Gene was born in Three Rivers, MI, and grew up in Papua (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, where his parents served as missionaries with the C&MA, and then in Tacoma, WA. Gene received Christ as a young child in Indonesia, while praying with his mother during evening devotions. Growing up as a missionary kid, he was aware of missions from an early age. When he was twenty, Gene made a five-month trip back to Indonesia, an experience that set his focus toward the technical side of missions.
Gene received his B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, before working for Boeing for nine years. Gene then attended Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, TN, where he earned his Aviation Maintenance Technician rating and Commercial Pilot's license and instrument rating.
Psalm 71:14-19 sets out Gene's purpose statement: "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?"
Jennifer grew up in southern CA, and Tacoma, WA. She received Christ as her Savior on Easter Sunday at the age of four with the help of her parents, who explained what it meant to be saved. Jennifer became aware of missions through church and also her parents' habit of keeping missionaries as guests in their home through the years.
Jennifer received her B.S. in Nursing from the University of Washington in Tacoma, WA, and has worked as an R.N. since.
Gene and Jennifer met in Tacoma in 1983 and were married in March of 1995.
Philippians 4:6-7&13 constantly reminds Jennifer to keep a heavenly perspective on everything she does and to trust in God completely: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. . . . I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
To fund the worldwide ministry of MAF, God is faithful in providing generous ministry support from His people. He has called the men and women of MAF to serve Him in a unique way. He is also calling people like you to play a special role in the ministry of MAF around the world.
You are invited to become a ministry partner with Gene and Jennifer in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with them through prayer or financial support. For more information you can write to the Arnolds at: garnold@maf.org