Bruce and Wendy DeVries

Bruce and Wendy DeVries are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship and have served in Venezuela and Mexico as a pilot/mechanic family.  Most recently they have served on-loan to Moody Aviation as an advanced instructor pilot family, filling a crucial role in preparing the next generation of missionary aviators for service with MAF and other mission organizations.

Bruce shares that he loves being used by the Lord in ministry with the airplane. Some days it was just praying before starting the engine, noticed by many as the “capitán who prays.” Other days it was saving a life in the midst of a medical crisis, which occurs on average every 2-3 days. Still other times, it was having the opportunity to speak of God’s love and salvation through Christ to people in remote mountain villages. Bruce has been able to use his instructional experience to help train the next pilot in the México program, a local young man who grew up around the MAF hangar, and sees the time teaching at Moody Aviation as another step in God’s amazing plan for the DeVries family in ministry.

Romans 12:1 is a special verse to Bruce. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual worship.” He shares, “The awesome reality of true worship is found in living an active, sacrificial life of service to the Lord and love to our neighbor, even to the most remote ends of the earth.”

Wendy has kept busy homeschooling their children, as well as being involved in their extra-curricular activities. She also helped as the hospitality coordinator for several vision trip and internship visitors sent to México from MAF’s Mobilization department and various flight schools.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is special to Wendy. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” She shares, “We continue to see God lead us in amazing ways and know that His ways are far above and better than our ways; our “best” is to trust and rely on Him.”

Bruce was born in Illinois and moved to Massachusetts at age six. One evening when he was seven, after family devotions, he accepted the Lord as his Savior. He attended Moody Bible Institute and earned a B.S. in Mission Aviation Technology at Moody Aviation. He holds an FAA commercial single-engine pilot license with instrument rating, ground and flight instructor rating, and also an airframe and powerplant mechanic’s license.

Wendy grew up in Massachusetts. When she was a high school freshman, a friend took her to a Billy Graham Crusade where she accepted Christ as her Savior. She attended Moody Bible Institute, majoring in Christian Education, is a successful homeschool teacher, and has several years of experience as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. Bruce and Wendy met when they attended the same church during high school. They were married in 1988.

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