John and Joanne Loker

John and Joanne Loker are eager to serve and reflect Christ as missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. As a pilot/mechanic, John will participate in providing needed goods and services to isolated people groups through pastoral transport, medical evacuations, and other flights. He will also enjoy keeping the vital MAF planes in excellent condition as a mechanic. Joanne is eager to support and nurture the family at home through homeschooling their sons, as well as follow God’s lead in education or other ministry.

John grew up in a Christian family in rural Virginia. Very early on, he developed a love for all things mechanical which grew through the years. He accepted Christ at a young age but lacked spiritual growth until, through God’s providence, John was assigned to Guam with the Air Force. It was there that he learned from mentors and peers at a local church what it meant to have active daily faith. Through the years, John continued to become more involved in personal relationship building and practical ministry, eventually focusing on aviation as a way to utilize the abilities God had given him. By 2020 John had completed his commercial pilot and A&P mechanic training and begun working as a mechanic and flight instructor in Boise, ID.

Joanne grew up in a Christian family in Wisconsin. At a young age, she came to know the great gift of salvation in Christ. Throughout her childhood, her parents were a consistent example of support and interaction with missionaries. God used them to open her mind and heart toward overseas missions. She attended Bob Jones University, earning a Bachelor in Counseling and a Master in English Education. During her time in college, she served in several ministries and on short-term mission trips. Joanne began her overseas ministry in Guam, teaching English at a Christian high school. During these years she enjoyed many opportunities for cross-cultural ministry. Her path led her back to the U.S. to begin a family and be a stay-at-home mom to Ethan and Everett, and she is still eager to see what God has in store for future opportunities to share Christ’s love.

God brought John and Joanne together through their church while they were both in Guam. Although John wasn’t on the path to missions at the time, Joanne felt confident that God would draw him if that was indeed His will for her future. They were married in 2009. They continued to serve in various ways in Guam, including many service mission trips to Yap, Micronesia, during which God began to show John that his mechanic skills could be a vital tool for God’s work in isolated locations.

As they considered what further plans God may have for them, the passage in Mark 12:30-31 shaped John and Joanne’s hearts. No matter the location, the Lokers desire to love God and those around them. This is demonstrated both in their hearts’ attitude and practical service to all people. 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 Lokers’ ministry.  Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.