Karen enjoys using their home to provide hospitality for other missionaries and people that Dan flies. She also home schools their seven children and is involved in teaching Sunday School in their local church.

Dan was born in Tandala, Belgian Congo where his parents served as missionaries. They relocated to Eaton, CO in 1974. Dan came to know the Lord during Sunday School through a special speaker. "I recognized my need for forgiveness and asked Jesus into my heart." Dan felt called to fulltime missions when he was serving as a short-term missionary in 1976.

Dan attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO, and earned his A.S. in Automotive Technology. He attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL and Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, TN. There he earned his B.S. in Missionary Aviation, as well as Multi-engine, Commercial/Instrument, Flight Instructor Single Engine Airplane, Single Engine Seaplane and Glider ratings. In 1998, Dan earned his Air Transport Rating before serving with MAF-Europe, in Kenya.

A special verse for Dan is Philippians 1:6. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." "We have seen some fairly turbulent times in our service with MAF. It has been reassuring to know that the One who brought us into MAF is still with us, working in and through our lives."

Karen grew up in Broomfield, CO. In high school, she met a Christian family who was able to provide the answers she was seeking about the Bible and her faith. Through the life-changing example of their daughter, Barb, Karen saw the difference that a friendship with Jesus could make and she gave her life to Christ. Karen always felt called to missions. "I loved teaching, but knew that God had a different call upon my life."

Karen earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She and Dan met in Eaton, CO and were married in October of 1986.

Philippians 1:21 is a favorite verse of Karen's. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." "My first passion in life is to allow Christ to live in me, and when He takes me home to be with Him, now that is fulfillment."

The Carlsons share that it is exciting to see how God uses their behind-the-scenes gifts and abilities to support pastors, evangelists, doctors, health workers, and teachers, allowing them to concentrate on using their gifts and abilities to further His Kingdom.

To fund the worldwide ministry of MAF, God is faithful in providing loyal, generous ministry support from His most caring people. He has called the men and women of MAF to serve Him in a unique way. He is also calling people like you around the world to play a special role in the ministry of MAF.

You are invited to become a ministry partner with Dan and Karen in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with them through prayer or financial support.