Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,’” speaks to Phil’s heart in ministry. He shares, “We are in a place that is virtually unknown by the rest of the world and uncared for by the rest of the country. We want to show people Christ’s love through what we do. When I carry patients I often think that if MAF wasn’t here these people wouldn’t be getting any help from anyone else.”

Kris homeschools all of the children, and helps with flight following. Both she and Phil are working with a new, city-wide youth group that they helped organize with some of their national MAF workers. She says, “Youth from 20 different local churches have been involved in our monthly meetings, sports, English classes, Bible studies, and seminars.” In addition to the youth activities, the Nelsons also introduced a marriage Bible study at their church. Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” is the verse that keeps Kris persevering.

Kris also shares, “It is great to see the growth in our kids this term as I taught them. They are growing in wisdom and faith as well as in academics. The children enjoy their Indonesian friends and play in the yard with them almost daily. They are learning a lot about being with people of another culture – both the Indonesian culture, and also the non-believing culture that is common worldwide. The boys tutored a friend in English, and Daniel runs the visual equipment for the youth group meetings. He is also involved in the Bible study and sports programs.”

Phil was born and raised in Michigan. He accepted the Lord as a high school senior during a Young Life retreat. Following high school, he attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, graduating with a B.S. in Aviation Technology. He also earned a Commercial Pilot’s License with Instrument Rating, and an A&P mechanic’s license.

Kris was born in Wisconsin and came to the Lord in high school. Her spiritual growth came through involvement with the Navigators in college. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education. Phil and Kris met on a short-term mission trip to Hungary in 1988, and were married in 1990.

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

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