Currently, Fred is assistant to the Program Manager for the Ecuador program after having been Chief Pilot for Latin America for five years. He still provides some of the proficiency flight reviews that are required of every MAF pilot every six months. Fred says, “Although I don’t fly as much as I used to, I still spend about a week every month and a half in Shell in order to help out with the flying into the jungle communities, transporting missionaries, health care teams, and medical emergencies. Fred will take on another role of mentoring and orienting new Ecuadorian pilots who wish to join the national Alas de Socorro mission team. John 1:12 is a meaningful verse for Fred: “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Fred comments, “I’ve been impressed over and over again that we have such a special message of hope in Jesus Christ. What a joy to share something so life-changing and eternal.”

Fred, the son of missionaries, was born in Minnesota and grew up in Ecuador. He accepted Christ as his Savior when he was 10, after hearing a radio message by Billy Graham. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bible and Missions from Grace College of the Bible in Omaha, Nebraska. At Moody Aviation he received an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics license, commercial-instrument pilots license and a flight instructors rating.

Desiree grew up on a cattle ranch in North Dakota. She became a Christian at age nine while attending a Bible camp. She says, “We had missionaries in our home and I often felt very drawn to their lives and stories. At age 12, I dedicated my life to missions.” She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Grace College of the Bible and an Associate degree in Nursing (R.N.) from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing. Fred and Desiree met in college, and married in 1981.

The Schmidts open their home to coworker’s teenagers so that they can attend Alliance Academy in Quito. Others also benefit from their extended hospitality when in Quito. Her involvement in their church’s ladies ministry leadership team encourages the women to grow in their faith and care of one another. Desiree shares that her favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5,6 and their motto for MAF is to “maintain attitude flexibility.”

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