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.
After eight years as a pilot/mechanic family in Papua, Indonesia, Kent and Nancy Contrucci returned to MAF headquarters in the United States. Kent was an Instructor Pilot involved in evaluating and training new pilots for overseas service. In addition, he traveled to overseas programs, providing on-site re-standardization flight training. Kent shares, “It was a privilege to work one-on-one with new MAF pilots; training safe and competent pilots who are now flying in MAF programs worldwide.”
Currently, Kent serves as a Safety Specialist in the MAF Aviation Safety Department, implementing Inside-Out Safety Program (IOSP). The purpose of IOSP is to decrease threats to internal risks and increase operational safety and ministry effectiveness. Kent has traveled to each MAF-US program worldwide presenting IOSP seminars to MAF pilots, mechanics, spouses, and national employees. He presents the IOSP Seminar at MAF Headquarters to staff and to all incoming MAF missionaries.
Nancy is a graduate faculty member at Azusa Pacific University, School of Education, Special Education Department. She praises God for His provision enabling her to teach and mentor graduate students who have made career changes to become Special Education teachers. Her passion is assisting in the development of their God-given strengths and talents. Nancy brings this passion to MAF overseas programs, by facilitating with Kent, “Unity through Diversity” workshops. Kent and Nancy have a heart for providing overseas staff with tools to build positive team dynamics among team members.
Kent and Nancy are from Wisconsin/Illinois; they both became Christ-followers in the 1980s. Kent received a BS in Forestry from UW-Madison and a MA in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. He holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating, single engine seaplane rating, and is a certified flight instructor. His life verse is Romans 10:14-15, “How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” Kent says, “This verse makes it clear that those living in spiritual darkness cannot believe in Jesus Christ if they have not heard the message. I want to be involved in bringing the Gospel message to those who have not had the opportunity yet to hear; that they, too, would have a chance to believe in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
Nancy earned her PhD in Behavioral Disabilities/Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her favorite memory verse is Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Nancy states, “This verse is a reminder to me of the unlimited ways of Jesus Christ and of His indwelling power.”
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 Contruccis’ ministry with MAF. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with Kent and Nancy through prayer and/or financial support.
The U.S. offices of MAF serve as a hub for MAF services worldwide. A day in the life here includes specialized flight training, staff mobilization and counseling, purchasing and shipping of aircraft parts, finance and accounting, administration of an Internet gateway for worldwide email, fund raising, printing and mailing of various materials, and many, many more activities. Some staff serve around the country; training future pilots and mobilizing potential candidates to serve with MAF.