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.
Joey and Kathleen Martin began their service with Mission Aviation Fellowship in 2007. They served 8 years with MAF in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 3 years in the Kingdom of Lesotho. They now live in Nampa, Idaho where Joey serves as the International Director of Quality at MAF Headquarters.
MAF’s vision is to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ. Whether serving as a pilot and mechanic in Africa, or leading MAF’s Quality Department at headquarters, Joey continues to find great joy in serving alongside others to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3:17
Kathleen stays busy with managing their home and raising Dorothy, Hannah, Levi, Eleanor, Tobias, and Jedidiah. Homeschooling, hosting people regularly, and caring for her family bring her a great deal of joy. Her favorite verse is Psalm 139:9-10, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” She shares, “These verses are important to me for many reasons; one, because they speak of God’s continual care and protection, no matter where we are.”
Joey was raised in a Christian home in Selma, Alabama. At the age of six, during Vacation Bible School, he accepted the Lord as his Savior. He had always known about missions and had an interest in aviation. However, it was not until his junior year in high school that he began to think seriously about being a missionary pilot. After graduating from high school, he attended Moody Bible Institute where he received a B.S. in Missionary Aviation Technology. He also has an MA in Christian Leadership and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Corban University. He holds commercial and instructor pilot licenses with instrument ratings and an Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
Kathleen was born in San Diego, California. Since her father was in the Navy, she spent her elementary school years on the East Coast before settling in Washington State. Her parents’ active involvement in church and their personal walk with the Lord brought her to commit her life to Jesus Christ at an early age. From that point on she hoped one day to become a missionary. This desire was strengthened through four months spent in France during high school, and a two-month college internship in a children’s home in Kenya. She graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in International Ministries.
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 Martins’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner with them 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.