Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship (Organization, 1945)

On May 20, 1945, Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship was officially organized, uniting wartime aviators who believed the skills and aircraft once used for conflict could be redeemed for Gospel service. In the closing days of World War II, many pilots faced an uncertain future, yet a clear calling emerged: to use flight to strengthen missionaries, rescue the vulnerable, and carry aid where roads ended. The fellowship formed through prayer, sober planning, and a shared conviction that obedience matters more than comfort.

Betty Greene (Aviation Pioneer and Catalyst)

American pilot Betty Greene helped ignite the movement through an article that urged believers to use aircraft in service of missionaries. Her appeal was practical—planes could cross mountains, rivers, jungles, and vast distances in hours rather than days—yet her deeper burden was spiritual: communities cut off by geography were often cut off from sustained Christian witness. Greene’s resolve reflected the missionary heart of Isaiah: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’ And I said: ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8).

Jim Truxton (Connector and Co-laborer)

Navy pilot Jim Truxton read Greene’s article, contacted her, and helped gather others who shared the vision. Truxton’s role highlights a quiet form of heroism: not only daring in the air, but steadfastness in building a trustworthy fellowship—people willing to be accountable, to train, to maintain aircraft safely, and to serve under spiritual leadership. Their unity showed that Christian mission is not a solo endeavor but a body working together with humility and courage.

Mission, Risk, and Legacy (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

The fellowship committed to carry workers, supplies, and urgent medical help to places beyond roads—often landing on short, rough airstrips and flying in unpredictable weather. Such service demanded skill, sacrifice, and a readiness to be “sent” for the sake of others: “And how can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15). In time, the fellowship became Missionary Aviation Fellowship, a lasting testimony that faith can take flight, turning wartime experience into peacetime mercy and steadfast Gospel support.