Dan and Jodi Appleby

Dan and Jodi Appleby are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. Since 1994, the Applebys have served in three locations worldwide. First, they were in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, as an aviation mechanic family. In 2003, they relocated to Elizabethton, Tennessee, where Dan used his skills as a mechanic to help train the next generation of mission aviators in partnership with Moody Aviation. This training base was moved to Spokane, Washington, in 2005, and this is where the Applebys are currently located.

In his position as Advanced Maintenance Instructor, Dan is responsible for implementation of maintenance instruction for the advanced pilot/mechanic students at Moody Aviation. The desire is to see each student graduate with the maintenance skills needed that will allow them to operate safely and proficiently, as well as the spiritual tools needed to serve effectively. The primary focus of the program is to equip men and women to become full-time missionaries first and aviators second.

Dan shares, “It is very encouraging to know that those I am training will someday be on the mission field taking God’s Word to the world.”

For the past 13 years, Jodi has worked for Moody Aviation in the office. She currently serves as an administrative assistant, assisting both staff and students in a variety of ways including maintaining FAA records, conducting weekly student record audits, serving as Internship Coordinator, and providing assistance to the Ministry Partnership Development Program. One of the highlights of her ministry is helping lead a weekly small group Bible study with the female students in the aviation program. Jodi shares, “Coming alongside these students, praying for them, being a shoulder to lean on and a source of encouragement to them is what I love most.”

Dan was raised in Iowa, and accepted the Lord at age 9. While in high school he went on a mission trip to Mexico, where God showed him the need and that he could help fill it. Following high school, Dan attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, and graduating with a BS degree in Missionary Aviation Technology. He holds a private pilot’s license, an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, and an Inspection Authorization. Jodi was also raised in Iowa, and she became a Christian at age 5, following in the footsteps of her parents’ decision to receive Christ as their Savior. She attended Faith Bible College in Ankeny, IA, where she earned a One-Year Bible Certificate. Dan and Jodi met in a singles group at church and were married in 1989.

The Applebys have three children. Their oldest, Kara, is married to Will, and they have three children, Sawyer, Haddon and Asa Rhae. Their middle daughter, Kailee, is married to Brian, and they have a three-year-old son Jonah. Caleb is married to Shauna.

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 Applebys’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.