The Greatest Gift of ALL...

Cindy left a comment on The Prayer Notes blog click for the post "In hope, rejoicing...In Tribulation, enduring...In...":

Dear Barb: Technology is great..We are able to communicate overseas with each other via Internet and better yet skype…In real time with family & friends.Communication is critical to us here on the field in the DR. We depend on it to coordinate flight schedules and immediate missionary needs to the Agape home base in Venice.

Thanks be to God for Agape Flights and all of you there that work so diligently to "juggle" flight schedules & deal with mechanical difficulties to meet missionary needs personally and for the people who depend on them.

As Christmas approached I witness first-hand how God has blessed us through Agape. The joy that each parcel brings, no matter how big or small, is received with such excitement by our members.

Its not about the box - its about love. Feeling love, knowing love that comes wrapped in a present.Hum...I meditate on "tiny present" "love”…I think of us learning Spanish…hum…Translate that for me to English -please? Ok let's translate Love: Love came down on Christmas in the form of a "tiny baby" Jesus Christ - the greatest gift of all!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THANKS CINDY...your words could not just be left in an obscure comment box!

Tom and Cindy have been supporters of Agape Flights for the last ten years as volunteers and now they are Agape Flight's Field Directors in the Dominican Republic as a full time mission…and a big step…they are learning Spanish!

For further information about Tom and Cindy’s ministry serving missionaries click on AGAPE FLIGHT's Blog for the posting from earlier this year.
If you would like to send encouragement to Cindy and Tom you can through AGAPE Flights.com or directly to their email address- Tomdrnl@yahoo.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agape Flights is not just a ministry in Haiti and the Dominican Republic...we minister to each other right here on the West Coast of Florida...Venice, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota, Englewood, Arcadia with our sharing and caring. Pass THE GOOD NEWS of JESUS CHRIST this Christmas Season...and may GOD BLESS the NEW YEAR!

The True Light That Gives Light to Every Man was coming into the World

John 1:1-9

New International Version of the Holy Bible

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.

In Him was life, and that life was the Light of men.

The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.

He came as a witness to testify concerning that Light, so that through Him all men might believe.

He himself was not the Light; he came only as a witness to the Light.

The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and through the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

He was in the world, and through the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.

Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God-

Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John testifies concerning Him.

He cries out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made Him known.

Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask Him who He was.

He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Chris."

Thank Heaven and Glory to God...

AGAPE FLIGHTS RESPONDS TO HAITI’S ESCALTING CHOLERA OUTBREAK

The medical missionaries are running short of needed medical supplies...

And you ask...How can you help?

The first flight of supplies left Agape's hangar Today...Thursday morning, November 11.

Agape Flights new aircraft “Bandit,” the Embraer 110 is in the trusted hands of the missionary pilots, staff and board members. Agape’s “Bandit” is in her 1st few months of service and is able to carry 40 percent more cargo than the former Agape airplane. Bandit has been lighting up the skies, carrying hopes and prayers to the missionary families that count on Agape for critical supplies during this 30th Anniversary Year of Agape Flights important mission.

Heart warming and heart wrenching stories directly from the field ...

For information on cholera in Haiti, as reported by our missionaries, please visit: Dr. James at Holistic Health Ministries.

Quote from Dr. James website...

"Yesterday, I was called early to the Ebenezer Community Health Center to help with 10 year old Willy who was near death from cholera dehydration. Willy is the first case of cholera the health center had received. More and more cases of cholera have been moving north. Willy had only been sick 12 hours and was severely dehydrated in shock. Their neighbor, a 22 year old young man, had died from diarrhea during the night. Thanks to God, prayer, and the Ebenezer Clinic’s Christian medical team, who have been educated, prepared, and mobilized for this latest challenge, we were able to find a vein, start IV fluids, and in a few hours Willy's life was saved."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Volunteer’s Perspective- HELP YOURSELF by HELPING OTHERS!

For more information on helping those that are helping others refer to Agape Flights.

What is Cholera?

• What is Cholera?
  Can I catch Cholera from somebody that has traveled in an infected area?
  What are the symptoms of Cholera?
• How can you help?
  

" AGAPE FLIGHTS (ministry) is responding to the cholera outbreak by sending supplies to medical missionaries in Haiti who are treating patients. The missionary physicians are running short of needed medical supplies."

(see Agape Flights Press ReleaseOn Cholera Outbreak) and How can you help?)

Well when somebody asks about the Cholera outbreak in Haiti, I also direct people to the U.S. official government agency for information.

The CDC otherwise known as the CENTER for DISEASE CONTROL.http://www.cdc.gov/cholera/general/. The CDC explains in enough detail answers to some of the best questions about Cholera.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/news-announcements/relief-workers-haiti.aspx

You can get further information from the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, WHO or the Pan American Health Organization PAHO, that is currently providing updates and briefings on Haiti’s Cholera outbreak.


Dr. Jon K. Andrus PAHO’s deputy director said “PAHO continues to coordinate efforts with other UN agencies, and with health officials in the U.S. and Canada.” http://www.paho.org is the official website for PAHO.

There are fears that Cholera has a foothold in Haiti, and the Dominion Republic is also at risk because of all the traffic between the two countries. Dr. Jon K. Andrus, PAHO's deputy director gave a briefing today and on their website you can email questions you may have in regard to the Haiti outbreak from their website.

· The CDC is a US government agency.

· WHO and PAHO are organizations that operate separately but within the United Nations.

Romans 12:9-13

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

You can help by praying for the missionaries and checking out Agape Flights web site to find out more about this important ministry. You can see the missionaries’ current needs and you can read the stories about the missionary families- their victories and struggles plus updates from missionaries in the field, many from the regions of Haiti that are on the front lines of the Cholera outbreak.

Agape Flights Blog - Another way to connect with the ministry.

Agape Flights is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Christian ministry that provides ongoing and critical support services to close to 400 missionary families that work in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Agape provides coordination and support getting supplies and services to the island nations in the Caribbean for the missionaries via air support on “Bandit,” from Agape’s hangar and home base at the Venice Florida Airport.

ONE VOLUNTEERS PERSPECTIVE...

In hope, rejoicing...In Tribulation, enduring...In Prayer, Steadfastly Continuing...

SHARE WITH YOUR PRAYERS

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

There is an ever-growing list of medical concerns at AGAPE FLIGHTS ministry…

The staff of Agape was in HAITI the other week for a picnic to share in Agape’s 30th Anniversary of their mission to support missionary families in Haiti, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. The Pfister missionary family was in the middle of an emergency- their daughter Katelyn was sick and the local hospital did all they could but was unable to find out what was wrong and she was not getting better she was going down hill FAST. .

……………………………………………………
A portion of a blog written by Amy Long- a missionary serving in Haiti...

“God’s hand, though, has been evident in this situation from the very beginning as Katelyn and her mom were able to fly out with Agape (who had two passengers drop out just before coming to Haiti so there was room on the flight).” http://rminethaiti.blogspot.com/ (Amy Long’s blog is listed with missionary section of AgapeFlights.com )

.............................................................................................................................................................

Coincidence of God? Could be but the faithful servants of Jesus Christ including the 2 volunteer pilots and the staff of AGAPE FLIGHTS were there and airlifted the sick 9 year old Katelyn back to the states.

And, the Whittaker’s another missionary family that are stateside due to their youngest daughter Susana, who is 5 years old and facing a long treatment for a rare form of cancer.

The prayer requests mentioned above- NOT a complete list because at AGAPE FLIGHTS emails come in with prayer request, Facebook posts prayer requests, Missionary websites, Blogs with prayer requests, and volunteers have prayer requests. Plus the staff at Agape is made aware of prayer request...

And I am sure their are prayer requests via Text, Twitter and Telephone- A mountain of prayer requests...so if you would like to know more just dive deep into the website and share with your prayers.


Isn't it wonderful that because of God's grace and good will we can read in Romans 8:27 "the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will"


I picked out a verse from the Bible in order to help me pray not only for the medical concerns we are made aware of but also for the many that folks are reluctant to ask for prayers for themselves or prayers for others.

From the New International Version…

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

My first thought was…this is hard; it is tough to be joyful when you have medical concerns…and patient in affliction… and faithful in prayer!!! Sounds like the impossible…but trusting this would work out, after all the verse is from the Holy Bible!
__________________________________________________________
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope...

(Because of Christ’s return and our ultimate redemption, we rejoice.)

I like that…to me… I can be joyful in that hope… Of Christ’s return and our ultimate redemption. (Silly me …good thing I looked it up…this points back to Jesus and not my earthly hopes! YES I can be Joyful in that hope…and focus on the Lord!)


If we look at Romans 5:2….
But starting at the beginning of Romans 5...of the New International Version.

Romans 5:1

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

WOW… What a joyful HOPE!!!


By the way, last night I listened again to the August 8th 2009, sermon by Larry Edison …it is a great sermon. (Click the date)

In fact if you live in the Sarasota, Florida area visit Covenant Life Church

In His Name,


Barb P.
ThePrayerNotes@Gmail.com

P.S. You may notice that I am NOT a Biblical Scholar, thus NOTES..."The Prayer Notes."

Feel free to comment, correct or add to the notes!

Walking in The Light

1st John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Carole at Agape Flights gives a Big “Thank You” to SwingTide Combo

Way to go Mike P., Jack F., Art C. and Dave T. & guest Rick!!!!!

MIKE PIGNOTTI DRUMS

JACK FORSEEN SAX

ART CARLSON GUITAR

DAVE TUCKER Bass Guitar

and guest Rick!

July, 2010

Dearest SwingTide Guys,

Just in case no one has told you lately, you're the BEST!!

Truly, you were such a big part of making a successful plane dedication celebration, You are amazing! Your music filled the Agape Flights hangar with a wonderful sound and spirit of joy, just perfect for a day of celebration. How is it that wonderful music can touch the soul AND even make you forget how hot the weather is?!

Thank you, thank you, for choosing to share your God given gift and highly accomplished musical abilities with Agape. We were all blessed by your presence and your present.

I know God is already taking care of this... but I've asked Him to send each one of you a very special extra blessing in a way you will know it is a direct present from Him. I don't know what those blessings will be, but He already does... He is SO great at surprising and loving us; just keep your eyes open for Him.

May the kindness, hospitality and blessing you so graciously extended to us, be returned many times over to each one of you.

Thank you for choosing to be a blessing!
With heartfelt gratitude for each one of you.


All God's Best,


Carole- for all...

Agape Flights is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Christian ministry that provides ongoing and critical support services to close to 400 missionary families that work in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Agape provides coordination and support getting supplies and services to the island nations in the Caribbean for the missionaries via air support on “Bandit,” from Agape’s hanger and home base at the Venice Florida Airport.

YOU CAN help by praying for the missionaries and checking out Agape Flights web site to find out more about this important ministry. You can see the missionaries’ current needs and you can read the stories about other missionary families- See how God is working in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters...their victories and struggles plus updates straight from missionaries in the field, many from the earthquake regions of Haiti.

Agape Flights Blog check out now for how you can "share" Thanksgiving Dinner with one of the missionary families who are out in the field-

John 6:27

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval."

Agape has been providing continual service for their member missionaries for 30 years and this year celebrates their Anniversary all year long with special events for the missionaries they serve and a final event January 2011. So stay in touch via Agape Flights web site for further details.

Even a Bandit Can Be Used For The Glory Of GOD!

The event was conceived as the kick-off anniversary celebration for the 30 years that Agape Flights ministry has served Christ by serving His missionaries. And isn’t GOD great- For the star of the 30th anniversary was the beautifully bright and bigger than ever airplane named "Bandit".

Proving the point ever so dramatically as God often does, that even a bandit can be used for the glory of God. “Bandit’s” story is a living testimony that will inspire others for generations to come. God’s timing and blessing upon the ministry of AGAPE with “Bandit,” is without a doubt an energizing symbolic gesture that keeps us thanking GOD every day.

The arrival of “Bandit,” with the extra cargo room was certainly needed due to the ever-expanding needs of the missionaries and number of missionaries that depend on AGAPE for delivery of supplies following the Haiti earthquake.

June 26th Went off without a hitch...

Agape's 30th Anniversary Year...

Spirit Filled and Fired up for Serving CHRIST by SERVING HIS missionaries!

The backdrop was hung and the signs affixed...

GRACE & HOPE SWEPT the HANGAR!

The hangar was swept;

The plane was present, painted and slick!

Name tags were gathered, tables set up, coolers everywhere, ice, water bottles, brochures, newsletters- Whew…

Not to mention the grills for the “Bandit Burgers.” Remember the french-fries, the lettuce cheese pickles onions and the rolls. Speaking of “rolls” big drum roll for the great grill chef who told me his secret to grilling… I knew Agape put the right guy on the grill!


Volunteers were at their stations, missionaries were on hand to serve the food, answer questions and speak to the crowds. Past and present missionary pilots were on hand to speak to and embrace the 500 folks that came out on the hot I mean HOT Saturday afternoon to celebrate the goodness of God upon His ministry at Agape Flights.

Russ, pictured in the green shirt- One of the dear volunteers that helps take care of the "Bandit"

Keith and Clara Starkey started Agape Flights to maintain a lifeline for Christian missionaries. Through peaks and valleys of the ministry the couple would turn to the Bible for strength and direction.

What a good lesson for all of us.

Isaiah 41:13
New King James
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13
King James
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Greg, white shirt and dark sun glasses missionary in charge of taking care of "Bandit."

This is a continuation of the earlier post labeled “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands" , from June that was part of the anniversary celebration that included missionaries Lynn and Amy and some of the missionary’s children that are stationed in Venice, FL.



Agape Flights is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Christian ministry that provides ongoing and critical support services to close to 400 missionary families that work in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Agape provides coordination and support getting supplies and services to the island nations in the Caribbean for the missionaries via air support on “Bandit,” from Agape’s hangar and home base at the Venice Florida Airport.

YOU CAN help by praying for the missionaries and checking out Agape Flights web site to find out more about this important ministry. You can see the missionaries’ current needs and you can read the stories about other missionary families- See how God is working in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters...their victories and struggles plus updates straight from missionaries in the field, many from the earthquake regions of Haiti.

Agape Flights Blog Another way to connect with the ministry.

GUESS WHAT... check back because the BLOG "The Prayer Notes," has another post to add to the "KICK OFF" Soaring Celebration...it will be in "VLOG" form!!!!

Agape Flights meets Dr. Sanjay Gupta's definition of Success

Ready Willing and by God's Grace Able...to get supplies to the missionaries in Haiti, as Agape has done just that- for the last 30 Years!

I heard Dr. Sanjay Gupta state as the Chief Medical Correspondent on CNN July 12, 2010- While he was on his return visit to Port-au-Prince, Haiti- Dr. Gupta said, “the definition of success is NOT just getting supplies to Haiti…it IS getting supplies to the people.”

My perspective as a volunteer at Agape Flights…The Venice Florida based Christian Aviation Ministry…Agape Flights IS Dr. Gupta’s very definition of Success!!!!

Go to the Agape Flights web site and judge for yourself…
They have flown over 150 missions of relief flights into Haiti; And, as of June they delivered over half a million pounds of emergency supplies- NOT JUST into Haiti; But into the very hands of the missionaries who share with the poor and hungry...Agape's link in the supply chain to the poor and hungry...the missionaries! The mission, the operation you might say has been doing "IT" the very same way... for 30 years!!! Agape’s formula for success??? Prayer, Experience and MORE PRAYER!!!!

Heartwarming and Heart-wrenching stories daily from the missionaries in the field that Agape serves…through grief and God’s grace the prayers are being answered and hearts and lives are being changed for Christ.

Founders, Keith and Clara Starkey had a vision for the ministry in 1980 that took hold as Agape Flights and their remarkable walk in faith continues to glorify Christ in uncountable ways.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also- Mia McCormick at SNN 6 has a live report from the Hangar at Agape…

Mia spoke with Carole Leman and Chief Pilot Luke Sumner
Take a look-

…some local organizations are holding true to their promise of long term help”





Agape Flights is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Christian ministry that provides ongoing and critical support services to close to 400 missionary families that work in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Agape provides coordination and support getting supplies and services to the island nations in the Caribbean for the missionaries via air support on “Bandit,” from Agape’s hangar and home base at the Venice Florida Airport.

YOU CAN help by praying for the missionaries and checking out Agape Flights web site to find out more about this important ministry. You can see the missionaries’ current needs and you can read the stories about other missionary families- See how God is working in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters...their victories and struggles plus updates straight from missionaries in the field, many from the earthquake regions of Haiti.

Agape Flights Blog now up and running- Another way to connect with the ministry.


Agape has been providing continual service for their member missionaries for 30 years and will celebrate their Anniversary all year long with special events for the missionaries they serve and a final event January 2011. So stay in touch via Agape Flights web site for further details.