“We enable missionaries and national pastors to bring the Gospel message to remote areas of Congo. We transport critically needed medical personnel and supplies to places with no other medical care. We fly Bible translators in to review translation projects and train national translators. We provide flights for disaster relief which have included volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, and outbreaks of disease. We also fly medical evacuation flights and vaccines for Congo’s children.”

This past term Garth has served as the West Congo Program Manager, and also Chief Pilot.

Jody provides a loving, Christian home for their family, homeschools, and coordinates hospitality for visitors traveling through Kinshasa. She also hosts a women’s Bible study in their home and teaches violin lessons. This past year she was the Sunday School Superintendent and taught Sunday school at the International Church of Kinshasa.

For Garth, Micah 6:8 is a favorite verse. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” He shares that serving in Congo, he is faced with overwhelming physical and spiritual needs. “This verse reminds me of God’s purpose for me here.”

2 Timothy 1:7 is a favorite verse for Jody. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” She shares, “God empowers us with his Spirit to do all He asks – stand for Him, love Him and others, and conduct ourselves in an honoring way.”

Garth grew up in a Christian home in Rochester, Minnesota. His mother had the joy of leading him to the Lord at age five, after a Sunday evening service. After high school, Garth earned a B.A. degree in Business from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds an A&P mechanic’s license and a commercial pilot’s license with instrument rating. He also holds a CFI license and recently became an MAF Caravan flight instructor.

Jody was born and raised in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. At age nine, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior after reading and memorizing verses in AWANA Club. Attending Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota, Jody majored in Music Education and Bible.

The Pedersons plan on continuing their roles in the West Congo Program after their furlough.

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