Each year, Agape Flights, a Christian aviation ministry, touches the lives of more than 1.5 million men, women, and children by flying in life-saving supplies to the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
But that’s just the beginning. Once transported, Agapes' more than 300 affiliated missionaries ‘on the ground’ take the reins. Their ongoing work includes providing clean water, community health, education, evangelism, medical services, vocational training and more.
Each year, in November, the Agape Flights shows its gratitude to these dedicated people through its Missionary Thanksgiving Dinner Project.
WHAT IS THE MISSIONARY THANKSGIVING DINNER PROJECT?
It is Agapes' way of blessing its missionary families for all the work they do by flying in a full Thanksgiving meal, with turkey, cranberry sauce, ingredients for a pumpkin pie, and all the trimmings – at absolutely no cost to them. While each year the Thanksgiving Project totals nearly $35,000, the impact is priceless!
WHY IS THE PROJECT SO SPECIAL?
Missionaries associated with Agape Flights choose to leave the comforts of home to help alleviate the problems of the poor and offer them opportunities for a better life. That doesn’t change the fact that these families spend Thanksgiving – and every other day and holiday – in far-flung places.
“After many, many years, our Missionary Thanksgiving Dinner Project continues to be near and dear our hearts,” says Agape CEO Allen Speer. “We love to bless our missionary families who are away from the comforts of home,” he adds.
WHAT DO AGAPES' MISSIONARY FAMILIES SAY ABOUT THE GIFT OF THANKSGIVING DINNER?
“It’s a special treat. My kiddos were especially excited to see the marshmallows (and) I was thrilled to get pumpkin spice (and) a can of pumpkin. Now I can make the pumpkin scones I've been craving. We are grateful. Thank you for your services to all us missionaries. It means so very much!” – The Gorrill Family, former missionaries to the Dominican Republic.
“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to you and all those who had a part in our Thanksgiving box! We really enjoyed receiving it! It's so very encouraging to think about all the support behind that box. People we don't know, may never meet, and yet we have a kindred spirit!” - Eric and Melanie Stoller, Haiti.
“We were blown away by your kindness to bless us with "tastes of home" this Thanksgiving! We loved the turkey and all the fixin's! You thought of every detail, down to the cool whip and children decorating our boxes. Thank you with all our hearts for your thoughtfulness and your generosity. Not being with our family as in years past was softened by your kindness to fly in such wonderful gifts. - Bruce and Mary Vernon, Haiti.
HOW CAN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HELP AGAPE FLIGHTS' MISSION?
Thanksgiving dinner flights, sponsored by Regulator Marine in Edenton, NC, have already begun, so it won’t be looking for more direct support until next year. However, there are many ways to contribute to Agapes' mission. In addition to making a direct financial donation, opportunities include:
Donating Goods: For a list of needed items go to agapeflights.com/donated-goods/
Volunteer Work: If you are led to partner as a volunteer visit agapeflights.com/volunteer/
Fundraisers: Learn about holding a benefit event at agapeflights.com/fundraise-for-agape/
Share the Agape Story: Find a downloadable brochure here: agapeflights.com/share-agape-story/
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