Paul and Barb Dukes

Paul and Barbara Dukes are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship, serving in Nampa, Idaho at MAF’s headquarters. Since relocating stateside after 18 years in Indonesia, they have enjoyed being involved with MAF’s work all over the globe.

As a Maintenance Specialist, Paul serves as a support to the field for all our aircraft. When there are questions or issues with one of the planes overseas, the mechanics contact Paul, who is often able to quickly help them from his extensive knowledge of the aircraft MAF uses. When in doubt, he contacts the manufacturer and gets answers. This is his favorite part of the job. After years of being the guy overseas asking the questions, he knows how it feels to get good, quick advice.

There are many other aspects to Paul’s job such as inspections of aircraft that MAF is interested in purchasing. Then comes the job of either preparing the airplane for a long flight to the field location or taking it apart to send it in a container. Either way, he can appreciate what it feels like on the other side when that plane is received. He is part of the team implementing new software to track maintenance on our aircraft all over the world. As MAF has shifted to more turbine aircraft, this software has become an important tool.

Barb’s role at MAF is titled “Manager of HR Logistics.” She enjoys managing several small departments in MAF: Travel, Visas, Apartments, Childcare, Front Desk, and Volunteers. She still gets to assist all of our MAF families as they plan their time in Nampa during their every-four-years furlough. She claims she has the best job in MAF and delights in serving the overseas staff with their needs.

Paul’s favorite verse is Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” He shares that this is what he strives to do.

Barb shares that her favorite verse changes depending on what is going on in her life, but Psalm 131:1,2 are verses that have always been a constant for her. “My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty. I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

The Dukes have three grown children–Ailie and her husband Luke and their sons Kohen and Elijah; Jonathan and his wife Annika and their daughter Teija; and Anthony and his wife Cristi and their sons Finn and Beren (“Bear”).

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