Michael was born into a Christian home in Fall Branch, TN. As a teen, he put his trust in Christ as his Savior and committed his life to serving God. The summer before his senior year in high school, he heard about mission aviation and knew this was God’s call for his life. He attended Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, TN, and graduated with his B.S. in Missionary Aviation Technology. He earned his Commercial Single Engine and Multi Engine Pilot’s Licenses as well as his Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic’s License. He also earned his Flight Instructor, Multi-engine Instructor, and Instrument Instructor Certificates. “I have had opportunities to serve on short-term mission trips to New Mexico, as well as to Kenya and the Philippines. My experiences have reaffirmed for me that God has called me to missionary service.”

Originally from Baltimore, MD, Karen’s family was introduced to Christ when they moved to Elizabethton, TN, in 1981. Karen grew up in a Christian home and knew that God wanted to have a personal relationship with her, but she didn’t surrender to His calling until the summer after her freshman year of college. Her parents and youth leaders were a major influence in her spiritual life and pointed her toward a genuine relationship with God. Karen graduated from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY, with a B.S. in Psychology. She shares that growing up in Elizabethton, where Moody Aviation was located, exposed her to many stories from missionaries around the world. “God used this exposure to shape a passion in my heart for the lost people of other cultures.” Over the years Karen has been blessed to serve God among the underprivileged in Appalachia, to work with the Navajo and Cherokee, as well as serving in south central Asia.

Karen shares that she is thankful to God for His guidance in their lives. “God is weaving a beautiful tapestry through the lives of His children, and we are blessed to be a part of His work of art.” They look forward to the amazing plan God has for them as they serve alongside other missionaries and build relationships with Haitian nationals. Michael is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve with MAF, using his flight and maintenance skills. “It’s an honor and privilege to reach out to others with the Gospel, doing something I truly love – flying.”

Michael and Karen met at a youth rally where they were ministering as volunteer youth leaders for their churches. They were married in December of 2001. The greatest addition to their family came with the birth of their daughter, Kaydence Elizabeth, on March 1, 2005.

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