Alfred and Jewel Ottosson

Alfred and Jewel are delighted to step into this new adventure of following God in whatever He has in store for them. As a pilot/mechanic, Alfred will take part in helping to reach isolated people. Through the MAF plane these people can receive supplies for their spiritual and physical needs. Jewel will continue her role as a stay-at-home mom and hopes to seek out venues where her background in teaching can be utilized for God’s glory.

Alfred, originally from Sweden, moved to Nepal as a one year old with his family when his parents were called to missions there. Growing up as a missionary kid, being exposed to poverty and spiritual depravity, influenced him greatly in deciding to dedicate his life to Jesus and missions. In order to serve others better, Alfred needed to find a skill and discovered missionary aviation. The director of the Swedish Bible school he was then attending told Alfred about Moody Bible Institute and their aviation program. So Alfred crossed the Atlantic Ocean to attend Moody Aviation where he graduated in 2018 with a pilot’s and mechanic’s license, as well as a degree in Missionary Aviation Technology.

Jewel was raised in San Luis Obispo on the California central coast. At twelve, Jewel encountered God while tagging along with her brother and his friends to a worship night. Growing up in church, Jewel heard stories of missionaries and even went on annual mission trips to Mexico, but it was watching her brother pursue a life of missions that compelled her to consider missions as her own calling. While in college, Jewel earned a degree in ESL Education complemented with a Bible and Intercultural Studies Minor. This minor culminated in a two month internship with different missionaries, taking her to Europe, Palestine, Israel, and finally Asia. Jewel later returned to Asia and worked as an English teacher in Sendai, Japan, for over three years. Upon returning to the USA, Jewel relocated to Spokane, Washington, where she taught English to newly-arrived junior-high-aged immigrant and refugee students.

Jewel started hearing about Alfred through random photos from her sister, but Alfred had no idea Jewel existed until they were introduced at his best friend’s wedding. They continued to stay in contact while Jewel returned to Japan and Alfred continued his studies at Moody. That winter Alfred and his family planned to travel to Malaysia, and, with his parent’s blessing, Jewel was invited to come along. They began dating that January and were married in July of 2018. They now have two little boys, and Jewel enjoys being their full-time mama and teacher.

The Ottossons happily embrace the adventure God has for them so that He can be seen in their lives and loved by those God places around them. 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 Alfred and Jewel’s ministry.  Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.