FCAP

Print this page

FCAP Booth at MSP Delta Block Party

Unique Opportunity for FCAP...

Delta Airline throws a Block Party for its employee every year. This is a family time with fun, entertainment, games and food. Also all the clubs and special groups within Delta are given a place to set up a booth to display their group. FCAP is considered a club within Delta, and through the efforts of Tim Files this is the third year FCAP has had a booth at this event. The first one this year was the ATL Block Party on May 22. Since the merging of Northwest into Delta there has also been a block party in MSP last year and this year and we have been blessed to be part of this as well. Many people stopped by the FCAP booth to find out about FCAP or just to acknowledge what they know...we even had a personal visit by Delta's CEO.

Coming up from ATL to work the booth (from left to right) was James Oludipe (DL), Tim Files (DL) and Paul Curtas (FCAP)

The pictures describe the wonderful opportunity this was for meeting new people and reacquainting with old friends.

There was also a special visit and visitor.  The day before there was an opportunity to visit with Kathy Dunham( pictured between Leanne and Tim). Kathy was FCAP coordinator in MSP for a number of years. She organized the FCAP Christmas Luncheon for 10 years. This event drew hundreds of airlines people together every year to focus on the Lord and the real meaning of Christmas. Out of necessity, Kathy had to retire in 2009 because of health reasons when she was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. Tim Files and Paul Curtas flew up Friday afternoon before the Block Party in order to visit and spend a few hours with Kathy at her home. Leanne Bondhus kindly picked them up at MSP and drove them to Kathy’s home. It was difficult to see our dear sister facing the debilitating affects of ALS, yet her face and faith was radiant with the Lord. We asked her about coming to the Block Party and expressed that we would love to see her come but knew that it would be very hard for her physically. To our surprise, dear Kathy showed up at the FCAP booth at the Block Party after lunch and stayed until it was over. A good a friend and fellow FCAPer, Debbie Regello(DL F/A), helped assist her in coming. Kathy’s presence gave the FCAP booth a special touch and connection. People who came by the booth and knew her over the years, stopped. We watched many people embrace Kathy with joy and tears as thy fellowshipped around her. It was touching for all of us to see. One of the many touching moments is when a lady we did not know was hugging Kathy. Paul Curtas asked how they knew each other. Because of how ALS has affected Kathy’s ability to talk, the lady shared how Kathy was a representative of her F/A Union, and she was F/A management who represented the company. She went on to tell how they both were told they should treat one another as enemies. But Kathy took steps toward her, and they both decided to show there was a better way to work together toward solutions. This not only gave them a deep respect for each other, but also it forged a lasting friendship.

This is what FCAP is all about. FCAP is not defined by its office, or display booths, or positions. It’s about common people like Kathy who live and work with an extraordinary calling in their work. Their life radiates with the light of the Lord, and the fruit of their faith in the Lord is evident to the people and circumstances of work. Please pray for Kathy in this very difficult part of her journey in this life. Also pray for God’s people at MSP, there has been a lot of activity there over the years since the beginning of FCAP in 1973. Pray that God’s people in the MSP airline community would connect in a greater way to show beauty of the God they serve there. May we remember that life is not about what we gain, but what we leave as a heritage for others.

We would like to thank all those who helped at the FCAP Booth, making this a very special day- Tim Files, Jame Oludipe, Leanne Bondhus, Leanne & Joel Nelson, Kathy Dunham and Paul Curtas.