"Then Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' 'Nothing,' they answered."
Luke 22:35
Serving the people of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, with Mission Aviation Fellowship, Luke 22:35 reminds Chris and Sarah that God is all they need. "What we have on our backs or what we can see are non-essentials to God. He supplies all." Looking forward to continuing to advance Christ’s Kingdom through their God-given skills and talents, Chris as a pilot/mechanic and Sarah as a speech-language pathologist, they hold onto Psalm 91:4, "He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler."
Born in Macomb, MI, but growing up in Sterling Heights, MI, Chris accepted Christ as his Savior when he was six or seven. He followed Him in baptism at the age of eight, and recalls multiple people who have been godly influences in his life. God sparked an interest in aviation, while Chris was pursuing a degree in Theology and working at the Detroit Metro Airport. His pastor introduced him to the possibility of a career in missionary aviation, and he pursued flight training at Moody Aviation, where he first heard of MAF. Chris holds a Commercial Multi-Engine license with high-performance, complex, and tail-wheel endorsements, and an Airframe & Powerplant license. He has recently attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to receive specialized avionics training and an FCC license.
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Chris has spent his last two years with MAF, on the Island of Tarakan, and is looking forward to returning there with Sarah. Some of the most memorable times he has had involve turning wrenches or riding in the mud with his Indonesian friends, when he has been able to share God’s wonderful News of the Gospel in a predominantly Muslim setting. Despite the perceived limitations of sharing his faith in a culture and language so different from his own, Chris is encouraged by Luke 18:27, "Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'"
Sarah was born in Gaylord, MI, but spent most of her life in Royal Oak. She also accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age, and through the faithful influences of her family and friends, has continued to grow closer to the Lord over the years. She earned her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Wayne State University, and has worked in various settings where she can support others and find creative ways to help people communicate successfully.
Although Sarah's interest in missions began when she met her husband, she has remained open to God’s leading throughout her life, and is excited to serve Him in whatever way He calls her. Sarah is looking forward to learning more about the Indonesian culture, and building relationships with the people to learn how to best demonstrate God’s love to them. She always finds comfort in Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
God calls the men and women of MAF to serve Him in unique ways. He may also be calling you to a special role in the Desjardines’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with Chris and Sarah through prayer and/or financial support.
