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.
Garth and Jody Pederson have been serving as missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship since 1995. They worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo for 21 years where Garth served as a Pilot/Mechanic, also taking leadership roles as Program Manager, Aviation Accountable Manager, and Instructor Pilot. Jody was involved in various ways over the years through hospitality, flight-following, hosting a women’s Bible study, and teaching Sunday School. She also taught homeschool for several years and then taught music in the international school where their three children studied. Garth’s current position as North Central Mobilizer puts him in touch with many who are in the process of responding to God’s call on their lives to become mission aviators, teachers, computer specialists, or fulfill other needs within MAF. He also continues on call to respond as a pilot/mechanic for disaster relief around the world.
For Garth, Micah 6:8 is a favorite verse. He shares, “This verse is so appropriate to what we do around the world – demonstrating mercy to many suffering people in remote locations. We enable missionaries and national pastors to bring the Gospel message to isolated people.” Garth says, “In my new role as Mobilizer, it is a joy to talk with those God is speaking to about joining MAF and encourage them along that path.”
Jody’s varied experience on the mission field provides information that is also very helpful to those women whose husbands are looking at a career with MAF. Together they have opportunities to share their experience and answer the many questions new couples have as they continue to pray and seek God’s clear direction for their lives. Jody also continues in teaching by directing band and orchestra part-time in a local Classical Christian school.
2 Timothy 1:7 is a favorite verse for Jody. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” She shares, “God empowers us with His Spirit to do all He asks – stand for Him, love Him and others, and conduct ourselves in a God honoring way.”
Garth grew up in a Christian home in Rochester, Minnesota. His mother had the joy of leading him to the Lord at age five, after a Sunday evening service. After high school, Garth earned a B.A. degree in Business from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota and an M.B.A from Liberty University. He holds an A&P mechanic’s license, Inspection Authorization, and a commercial pilot’s license with instrument rating and over 8,000 hours of field flight time.
Jody was born and raised in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. At age nine, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior after reading and memorizing verses in AWANA Club. Attending Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota, Jody majored in Music Education and Bible and holds a B.S. degree from Liberty University.
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 Pederson’s’ 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.