The interdenominational non-profit organization Wings of Faith Ministries, Inc. recently spread its proverbial–and literal–wings and embarked on an exciting journey, with the Holbrook Municipal Airport as its final destination.
The Christian charity marked the expansion of its Southern-California based operations with the construction of a 3,000 sq-ft hanger and warehouse facility on the airport’s campus, which began construction this spring. The facility will serve as the southwest hub of its U.S.-based relief ministration operations. Wings of Faith provides support and donations to missionaries who mainly serve Native American populations in the United States, with a primary focus on helping the poor, abused, hungry and forgotten people in these communities. The charity is unique in that it utilizes a team of volunteers to pilot light aircraft and drive ground vehicles to provide ministrations by way of transporting Bibles, food, clothing, medical supplies and other necessary aid to indigenous citizens.
Wings of Faith founder Dale Whinery says that his missionary efforts throughout Holbrook and its surrounding territories span four decades.
“I’ve been involved in missionary aviation for more than 50 years. One of the first Indian reservations I served was in Holbrook, Ariz. That was 40 years ago, and Wings of Faith has been ministering to the Native Americans there all these years. The love that these people have received through hands-on support and caring relationships has made a lasting difference in their community. Lives have been changed for good,” he noted.
Whinery says that as the ministry’s outreach expanded from the Navajo Nation into other Native American tribes throughout the Four Corners region, including Gallup and Crownpoint in New Mexico, and Chinle, Cibique, Polacca and Whiteriver in Arizona, obtaining a hangar and warehouse in Holbrook would enable the group to supply goods to these communities in a more efficient and cost-effective manner by placing aircraft and operating personnel at the location.
“The people of Holbrook and the city fathers have been exceptionally congenial to us, and we felt that it would be a good place to expand our operation for our Southwest location,” said Whinery.
“The people of Holbrook have bent over backwards to help us, and we’re pleased and proud to be working there.”
A dedication date for the hangar facility will be announced at a later date.
For more information or to make donations to the organization, call 1-866-532-5649, email info@flywithwings.org or visit www.flywithwings.org.
