Dan serves as a pilot/mechanic in Ecuador. He has used his skills to transport many patients in need of medical attention. He also serves other missions with leadership training flights, transportation for nation translators, and servicing the child sponsorship program, Compassion International.

Sylvia is involved in providing hospitality to visitors and work teams. She leads the choir at their church, Esperanza Eterna. Sylvia is also a music teacher at Nate Saint Memorial School in Shell, and teaches North American and Ecuadorian piano students. She enjoys mentoring and encouraging other women through Bible study, prayer and practical service.

Dan and Sylvia chose Psalm 37:3-5 as their favorite verses while they were engaged. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” Sylvia shares that these are, “promises proven to be true in every detail and location of our life, wherever we have lived.”

Dan, the son of missionaries, was born in Africa, and had the privilege of living in Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. He recognized God’s call to missions at an early age and by the time he attended high school, he knew that he would serve as a missionary pilot. Consequently, he studied at Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, Tennessee. He also attended the University of Nebraska and worked three years as an aircraft mechanic.

Sylvia was born in Henderson, Nebraska. She was taught the word of God at home and at church. Sylvia accepted the Lord at age 10 during an afternoon Bible club. Following high school, she attended Grace College of the Bible in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating with a B.A. degree in church music. She also traveled with the school quartet, “New Creation.”

Dan and Sylvia have four children. Jonathan lives in Charlotte, NC and is a baker at Panera Breads. Second son, Andrew and wife, Mieke, (Doejaaren), also live in Charlotte. Andrew works at a Recording Studio and Mieke is a nurse in a local hospital. Heidi is a recent graduate of Houghton College, Houghton, NY, having majored in Spanish and Equestrian Studies. Lori, 16, attends Alliance Academy, Quito, Ecuador, and lives with the MAF family, Fred and Desi Schmidt.

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 Dan and Sylvia. Please prayerfully consider involvement with them through prayer and/or financial support.