Sometimes, a simple act of kindness plants seeds that grow in beautiful, unexpected ways.
A young student pilot at Vance Air Force Base (VAFB), Enid, found more than just training in this small community. He discovered a church family. He began volunteering at The Welcome Table at Central Christian Church. This ministry, supported by grants from ODF, provides Sunday meals to neighbors facing food insecurity.
At the same time, he was blessed by Hero Support, another outreach program of Central Christian Church funded by ODF grants. This ministry delivers homemade cookies and cards from Sunday School classes to welcome and encourage student pilots.
A year later, after finishing his training and serving elsewhere, this pilot returned to VAFB as a flight instructor. He picked up where he left off by volunteering at The Welcome Table. Meanwhile, he had met the love of his life and was soon engaged. He and his fiancée were married in the chapel at Central Christian Church. Much to their surprise, they were honored with a wedding reception given by his “13 Grandmothers” — the beloved Welcome Table volunteers.
Before leaving Oklahoma to fly B-1 bombers, he shared a note with the congregation: “I want to find a church like Central Christian Church,” he wrote. He added that he was grateful for the church and the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation. He noted that he was impressed that organizations would fund programs to show young pilots support for their daily sacrifices.
The pilot recently shared photos of his family and aircraft, writing, “Your church was instrumental in reigniting my faith. My wife and I recently found a church home. And I wanted to say thank you to Central Christian Church and the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation.”
This is an example of two of the 90 grants ODF funded for the 2025 grant year. Your generous donations help support programs like these and so many more. Please continue to touch lives by donating to the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation.