Mauricio and Rosalia Sanchez

Mauricio and Rosalia Sanchez have been missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship since 2000 when they joined the MAF aviation program in Venezuela.

Mauricio was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. He came to know the Lord at the age of eighteen. He was invited to a Christian youth camp by his brother and sister, and while the preacher was teaching the Bible, God touched his heart. Mauricio invited Him to be his Savior and Lord. At the age of twenty-one, he moved to Caracas, Venezuela. Mauricio completed his Commercial Pilot studies at Aeropotoco Aeronautical Academy in Charallave, Venezuela, earning both his Private/Instrument Pilot’s license for Venezuela as well as his F.A.A. Commercial license. He also earned a master’s degree in Business Administration. Mauricio completed his Bible training with Campus Crusade for Christ and served as National Director of the JESUS Film Project in Venezuela. This was when he first became aware of missions. He spent three years as the founder and pastor of an Evangelical Free Church in Caracas and seven years serving with MAF in the Venezuelan jungle.

Joshua 1:9 is a special verse for Mauricio. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Mauricio takes great comfort in knowing that God has promised to always be with him.

Rosalia was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She came to know Christ while she was studying at Pedagogic University in Caracas. “One classmate invited me to watch the JESUS film. I made a decision for Christ that day.” Rosalia also became aware of missions also while helping with the JESUS Film Project. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education at Pedagogic University and also finished a master’s degree in Education Technology at UNED University.

Philippians 4:13 reminds Rosalia that she depends on Him and not on herself in every situation. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Mauricio and Rosalia met at a Christian youth camp in Caracas. In 2007, they, along with their three children, relocated to San Jose, Costa Rica to develop the MAF Learning Technologies ministry, which is directed at reaching the Spanish and Portuguese world. Mauricio was the manager of the ministry for 10 years, while Rosalia oversaw the Education Services department.

In 2017 Mauricio and Rosalia moved to Florida to continue their ministry with a more global scope. After helping develop the Latino missions movement, the Lord has led them to serve Him with MAF in another role. Mauricio has accepted God’s call to serve as the MAF Latin America Regional Director. Rosalia will continue serving the Lord in different capacities including her sweet ministry as wife, mother, and now grandmother to their beautiful granddaughter. Rosalia enjoys mentoring younger women and using her educational skills. She is also a committed member of a prayer movement.

MAF uses aviation to share God’s love with those in isolated places around the world. MAF is committed to bring help, hope, and healing in the name of Jesus. 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 Sanchezs’ ministry.  Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.