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 to carry out its mission and care for its staff.
Craig Hamlow has the privilege of serving with Mission Aviation Fellowship in the Member Care Department. He provides care for MAF staff through emails, video conferencing, and field visits. It’s exciting to see how God has converged the last twenty-five years of his ministry involvement into this position with MAF.
Craig was born into a Christian family and lived most of his early years in the Seattle area. He has a degree in Biblical Studies, a certificate of completion in Missionary Aviation Technology, and a certificate of completion from the Soul Care Institute. He has been a church youth pastor, an itinerant pastoral care giver, a pilot and mechanic, a retreat host, a property manager, and a soul care provider. Craig has been amazed to see God draw from these experiences, bringing them together to be used as a Member Care Specialist at Mission Aviation Fellowship. As Craig has learned to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,” he has seen God provide for all his needs and so much more.
Karen also grew up in the Seattle area and has always known that she wanted to be an educator. Karen received her Master’s in Education in 1999 and began her teaching career while Craig was in flight school. She took a few years away from education to have children and be involved in ministry. The call to education never left, and she found herself in the classroom again. Currently she is finding vocational convergence as an Assistant Principal at the local high school in Colorado where they live.
Craig and Karen met because of their involvement in youth ministry. They were married in November of 1997 and now have three children, Derek, Katie, and Luke. Craig is excited to be a part of caring for the staff of MAF, using the skills and experiences that God has given him throughout his life.
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 Craig’s ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with him 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.