaker Brad Westom, former Wings staffer and current Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot, shared how the Lord’s call on our lives is the most important part of any mission. Brad also encouraged us to keep Wings from becoming a hobby, but rather that we stay willing to respond and work hard on our calling here. He challenged us to find out first hand that when we are about God’s calling we find energy and joy that we would never find on our own strength. You can listen to his entire message by clicking here.

The event closed with Barbara Hull giving an excellent history of Wings for Christ and encouragement to keep up the work that God placed on her husband Keith’s heart so many years ago.

All in all, we had a wonderful day of remembering our past, thanking God for the friends we have made along the way, and dreaming about our future. God has been gracious every step of the way.

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You, your family, and friends are invited to attend the celebration of 50 years of serving Jesus Christ through aviation. Since 1961, Wings for Christ has sought to further the Good News of Jesus and support missions that use aviation as a key part of their work. Of course, the greatest celebration will be for our Father who has provided so many wonderful people and relationships over the years through Wings. The festivities start at 11:00am on Saturday, October 8 and run until 4:00pm. Lunch will be served until 1:00pm and there will be guest speakers sharing how WfC has helped them in their service to others.

Missionary Aviation Fellowship pilot, and former Wings flight instructor, Brad Westom will be the keynote speaker, reflecting on his time at Wings for Christ and how it still serves him in his career at MAF. Glenn and Dorothy Weid, missionaries serving in Galeana, Mexico and Pastor Rick Cobb, of Journey Christian Community Church will also share about their experiences with WfC and their hopes for future partnership with us. Also present will be several current students who can share about their training and future plans.

Rick Caywood, a great friend to Wings for many years, is bringing his Big-Rig truck that he uses to carry food and other supplies to places in need all over the US and Mexico. Many folks from the local Experimental Aircraft Association will be flying in and there will also be a blue-grass gospel concert, starting around 1:45pm. Also available will be some time on our new flight simulator that was recently donated. Read more about that here.

You can find us just after the Corsicana/Mexia split on Highway 84 East of Waco. And, as always, anyone is welcome to fly in and stay a while. For directions to the airport, both on the ground and in the air, click here. Just look for the newly refurbished road sign about two-hundred yards after the split towards Mexia. (and special thanks to our board for getting the new signage installed in time for this event!)

We’re looking forward to a great time and can’t wait to see you there!

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