Rex Smith first heard the term “Missionary Aviation” when discussing with the preacher who led him to the Lord in 1979, how God might use him in the future. He moved his family to Springfield, Missouri and attended Baptist Bible College for two years once he learned he needed Bible training to be a better “soldier for Christ.” While there, he joined a flying club, began earning his pilot’s license and became a mechanics helper logging time towards an Airframe and Powerplant mechanics rating. Rex became a private pilot in 1986 and a year later an A&P Mechanic; however, by this time, the flying club had disbanded and sadly, he experienced the “death of a vision,” losing his intended vehicle for service. Some years of “adjustment” followed, and Rex then sought employment as, and became, a full-time mechanic with various employers. He did not realize that God was preparing him for a future mission. The day came when Rex was approached by a man who told him God was moving him to do something special, and he asked Rex to be a part of this new mission…which involved airplanes. Rex smiled. The man was Kerrick Tweedy, now Executive Director of the organization known as SOAR. Rex is both humbled and proud to be a part of the mission and thanks to God for the return of the “vision.” He is now helping to get missionary pilots and mechanics to the mission field and maintain the aircraft used in their training. Rex and his wife Linda enjoy spending time with their children and three grandchildren.