From Pastor Rick Cobb, Journey Christian Community:

“Here is a summary of what Todd Lovett and I did. We departed March 1 from XA85, Cougar Landing (near China Spring, TX), at 8:30 a.m. in a plane that is much more experienced in going to Mexico than me, N7530T, Pastor Charles Henry’s plane.

We flew to Cotulla, TX, KCOT, refueled, and left for Saltillo, MX around noon. We arrived in Saltillo, MMIO, about 2 hours later with a warm reception from the Mexican authorities. Everything went smoothly, and the authorities were very helpful with this first-timer. After a 2 hour check in process, Glenn & Dorothy Weid picked us up and off we went to the real work. First stop was Pastor Eulogio’s home, where we were shown tremendous hospitality. Then Eulogio showed us the work he is involved with, 3 church plants, the beginnings of a medical clinic and orphanage, a soup kitchen and distribution of rice and beans.

After that amazing experience Glenn took us to their home, 2 hours driving time to Galeana. Dorothy was amazing, with such a sweet spirit and so gracious. In spite of her health problems she prepared meals and washed our clothes. Glenn took us to several churches in Galeana where Todd and I were given opportunities to testify and speak. Then each day we went to different mountain village churches, Agua Blanca, San Francisco, Solera, Buena Vista. Each village was filled with gracious people hungry for God.

After several days of ministry with Glenn, we went back to Saltillo, where we stayed with Don and Rosy Maggard. Again, we experienced amazing hospitality. One last stop before we returned home was Adrian Rivera’s church that is 1 year and 3 months old.

On March 10, with a beautiful weather window and tremendous memories of wonderful people, we left MMIO, Saltillo at 8:30 a.m. We stopped at KLRD, Laredo, TX to go through customs, which went very smoothly. After refueling we departed and flew home to XA85, Cougar Landing.

This mission trip happened because of the way God knitted together several relationships and opportunities associated with Wings for Christ. My flight instruction from Monte Michael, the plane I purchased from Charles Henry, connections made with former WfC student Glenn Weid and his wife Dorothy, and the mission perspectives gained during this trip to see the opportunities Wings for Christ has helped open for us.”

Wings for Christ wants to let Pastor Rick know that we have been so blessed by his time with us as well. It is so exciting to see how God puts the right people together in order to further His kingdom. We look forward to supporting Rick’s ministry work through aviation for many years to come.

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Less than a year after Pastor Rick Cobb earned his Private Pilot certificate through Wings for Christ, he is planning his first international cross country flight. Rick and fellow missionary Todd Lovett will depart for Saltillo, Mexico on March 1st with a fresh annual inspection courtesy of WfC Chief of Maintenance Joel New.

Joel is quite familiar with Rick’s classic 1959 Cessna 172A. Rick bought the plane from Pastor Charles Henry, a long time friend of Wings for Christ. The blue on white fastback plane passed the annual with a few minor tweaks and is ready for the trip.

Rick and Todd will meet former WfC student Glenn Weid in Saltillo, who will drive them back to his home in Galeana, about two hours to the southeast. Once there, the men will visit many area towns and churches, give their testimonies, and look for ways that Rick’s church, Journey Christian Fellowship in China Spring, TX, can be supportive to area missions.

Rick’s flight instructor, Monte Michael, is excited for his student and knows that he is ready to go. “This is a ministry milestone that really is a culmination of what we are about here at Wings For Christ. I am so excited about this ministry extension of the vision and mission that Jesus has so graciously allowed us to be a part of.”

Pastor Rick has also taken his plane on several trips to west Texas to visit with pastors at new church plants. We are so glad to continue to be part of his training and pray for a safe journey to Mexico.

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Wings for Christ needs to write a Thank You letter or send some flowers to the people at Google Maps.

Let me explain…

About a year ago, the folks at Google added our airport to the area map of Waco. Ever since, we have been getting lots of calls from people interested in what we do. On February 26, 2011, some of those people came to visit the airport, learn more about us, and take a ride in Gracie.

Holly, Hannah, and Brittany, three friends from Liberty Hill, Texas, founded and co-write a blog about being twenty-something Christian women and what an adventure it is to seek God and live out faith every day. The blog is called “faith in between” and you can link to it here.

They were going to be driving through Waco on their way home from a women’s conference (or “feminar” as they called it) and spotted the airport on Google Maps. Visiting a mission flight academy was just the kind of thing they wanted to share with their readers, so after a few emails were exchanged, everything was set up for their visit, which would include a ride around the area in our Cessna 150 trainer.

Unfortunately, the weather was a little grim, with low ceilings. Not wanting to get caught away from the airport if things got below minimums, we kept the flights to the WfC pattern. The good news was that the air was like silk. Brittany and Holly had never flown in a small plane before, so a smooth ride was welcomed.

Each passenger got a low pass down the runway and then after another circuit a smooth landing. Advanced student pilot, Kelly Filgo (who received his private pilot certificate in 2009), was the pilot and really enjoyed the opportunity to introduce the guests to the airport. Also in attendance were flight instructor Monte Michael, student pilot Matt Dillon and his wife Kim.

Holly was very excited to go on her first small airplane ride and said she would tell her pastor back in Liberty Hill, who is a pilot himself, all about the visit. Hopefully we will create a long lasting connection with our new friends.

Thanks, Google Maps!

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