Stephen and Ruth Hale

Stephen grew up in a strong Christian family. At the age of 4, his family moved to Benin to serve as missionaries. Growing up in Africa influenced nearly every aspect of his life, including his desire to serve with MAF. At the age of fifteen, while on a stateside assignment, Stephen had the opportunity to take his first flying lesson. Returning to Africa to finish high school, his eyes were opened to the work God was doing all around the continent through aviation. From that moment, Stephen felt the call to missions. After graduating from high school, Stephen enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue his pilot ratings. From there he earned his Aviation Mechanic rating at Tarrant County Community College.

Ruth was also the child of missionaries serving in West Africa. She was saved at a young age, but didn’t realize her true daily need for the Gospel and grace of God until later in life. Ruth was called to missions as a teenager. As God grew and developed her faith, He gave her a desire to minister to those in the most unreached areas of the world. Ruth attended Texas A&M University where she graduated with a degree in International Studies focusing on French and Africa.

Stephen and Ruth met in 8^th grade at boarding school and started dating their senior year of high school. After dating long distance through university, they were married in 2009. They knew that God was calling them together to serve Him overseas through mission aviation.

Stephen and Ruth joined MAF in 2014. MAF’s mission statement resonated with their desire to serve God by sharing Christ’s love with everyone they encounter by sharing the Gospel and meeting people’s physical needs. They are thrilled to be living, working, and raising their children in Africa. Stephen and Ruth hold fast to the Greatest Commandment to love God and love people, a command that inspires and motivates them when times get tough. They are committed to taking advantage of every opportunity—whether that’s flying doctors, pastors, or relief supplies; fixing airplanes; encouraging and supporting teammates and national staff; showing hospitality to visitors; or responding graciously to the challenges of living overseas—to serve and glorify God.