35 BLESSEDYEARS

SUPPLYING THE NEEDS OF SAINTS…

SPREADING LOVE…SERVING CHRIST…

November 15, 2015

JANUARY 17BRADENTON HERALD, BY MICHAEL B. ROSS(first record of Agape publicity) . . . .a Cessna 411 left the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport this morning with a load of seed trays. The cargo of young trees, destined for Haiti, is to be used in an agricultural assistance program sponsored by a church mission. Today’s flight is the fifth in the recently formed Agape Flights.

Keith Starkey, founder and president of the non-profit organization, said in a recent interview that Agape Flights is “an organization of persons dedicated to

ON THEIR KNEES IN PRAYER, THE DREAM BECAME A REALITY.Agape Flights founders, Keith and Clara Starkey, used their home address as both a collection center and the mailing address for the ever-growing number of missionaries who needed supplies in Haiti. The mail and cargo quickly overflowed the garage into the living room — mail and small boxes were piled on every available table and chair. Each package was carefully recorded and assigned to an upcoming flight; Clara did the correspondence and Keith kept track of the boxes and mail. Each week the cargo was loaded into a van, taken to the airport, and loaded into a small Cessna.Volunteer pilots like Bob Stinnett, Eric Richards, Dave Hollis and John Cloud donated their time for the two-day trip to help get Agape Flights off the ground. They flew to Haiti on Saturday and back on Sunday; the common denominator was Keith and Clara Starkey—every week, every month, every year, and every flight.

KEITH AND CLARA’S THANKSGIVING PRAYER FROM LONG AGO IS STILL THEIR PRAYER TODAY…“Our thanks goes out to each one of you who have had a part in winning souls for the Kingdom through the efforts of Agape Flights. You have made it possible to help the missionaries with those things that were necessary so they could reach the unsaved, the unloved, those who were ill and those who were hungry. Let us all join heart, hands, and souls as we strive together to make Agape Flights everything God wants us to be.”

He simply chose LOVE, for He said: “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:35) Stepping out in faith, we chose the Greek word for love, “AGAPE” (the unconditional love He has for each of us) to describe our mission.

ON OCTOBER 24, 1980,Agape Flights was incorporated as an independent Christian ministry committed to “Serving Christ by Serving His Missionaries” in Haiti.

Barely three weeks later on November 15, the inaugural flight left the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, captained by Alan Cayo, and bound for Cap Haitien, Haiti. The first flight served one missionary family, but soon the small Cessna 411 delivered emergency supplies and mail to about 25 missionary families each week.Thirty-five years later, Agape Flights of Venice, Florida now serves more than 375 missionaries, their families, and missions throughout Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

Excerpts from a 1985 note by Clara Starkey about the beginning of Agape Flights: In 1972 we moved to Bradenton from our home state of Ohio where we were farmers. About 20 years ago [1965] we went to Haiti on a witnessing crusade. We fell in love with the people and felt a real need to be of help to them. During ensuing years we used our vacation time to work on lay mission teams going to Spain, Guatemala, Uruguay, Africa, and going back to Haiti several times. Five years ago God led us to organize Agape Flights. Neither of us are pilots, but we supplied the plane and God supplied the pilots and other volunteers to get Agape started. . . . It’s been a “big step” from farming to flying missions, and we give the glory to God for making it all possible.

Agape Flights’ founders, Keith and Clara Starkey

“...You have made it possible to help the missionaries with those things that were necessary so they could reach the unsaved, the unloved, those who were ill and those who were hungry...”

1980 1981

Agape began construction of a “firm foundation” for its hangar at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. After nine years, the Starkey’s home would no longer be the central mail and package depot.

1993IN MAY, AGAPE MADE ITS 1,000TH FLIGHT,representing the delivery of over two million pounds of mission supplies since 1980.74 flights to Haiti in 1993 (Due to an embargo, each required State Department approval)200,000 pounds of mail and mission supplies were delivered to 215 missionary families.

How does a missionary kid (MK) in Haiti celebrate her high school graduation and 18th birthday? Call Agape to order Chinese takeout for 12.

You certainly brightened the day of many here in Haiti yesterday. Thanks so much for all your effort in sending the Chinese food and ice-cream (and of course, all the other things). It worked out really well. This is one birthday Christie will not forget, that’s for sure. We really appreciate you making everything come together!

Love, Rod and Debbie Wray, Les Cayes, Haiti

December 31, 1982 first flight in Agape’s new plane, a Cessna 402. 

A LETTER FROM MISSIONARY JOANNA HODGES described what happened when the missionaries who met the Agape plane returned to their mission, Hospital L’Bon Samaritain in Limbe: Immediately, people came running and the truck was quickly unloaded. Several people began sorting mail at the table. There was quite a clamor . . . “Did I get any mail???” “Are there any packages for me?” “My folks promised to send me a package!” “Did my order from Sears come??”. . . ”Wow! Look at the big stack of mail for Jean!” and then, ”Hey, guys, look! A big package for me from the folks at my church!” . . . Into the midst of this seeming mayhem walked a visitor to the hospital who asked what was going on. Our youngest son said, “Agape just came!” And our innocent guest responded, “What’s Agape?” You can imagine the babble as everyone tried to tell him what Agape is and what it means to us. After taking in all we had to say, our visitor said, “Well, I can see that Agape really means HAPPINESS.” I think he was right!

AGAPE MADE OVER 120 FLIGHTS TO HAITI IN 1984.

1984

SEPTEMBER 28, 1981UNEXPECTED VISIT TO CUBAEngine trouble in their twin-engine Cessna 411 caused Agape pilots Dave Hollis and Marty Martin to make an emergency landing in Cuba. They were met by a dozen heavily armed military personnel, none of whom spoke English. Despite their initial reception and thorough debriefing by Cuban officials, they received VIP treatment at a hotel in Camaguey during their 36-hour stay while the plane was repaired. One official told them, “I hope you will go back and say what a nice place Cuba is.”

1982

fighting disease and poverty by providing food, clothing, and medical supplies to various missions and hospitals.” . . . The organization is governed by a 12-member board of directors and is assisted by approximately 30 members.

. . . (Starkey) noted that those who attend the organization’s monthly meetings usually include mechanics, attorneys, ham radio operators and pilots wanting to assist the ministry’s purposes. The group meets the second Monday of each month at 7:30. . .

“We can get all the supplies and medicines we need,” Starkey continued, “and we have plenty of volunteer help. Our biggest need is help in paying for the cost of the flights.” Fuel for one round trip is over $700 and the cost of the complete flight is $1,100.

Mr. Ross, the reporter, flew to Haiti with Agape while researching his article. On his return flight, he was joined by a missionary family returning to the U.S. so their four-year-old son could be treated for a nutrition-related disease.

1989

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION THAT COMES TO MIND IS: “Has Agape reflected Jesus in our words and deeds?” Keith and Clara Starkey, 2004

Life in Haiti was marked by rioting, mobs, looters and roadblocks prior to President Aristide’s ouster by rebels. He left Haiti quickly, flown to Africa on a U.S. plane, but missionaries continued to serve in Haiti. In late February, John Hanson, a 28-year missionary to Haiti, reminded guests at Agape’s mission banquet, “Jesus is still going on in Haiti!”

A letter from Judy Heady in Port au Prince said, “This has been another day of taking people to the airport who are fleeing Haiti. So far we have prepared meals and overnighted over 50 missionaries….”

“The internet is our only means of communication, and we praise God for it! We don’t know how long it will be that the roads, airports, ports, and telephones are all cut off. If it goes on very long, terrible hunger will set in….” Jules and Laurie Casseus

2004

At the request of missionaries, and with financial assistance from the Episcopal Church, Agape Flights expanded its service to the Dominican Republic.

JANUARY 12A small, rented Aztec took off from Sarasota, Agape’s first official flight extending service to missionaries in the Dominican Republic. Waiting in Santiago to greet the pilots were 19 missionary families ready to join the Agape Flights family.

AUGUSTMissionary Dr. Mabudiga Nzunga,

a theology professor and evangelist with UCNH Universite Chretienne du Nord d’Haiti, turned to Agape when a dog

suspected to be rabid bit his 10-year-old daughter, Benito. Agape worked with a

state-side doctor and pharmacist to locate the antidote. The treatment vaccine for the first shot was immediately available

to go on Agape’s regular flight but the subsequent series of needed treatment injections were not. When the additional

vaccine was ready, volunteer pilot Wes Head flew the medicine to West Palm

Beach, just in time to make Missionary Flights International’s next flight to Haiti.

GOD’S PEOPLE, WORKING TOGETHER,

TO CHANGE AND SAVE LIVES — BOTH

PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.

2003

Executive DirectorCharles Gardener1992-2009

HURRICANE GEORGES AND THE FLOODS IT CREATED LEFT A TRAIL OF DEVASTATION in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It destroyed entire communities, wiped out food and medical supplies, and contaminated the water.

Supporters and missionaries prayed and God provided a DC-3 and a pilot that enabled Agape to deliver 25,000 pounds of disaster relief supplies. The Dominican government waived all fees on relief flights as Agape joined forces with groups such as the Brethren Service Center, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and King Pharmaceutical International Benevolent Fund to transport the desperately needed supplies.

Agape’s connections with missionaries provided a ready-made, organized, and dependable conduit for quick delivery and effective utilization of emergency supplies.

Did you know?

Protein deficiency is a major problem for most all Haitians, but especially for children. The tons of protein powder Agape supporters have donated since 1980 have changed and saved the lives of thousands of children.

1998Cessna Grand Caravan

AGAPE PILOTSBeing a missionary pilot is truly a unique and very special kind of flying. This is not about fancy flying in the Caribbean; it is a hot, dirty, hands-on, boots on the ground job. Agape pilots are passionate about using their skills as aviators to serve God by providing a much needed service to His missionaries.

2001

JANUARY 2, 2007Agape’s first official day in its new home in Venice. The warm reception from Venice residents helped staff members make a smooth transition.

DECEMBER 20, 2007Agape’s single engine Caravan, N954PA, was returning on the last flight of the year when the engine quit and the aircraft ditched into the Atlantic, just off the coast of Chub Cay in the Bahamas. Praise the Lord that the pilots, Rocky Miller and Paulo Costa, were rescued in the water by Richard and Sue Ballam, who were sailing nearby. A subsequent FAA investigation revealed a mechanical failure of the engine driven fuel pump.

2007

THANKSGIVING PROJECTOne of Agape’s favorite projects is our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Project. This is an opportunity for us to bless missionary families with a turkey and other “tastes of home” during the month of November.

“Thank You so much for helping us celebrate Thanksgiving while on the mission field in Haiti! It gave us a little taste of the states while far from family, so thank you for putting the boxes together and blessing us this holiday season! Be so blessed in Jesus and Happy Thanksgiving!”

Sincerely,Jesse, Kirsten & Joseph Lancour | Cornerstone International Ministry, Port Au Prince, Haiti

Volunteers serving and sorting in the Agape Flights’ mailroom

2006

NEW VOLUNTEERS FROM THE VENICE AREA CAME

for workdays during the summer and fall of 2006 as Agape prepared to move its operations from the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport to

the airport in Venice, Florida. Agape volunteers from Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice all worked together to make the move.

Volunteers are the heart of Agape Flights. They are responsible for much of the work, from the hangar to the reception desk. No matter what the job, volunteers share the best of their hearts and SMILES...

Some of Agape’s more unusual cargo comes equipped with four legs. Through the years, special missionary projects supplied goats to provide milk and dairy products for families, or breeding stock for the opportunity to learn a sustainable life trade.

ALLEN SPEER JOINS AGAPE AS CEO, APRIL 24, 2011adopted 2 Corinthians 9:12 verse as “scriptural alignment verse” :For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.

Leaving a Legacy: The Keith and Clara Starkey Legacy Circle was established in 2011 to recognize individuals who include Agape Flights in their legacy gift planning.

EXPANDED BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADOPTED “VALUES DRIVEN GOVERNANCE”….Our Core Values...Service, Integrity, Excellence and Shared Purpose.Our vision statement: A world where missionaries never lack resources to share the unconditional love of Christ.Our mission statement: To provide excellent aviation service delivering cargo, mail and humanitarian aid to missionary partners serving Christ, carrying hope to the nations of the Caribbean.

In June, Agape went through its first professional safety audit, performed by Mission Safety International (MSI).

Agape receives it’s largest financial gift ever – A $750,000 endowment gift from the estate of Mrs. Edna Harmeyer to Agape Flights is an investment in the future of this ministry and a huge reason to rejoice!

KEITH STARKEY PASSES,APRIL 23, 2014

HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEFJANUARY 13, 2010 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

JANUARY 12, 2010 – HAITI EARTHQUAKE Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund

From January 13, 2010 through June 30, 2012, Agape Flights’ donors contributed $750,416.00 to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, millions of dollars’ worth of donated supplies and more than 20,000 volunteer hours. With a desire to meet the evolving needs of the long-term recovery process, the funds were disbursed over a 3-year period in three separate phases.

2014

2013

PHASE 1 JANUARY 13 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2010$381,019.00 PROVIDED EXTRA FLIGHTS, RELIEF SUPPLIES AND SEA CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION.

PHASE 2OCTOBER 1, 2010 – AUGUST 31, 2012$32,803.00 PROVIDED EXTRA FLIGHTS, CHOLERA RESPONSE AND ONGOING RELIEF SUPPLIES$276,876.00 IN GRANT AWARDS SUPPORTED 14 PROJECTS ON THE FIELD TO REBUILD, REPLACE AND REVIVE!PHASE 3

SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2013$59,718.00 FUND BALANCE SUPPORTED CHOLERA RELIEF AND SIX GRANT AWARDS TO ASSIST AMPUTEES, ORPHANS AND A COMMUNITY IN NEED OF CLEAN WATER.

Allen Speer, CEOAgape Flights

This year was like no other in the history of Agape Flights. Just 36 hours after the quake, food, water, and medical supplies were on the way from Agape’s hangar in Venice, Florida to the people in Haiti.

In addition to the basic necessities of life, the Agape network of donors, churches, volunteers, missionaries, staff and pilots delivered love, care, healing, and hope to Haiti. God’s power and miracle filled day-to-day journey through the relief response changed people forever.

In the first 90 days following the earthquake, the extreme generosity of donors, volunteers, and pilots made it possible to:· Fly 150 mission relief flights to Haiti· Deliver over 500,000 pounds of donated emergency and medical supplies· Transport medical teams· Evacuate Haitian children to their adoptive parents waiting in the U.S. · Fly missionary families to safety

When Agape’s King Air was damaged during the third week of earthquake relief flights, Dave Corey, President of AirNow in Bennington, VT made it possible to continue uninterrupted

service by loaning and later making a generous arrangement with Agape to purchase its current plane, an Embraer 110.

In 2010, Agape Flights served more than 300 missionaries, their families, and their missions throughout Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. As evidenced throughout the history of Agape, God provided His people and the resources to sustain regular mission flights, make additional relief flights, and deliver supplies so desperately needed in Haiti. Dick Armstrong served as Interim Executive Director from 2009-2010.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS INTO THE YEAR, PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI WAS ROCKED BY A 7.0 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE ON JANUARY 12.

20102011

Agape Flights

@agapeflights

TO MAKE A GIFT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.agapeflights.com

(941) 488.0990

gomissions@agapeflights.com

100 Airport Avenue EVenice, FL 34285

Agape Flights serves nearly 400 missionary families sharing the love of Christ through:

· agriculture· athletics· clean water & community resources· education· evangelism & discipleship · home and church construction· medical & dental care· micro enterprise opportunities· orphan care · prison ministry· vocational training

Haiti | Bahamas | Dominican Republic

Agape Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and registered in the state of Florida. EIN 59-2057436. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (1-800-HELP-FLA OR WWW.800HELPFLA.COM). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.