It is only God who could have opened the doors and provided the resources needed to give us this tremendous opportunity to represent Him and FCAP at the 2026 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh July 20-26.
WHAT GOD HAS DONE THROUGH THIS TIME
We would like for you to hear directly from a few of our team members as to what it was like being there and how they have personally witnessed God working through FCAP’s representation at this massive event.
From Yuko Query, Delta Pilot from LAX…
“The EAA at Oshkosh is the largest air show in the world…. My participation at the EAA these past two years has allowed me to see the world’s love for aviation. And through our ministry, to have the tremendous opportunity to share Christ in aviation to many who visit our booths. Such encounters included meeting fellow believers, listening to their stories and praying with them, sharing my personal Christ-journey into His skies, and reaching out to those in other booths who have still yet to discover the love and grace of our Savior.
… I thank God for FCAP and many other ministries as we encourage one another in proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ through aviation to the world.
‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up’- Galatians 6:9.”
From Gabi Servos, Wife of Retired Pilot Danny Servos from Canada…
We had many conversations at the booths. One that stands out in particular, a young lady and her boyfriend stopped by the booth and as the conversation started quite general about FCAP, I soon found myself explaining the Gospel to her. She was of [another] background and we ended up in conversation for a good 1/2 hour. So many seeds have been planted for the Kingdom of God that week. It was such a privilege to be a small part of FCAP.”
From Carlos Cruz, Retired Pilot from Brazil…
“This was my first time attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and my first experience at an aviation event of such magnitude…. Here in Brazil, we do not have anything comparable to Oshkosh in terms of size and scope. Beyond being in an aviation environment that is so familiar to me, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how great the Lord’s work is through missionary aviation in the United States. I made many connections with other Christian ministries and witnessed the manifold grace of God as He encourages people who are deeply committed to the Great Commission —’Go and preach the Gospel’— through the many organizations I encountered… .This is our mission field, and we must persevere in bringing the message of Jesus to our fellow aviation professionals.
One experience especially impacted me. While talking with some young pilots at the tent, I asked whether they were planning to pursue careers with the airlines. To my surprise, every one of them said they would like to become missionary pilots before eventually pursuing a career with an airline. What a Kingdom perspective in these young men! I was deeply moved to hear that.
Many people visited our booths simply wanting to understand what FCAP was about. We welcomed everyone with joy and a willingness to serve—sometimes through prayer, sometimes through a friendly smile—and invited them to become part of what God is doing through our aviation fellowship. I also met people from Brazil and was able to give them Portuguese-language materials so we could connect with them later in Brazil.
It was a tremendous privilege to be part of such an enthusiastic and committed group of people serving the Lord. I am especially grateful to MASA and to all the churches involved who provided such meaningful spiritual and material support throughout the event. I truly believe the effort of everyone who came was worthwhile, and I trust that the God of Glory will richly reward each one for their faithfulness.”
From Dick & Clare Strickland, Retired Pilot from ATL…
Dick: “The Kingdom of God has power today! Look no futher than the EAA Airventure. FCAP had 2 tables at Oshkosh, one in Hangar D and one in a tent that housed various Christian aviation groups. Many of the 734,000 people that attended Oshkosh passed through these 2 facilities. People,young and old, have an interest in FCAP and representing God in the workplace. The sense that God was with us is expressed in Acts 18:9, ‘Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent.’ ”
Clare: “What a pleasure and wonderful opportunity it was to serve with FCAP at Oshkosh this year. Sharing the love of Christ in the airline world to so many who didn’t know about FCAP was an honor. People of all ages wanted to know about and participate in FCAP’s purpose of walking with Christ in the work place. It was heart warming to me to share what Christ does when we turn to Him in our work areas. I truly hope we can serve at Oshkosh next year. Another blessing was MASA took care of our lodging and meals daily for the entire week. We were pleasantly spoiled. Thank you MASA.”
From Doug Avakian, Retired Pilot from Arizona…
“… I had the pleasure of being on the Oshkosh Team for FCAP this July 2026 at the annual Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. My last visit to this function was in 1977 so to say the least it has changed!
I had the greatest time meeting other FCAP volunteers whom I see on “Zoom” calls. We all had two things in common, Jesus and our love for aviation. Many of the folks we met we were able to tell of our identification as Christians who are in the aviation workplace. We got to pray, answer questions, and give out information as to our organization. What a great ministry to be there in Oshkosh. The Lord willing I hope to attend next year.”
From Analise Nelson, Pilot NYC…
“…Laying hands on and praying with many who visited both our booths was among my favorite moments. This prayer time is beyond beautiful and impactful. Thankfully…we had tissues on hand.
On Sunday, while setting up our table in Hangar D, an impressive young man came over to help us out and introduce himself. He is involved with Missions Aviation Fellowship, Pilots for Christ, and a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. The conversation led to a strengthened partnership and mentorship program with MTSU. It has been beautiful to see how us missions organizations interweave and strengthen each other. There are many more examples others will share about.
Then, on the third day of Oshkosh, a gentleman wearing a Kenyan flag approached us with a joyful smile. We immediately dove into excited conversation and heard his story. He was in fact from Nairobi and working on his commercial pilot certification. His heart is to grow as a professional aviator while sharing his faith with boldness. We prayed over him and his journey and will be connecting him with our FCAP family at Kenya Airways!
The fruit of our time at Oshkosh is ongoing. I cannot wait to keep experiencing what the LORD is doing.”
From Gottried Schmidt and Daughter Melinda , Lufthansa Systems in Frankfurt, Germany…
“We were so pleased to serve the Lord with FCAP in Oshkosh in 2026. Our plan was to return home via Atlanta afterwards. We give all glory to the Lord for all divine encounters we had in those days. One of them happened on Wednesday [during Oshkosh week] in the missionary tent lobby. There I met Peter, the Executive Director of Missionary Aviation Repair Center (MARC), one of our neighbors in the IAMA tent. He asked if we would might have time to visit MARC in Soldatna, Alaska before our return home to Germany.”
And that is exactly what Gottfried and Melinda did, along with a visit with fellow FCAP leader Sung Chun, who also lives in Alaska. This was a wonderful example of how God connects His people throughout the aviation world.
From Cathy Goza, FCAP Administrative Coordinator, who had the joy and privilege of being part of this team…
So wish we had time and space to share more. We do want you to know that upon our return home, we learned that one person who interacted with our team prayed to receive Christ!
We extend a special thank you to our wonderful team members: Doug Avakian; Lance Bachman; Ranier Cespedes; Carlos Cruz; Esther Dii Arelt; Ken, Rachel and Evan Hunter; LeeAnn Hurrle-Nelson; Jake and Jenna Joseph; Jerry Litwiller; Analise Nelson; Yuko Query; Gottfried and Melinda Schmidt; Danny and Gabi Servos; Dick and Clare Strickland. Five nations were represented on the team: Brazil, Canada, Germany, Papua New Guinea, and the U.S. The team faithfully carried on in the midst of long days, lots of walking and standing, intense heat, and personal challenges that occurred before, during, and following our time there.
We also extend heartfelt gratitude to IAMA (through whom we had our display area in the tent), MASA (who provided meals, transportation, and housing for us … hospitality extraordinare), and EAA (through whom we had space in the hangar).
Most of all, we thank our Heavenly Father, who made it all possible!
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