Jacob and Tara O'Brien

Jacob and Tara O’Brien serve as missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship in the Democratic Republic of Congo with their two daughters, Emma and Susan. Jacob is a pilot and aircraft mechanic and is thrilled to use aviation as a tool to share the love of Christ with isolated people across DRC.

Jacob was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, in a Christian family. He came to know Jesus at a very young age and has grown in his faith ever since. He learned about MAF on a field trip to headquarters in seventh grade. From that point on, he wanted to be a missionary pilot with MAF. Jacob attended Moody Bible Institute in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from their aviation program in 2019.

Tara grew up in Seal Beach, California. She came to know the Lord through Christian friends who had significant influence in her life. In the summer before 6th grade, she attended a week-long Bible camp. During this camp, she heard the testimony of John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace.” For the first time she decided that she wanted a relationship with God like John Newton and surrendered her life to Jesus. Three months later Tara’s father passed away of pancreatic cancer. In her deep grief, Tara felt the incredible power of the love of God and has never been the same since. Tara developed a passion for missions during several short term trips in high school. Tara attended Moody Bible Institute in Spokane, Washington, and graduated with a BA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

Jacob and Tara met at Moody Bible institute. Both had already planned on serving overseas as missionaries and were married in 2016. The O’Brien family joined MAF in 2020 and counts it a wonderful privilege to serve with them in the DRC.

^“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

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 O’Briens’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.