Pilots

Michael was born and grew up near Croydon, Surrey. After leaving school he went to the University of Bristol to study veterinary science. Nicki was born in Ilford, Essex but grew up in Paignton, Devon. After school she studied computer science with maths, also at the University of Bristol, she then went on to do a post-graduate degree in education.

Both Nicki and Michael were involved in an inter-denominational Chapel associated with the University and it was through this Church that they met. They were married when they completed their studies in 1978.

After three years in general practice as a veterinary surgeon, with Nicki doing some supply teaching, personal tuition and Church administration, they moved from Bristol to Yateley, near Camberley, Surrey. They had their first child Andrew and their second, Richard, followed not long after.

A few months after the move Michael and Nicki felt God wanted them to work for MAF. Overseas work had always been considered an option but it had been assumed it would be in Michael's capacity as a Vet. By 1990 Michael had left general practice and was working for the Ministry of Agriculture as a Veterinary Officer. Nicki was busy as two more sons, Peter and Philip, had by now joined the family.

Michael and Nicki joined St Peter's Church in Yateley and this became their home Church base from which they first explored their call to work with MAF. In March 1991 Michael resigned from his job and left for the USA to train as a Pilot. The next twenty months were very busy. Michael gained his Commercial Pilots Licence and went on to spend seven months working as a Flight Instructor. There were also opportunities to explore a little more of the USA as Michael worked to gain experience and flying hours.

In 1992 their destination with MAF became clear, they were offered an assignment to Papua New Guinea, a land of high mountains, deep valleys, and dense rain forests, some of the most challenging conditions a pilot can fly in.

Derek and Ruth met as students at Leeds University, after which Derek joined the RAF and served for 17 years flying a variety of aircraft.

In 1989 Derek moved to British Airways to fly Boeing 737s, later becoming a Captain flying Boeing 757/767s until 2005. During this time he also flew a vintage two-seater Aeronca Champion, often using farmers’ grass strips to land on. This variety of flying experience was God’s way to prepare Derek for the flying he is now doing for Mission Aviation Fellowship based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is flying Cessna Grand Caravans to remote places within Kenya, and from Lokichoggio into Southern Sudan. This is very challenging flying due to the weather and the very varied conditions of airstrips, complete with hazards of people and animals walking across them.

Before their two children arrived, Ruth had a variety of administrative jobs in local government, and she later returned to work as a Business Studies Lecturer. In her role as Communications Co-ordinator for the Kenya operation, Ruth meets many of the passengers who fly with MAF. These vary from staff of large international Christian relief and development agencies to individuals who feel called by God to minister in remote places. Derek and Ruth have learned that there are many people serving in harsh and difficult situations, whose ministry would not be possible without MAF flights.

In the UK, Derek and Ruth have been active members of St Thomas’ Church, Beaconsfield, for over 20 years and are grateful for their encouragement and support. In Nairobi, they have become part of Kileleshwa Covenant Community Church, which is a developing church with a vision to lead transformation in urban areas.

Derek and Ruth are very grateful also for their Supporter Team, and they trust in the future with Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Laurie and Emm were both born in Leamington Spa, and met as teenagers at a youth group at St Mark’s Church in Leamington. They married there in 1995.

As a child, frequent trips to a local airport with his dad kindled Laurie’s love of aviation. Joining MAF was the fulfilment of a desire for Laurie to serve the Lord with the skills that he had been given. 

MAF has a vital rôle in Uganda. Troubled areas in the north of the country mean that travelling by road is very hazardous, so the plane allows safe travel for workers in these areas. For others living in rural areas, MAF provides the reassurance of knowing that there is a fast way out in case of danger or in the event of a medical emergency. 

Laurie’s main responsibility is flying the six-seater aircraft – the Cessna 206 and 210. Since arriving in 2003, he has flown over 1,500 hours in 6 different countries and has covered over 210,000 miles. His flying involves taking missionaries and charity workers to all regions of Uganda and southern Sudan. He also flies in medical emergencies when the need arises.

Laurie’s other rôle is an office based role. He has been able to continue his interest in computers by becoming the Uganda IT Manager for 25% of his time. 

Laurie and Emma have two daughters, Bethany (born December 2001) and Naomi (October 2004). They have adjusted very well to life in Kampala and are always thinking of new ways to keep their parents busy.

Emma has been doing an increasing amount of study and work at Kampala Music School and also teaching in a local school. She gained an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music diploma in violin teaching in 2004, and currently has nine violin students and one viola student (even though she doesn’t play the viola!).

Laurie and Emma's home church is St Mark’s, Leamington Spa.

Andrew grew up in Durban, South Africa, and completed his Commerce degree at the University of Durban in 1995. After university, he moved to London where he became involved in St Michael’s Church, Chester Square.

Liz grew up in Bootle, Liverpool, where her father was a Vicar. She studied French at Nottingham University, followed by teacher training at Lancaster University. Her first teaching post was in central London, where she also became involved in St Michael’s Church.

Andrew and Liz have both travelled extensively before, and following their marriage which took place at St Michael's in 2003. Around six years ago, they began to feel that God was calling them to some kind of practical Christian work. During 2004, they prayed specifically for God's direction and guidance as to what roles they should be doing.

Andrew found out about MAF at this time and was excited by the idea of serving God as a Pilot. After much prayer, and encouragement from other Christians, they took a step of faith and moved to South Africa where Andrew trained as a Commerical Pilot. After qualifying, Andrew worked for two years as a Pilot Instructor in South Africa. Andrew and Liz were continually encouraged during this time by the way that God provided for them, they also felt inspired by the hope and practical help that MAF brings to so many people in isolated places.

Since they first moved to South Africa in 2004, their family grew to four. Esther was born in England in early 2006, and she is already a seasoned world traveller. Then Benjamin was born in South Africa in December 2007 and is now adjusting to a much cooler climate here in England!

Andrew and Liz are very excited to be part of MAF’s ministry, and trust that God will provide as they set out on this new venture.

Coming from two different corners of the world, Australia and Canada, David and Lisa met in Nairobi, Kenya, having come to serve in different capacities. From a young age, they both felt a call to work overseas in missions.

After completing the Mission Aviation course at the Bible College of Victoria, Australia, God opened doors for David to serve in Kenya as a Pilot. He flew with MAF in remote areas of Australia for a couple of years before heading to Kenya in late 2002. Lisa trained as a Primary School Teacher and on completing her training in Ontario, Canada, God also opened doors for her to come and teach Grade Two at West Nairobi School, a missionary school in the outskirts of the capital. 

David and Lisa married in late 2004 in Nairobi among the rich tea plantations, with many friends and family visiting from their homelands of Australia and Canada. Their son Mark was born in October 2005, and their family has expanded further with the arrival of Anna in December 2007.

David continues to work as a Pilot in the Kenya operation. Having started in the smaller Cessna 206 and 210 aircraft, he has since trained to fly the Cessna Caravan. Most of his flying is in Southern Sudan, bringing much-needed supplies and people from different Christian organisations to remote places in the country. Lisa finished her two-year contract at West Nairobi School and is now busy at home with Mark and Anna. 

David and Lisa are now based in Lokichoggio, a small town on the border of Kenya and Sudan among the Turkana people. Being in Loki means David is able to support the work in Southern Sudan more effectively, while still returning home to the family in Loki each afternoon.

Having had the opportunity of serving in Kenya for these last few years, and seeing God’s faithful provision, David and Lisa are very thankful for the prayerful and financial support of friends and Churches at home.

Bryan was born in Guernsey, Tricia on a farm in Harrold, Bedfordshire. Bryan obtained a BEd from St Luke’s Exeter and later on a BPhil from Birmingham. Tricia trained as an Occupational Therapist at St Loye’s Exeter. Newly married in the early 1980s, they spent four years in India at Hebron School.

With two young children, Bryan and Tricia started their adventure with preparation for work with MAF at the end of 1990 when they headed off to Tennessee, USA, to turn Bryan’s British Private Pilots Licence into an American Commercial Licence and Instrument Rating. While in the USA they were linked up with Hopkinsville Vineyard Church.

Bryan worked as a Flying Instructor until joining MAF’s operation in Tanzania in July 1992. They spent four years there, mainly in Mwanza. Their youngest joined the family just before they moved to Uganda, which was home for five years. This was followed by two years in Bangladesh.

Bryan’s work has involved flying the Cessna 185 and Turbine Beaver Floatplanes, piston-engined Cessna 206 and 210 and the popular turbine Caravan. His various rôles have included Base Manager in Mwanza, Chief Pilot and running the floatplane project in Uganda, and Training Captain in Bangladesh.

Bryan and Tricia have both been very involved in various Churches on our assignments. Tricia’s work has revolved around the family, using her occupational therapy skills, and has also included radio flight following, office work, home schooling, hospitality and staff training. 

Since returning to Guernsey at the start of 2004, Bryan’s job has changed from being a full-time Pilot, teamed with Tricia and family based overseas, to being a spokesperson for MAF, particularly in the Channel Islands. As well as raising the profile of MAF’s exciting mission work in and around the UK, his previous overseas experience as a MAF Pilot means he can also still do short-term relief Pilot assignments for MAF overseas. Recent assignments have involved many hours of flying in Chad, Uganda and Sudan.

In January 2005, Derek resigned from his position as Flight Operations Director and Test Pilot with BAE Systems, and Janet left her career as a Primary School Teacher, to serve with MAF. Derek and Janet have been part of the Kenya operation, living in Nairobi, since May 2005.

After completing MAF’s initial training requirements, Derek started operational flying in July. He has spent much of his time in Lokichoggio in Northern Kenya, flying from there into Southern Sudan for the many Christian NGOs that are trying to rebuild the country after more than 20 years of civil war.

The message of hope that MAF assists these organisations in bringing is in the form of Christian teaching, healthcare, training, agricultural expertise, and encouraging the development of small businesses. St Francis of Assisi said, ‘Preach the Gospel always, and when necessary use words.’ The ultimate aim is to enable the people of southern Sudan to overcome the culture of dependency engendered by the civil war, and be able to live fulfilled lives as God intends for all of us. 

In January 2006, Derek was appointed Operations Director. As well as flying, he led the team of Pilots and base operations staff who provide the flying services for MAF’s partners.

Janet and Derek have become active members of a small Anglican church in Nairobi, where Janet is involved with Sunday School teaching and all-age worship. She also volunteers at the small informal School for slum children, many of whom are orphans, teaching phonics and reading, maths and crafts. She is also on the Management Committee that runs the School.

Derek and Janet now divide their time between Nairobi and the UK, Derek still fulfils the role of Pilot for MAF when back in Kenya and Janet still works at the School. While based in the UK Derek represents MAF at events and meetings.

Since joining MAF, Derek and Janet have been blessed with support in many forms. Prayers and letters of encouragement have uplifted them, and financial support has enabled their work for MAF and the local community in Nairobi to continue.

Adrian and Lindsay have lived in Aberdeen for the past ten years prior to their start in the Kenya programme in December of 2008, their Home Church is City Church. They married in 2003 and now have two boys, Aaron and Morgan.

Adrian was born and brought up in a Christian family in Cheshire. He first had a real sense of God’s calling into a deeper faith when he was in his twenties. He graduated from Lancaster University and later, while working in the offshore oil industry, began flying aeroplanes. The Lord called Adrian into commercial aviation to gain experience as a pilot, latterly flying for the Scottish Ambulance Service. His heart has always been for using aeroplanes in places of real need, where flying is essential not luxury.

Lindsay was born in Florida and, when she was very young, her family moved to Scotland as missionaries. As a teenager, she visited a children’s feeding programme in Guatemala, which left a very deep impression on her heart. While studying at Aberdeen University, Lindsay joined City Church and set up a system that integrates students with families. Following this, she worked with a consultant economist, helping communities in the Scottish Highlands and Islands to access resources. Lindsay is now looking after the boys as a full-time mum.

When Adrian and Lindsay met, their first conversation was about overseas mission work. They believe that this was no coincidence! Through the experiences they have had both before and after marriage, God has been planting and watering seeds in their hearts that have grown into a desire to serve people in isolated communities in a practical and spiritual way.

Helping on the MAF Volunteer Team for the last six years, they have seen how God uses us all in different ways to serve Him together. They are now settled into life in Nairobi as they work in MAF's programme in Kenya.

Greg was born to missionary parents in Ivory Coast and enjoyed his childhood years growing up on the mission field. Jill was born in Australia and grew up in the Salvation Army.

They met in Jerusalem in 1992. Greg shared his dream of one day becoming a Pilot and working in a mission setting. At that time Jill wanted to continue working with poor immigrants in Israel and couldn’t see how the two objectives fitted together. They married in Australia in 1996, knowing that God could be trusted to blend their experience and use them together. They spent their first year in Brisbane, Australia, then accepted a call to work with young people in a church in Bristol, UK, for four years. There they had their first child Esther.

They then returned to Australia while Greg attained his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating, and worked as a Flying Instructor. During this time, Ariela and Zoe were added to their little family. In 2004 they were based permanently in Bristol, waiting for the right opportunity to use their skills and experiences in service in mission.

The door opened when MAF asked them to consider working in Chad, Central Africa. Chad is one of the poorest countries in the world and in desperate need of spiritual and physical relief. Although there are many challenges they are excited to be a part of this relief.

Greg and Jill have prayerfully considered the sacrifices involved in moving their family, and leaving friends and family behind. Although it is a painful decision, they know that God has planned this and will continue to support and sustain them.

Born in South Africa, Laura chased her childhood love of aviation by joining the South African Air Force. She worked as an Air-Traffic Controller for three years. 1990 saw her move to England, and she obtained her Private Pilots Licence that year. Reading the book Jungle Pilot, Laura felt God’s calling to fly for MAF. She spent the next 10 years working as an Air-Traffic Controller in the UK while working towards her Commercial Flying Licence, finally qualifying in 2000. Her first flying job was as an Instructor in South Africa where she met her husband to be - Mike - his office was next door to hers! She later went on to work as a bush Pilot in Namibia.

Mike was born in Zimbabwe where his first ever flight, at the age of six, was with MAF pioneer Pilot Gordon Marshall in an MAF aircraft. He was even issued with MAF wings 25 years before flying for them – God already had a plan! Shortly afterwards, Mike and his family moved to the Middle East where he completed high school education. Mike moved to South Africa in 1991 to do his Commercial Flying Training. He worked there for 12 years, becoming a well-known and much-respected Instructor, training  Pilots from airlines and air forces all over the world. He later flew for Air Botswana.

Mike and Laura were married in November 2003. In 2004, they took time out from flying in order to set up and run a children’s home in rural South Africa.

For many years, they both felt called to fly for MAF. They moved to Uganda where they served for our first year until their family expanded with the fostering of Ivan and Deborah. Laura then continued to fly while Mike cared for the children and was involved in other community projects. Ivan and Deborah have now been formally adopted into Mike and Laura's family.

Mike and Laura are so aware that everything they do is a team effort because that is how God meant it to be.

Mike and Jo come from Pymouth, Devon and have two daughters, Abigail and Hannah. They belong to St Jude's Church in Plymouth where they first met.

Mike and Jo felt called to work for MAF in 1999 after a trip to Tanzania where Jo worked for a period of time. At that time Mike was working as a Police Officer with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, and Jo was a Nurse working in Accident and Emergency.

Since then Mike has qualified as Commercial Pilot and has worked as a Flying Instructor. Jo left her career as a Nurse to become a full-time Mum.

Mike and Jo, with Abigail and Hannah first worked for MAF in the Tanzania and Chad programmes where Mike was Pilot and then Pilot and Country Director.

Living and working in Chad brought many challenges but also many new experiences and skils which Mike and Jo will continue to use within MAF and community life in their new assignment to South Africa. Mike will hold the role of Pilot and Operations Training and Quality Manager.