Do you pursue the dreams God has laid on your heart? Keith and Clara Starkey discovered their dream in 1965 on a mission trip to Haiti. On the return flight, they decided that they would buy a plane to fly vital resources to missionaries in Haiti, although they were farmers, not pilots. On October 24th, 43 years ago, Keith and Clara Starkey founded Agape Flights. Three weeks later, they sent out their first flight to Haiti. Clara penned a note in 1985 reflecting on the genesis of the organization.
“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. . . . and we give the glory to God for making it all possible.”
Every week, Agape sends flights to islands in the Caribbean, delivering material items for supporting missionaries with the love of Jesus. As word spread about the Starkey’s ministry and the way they met needs in Haiti, flights went out beyond Haiti to additional locations in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.
October 24th signifies the birth of a ministry that has touched thousands. Significantly, it coincides with Clara Starkey’s birthday. She is remembered as a woman of great faith, a visionary, a sacrificial servant, and evangelist. We at Agape Flights are grateful to continue her legacy to send resources to Haiti and other countries in the Caribbean.