Mike and Joan Ross are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. The Rosses are currently based in Ohio working in Latin America. Serving as Technical Advisor Mike will be promoting aviation safety, flying as an instructor pilot, and helping Christian nationals become qualified MAF pilot/mechanics. Mike says a highlight of his ministry is “enabling the national church to evangelize unreached people groups.” Proverbs 3:5-6 is a favorite verse and Mike shares, “This is a God thing, and I can trust Him to direct my paths.”
Matthew 11:28-30 are verses that Joan clings to through the ups and downs of life. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (ESV). She shares, “Our Father regularly reminds me that He wants to help me bear my burdens and true rest comes from Him.” Joan’s ministries have included lots of MAF hospitality and encouraging women in their church.
Mike was born and raised in Ohio. When he was five years of age, he accepted Christ as his Savior. He comments, “I grew up in a church where there was a lot of emphasis on missions. When I was twelve, my grandfather’s friend asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I told him that I either wanted to be a missionary or a pilot. He told me I could be both and gave me a brochure about MAF. He was one of the first people to help support us as missionaries.”
Mike attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and Moody Aviation in Tennessee. He has a B.S. in Missionary Aviation Technology and is a commercial/instrument pilot with a CFI-I rating. He also holds an airframe and powerplant mechanics license. Mike worked for a Cessna dealer for two years before leaving for language school.
Joan was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in both Michigan and Ohio. She also accepted the Lord at age five. Joan learned about missions from her father, who was involved in missions through their church. She attended Moody Bible Institute, Stautzenberger Business College in Toledo, and the University of Mobile in San Marcos, Nicaragua, to study accounting. Mike and Joan met while in school at Moody and married in September 1975.
The Rosses have three grown children who are an important part of their ministry — Stephen; Ben and his wife, Andy; and Aaron and his wife, Sharon; and seven grandchildren.
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 Mike and Joan’s ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.
