Flying High: The Amazing Story of Betty Greene

by Betty Greene, Dietrich Buss

The amazing story of Betty Greene and the early years of Mission Aviation Fellowship.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Every four minutes, somewhere on the globe, an MAF plane either takes off or lands, serving people in the name of Christ.” From one operation in 1946 the Lord expanded the work of MAF to over forty. While she was no white anglo-saxon protestant, Betty Greene was proud to be a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). “Betty was a woman in a man’s world” where “as women, to be secure was far more important than to be free.” The permission for the “lady pilot” was granted, and the Peruvian Air Force recognized Greene as the first female pilot to cross the Andes and to fly over the rain forest. She went on to total 4,641 flight hours “as part of my ministry to touch hurting people whether I was in Mexico, Nigeria, Sudan, Irian Jaya or New York.”

“It is certainly an exciting business, making history.” But Greene credited every accomplishment “due to God’s own preparation and guidance…we had come through safely because He cared for us. Never before had I seen greater evidence of God’s gracious hand…it was public testimony to the fact that…with God all things are possible.” Greene perceived her flying experience and motivation in aviation as “a perfect opportunity to share my faith!”

Betty Greene’s life and experiences serve as a beautiful portrait of women’s historical and continuous role in mission strategy in advancing God’s kingdom. Greene was part of the “post-World War II expansion of evangelical missionary endeavors, when theologically conservative Protestant women began to excel in specialized forms of mission. Through her writing, dreaming and service she offered new ideas and principles in the area of aviation as a support ministry to enable missionaries to do their work in remote areas. Her services provided a lifeline as flights were often made in response to emergencies. Betty saw her piloting skills as bringing substantial help to the evangelization and welfare of the local people.”

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Received this little gem of a book from Betty’s nephew Dan. I need to reread it with maps at hand to visualize where she went. What a terrific story of a wonderful woman and her dreams realized in starting MAF.