David grew up in Memphis, TN and Bettendorf, IA. He became open to the Gospel in high school through the prayer and witness of his brother and classmates. He accepted Christ at a youth revival and later dedicated his life to Christian service. Shortly after he was saved, his brother gave him a copy of Jungle Pilot. He shares that God's call was clear, as he was already looking towards an aviation career and questioning how he could serve. David attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis, TN, earning his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his powerplant from Memphis Area Vo-Tech, and his airframe from Tarrant County Junior College in Fort Worth, TX. He has his A&P/IA and commercial SEL. Prior to joining MAF, he served for 17 years in systems engineering with Lockheed Martin, working on fighter aircraft designs such as the F-16 and F-35, as well as a variety of advanced development projects while assigned to the famous Skunk Works.

Sandy was born in Spokane, WA, but as her father was in the Air Force, the family moved fairly frequently. They ended up in Memphis, TN, when she was in high school. Sandy grew up participating in Air Force chapels and was influenced by her mother's strong faith. She accepted Christ during a Sunday school assembly program when she was five. Sandy attended Memphis State University, earning her Bachelors of Music Education with voice emphasis and Orff music specialty. She also has an elementary classroom teaching certificate. She has taught pre-school to high school music.

Sandy shares that she has always wanted to minister wherever God sends her, relying on His strength to help her, as it say in Joshua 1:9.  "...Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

David and Sandy met in Memphis, TN, while attending college, and were married in 1986.

The Francises share that God has guided their lives in preparation for service with MAF, through early marriage, training, various jobs, overseas living, and rearing their children.  God is using those experiences and training now, as they minister in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

To fund the worldwide ministry of MAF, God is faithful in providing generous ministry support from His 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 to play a special role in the ministry of MAF around the world.

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