Rod and Valerie share that they are "excited to facilitate encouragement trips to pastors in remote areas where much of the church planting is taking place. It has also been fun to see this program take shape, including a new hangar." As a pilot/mechanic, Rod serves other missionaries, doctors, nurses, African pastors, as well as relief and development organizations. Rod shares that this past term has involved recreating the CAR program including flying 250 flight hours per year, increasing aircraft maintenance, and constructing and furnishing a new hangar. He has also been involved in establishing and maintaining a remote email system, bookkeeping, and local employee management.

Ephesians 2:10 is a verse of encouragement for Rod. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Rod shares that, "this verse encourages me by reminding me that God has chosen and created me and prepared a plan for my life. Even when things seem to go wrong I can claim this promise."

Valerie home schools their three oldest children and flight follows for Rod on the radio. She enjoys providing hospitality for traveling and short-term missionaries. She runs a small library at Yaloke for those who are interested in studying the Bible. Valerie states that she "continues to build friendships with the local people on my front porch through conversation and prayer as they share their many needs."

Valerie has chosen Romans 12:1-2 as her life verse. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Valerie shares that she "finds it more and more practical as I grow in Christ. God wants our complete selves, not just an outer appearance and it is a continual process of renewing my mind."

Rod was born and raised in Millersburg, Ohio. He accepted the Lord as his Savior when he was eight years old. Rod chose to pursue missions while he was a junior in high school. Valerie was born in San Luis Obispo, California and raised there as well as Susanville and Arroyo Grande. She asked Jesus into her heart at the age of six after a conversation with her mother and sister, Alice. Rod and Valerie both attended Moody Bible Institute where they met in 1982. They were married in Arroyo Grande, California in 1986.

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 Rod and Valerie in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with them through prayer or financial support.