MAF missionaries raise support for a pooled fund out of which MAF covers salary, housing, benefits, and staff-related ministry expenses. MAF exercises discretion over the use of missionary support in the exercise of its mission and care of its staff.
Todd and Connie Lou have been serving together with MAF-International since August 2017 in Papua New Guinea, where Todd is the Country Director. Missions has been their passion and the focus of their hearts since their childhoods in Oregon. Lifelong friends, they married in 1988 and a year later participated in a Work and Witness short-term missions trip to Dwarsloop, South Africa, where their call to missions was solidified.
The couple’s first career assignment began in 1991 with Pacific Missionary Aviation; they served as a pilot/wife mission team in Micronesia. In 1995, Todd and Connie returned to the U.S., and Todd assumed the position of chief pilot in charge of flight operations for a regional airline. During this time he completed certificates as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician and Airline Transport Pilot.
In 1999, the Church of the Nazarene appointed Todd and Connie as denominational missionaries assigned to the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). They first established the Nazarene Mission Aviation base of operations. Then, as a pilot traveling throughout the 17 countries of West Africa, Todd filmed and captured the story for the Nazarene Communications Network while Connie operated the aviation radio base and a mission guest house. Together they worked to further develop the Dr. Ron C. Farris Centre d’Evangélisation clinic in Abidjan.
After the closure of Nazarene Mission Aviation, the Aebischers returned to the States. Todd pursued graduate medical education from the University of Washington School of Medicine, and Connie worked for the local county development services department.
In 2013, Todd and Connie joined the Nazarene denomination’s Asia-Pacific missions team, serving as Regional Communications Coordinators based in Manila, Philippines. Connie worked as the regional coordinator for Nazarene Missions International and the editor for the region’s weekly email magazine, Around the Region News. Upon finishing their assignment with Nazarene Missions, the Aebischers joined the MAF-International Team in Papua New Guinea.
Todd and Connie have four children: David and Dwayne, who live and work in the Nampa, Idaho, area; Jessica, who lives in Idaho with their granddaughter, Noortje; and Courtney, a teacher whose husband, Landen Kelly, is a visual journalist.
God calls the men and women of MAF to serve Him in unique ways. He may also be calling you to a special role in the Aebischers’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.
Population: 7.1 million
Capital: Port Moresby
Official Languages: Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin, Papua New Guinean
Currency: Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)