As an Instructor Pilot, Maintenance Instructor, and Base Manager for Palangkaraya, Darrell has had the joy of checking out new MAF pilot/mechanics in flying and maintaining the floatplane.  In addition, this past term he began supervising the building project of the new maintenance facility and offices at the base.

Valerie shares that God is graciously drawing her closer to Him through the many challenges of life and living overseas. Much of her time is spent homeschooling, providing hospitality, and helping those in need. She has particularly enjoyed being a member of a team which is developing Indonesian Sunday School curriculum for interior villages.

Darrell reflects on these past years in Indonesia, "God has used these long, hard, hot, stressful years to help us see our need for total dependence on Him.  He takes my hard, rigid heart and daily softens and molds it into His image...what an ongoing journey! God is good."

Darrell and Valerie were born and raised in Illinois. Darrell was challenged to accept Jesus during a summer Vacation Bible School and gave his life to the Lord. Growing up in a Christian home they often read missionary stories during family devotions, including Jungle Pilot, the story of MAF pilot, Nate Saint.

Darrell graduated from Moody Aviation in 1996 with a B.S. in Missionary Aviation Technology. He has a commercial pilot's license with instructor and instrument ratings. He is also an A&P mechanic, MAF Maintenance Instructor and Instructor Pilot.

Valerie had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home with parents who loved God and served Him actively. Her mother led her to the Lord at age 5. The importance of missions was stressed at her church and by her parents and they often had missionaries stay in their home. Valerie felt the Lord calling her to full-time service after the first year of college. She transferred to Moody Bible Institute in order to receive a good, Biblical foundation and graduated with a B.A. in Communications. Darrell and Valerie met at Moody and were married in 1991.

Despite their love of the Indonesian people, change is in the air for the Ash family.  God has orchestrated events to enable Darrell to fulfill one of his heart's desires - to train pilots preparing for mission aviation!  LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, has very recently begun offering an aviation program more focused on mission flying.  With 31 students enrolled, they are looking for flight instructors with overseas mission experience. MAF has also been looking for someone to fill this mission training role and is pleased to loan Darrell and Valerie to LeTourneau at this time.  Darrell shares, "We are humbled by God's provision!  I am very excited about this opportunity to train and help send many new missionary pilots to needy places around the world, and hopefully many of them will choose to serve with MAF."

A favorite Scripture for the Ash family in this time of transition to their on-loan ministry with MAF is II Corinthians 5:20-21 (NLT), "We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you.  We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, ‘Be reconciled to God!'  For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

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