In March 2019 MAG pilot Damon Whitlow, MAG Director of Maintenance Scott Grote, and MAG mechanic Joel Braxton traveled to Honduras to conduct a field survey for the potential re-opening of a 2,400 foot remote airstrip.
The remote “Caminos de Fe” airstrip is in a strategic spot for MAG operations. This airstrip is nestled next to the village of El Tomate, which neighbors the larger town of Guaimaca. It is very nearly in the center of Honduras and only a one hour drive from the international airport in Tegucigalpa. Establishing a working air base could mean a successful support base for MAG operations at Rus Rus Hospital. This would provide the opportunity for emergency evacuations and easy access for medical/dental and work teams. Additionally, teams for pastoral training and community development could be deployed.
“Caminos de Fe” in English means paths of faith and was named by Kelly and Trisha Lawrence, who are the missionaries living on the property. The property is a beautiful 500-acre working farm that has housing, dormitories, fruit trees, and a river running through it. The 2,400 foot grass strip sits on the north side of the river. On this trip, data was collected on the runway measurements, weather, and housing so that MAG can determine if air operations would be feasible from this location.
Future trips will be required for additional data collection, runway repair, and housing renovations. There is much to be done there near "Caminos De Fe" to develop it fully, but the Lord has reclaimed broken buildings and airstrips before. “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
The future vision for this property includes a MAG mission base with a pilot mechanic family and a Cessna on site. MAG’s vision is to reach people with "Help and Hope" in Eastern and Central Honduras.
The grassy Caminos de Fe airstrip in El Tomate
The grounds at sunset
Morning Devotions
Fun with kids while their moms participated in Bible study (Four Square)