Bahamas Habitat Fly-In & Help Out weekend to Eleuthera in the Bahamas is scheduled for Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8, 2009

REMINDER! The upcoming Fly-In & Help Out weekend to Eleuthera in the Bahamas is scheduled for Thursday, March 5th through Sunday, March 8th, 2009.

It is not too late (yet!) for interested pilots to join in this exciting mission.    Sign up for info and details!

“What makes this mission opportunity so unique is that the Bahamas are so easily accessible by general aviation aircraft and so in need that it provides the ideal opportunity for a mission minded pilot to give back to a community in need in an exciting and tax deductible way,” explained John Armstrong, Vice President of Bahamas Habitat and Regional Manager for Dominion Aircraft Sales.

Pilots and crewmembers participating in the March Fly-In & Help Out mission will meet at Fort Pierce Airport (KFPR) on Thursday, March 5 for lunch and pilot briefings prior to departing to Eleuthera. Lodging and transportation on the island are arranged for the group.

“If you’ve ever wanted to fly your airplane to the Bahamas, this is the perfect way to learn the ropes while supporting a good cause,” Armstrong said. “We had pilots join us from all over for our last Fly-In & Help Out event and in every case the experience really touched their hearts (see: Fly-In Help Out Touches Hearts post). We had about 14 aircraft on previous trips. We can house up to 60 people at Camp Symonette and we expect up to 20 aircraft for this next event.”

Also, Bahamas Habitat has launched Dental Missions beginning in 2009 and the organization is seeking flying dentists and dental hygienists that wish to participated in these missions. Please see the details at the Dental Mission links on BahamasHabitat.org

“We hope to form partnerships with various aviation organizations including type clubs, flying clubs and aviation media organizations to grow and support this vital mission.” continued Armstrong.

Pilots and aviation organizations interested in the mission and learning how to fly to the Bahamas with us should sign up for updates at: http://www.bahamashabitat.org and select Fly-In and Help Out Event.
About Bahamas Habitat

Bahamas Habitat is a US-based Christian nonprofit organization supporting housing & disaster relief work in the Bahamas. Through our partner Bahamas Methodist Habitat (BMH), operating out of James Cistern Eleuthera, we are involved in hosting over 600 adults and youths each season for impactful week long and weekend Christian missions. Bahamas Habitat is expanding and supporting the work of Bahamas Methodist Habitat through encouraging greater involvement of non-Bahamian volunteers, pilots and aviation organizations in the extensive community development, housing renovation and construction work needed not only on the island of Eleuthera Island but throughout the Bahamas including the islands of Andros, Abaco, Grand Bahama, New Providence, Ragged and Cat Island. For more information visit: www.bahamashabitat.org or email to info@bahamashabitat.org.

Come fly to the Bahamas with us!

Here are the details for the next FLY-IN and HELP OUT Event scheduled for March 5th-8th 2009

Fly-In and Help Out Details for March 2009 – Click Here Now!
This is a fantastic event and a great way to make a tax deductible flight to the Bahamas while helping a good cause! Take a moment to view the gallery and read the comments from a few of our previous participants …

“Fly-In & Help Out Touches Hearts”
Gallery of photos from previous events

The trip is limited to only 40 people and there is a registration deadline so please review the details and register as soon as possible.
Reserve your space today… Register NOW

Fly-In and Help Out Registration Online (preferred)

Fly-In and Help Out Registration March 2009 – By paper and fax

If you have available seats and could possibly bring others in your aircraft, please note this on your registration form. If you need a ride, send in your registration information and we will coordinate seats and rides.

Happy Landings,

John Armstrong Vice President,
Chairman of the Aviation Committee
Bahamas Habitat
info@bahamashabitat.org
www.bahamashabitat.org

As many of you know, the Bahamas are smack in the middle of Hurricane Hanna and it looks like Ike is coming right behind her.  I am currently in St. Petersburg, Florida at the beginning of my annual promotional tour…

My plan is now to wait out the storms here in Florida and then if necessary, assemble emergency disaster response volunteer teams to go back to the Bahamas with me and begin responding to the damage that may occur.

This is our first major storm since 2004 and it is my hope that we can respond strongly and make our presence felt to those that are in need. Please continue to pray for all those affected by the storms throughout the Carribean and the Southeast United States and that response efforts will be able to be made quickly and effectively.

If you are able and willing to be on call to aid us as a response volunteer, please respond to this email so we can keep you up to date with our immediate plans.

Pilots… this will be your time to shine.  As soon as it is safe to fly down I would like to be able to initiate flights down with immediate needs and volunteers.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.  Truly this is OUR time to shine and use what God has blessed us with to make a difference in the lives of those that are affected by this hurricane season.

Peace and Love,
Abe –
Abraham (Abe) McIntyre
Executive Director
Bahamas Methodist Habitat
Camp Symonette,
James Cistern Eleuthera, Bahamas
615-469-7974   USA
242-335-6210 Camp
242-422-9318 Cell
www.MethodistHabitat.org

PS: You can track active storms via this link: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nhc_storms.shtml

PSS: If you wish to make a flight to assist send an email to Abe at: methodisthabitat@gmail.com

What could be better than enjoying world class bone fishing in the Bahamas while you participate in a meaningful mission?

Not Much Mon!

Check out this unique opportunity as the trip is fast approaching!

Click here for all the details!

Project List – BahamasHabitat.org March 2008

Hatchet Bay Community Center
Jeff, David, Sledd, Bill

Petty Home
Ali, Dave, A.P. Dan

Caretakers Cottage
Steve, Holmes, John D, John A, Drew

Berta Pinder “Home”
Perry, Chad, Chip, Bob, Susan

We asked our participants to please tell us what this trip has meant to you.

I was amazed to see the disparity between the super expensive homes as we flew over Eleuthra and what I had experienced on “vacations” on other islands and the real standard of living in which so many natives live. Contrast that with the true joy that these people seem to enjoy and the strength of their faith. Truly that is an inspiration and blessing to those who come in contact with them. I can’t wait to come back and experience more of these people, their culture and continue to give them assistance in the physical sense just as they give us assistance in a spiritual sense; receiving the peace that passes understanding.

Drew Baird, Raleigh NC

This is my first trip to the Bahamas and my first flight outside of the US. It has been a tremendous adventure to experience the culture here on Eleuthera and the beauty of the islands. The people are so friendly and warm even though their needs are great.

It has been very rewarding to help out in a small way, and I am very impressed with the work underway by Abe, the staff, and Bahamas Methodist Habitat. Morning devotions with Jeff have been a highlight of the trip, and the faith of so many on the island have been a true inspiration that I will take back home to my family and community. I look forward to continuing support of the mission here and pray that the work will continue to bless so many on the islands.

Perry Kairis, Greensboro, NC

Once again I was touched by the heart and soul of at least one person. On Friday morning we worked at the Petty residence, and the two boys, TJ and Tun worked along with us as we continued the addition to the house. I couldn’t shake TJ who shadowed me all day, helping me at every turn. He showed me things his father had made and brought me extra old rusty tools (that we used when our circular saw went bad.) At the end of the day, he even followed us to Rainbow Bay beach for the swim. The whole family was there at end of day, and their warmness overflowed. Even though we only worked one day, we made a small difference for one family. TJ will forever be in my heart, and I look forward to seeing him and his family on the next visit.

Dave Fouts, Raleigh NC

I was also at the Petty home during this, my first visit to the blessed and beautiful place. What struck me was the beauty of each person we met here, and their yearning for hope and happiness. I was touched by the young little 5 year old girl who just giggled as I held her (she called me Babee…) . There is much to be done here, the needs are great, we need to give but it is the blessing we receive in return that I will cherish from this weekend. Be back soon!

Ali Dennis, Boone NC
The Lord was definitely in the work we did in Eleuthera. Pilots are usually a great bunch of people, but Christian pilots rise above the rest. The work completed was appreciated by the wonderful people of the island and it’s very possible that souls will be saved as a result. The group was humble and dedicated to HIS tasks. Prayer and reflection abounded as the world our group is used to in the United States faded away quickly in the reality of Camp life with new friends and dedication to completing our small but important contributions. May the Lord be with us and guide us always. We hope to be able to return. Amen!

Bob Meeker, Durham NC
The most fun I had on the island was probably when I was able to spend time with TJ and Ton at the Petty’s. My construction skills limited me to painting the exterior walls and avoiding the interior, so after painting for the majority of the day I spent an hour of my time at the house outside playing baseball with the kids. They used a wooden stick and tennis ball for a bat and ball, and a large rectangular piece of plywood for home base.

Despite the conditions they were living in, they both showed so much happiness and enthusiasm. Seeing the way they lived and their positive attitudes made a lasting effect on me. Although I was unable to assist as much as I wanted to with the construction effort, I took a lot away from being able to spend time with those children. I only hope I made a difference in their lives as well. I hope they enjoyed playing and talking with me, and I think they did because they made plans to meet me at the beach and swim in the water after we left. Sure enough, Ton was there with his sister, and much to the surprise of me and everyone else they were both swimming in the water and having fun.

The group here has been absolutely excellent. Their love for god and each other is beyond anything else I have seen. I have already made plans to tell my friends and to come back the next time there is a scheduled fly-in. Hopefully with my friends experience in construction and my experience flying we can all help one another in making a trip for god to do Gods work.

God bless everybody as Camp Symonnete and I look forward to coming back!

Chad N. Paitsel

This weekend was a great opportunity to meet some great, inspiring pilots, and their friends. I have enjoyed meeting them and witness the passion for mission that bubbled up through the weekend. When volunteers are planning their next trip before they leave Eleuthera for home, the effect of this ministry on their lives becomes evident. God has blessed BMH with some powerful new relationships and the island of Eleuthera has blessed me with the warm relationships and God loving people who live their faith daily for all to see.

Jeff Hearn, St. Petersburg FL

One of the best ways you can support Bahamas Habitat is by helping bring in the supplies they need. Remember, there is not a Home Depot on every corner (beach) in Eleuthera so when Abe and the gang need something and don’t have it, it can mean a real delay. Our Fly-In Team volunteer to source and bring in all types of items. Please review this list and email to steve.merritt@mindspring.com a note with the items you can bring. This sheet will be updated as we go along leading up to our flight.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pZg8k_9HTWkGIGplBazhxbQ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aviation Community Will Fly In to Help Out

Residents of the Bahamas are Recipients of Aviator’s Goodwill

January 23rd, 2008 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – Today Premier Aircraft Sales launched support for a community outreach program that extends beyond domestic shores. The Ft. Lauderdale headquartered aviation company is seeking to leverage the time, talent, and energy of the aviation community to support the residents of the Bahamas as part of a special event called Bahamas Habitat Fly-In and Help-Out.

“Living in paradise is not without its drawbacks,” states John Armstrong, Chairman of the Bahamas Habitat Aviation Committee. “Atlantic storms ravage the fragile communities of the Bahamas providing a seemingly endless source of demolition for communities. There is never a shortage of reconstruction projects. Our mission is two fold. First to coordinate a workforce and make it convenient, safe and fun to fly to the Bahamas to lend a hand. Second, to provide an opportunity for the aviation community to give something back to another community in desperate need through the Bahamas Habitat ministry. If you can swing a hammer or carry some 2×4s, you’re qualified,” Armstrong concluded.

The Fly-In Help Out event is scheduled for March 6th-9th, 2008. Hurricane season will have passed and flying conditions will be ideal. Aviators interested in volunteering their aircraft for transportation and their labor to a meaningful cause will fly to the island of Eleuthera where they will work side-by-side with local residents to restore homes and improve living conditions. The weekend work camp is being hosted by the Bahamas Methodist Habitat who will provide food, lodging and transporation.

The event is intended to expose people to the potential to make a difference by supporting the vital ministry of the Bahamas Habitat through their gifts and coordination of summer church and youth groups. There will be social time among the hard work – both experiences will create memories of a lifetime. For pilots who have never flown from the United States to the Bahamas, the Bahamas Habitat Fly In-Help Out trip will make the first excursion an easy learning experience for future visits to this tropical paradise.

“As a pilot, who doesn’t want a tax deductible reason to fly to the Bahamas?”, stated Earle Boyter, Vice President of Sales for Premier Aircraft Sales, Inc. “For us, it’s about the opportunity to support a ministry that fits our values and that we can support uniquely using our aviation talents and resources. We are encouraging our customers to join us for this event”, added Boyter.

The humanitarian fleet will depart Premier’s Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) headquarters after enjoying a luncheon hosted by the company on Thursday March 6th and will arrive at Governor’s Harbour (MYEM) as the port of entry. Since this is a non-profit Christian relief mission, the flight and expenses are tax deductible for pilots and participants.

Aviators and their mission-minded friends are encouraged to visit www.bahamashabitat.org to register for information and email notices. Pilots can call John Armstrong at 919.349.1492 with special questions or to volunteer special help and available seats in their aircraft for other participants.

Premier is headquartered at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and is the largest Mooney and Diamond Aircraft distributor in the country serving the Southeast from Texas to Florida to Maryland. Premier represents Mooney in 9 states and Diamond in 14 states. The company is also a provider of a wide range of used aircraft and extensive support services to their customers.

Bahamas Habitat is a non-sectarian non-profit Christian mission organization supporting habitat work in the Bahamas. The Bahamian arm of the organization hosts over 500 youths and church groups each summer that come for a week long camp to participate in the habitat ministry.

# # #

For More Information Contact:
John Armstrong

919.349.1492

You can also update your signature in your email to include the following tag line:
Would you like to FLY TO THE BAHAMAS?
http://flypremier.googlepages.com/bahamas

Would you like to FLY TO THE BAHAMAS? Check this out!

Either one will get them to a sign up form (we have two active at the moment).

By Web: You can invite them directly to these links off our
www.bahamashabitat.org site:

Fly-In Help Out Event Info Sign Up page

http://www.bahamashabitat.org/wordpress/?page_id=7

Or Directly to just the form

http://www.bahamashabitat.org/wordpress/?page_id=69

Once someone new to our database signs up for info they will receive multiple emails that will explain the event, provide all of the details, educate them on the process of flying to the Bahahmas, and connect them to the registration forms and procedures. This is an automated process that they can remove themselves from at any time. Its key to have people sign up so we have some idea of how many people are considering going and to make sure they are on the list to get all the appropriate notices and details.

Please take a moment and send a personal invite to all those you know that would potentially like to know about this event and ministry.

March 6th-9th 2008 is our next Fly-In & Help Out Event.

Please direct all interested parties to the following link and ask them to sign up to receive the email info. They will receive about a half a dozen emails that provide info and back ground on the event as well as registration forms and instructions. They can easily remove themselves from the sequence if they like.

Fly-In & Help Out Info Request

http://www.bahamashabitat.org/wordpress/?page_id=7

So sure enough he and Steve took off in Steve’s trusty Piper Aztec with a sleigh full of gifts. Steve reports the take off was a bit “rolley” but the trip was “Outstanding!”

They just got back and we can’t wait to see the pictures and hear the full story!