March 19th, 2009

Dear Pastor Workman,

Recently for a two week period, MFI experienced a complete grounding of all of our DC-3's. One plane experinced an engine problem in the Bahamas in January so we were already waiting on a rebuild engine for that plane. In February our turbine DC-3 was scheduled to be grounded for 10 days for a major engine inspection on both engines. Because of the scheduled maintenance on the turbine DC-3, we had downsized our flight schedule so our remaining flying DC-3 could handle the loads. The day after we completely disassembled the turbine engines, our one flying airplane had engine failure in the Bahamas. Now, no airplanes and a rather full schedule of passengers and cargo to transport to the mission field. MFI had to charter several flights to transport our passengers. For cargo, we had to borrow a cargo plane from one of our board members for two weeks. Wow, what a scramble it was for us to keep men and materials flowing to the missionaries. I am happy to report that one of the piston DC-3's has a new engine and is flying again and the turbine DC-3 is back in the air for missions. Keep praying for the airplane that has been in the Bahamas since January. We still do not have that engine from the overhaul shop.

On a more postivie note, March is Open House month. On Saturday March 7th, MFI hosted over 600 people at our hangar. We serverd 1000 hot dogs and gave airplane rides to 450 people during the day. Don Beldin and his daughters were here to help us celebrate 45 years of operation. We had a wonderful time sharing about the minitry of MFI with our Florida friends. 

Thank you for your gift of $150.00 this month is a real encouragement to us. Without your prayers and donations MFI could not accomplish all that we do. Your gifts and prayers this month helped us get our airplanes up and flying again for missions. Thank you!

In His Service,

Richard Snook