Since their June 2008 wedding, a verse that has meant a lot to them is John 17:23, where Jesus prayed, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." Tim and Kathy's prayer is that their marriage would exhibit such total unity that their neighbors and friends would see Jesus in their lives and be drawn to Him as their Savior.

Tim actually grew up in Indonesia! His parents were missionaries with UFM (now CrossWorld) in what used to be Dutch New Guinea, later called Irian Jaya, and is now Papua. Tim was born there and spent 13 wonderful years in Irian Jaya.

After finishing aviation studies at LeTourneau University in Texas, he worked as an airplane mechanic in Florida for 4 years, then in Africa for 3 more years. Then God opened the doors for him to return to Irian Jaya to help maintain MAF's Cessna aircraft, some of which were the same planes that used to fly him to school as a kid!!

Meanwhile, Kathy was growing up in Lancaster County, PA, in a wonderful Mennonite family, the oldest daughter of 8 kids! Her greatest desire was to please God and know more of His grace. She taught several years at the same Mennonite school she had attended as a child, then went to Lancaster Bible College, graduating with a degree in Bible. After living in Indonesia for 2 years studying the language and culture, teaching English, and building relationships, she returned to the States and pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching at Columbia International University in South Carolina. She has taught first grade at a public school there for the past 2 years.

Now comes the cool part! Through the match-making efforts of mutual friends in CrossWorld, Tim and Kathy met on the island of Java, during Kathy's most recent short-term trip to Indonesia! They met on June 21, 2007, and were married on the same date exactly one year later!

Tim and Kathy look forward to returning to Indonesia, to minister to the people of Borneo together! Tim will continue maintaining aircraft and ministering to neighbors, while Kathy will find her niche as a teacher and homemaker.

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