Boyd Installed as New President of MAF

NAMPA, Idaho (04/07/08) – John Boyd, a native of Scotland reared in South Africa, was installed as the new president of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a faith-based, nonprofit ministry that serves missions and isolated people around the world with aviation, communications and learning technologies.

The installation service was conducted Friday evening by Julie Shimer, chairperson of the MAF board of directors. Shimer is president and chief executive officer of Welch Allyn in Skaneateles Falls, N.Y.

“We are delighted to welcome John Boyd as the eighth president and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship,“ Shimer said. “It is clear that God has been preparing John for this step for many years, and we look forward to his leadership in this era of rapid expansion of the Gospel using every means available to us.”

Boyd said he is humbled by the opportunity to lead MAF into the future, but emphasized he likewise is dedicated to the task of doing what God would have him and the ministry do to expand  the “Kingdom of God.”

“I believe God will continue to lead MAF in strategic ministry initiatives in areas of the world that desperately need our services,” said Boyd.

Dr. Steven A. Crane, pastor of the Eagle Christian Church of Eagle, Idaho, Boyd’s home church, delivered a homily at the installation ceremony.

The welcome was given by Brian Shepson, MAF chief pilot. Shepson and his wife, Connie, also provided a special musical program.

Boyd and his wife, Tanya, joined MAF in 1993 following a highly successful business career. The couple served as a missionary pilot family in Zaïre, Haiti and Lesotho, supporting the ministry of missionaries, local churches and medical ministries, as well as that of relief and development organizations.

Boyd was appointed chief executive officer of MAF-South Africa in 1998. Four years later the Boyd family relocated to Redlands, Calif., then the location of MAF headquarters, where he served as vice president of ministry advancement. In September 2007, the MAF board of directors appointed him as president and chief executive officer of MAF-U.S.

Boyd was presented with an honorary Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree from Azusa Pacific University (APU) as well on April 4. The degree was presented by Dr. Donald Marshburn, APU board trustee and a long time supporter of MAF.

“In celebration and honor of his commitment and servanthood to God’s purposes, His work and His people, it is with greatest honor that Azusa Pacific University confers upon John Boyd the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theology,” said Marshburn.