In expanding its overseas missionary programme during the late 1940s, the Assemblies of God USA recognised the value of air transport. A C-46 Commando and a B-17 Flying Fortress became its aerial Ambassadors
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
To many, the use of aircraft by the Assemblies of God USA was a definite blessing. A few others considered it more of a curse. What is beyond doubt, though, is that this very special operation with two heavy ex-military aeroplanes blazed a trail all of its own. It certainly became a unique chapter in the histories of both the Curtiss C-46 Commando and the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
The US branch of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination, was established in 1914. It set up its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. From the outset, overseas missionary work was an important element. Noel Perkin became the Assemblies of God foreign missions secretary in 1927, and would remain so for 32 years. It was a period that contained some notable challenges. While World War Two failed to halt completely the Assemblies’ missionary activities, it did inevitably cause disruption. Under Perkin’s leadership, the organisation wanted to get fully up and…
