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By admin, August 8, 2009

Friends, I would like to tell you about a wonderful, new direction and vision that we, here at Wings For Christ want to share with you.

We have, in a humbling and yet awestruck way, realized that God has given us a strategic and valuable resource here in Central Texas, (Namely, WINGS FOR CHRIST!!), that is right in a major artery to the Latin Americas (and beyond) in the way of Mission pathways and resources.

A few years ago the Lord brought us a new friend here at Wings For Christ: Ron and Jackie Banks of Mission Aviation Fellowship. They are full time missionaries who have served in Venezuela for twelve years as a pilot/mechanic family. Ron now does Distance Learning Technologies for MAF Latin Americas, from his home just off the end of WFC runway!

In our Chapel/Prayer meetings here at WFC on Fridays at 8:30 AM (calling all intercessors!), we have really been seeking the Lord about new direction, relevance, and effectiveness for HIS KINGDOM growth. How can we, like Moses, use “what is in our hand”, to reach the lost for Jesus?
WE ALREADY HAVE:

• An Airport
• 3 Hangers
• An HQ/Chapel
• one Cessna 150 Trainer
• one Cessna 172 Instrument trainer (in pieces, but in restoration process)

And now we have a new way forward: an Initiative!

Introducing the Pilot and Aircraft Production Initiative or PAPI (you know how pilots love acronyms!)….
In our discussions and prayers Ron Banks brought up the fact that MAF and other agencies have identified a problem in several of the countries that they minister in….these countries are closing to the traditional Anglo or western missionaries due to growing anti-western sentiment and politics. Christian Mission Aviation Ministries are being kicked out. However, the indigenous Christian churches and their outreaches are still there and we can assist them to keep on flying, only now with their own Nationals and their own aircraft.
 
This is where we at Wings For Christ can come in and assist. We feel the Lord wants us to partner with these interested national churches and missionary agencies in their respective countries and for them to send to WFC qualified, vetted, English speaking Christian Pilot/Mechanic applicants for us to train and build an inexpensive and easy to fly and maintain airplane called a Christavia (similar in size and capability to a C-172).
 
We assist them in building the airplane, train them in it and then crate it up and send it and them back to their country of origin to fly Christian Missions with their sending church or agency and that entity now owns the aircraft, supports their missionary and mission and we have completed a process in moving Gods Kingdom forward!

There is a lot, and I mean a lot, more to it but that’s it in a nutshell and we want you to know about this and pray with us as to how and what God would have you to do in partnering with us on this worthy endeavor. A detailed copy of this initiative will be available on our new website soon. We really must hear from you!

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By admin, August 7, 2009

First off, please forgive the long drought of news since we last reported in January! There have really been some significant happenings since then.

Our Trainer, Gracie Bird finally got new digital “Flip-flop” radios and we are now able to fly in the clouds on Instrument flight rules, IFR. This means we can train instruments as well until we get the Cessna 174 “Berts Blessing” up and running.

We got new metal siding and roof on the Maintenance hanger! Joel New and Ron Banks are really happy about that as it doesn’t rain on them while they are working on airplanes now (inside!). A big thank you goes to Phil and Cheryl, Board Members at WFC.

Some medical issues grounded Monte for a season, but now he’s back up flying missions and training pilots. PTL!

Ron Banks got his “wings” back and is flying again and hopes to get his Flight Instructor status back soon. Way to go Ron!

Some major thank you’s go out to our volunteers and Board Members that have done so much in the way of airplane maintenance, hanger upgrade, fixing busted plumbing, runway grass cutting, clean up of hanger and grounds and so much more!

NAMELY:

Joel New, Bret Boyco, Ron Snyder, Ron Banks, Kelly and Ellen Filgo (Just Married!), Mike Anderson, Vinecio Salazar, Tim Banks, Phil and Cheryl Hull, Jimmy Bryant (TSTC Avionics), Charles Henry and Speegleville Christian Center.

Thank you Guys and Gals, We Love You!

Finally, we’d like to report that Jesus, Our Captain, instructed us to start up our weekly prayer flights at WFC and we have to date made four such flights in Speegleville Christian Center’s C-172. Thanks Bro. Charles!

We are also blessed that we have been able to serve a local Pastor Jeromy Connell of the Heart of Texas Cowboy Church by flying him out to Abilene, Tx, last week (8/4-6/09) and he was able to minister in a youth camp where 50-60 kids got saved by Jesus! We saved him 8 hours of driving time which he liked a whole lot!!

Well, as Pastor Jeromy says HAPPY TRAILS , for now!

Monte E. Michael,
Missions Coordinator/Chief Pilot
www.wings-for-christ.org

P.S. LOOK FOR OUR NEW WEBSITE SOON

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By admin, January 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

As I write to you all I am happy to say that God is a good God and that we at Wings For Christ thank Him on every remembrance of you and are here ready to continue into 2009 with service in Christian Missionary Aviation.

The vision and task of Wings For Christ here in Waco remains the same even though activity levels have diminished somewhat we are happy to report that we have two active flight students, one of whom has soloed the trusty Cessna 150 “Gracie Bird” and is on his way to his Private Pilot License! Way to go Kelly!

In other news since I last sent out a report in Sept., WFC was responsive during the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in the support of Shelter operations in Galveston and in the Bryan/College Station areas. I, Monte, was able to serve as a Chaplain in these venues, alongside Salvation Army and Red Cross in the populations needing disaster mental health and critical incident stress management. We were also able to pray with many for comfort and revelation into Jesus’ love and protection for so many. Monte was able to pray with one man in Galveston to receive Christ as Saviour! PTL!

Other areas of service include networking with Brother Glenn Wied of Galeana Mexico and Brother Lionel Smith of Christian Wings For the World in Ironton Mo. and Brother Randy Bauman of Alpha Aviation in Springdale, Ark. The product was Glenn getting workable used avionics in his Cessna 175 that is now airworthy and close to going to the Mission Field in Galeana with Glenn! Thanks to all involved…Thank you Lord for cooperative members of Your Body! We “got er done”!

In Closing, I want to remind those in the Waco area that are able and desirous, that we are resuming our Tuesday Prayer Meeting at 1pm to 2pm this upcoming Tues., Jan. 6, 2009, and you are welcome and needed to come and pray and fellowship. This is our regularly scheduled ministry service in which, in my opinion, the Heartbeat of the Lord is heard for Wings for Christ. The coffee will be on!

Thanks for a positive and productive 2008 and looking forward to what He has in store for us in 2009,
Sincerely,
Monte E. Michael
Chaplain/Chief Pilot
www.wings-for-christ.org
254-855-6785

P.S.: We are in great need of approx. $3000 to $5000 to upgrade the avionics (radios) in our trainer airplane “Gracie Bird”. Our Cessa 150 is a 1964 model and although she flies well, we have difficulties in communications and navigation with our older and often questionable avionics. Our students need exposure and experience in the newer and safer GPS navigation systems and the additional safety of reliable communications. Please pray and give to this need asap. Thanks. MM

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By admin, September 20, 2008

Dear Friends of Wings For Christ,

I am happy to report on the months of June, July and August for 2008.

June 2008:

WFC was represented at the Annual Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster convention in Austin.
Monte was able to gain valuable insight in volunteer organization and deployment as a Chaplain offering Disaster Mental Health as well as logistics training for deployment during traumatic events.
This coupled with Hurricane preparation is a relevant and timely outreach to citizens that Jesus loves. Please remember the needed operational assets that are critical to these responses. We need $ for fuel in aircraft and vehicles, as well as week to week needs.

WFC was able to continue flight training ops to Kelly Filgo and Jeff Gillum and Vinicio Salazar several times this month.

July 2008:

July 4th was a special day as our friend and mentor, Col. Albert Chrisman USAF (ret.) went home to the Lord. He declared his independance from sickness and sorrow and we all rejoice in the observance of this life lived in strong witness to the Love and Integrity of Genuine Christianity.
We will sorely miss our “Bert” and our love, support and prayers go out to Mary, his precious wife.
We look forward to our future reunion with our fellow pilot and leader…We love you Bert!
Thank you Chrisman family for allowing Monte the honor of assisting you in the memorial service…
It was inspiring and a real celebration….a fitting send-off that all were blessed by attending.

WFC continues flight training ops.

Hurricane preparation continues.

August 2008:

Hurricane Dolly batters South Texas. Monte deploys and “stands up” Victim Relief Chaplain service at 1st Baptist Church, Brownsville, Tx along with 7 other Chaplains and “Crisis Responders”. This is the first hurricane that Monte has “ridden out” on location. The winds and rains were torrential. VRM and WFC partner as Chaplaincy and Disaster Mental Health was delivered in several south Tx shelters and PODS, “Points of Distribution” alongside Tx National Guard, Salvation Army and American Red Cross as well as service alongside traditional partner Texas Baptist Men feeding units. Many prayers, much comfort, hugs and tears exchanged as Victim Relief does the vital and relevant work of meeting human needs in times of disaster.

Hurricane Gustav makes landfall in Louisiana. Texas dodges this directly but receives thousands of evacuees from La. Monte is deployed to the Brazos Valley shelter system as a Chaplain in the same fasion as before but this time closer to home. We served at the 1st Baptist Church, Bryan, Tx and the 1st United Methodist Church, Bryan, Tx. Texas Baptist Men and the big 25,000 meal a day “State Unit” was stood up in the parking lot of 1st Baptist. Monte was blessed to serve the same Baptist men on this unit that we were with in the Oklahoma Ice Disaster of two and a half years ago! Disaster response is a relatively small community as is Mission Aviation!

Sept. 2008:

Well, please pray Hurricane Ike away!!! Monte and VRM are on alert along with all of Texas State Office of Emergency Preparedness in the coming days as a dangerous Cat. 4 Hurricane batters Cuba. Its already killed 150 folks and looks bad.

In closing, I would like to report that the Board Members at Wings For Christ have allowed me to stay on in a part time status as your Missions Minister and Chief Pilot. I am thankful for the continued service of Wings For Christ to our Community and our State. Please pray about becoming a regular monthly donor to WFC for our continued answer the the call, “GO YE”.

Sincerely,

Monte E. Michael
Missions Minister/Chief Pilot
www.wings-for-christ.org
254-855-6785

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By admin, May 20, 2008

Dear Friends,

Please accept my apology for the long wait for a communication from me.

There have been several notable events this spring from my perspective that I would like to share with you.

January:

Monte deployed to Victoria, Tx to “Stand up” Chaplain services at a shelter for Monterey Mexican nationals injured and displaced in a bus crash. One fatality in this incident with several critical injuries. Ministry and prayer and practical needs met.

Flight Review accomplished with mechanic/pilot/friend Larry Havard in his Piper Tri-Pacer.

Chaplain ministry training in Dallas.

Student Pilot Kelly F. assists Monte in Wings For Christ “Story Board” and manned the booth at Supporting Church Highland Baptist for their Missions Awareness Weekend. Thanks Kelly!

Spoke at Dr. Shellenburgers Life Group for Highland members.

February:

Mass Fatality training for Chaplain services of emotional and spiritual care, Belton, Tx.

Instrument Ground training for Missionary Glenn Wied of Galeana, Mexico. Alas…no $ for flight training operations.

Flight training to Kelly Filgo and Vinicio Salazar, (ground)

March:

Flight training to Kelly and Vinicio(ground)

On “standby” for Operation Beach Reach..South Padre gospel outreach.

Mass Care round table with Central Texas Council of Govt. in Belton

April:

My son Eric Caleb, engagement to Jordan Hedrick at “Century Tree” at A&M…Whooop!

Ground school to Jeff Gillam and Kelly and Vinicio

Mens retreat at Michael’s Old Home Place farm. Skeet shoot, Archery and Bass Tournament!

Chaplain deployment for Monte to San Angelo, Tx shelter operation of FLDS State Custody incident of 460 Children and Mothers from Eldorado Yearning for Zion ranch. Much emotional trauma in this situation as the State had to separate families to ensure safety…this was viewed as the hardest deployment Victim Relief Chaplaincy has had to serve in to date. Please keep all involved in your prayers.
Monte “stood up” this chaplain operation as incident commander which later grew to a population of 30 chaplains during the height of this 3 week deployment.

May:

Newton County, Neosho, Missouri is hit by F3 Tornado..14 Fatalities. Monte in planning stages for Chaplain deployment for 700+ displaced victims in northeastern OK and southwestern MO.
This is happening as you read this…Please Pray for these victims and the families of loved ones lost in this tragedy; pray for the critical contacts to be made to the Faith community of this area and wisdom for the emergency response providers.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for Wings For Christ. Operations are is a state of transition at WFC and now more than ever we need you.
Please ask the Lord Jesus how He would have you partner with us this year.

In His Grip with You,

Monte E. Michael
Missions Minister/Chief Pilot
www.wings-for-christ.org
254-855-6785

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By admin, December 8, 2007

A Pot Blessing was held at the WFC Worship Center and HQ this Sat. evening. A good time was had by all….Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and presence through 2007. What does 2008 hold for us? Romans 8:28 says He works all things for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purposes. HE DOES ALL THINGS WELL. HE IS GOOD; HE IS GOOD; HE IS GOOD!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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By admin, December 6, 2007

Monte has FAA Flight Review with Missionary and Flight Instructor Kelly Hein of Rio Grande Missionary Help in Laredo, Tx. The Lord blessed Kelly and the Family Baptist Rio Grande Church with a Cessna 340! This high performance light twin engine aircraft has been a long time coming for Kelly and their ministry…21 years!! He and Pastor Bill Waldrip have been sowing and reaping in Laredo and Mexico for souls and Jesus has blessed them for their faithfulness and hard work! Kelly and the Mission graciously blessed Monte with the required 1 hr. flight to renew pilot privileges for the next 2 years. Thanks Guys.

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By admin, December 4, 2007

Wings For Christ was invited to attend this annual conference as a volunteer chaplain with Victim Relief Ministries. WFC missions minister Monte Michael is introduced as Disaster Response Operations Section Chief for Victim Relief Chaplains.

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By admin, December 3, 2007

Wings maintenance Chief Joel New finds a 1975 C172 in Kennedy, Tx. The only problem?….some assembly required. However, as Joel explains, our $20,000 investment will produce a two fold value and we’ll have a great instrument trainer that can also be used for 3 man missions!! Thank you Jesus!! Oh, by the way, that does clean out our bank account; just so you know!!

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By admin, November 14, 2007

Wings For Christ is featured at First Baptist Woodway Missions emphasis night.