Sunday

I was honored by Paster Randy Davis, (my son) of First Assembly of God Church in Lima, Ohio to be allowed to share my testimony at both services.

Many came up to me to say how they were touched by my story. Tears filled many eyes in the congregation. I was able to personally pray for several. I have been SOOO humbled by all this attention.

I plan to be home this weekend and rest up for a couple weeks. I hope to enlist help in planning my trip to the western states before I leave. So if you are good on the computer, be ready to get volunteered! :-) Finding cancer victims at each stop has been my biggest challenge.

I plan to fly to Michigan in the morning, unless the weather forecast changes.

Church Services

Saturday was a busy day. After giving 5 plane rides, then a live radio interview, I was honored to speak at my son's church at Lima First Assembly of God where he is pastor.

Then again this morning for both services. Many people came up and told me they were touched by my story! There were tears thruout the crowd. I was able to pray for several. This entire trip has been so humbling! Thank you Lord for this opportunity. I pray for strength to continue on to the western states beginning in about 3 weeks. I should be home by next weekend to rest up and plan the trip west.

Tomorrow I plan to fly to Michigan if weather permits.

Radio interview

After hangering the plane, we rushed to the fairground where Vince was doing a live broadcast at the Bar-B-Q Rib cookoff.

He interviewed Randy and I and again I invited cancer victims to come to hear me tell my story of miracles at Church tonite and tomorrow morning.

Aubren, my granddaughter

Aubren wanted to go for a ride with her Papa!

TV Reporter

Jennifer Abreu from WLIO TV channel 35

Came to cover the story. I rewarded her with a flight in my plane. She rewarded me with a big hug! 

Third

Tom enjoyed the third flight. Even tho there was wind, it was straight, and not many bumps

Second

The second flight was with Cheryl Rodriguez

Saturday

The weather co-operated today, the rain that was forecast did not arrive. So we went flying. First with Heather Curl. She was nervous climbing to altitude, but then relaxed for the rest of the flight.

Friday

Today I had three flights planned, however rain set in at 7:30 so we rescheduled for tomorrow morning, weather permitting.

This afternoon Randy (my son) and I were on live Radio being interviewed by Ron Williams. WCIT radio 940.

Tomorrow morning the TV station is scheduled to be at the airport to cover the flights. WLIO channel 35.

After that we go to the fairground for another live radio show at 10:30.

Tomorrow nite at 6:30 I will speak at First

Assembly of God Church at the corner of I 75 and highway 81. Sunday morning I will speak there at 2 services, 8:45 and 10:45. With all the publicity, I hope to meet lots of cancer victims!

Then Monday I plan to leave Lima and head to Michigan.

Thursday

I spent the day enjoying my son and his family, running a few errands, and relaxing.

Future Pilot Noah

I received this message on facebook from someone who read my article in the Lima News.
Kay Dysert Varner wrote:
We was just at Lima Assembly of God church this past Sunday evening for Penticost Sunday as we are from Alger, Ohio. But after reading your story this morning in the Lima News, I wanted to let you know my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 double lung cancer almost 2 years ago. He was given 2 to 6 months to live and underwent chemo and radiation. He also has a very bad heart and had 2 heart attacks and a stent while going through these treatments. Our last checkup in Toledo three weeks ago showed the cancer is shrinking and doc told us it wasn't anything they did but could only have come from a higher power that this is happening. She said Don (my husband) should not have even been setting in her office then because with the type of cancer he had and also was diagnosed with two types of cancer he should've been dead. I explained I stood in for him for prayer and God said he was healed and we claimed it and still do. Praise God because he's still on the throne and he's still doing miracles today. Doc said she agreed as God uses the doctors hands but he does all the work and she hopes soon she can declared my husband cancer free. Now that's a miracle and that's something to shout about. God Bless you in your ministry and all you do. I'd love to meet you someday. Don and Kay Varner from Alger, Ohio.

Newspaper article

link to Lima newspaper:

http://limaohio.comarticle20150527/news1305279909

Lima, Ohio

When I woke yesterday, it was cloudy.

I checked out of the motel, had breakfast then went to the airport. I called for a weather report and found the ceiling of clouds was 1,200 feet above the runway.

Some of the ridges were 400 feet higher.

Not enough margin for a safety. So I had to wait til the clouds lifted.

About 10:00 they did, so I departed for the 2 1/2 hour trip to Bluffton, Ohio where my older Son, Randy lives. He and his son, Bryden and daughter, Aubren met me at the airport and took me to lunch. 

A lady from Church, Ali Bingham, brought her 2 year old son, Noah to see my plane. It was too windy to take him flying, but I put him in the seat and let him fly!

Hopefully I can upload pictures of him that Aubren took.

After lunch, a newspaper reporter came and did an interview. In his article he invited cancer victims to come to Church Saturday nite, and both services Sunday morning. My son, the paster is allowing me to give my testimony at each of the services!

It is so nice to be with my son and his family! I finally got caught up on my sleep last nite!

A friend I made here a few years ago,

Craig Fisher, also a pilot, flew over from a neighboring airport to greet me.

Today the clouds are gone that I had to fly under the last 2 days. There are blue skies everywhere. Thank you Lord for this beautiful day you have made, I will rejoice in it.

22nd State

My departure from Waynesburg was delayed due to rain til after noon. I flew to Fairmont, West Virginia above the scattered clouds. There a local pilot,

Milan Patrick, shared lunch with me.

I departed and headed toward Lima, Ohio where my son, Randy lives. I climbed to 4500 feet, but was soon met by clouds whose base was at my altitude. The cloud tops were up to 7,000 feet and building. So I dropped down to 3,000 feet. After an hour I saw dark clouds ahead and decided to land and check the weather forecast.

Lima had severe thunderstorm warnings, and 30 minutes ahead was rain. So I opted to spend the nite in Cambridge, Ohio.

The airport operators were very nice, they helped me fuel my plane then put it in a hanger for the nite.

About bedtime the storm hit with heavy rain and lightening!

The weather should be clear enough for me to continue this morning. I plan to stay a few days with my son and rest up.

20 down, 28 to go

This morning I left Towanda, Pa. And headed southwest. I stopped in Reedsville for lunch and fuel. Then proceeded on to Waynesburg, Pa.

There I was met by Bryan Cole, John

Strope, Jeff and Jerry. After a long visit, John and I went to supper, then to

John's home where I will spend the nite.

Sunday

I went to Church where Pete Ellis, (a member of the local E.A.A. chapter) is the pastor. Afterwards I met him and his wife for lunch. While eating and talking about my mission, a young man came over and said he overheard our conversation about cancer. He has a friend who has pancreatic cancer, and knows that he may die. I told him that this body is not Jim Davis, I just live inside it, and when I die God will give me a new body that will never be sick! He did not understand that if God is good, why he would  allow good people to get cancer. Pete explained that Satan brings sickness to people to try to get them to turn from God. I gave him a DVD of my testimony to give to his friend.

Then I drove to the airport to meet the reporter, Lynne and photographer, Nick from channel 6 WRGB Albany, New York. They did a nice job and even went for a ride in my plane. to view this report, got to:

cbs6albany.com

As soon as the interview was over, I flew to Towanda, Pennsylvania. The operator at the airport, Neal, was so very nice. He remained open after closing time to let me use a courtesy car to drive to a motel for the night. Thanks Neal!

After encountering 32 degrees coming from Vermont, yesterday got up in the high 70's!

WRGB channel 6 Albany, N.Y.

Go to: 

cbs6albany.com

Johnstown, New York

When I called for a weather briefing, I was told to expect moderate turbulance.

He was right! What I did not expect was 32 degree temperature. I was cold by the time I arrived in Johnstown.

I was met by a group from the local EAA chapter and a cancer survivor. It was too windy to give him a ride, so we sat and talked. One member loaned me a car to use!

In the afternoon, a newspaper reporter came and did a story on my mission.

In the evening, club president, Larry Saupe and his wife Shelli took me to dinner with John and Bunny Pashley at Sams Restaurant. Wow! Best scallops I have ever had.

Plans for today are not complete, so, more later.

Rutland, Vermont

I got up early and flew to Rutland, Vermont. There I was met by Bryan Keefe who works at the airport and knew about my mission. He is a cancer survivor, but can't go for a ride due to his work schedule. For the first time since leaving home, I am ahead of schedule! I will meet Anna Boyd at 4:00pm a cancer victim still taking treatments.

Jan

Jan told me how much my encouragement and the ride meant to her.

Newport, New Hampshire

I left Sanford and flew to Newport, New Hampshire where I was met by Heath Marsden who had lined up Jan, for me to talk to and give a ride. While waiting for late afternoon (so it would not be a bumpy ride), the guys took me to dinner.

Then I took Jan up. The air was calm and she enjoyed the ride. The mountains are so beautiful here. I encouraged her then Heath took me to his home for the nite.

Sanford Maine

I flew from Fitchburg, Mass. To Sanford, Maine. There I was met by John Ricciotti and his Lady Pupua. There was no cancer victim so I went to the airport cafe for coffee. The waitress had a friend who was a cancer victim, so I gave her a DVD of my testimony to give to her friend.

This morning I flew from Plymouth, Mass. to Fitchburg, Mass. The mountains were getting higher and the overcast made ceiling lower, so I landed in Fitchburg, Mass. to check weather and warm up.
By the time I finished, the winds were 18 mph gusting to 25, so I checked into a motel for the nite.
Tomorrow I plan to fly to Maine.

First cemetary

Pilgrims landed in December. First winter about half of them died.

Sacrifice Rock

Indians sacrificed animals to their God

First Church in America

Renovated and added onto

Grounded is not all bad

Rain and low ceiling have me grounded today. So Mark took me on tour to see Cape Cod and Plymouth. 395 years ago, the Mayflower was anchored 1 1/2 mile off shore and small boats took the Pilgrims ashore where they stepped off the boat on Plymouth Rock.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

When I woke yesterday, it was quite foggy. It took most of the morning to burn off. When it did, I departed for Plymouth, Mass. a 45 minute flight.

There I was met by Marcum Scott, a member of the EAA club. While we had lunch at the cafe on the field, a newspaper reporter interviewed me.

Soon Mike Butts (president of the club) showed up and he showed me his hanger. He is restoring a Taylorcraft, has 2 Avid Flyer projects, a completed kitfox and various RC models. 

About 6:00 other members showed up, and we went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. This club makes me feel like Royalty!

After Supper I met Mike Semenovich, a cancer survivor who moved here from Russia in the 70's. He is a pilot. We went for a ride in Purple Passion and saw the fog bank moving in from the ocean.

We then went to the club meeting where I was asked to speak about my Mission.

Mark then brought me to his home where I spent the nite. Today rain is forecast, so I will lay over here today. Mark plans to take me to see Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. Then to Cape Cod. What a great guy and club!

Meridan. Ct.

Good Morning,

Yesterday was full of challenges. Washington has special flight rules and a pilot has to take an FAA course and have special instruments in his plane to fly anywhere near there. So to get out of there I had to fly way around, north, then northeast then skirt Philly to the south then go north of Newark and New York. So many people and cities here!

I could not locate any victims for Maryland, Delaware or New Jersey. I did land in each of those states, then came on to Connecticut. The motels in Meriden where I landed were either full or overcharging, (Graduation this weekend) so I caught a taxi to the next town.

This morning it is raining, so I will have to lay over another night. I hope I can find a Church to go to tomorrow and a way to get there.

9 down, 39 to go

Good evening everyone!

This morning when I called for a flight briefing, the briefer told me I was in the Washington, D.C. restricted flying zone and that I had to take an F.A.A. course and get a certificate to even fly out of there! So I talked to several people who had various opinions. Finally I located a flight instructor in Winchester, Va. who assured me I had not busted the zone. All of that killed about 2 hours. My friend back home, Lyle Holland got online and plotted me a course around the D.C. area and the restricted area of Camp David. Obama was there for the weekend. I thought the week-end did not start til Friday afternoon! Maybe there is one set of rules for politicians and another for tax paying citizens!
Smirk!
I was met by John (Jack) Savage who knew a cancer victim in his flying club chapter. But as yet he has not been able to reach him. Pray that I will find one by morning. I hate to leave a stare without at least talking to one. Tomorrow I plan to fly to Delaware.
Sorry, no pictures tonight.

I left Farmville wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt and headed for Winchester, Va. I had headwinds, thermals and downdrafts. So I was quite busy on the flight controls. When I got near the mountains, I had to climb to 4,000 feet to clear them. The temperature dropped to 11 degrees centigrade! I became cold and pulled my coat from the baggage compartment, but I could not turn loose of the controls to put it on. So I draped it over my left side and that helped a bit. I borrowed a courtesy car and came to a motel in town.

Tomorrow I plan to fly to Westminster, Maryland where I have a cancer patient lined up if the weather co-operates.

High wind

When I arrived at Farmville, Va. Jim Wills moved his plane out to the ramp and let me put mine in his hanger. Next morning when we returned to the airport we saw limbs and trees down! At the airport the wind had broken a Cessna 150 from its tie downs, overturned and scooted about 75 feet! Jim's plane was secure! 

Thanks Jim

Linda Grant

Linda asked what I charge for the DVD of my testimony. I said a hug!

Farmville, Va.

Altho it was windy, I met David Woods and took him for a ride. I had intended to fly to my next stop, but the crosswinds were 17 mph, more than I wanted to tackle late in the day. So another 

member Morgan Dunnavant invited me to his home for the nite where his wife Joyce had prepared a delicious eggplant cassarole! What nice people!

Farmville, Va.

I left Roxboro, N.C. and flew to Farmville, Va. where I was met by members of E.A.A. chapter 1202.
Jim Wills was most helpful, taking me to town to get oil so I could change the oil in my plane. Then he moved his plane out on the ramp and let me put mine in his hanger to change the oil and replace my GPS.
Then he lined me up with J and Desi Farrow who took me to their home, fed me a delicious home cooked meal and did my laundry! I had never met these folks, yet they showed me such hospitality!
I had heard of southern hospitality, but these folks are from New Jersey.

Roxboro, N.C.

From Rock Hill S.C. I flew to Roxboro, N.C. Waiting for me there was Resa Long, a cancer patient with her family and the editor, Tim of the local newspaper who did an article on us. Resa was so appreciative of my encouragement and the flight. She ran me to town for a sandwich then I prayed for her and departed for Farmville, Va.

Rock Hill, S.c.

HgThis morning Brittany Hilton and her friend picked me up at the motel and took me to the airport where I gave both of them a ride. Brittany works with The Cancer Society and may be able to help me find cancer patients! I sure hope so.

God works in Mysterious ways

When I landed in Elberton, Ga. I tried to fuel up, but the pump would not turn on. So I flew on to Anderson, South Carolina. I borrowed a courtesy car and drove to town to have lunch. As yet I had no passenger for South Carolina. I saw a beautiful Church, Oakwood Baptist. There was a car parked by a pavilion, so I stopped there. Five ladies were having a picnic, so I introduced myself and told them about my mission, and asked if they knew anyone who was a cancer victim. Yes, one of them, Linda Grant had just been diagnosed with Cancer! I offered her encouragement, prayed for her, and gave her a DVD of my testimony. The ladies invited me to come to Church Sunday morning.

So I spent the nite and attended Church. There I met Linda's husband who told me how much Linda appreciated what I did for her. The Pastor, Jeff Davis announced to the congregation what I was doing.

After church I went to lunch. A young man from church came up and introduced himself. Scott Hughes picked up my check and paid for my lunch! There one of the ladies from the pavilion was having lunch with her family. Her daughter, Sharon has cancer. So I encouraged her, prayed for her and gave her a DVD of my testimony. Neither Sharon or Linda accepted my offer for a plane ride, but I got to witness to both.

Had the fuel pump in Elberton worked, I would not have stopped in Anderson. God wanted me to meet those two ladies. I wonder if the fuel pump in Elberton works today!

I flew on to Rock Hill, South Carolina where I spent the nite. This morning I will meet Brittany Hilton who is currently being treated for cancer, and give her a ride. Then I will continue on to Roxboro, North Carolina.

God works in mysterious ways, his will to perform!

This morning I left Perry  Ga. and flew to Elberton, Ga. where I will get lunch then go on to Carolina.

Don Hall

Saturday

Yesterday I had decided to leave Georgia without flying anyone. When I got to the airport the attendant, Don Hall pointed out a man, Coy Goff, who had survived bladder cancer. However when we got in the plane, it would not start! The battery was dead. Coy drove me to a battery store that had what I needed, then helped me put it on. Then we went flying.

Thanks to all the people that have been so helpful!

Perry (Macon area) Georgia

I have yet to find a passenger for Georgia or South Carolina. I hate to move on without flying one, but I have been here 2 days and need to move on. Does anyone know someone?

Perry (near Macon) Ga.

I left Chipley, Fl. And flew to Moultrie, Ga.

The people at the airport were very friendly and helpful. I can't remember landing at an airport before where I was treated like royalty!

Then I headed north and landed at Perry, Ga.

So far I have not located a passenger for Ga. If any of my readers know any cancer victims in the states I have not been to, I could use your help. Get them in touch with me!

Barry Rockburn

Barry was my transportation while here

Greg and Jackie Baxley

These folks know how to make a stranger welcome!

5 down 43 to go

This afternoon I had the honor to fly a 7 year old girl who had brain Cancer and is in remission.

Go to wjhg.com to see the video made by Brian Hill which airs tonite in Panama City Beach, Fl. At 10:00. 

For the newspaper article by Jennifer Rich go to their website:

chipleypaper.com

A very special thanks go to Jackie (and husband Greg). Jackie spent lots of time

Finding a cancer survivor, and lining up the reporters. Then after the flight they took me home with them for supper. Greg made me a survival bracelet in red and white, Razorback colors!

It is so refreshing to find Gods love in Action. By the time I left I felt as tho we had been friends for years.

May God bless them as they blessed me!

I have decided to lay over here in Chipley, Fla. to call and email to find cancer patients and survivors to give rides to. I need a secretary for all this! :-) Any volunteers?

I have a purpose for this flight around the country. Actually several.

1) Each year too many people die from cancer. One reason is lack of early detection so that early treatment is effective. People who feel healthy seem to think it a waste of time to go to the Doctor! WRONG! Initially there are no symptoms of this disease. Folks who wait til they are in pain or until some organ is not functioning have greatly reduced their chances for treatment to work effectively.
GET A COMPLETE ANNUAL PHYSICAL!

2) Give hope and comfort to cancer victims and let them know there is life after cancer. I am a cancer survivor four times! I may have cancer again, I go in June 18 for my next C.T. scan.
A CANCER VICTIM DOES NOT HAVE TO QUIT LIVING JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE DYING!!! Other people are dying also, they just don't know it yet.

3) My desire is to give a cancer patient or survivor a ride in my plane in each state where I land.
I also like giving a ride to kids, they get so excited.

4) I believe a cure can be found for cancer, it takes research, and that takes money, lots of money.
I look at those kids in St. Judes Childrens Hospital and tears fill my eyes. I deserve to have cancer, I smoked for 47 years! Those kids did nothing wrong and yet they have the same disease I do.
I appeal to each reader, pledge to St Jude Research. I believe $19.00 a month is what they request.
Lots of people giving a little money will be lots of money.

May God Bless you as he is blessing me!

Bonifay Fl

After a rough 3 1/2 hour flight, I landed in Bonifay, Fl. I will spend the nite and make phone calls to my other stopovers.

Kelly after plane ride

Kelly's father was a pilot and she took lessons to learn to fly. I flew her over their home.

Monday Morning

I have enjoyed my stay with the Teels. They are interesting to talk to and such good hosts. Kelly prepared a delicious Salmon (which they caught in Alaska) meal for supper.

Perfect Afternoon

After Church and lunch with Dave and Joyce, I returned to Kelly and Phillips

Home. Both Phillipand Kelly are avid hunters, so they treated us to a tour of their private version of Animal Kingdom.

They decorated an entire house with mounts of wild animals! There must be 100 or more.

Sunday

Today I attended Church at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene where I went while living here. Dave and Joyce Spence took me with them. I got to worship with several friends. What a blessing!

4 down, 44 to go

May 2

Today Dave Spence and I flew to Roy Ray Field in Alabama for their big Fly-in. Dave is a pilot, but had not been flying for many years. I let him fly most of the time and he did remarkably well! There was a big crowd and there must have been 40 planes. As we mingled and met folks Dave one way and I another, we talked about my mission. Dave met a lady whose daughter was a cancer survivor, so he asked her to call her daughter and ask  if she would like to ride. She would! So in an hour or so she showed up with her husband and I took her for a ride. Both she and her husband want to learn to fly. I am sorry, I am having trouble uploading her picture! Maybe tomorrow.

There was hamburgers, hot dogs and pulled pork for lunch along with baked beans, potato salad and Cole slaw. Then for dessert, there was strawberry/pecan home-made ice cream! They had a Popping Johnny (John Deere) motor to churn the ice cream.


I also took a 10 year old girl for a ride as a Young Eagle. Her picture will follow tomorrow.

Tonight I will stay with Phillip and Kelly Teel, friends from when I lived here.  Kelly asked me to give her a ride, so about 6:00 we will get up in the air! Then we will go out to eat.

Tomorrow I plan to go to Church at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene where I attended when I lived here.

I still have not located a cancer patient or survivor in Florida, so if you know anyone, let me know! Please!

That is all for today, so I am asking for Gods blessings on all who have cancer!

Wlox 5:00 news

I am so pleased with this Biloxi, Ms. TV station WLOX that aired the Video made by reporter                                        

Asha Staples this morning. Great job!

If you missed it go to WLOX.Com to view it.  Goodnite all!

My hosts

I have to give lots of credit to my hosts, Dixie and Eldon McClain. These are precious friends who opened up their home to me last night and tonight and we spent much time catching up on the last 5 years since I moved from here.

May The Lord's richest blessings be yours!

Young Eagle

This afternoon I took a Young Eagle flight with Halen 'Tiger' Wagner. He was so excited and thanked me profusely (20 times!)

Second Flight

Julia Hines, a wife to Mike Hines and mother of 2 girls came down with a rare cancer last year that I can't pronounce much less spell. Things were rough for a while, but with skilled doctors, and many prayers going up, God answered our prayers and she is recovering! Praise the Lord! Now Julia will be around to raise her lovely daughters and grow old with Mike. Julia and I were part of a mission building team that went to the jungles of Belize and started building a Church for

The Indians there in 2009!

Ocean Springs, Ms

Today I was honored to have as a passenger, Natalie Hightower, a beautiful 14 year old girl with a brain tumor. She is weak from the Chemo treatments she is presently undergoing, but managed a seeet smile and a big hug for me. A reporter from Wlox came out and did video and interview which should air tonite at 5:00 or 6:00 pm.