Hengst, Ian
Missionary Flights International, Ft. Pierce, FL
Ian and Staci Hengst
This summer we added a new airplane to our fleet. Even though it’s 67 years old, it’s a brand new airplane to us as it has undergone over a year of refurbishment work. We received it in April, and a few months later it was put to work after FAA approval details wee cleared up.
Like a human being loses or gains weight, so an airplane that endures modifications, repairs, and routine service can lose or gain weight over time. We are required by the FAA to check their weight every three years. In August three of our planes were due. To accomplish this task there must be a scale under each of the wheels. It must also be in level flight attitude, so while the main wheels are on the floor, the tail wheel must be about 12 feet off the floor. Our new plane, N500MF, is the lightest of the fleet and able to carry at least 415 pounds more for missions on each flight than any of the others.
The two turbine engine powered airplanes that we have are proving to be very efficient for the work we do. Our other airplanes which are powered by the radial engines are for sale. One of them has a very interested buyer and so we are preparing it for delivery. We are doing inspections, repairing some corrosion-damaged areas, installing a freshly overhauled engine, and replacing all the flexible hoses.
After our move, finding a new local church that we could join became a priority. We visited several churches in the surrounding area during the spring and early summer. The search was on for a church that is not afraid to preach and teach the whole truth of Scripture, is interested in missions and has a good youth group with whom Lydia can serve. The Lord led us to King’s Baptist Church in Very Beach. We have joined and already become involved with its ministries. Staci and Lydia are teaching 4-6th graders during the SS time. Ian has been attending a men’s discipleship group on Sunday evenings. Lydia attends the youth group meetings and has made new friends.
Abigail wrote, "I’m enjoying my classes this semester, even the challenging ones. I can’t complain about the work load because I know others have much more than I do! God has been using the things I learn to strengthen my relationship with Him and I;m really excited to see how and where He continues to lead! Please pray that I will be diligent in my studies and that God will provide the needed funds for my tuition."
Abigail returned to ABC and is enrolled in the Missions Internship program. She intends to finish the 4 years of study required of that course. For her Practical Christian Service this semester she goes with a group of students to Greystone, a nearby nursing home. Every Saturday morning they go to sit and talk with the residents, sing hymns, and give a short message, whether it’s a testimony or a devotional that includes the gospel. It has been a joy for her to get to know these people.
Staci and I have been back with MFI for 9 months and work with a great team of pilots, mechanics and support staff who share a common mission goal. You’re always welcome to stop by our facility in Ft. Pierce for a tour,to volunteer your skills, or come over for dinner.
Jethro spent the summer in W VA and had opportunities to visit some friends on weekends. His roomate’s family, the Gualts, have been serving with MBB in western Africa. They extended an invitation for him to go to Cameroon and experience ministry with them. He would really like to go with them to Cameroon. Consider supporting him financially
Please pray for us a we search for a house to purchase and use for ministry, school and finances for Jethro and Abi and Jethro’s trip to Cameroon.
Thank you.
Ian, Staci, Jethro, Abigail and Lydia Hengst
