42 Years Of "Standing In The Gap"

In 1946 a young student pilot heard a stirring challenge from a returned foreign missionary, urging the immediate use of the airplane in missionary outreach.  Don Beldin was profoundly impacted by this challenge.  Following six years of youth ministry under YOUTH FOR CHRIST INTERNATIONAL, his family was given a unique overseas appointment to the Caribbean by YFCI in 1960.  The requirements were for a pilot to utilize an airplane to span the ocean miles separating the islands of the Bahamas.  The goal was to develop an interdenominational youth evangelism ministry that would complement the evangelistic outreach of resident missionaries.  As the monthly youth rallies began, missionaries asked if Don could bring in some needed items, unavailable in those remote "out islands".  Because of their need, the delivery service grew, and in 1964 MISSIONARY FLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL was born!

MFI has grown into a full air support ministry to Bible-believing missions.  After beginning with a single four-passenger Twin Navion, then moving to two Twin Beech 18's, MFI upgraded to its first Douglas DC-3 in 1976.  Today, the Lord has made possible, through generous financial giving from many friends, the addition of a Turbine DC-3 to our fleet.  It has revolutionized our air support to missions.

Over the years MFI has been called upon to fill the various needs of our affiliated missions.  From the basic services of mail delivery, passenger transport, and parts and supplies, MFI has also flown animals of all kinds, and provided emergency medical transport and hurricane relief.

As MFI has added additional DC-3's to the flight line, these aircraft have often undergone extensive refurbishing, as well as retrofitting for passenger and cargo service.

MFI has never enjoyed an all-encompassing facility during its time in West Palm Beach.  Generally, the warehouse and office facilities have been separate from the aircraft and their maintenance services.

Today, MFI is preparing for the next chapter in its history, serving the Lord from its new home in Fort Pierce.

From the humble beginnings of one man and a small twin-engine airplane, the Lord has guided Missionary Flights International through 42 years of "standing in the gap", providing an air arm for missions that are serving the Lord in the West Indies.  MFI's "Missionary Spotlight" shows how different people and different missions organizations have answered His call, and through the ministry of MFI, have gone forth to share the Gospel.  As MFI looks forward to our future home in Fort Pierce, we rejoice in the Lord's blessings and provision throughout the past 42 years in West Palm Beach.  In all that MFI is called to do in His service, to Him be all the glory!