The Serving Others using Aviation Resources (SOAR) club seeks to show students what the missions field looks like for aviators.
“We introduce them to missionaries and organizations who have served in aviation missions and everything that’s available there,” club president Christian Jimerson said.
According to Faculty Advisor and Associate Professor Peter Spahr, SOAR was originally known as the Liberty Aviation Missions People (LAMP). The original idea was to be a lamp for the truth of God. The club then decided to switch names because they felt it was too exclusive.
““We wanted to make it inclusive for all aviation majors so that every student could feel connected to it, regardless of their specific career goals within aviation,” Spahr said.
Weekly meetings typically consist of a Bible study. Other events include opportunities to connect with different mission aviation organizations. Club members also connect with alumni who are on the missions field.
“I talk with a lot of guys who are currently training to go out into the field,” Jimerson said. “Staying in contact and keeping those people’s spirits high is a big thing.”
SOAR also has several mission trip opportunities for members. One of their biggest trips goes to Alaska, where they work closely with Missionary Aviation Repair Center (MARC).
“We visit these organizations that are ministering to Alaska,” said Spahr. “Some of them are doing training for pilots and providing services for missionaries and pastors who are using aircraft as part of their ministry.”
Those graduating from the maintenance program typically go on a trip to Florida and visit Missionary Flights International. The students are able to help with maintenance on aircraft and may even participate in a flight if there is available space.
Jimerson recalled his most memorable SOAR experience as a mission trip he went on in November 2025.
“Being able to go and see other cultures that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise, through connections I’ve made through SOAR, was very eye-opening,” Jimerson said. “It really aligned me with the calling I thought I had, and just really confirmed that for me.”
Both Jimerson and Spahr said that aviation is one of the most important tools for reaching the lost with the gospel.
“Aviation helps us reach areas we never could have without it,” Jimerson said. “A trip that would normally take a week to two weeks on land would take a helicopter 20 minutes. That’s the awe of being able to use aviation as a resource and a tool to spread the gospel and get to where we couldn’t otherwise.”
SOAR is always accepting new members, and students looking to join do not have to be aviation majors. The club allows members to discover new mission opportunities, of which they might not otherwise have been aware.
“It’s a good way to meet other students who are like-minded,” Jimerson said. “But I think my favorite part is being able to hear other people’s stories that have served in the missions field. That’s the most inspiring part of being part of the club.”
For more information about SOAR, visit https://www.liberty.edu/students/sga/clubs/serving-others-using-aviation-resources-soar.
Combs is a feature editor for The Liberty Champion.