Bio
Lary and Sheryl Strietzel and
their children, Jason and Stephanie, have been missionaries with
Mission Aviation Fellowship since July 1990. The Strietzels are
currently serving as a pilot/mechanic family, living in Kampala, Uganda
and ministering in the East Democratic Republic of Congo. They have
also served in Nyankunde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nairobi, Kenya,
and Bamako, Mali. Lary shares that one of the highlights of their
service in East DRC has been flying 280 Bible school students and
family members back to Bunia, DRC, so they could resume classes after
having been evacuated 6 months earlier due to intense tribal wars. Two
of Lary’s favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with
all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Lary says, “It
reminds me that since God is completely in control, I can trust Him
even when circumstances are beyond my comprehension. God’s plan is
always the best.”Sheryl’s ministry includes being a wife and mother, offering hospitality, doing the accounting for the program, and keeping up on correspondence. She quotes Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Sheryl says, “It is important to me because it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that I can live a life pleasing to God.”
Lary was born and grew up in Wisconsin. Through his sister’s witness, he accepted Christ at the age of 14. He received an Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering Design Technology at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Lary attended Moody Bible Institute and Moody Aviation where he received a B.S. in Missionary Aviation Technology. He holds a commercial instrument pilot’s license with multi-engine rating, flight instructor rating, and an airframe and powerplant mechanic’s license.
Sheryl was born in Detroit, Michigan. The daughter of missionaries, she spent most of her growing up years in Brussels, Belgium. She says, “My parents, by teaching Bible truths and by their example, were the greatest influence in my life.” She realized the truth of the Gospel at eight, and renewed her commitment to follow Christ when she was 14 after reading the book of Proverbs. She attended Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, where she received a B.A. in Elementary Education with a French minor.
Lary and Sheryl married in 1985. Jason (19) is a freshman at Moody Bible Institute and Stephanie (18 in Nov.) is attending Montana Wilderness School of the Bible this year.
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 in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with Lary and Sheryl through prayer or financial support.
