At Easter, when he was five, Brian embraced Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. When he was nine, Brian’s family relocated to Shell-Mera, Ecuador, where they lived in the former home of Nate Saint, missionary pilot and martyr. As a young teenager he was very involved in the local church in Shell; he was baptized and grew in the Lord, especially through involvement in the church youth group. During high school, God used some difficult circumstances to impress on him the need for missionary pilots; he prayerfully applied to Moody Bible Institute’s Missionary Aviation Program. He was accepted and spent five years in Bible school, earning his Airframe and Powerplant mechanic ratings, and his Private, Instrument, Multi-engine, Commercial, and Flight Instructor’s licenses. After graduation Brian spent a year flying a twin-turbine Beech 1900 for gold mines in Mali, West Africa. Upon returning to the United States, he moved to Louisiana, to be closer to Heather. He worked for Louisiana Aircraft, flying a King Air 200 for charter, and spent several months in full-time aircraft maintenance.

Heather Olsen Marx was born and raised by godly parents in Baton Rouge, LA. God’s Word was central in their home and education. Her mother explained the Gospel to her at a very early age; Heather trusted Christ’s salvation and asked Him to be Lord of her life. Heather trained with Eternity Arts in Michigan, and has had a Gospel Chalk Art ministry for four years. Heather trained 23 chalk artists and has presented over 100 chalk talks in nine States and the countries of Ecuador, China, and Mali. Her work may be viewed at www.drawmenearer.com.

Heather met Brian through mutual friends at Doe River Gorge, a Christian high adventure camp in east TN. They married in October 2007.

Brian is very excited to combine his aviation skills and adventurous spirit with a passion to see the Gospel reach the ends of the earth. Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)

Overseas, Heather will continue to share God’s truths from Scripture using chalk art. She plans to carry on ministry to national women and children in her community. Heather says, “Art is a visual language that breaks cultural and language barriers! People remember 80% of what they see. This tool gives them a visual illustration of the Gospel they will never forget.”

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 Brian and Heather in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with them through prayer and/or financial support.