Lionel J. Smith Born 12-06-42 I, grew up in Pearl, Ill. Married Sara McCallister in Jan. 1962 I accepted the Lord as my Savior in 1972 as did my wife Sara.Sara and I were blessed with three WONDERFUL children Skyler, Robert, and Kayla. All are believers and raising their children in Christian homes. PTL I now have seven grandchildren.I have been involved with aviation since 1963, I have served as a flight instructor since 1966 with approximately 8000 hours of experience as flight instructor, and approximately that many more as a pilot. Sara and I started Christian Wings for the World in 1996 and training missionary pilots for third world country operations. I served as a deacon for a few years and later as an Elder, and teacher for approximately ten years with First Christian Church in Mountain View, Mo. My wife and I closed our business and have committed our lives to full time service for our Lord, in this ministry. I am currently a member of the Community Christian Church in Farmington, Mo. and serving there as an Elder, I am ordained as elder and preacher I also served as chairman of the board for several years. . I have published two books in the series His Wind Beneath My Wings and am writing the next three at this time book III sub title The Healing Years is expected to be published during 2017 Current pilot and mechanic certifications:Commercial pilot single engine land and sea, and multi engine land SEL, SES, MEL Certified flight instructor airplanes, instruments airplane and multi engine airplane CFI, CFII, MEI Airframe and Power plant maintenance technician with inspector authorization A&P IARead more about this authorRead less about this author