Mike and Sharol Shutts have been missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship for over 20 years. They are currently working in Kampala, Uganda where Mike serves as the Director of Maintenance for the East Democratic Republic of Congo (EDRC) program. During their many years of service, Mike has worked with MAF as a Maintenance Specialist, Director of Maintenance, Chief of Maintenance and Program Manager.
Even though Mike and Sharol are part of the EDRC team, they live and work in Uganda. It is very costly and difficult to get aircraft parts and supplies into the DRC, so work is done in the MAF Uganda hangar as planes are brought over from the EDRC for maintenance. Also, working on complex aircraft, like the Cessna Caravan, requires equipment and tools that are not available in the EDRC. With bases all over the world, MAF can share resources and meet personnel ministry needs. Mike works with fellow MAFers from countries all over the world, such as England, Scotland, Sweden, Holland, France, Canada, Ethiopia, and of course Uganda. He shares, “It is great to be able to share our skills and knowledge to further the Kingdom of God in eastern Africa.”
Sharol has found a place with women’s ministry in Kampala. She is part of the leadership team for a ladies’ Bible study group that meets once a week. They have done studies in James, Judges, the Disciplines, and Women of the Bible. There is a great need for women’s retreats for those in full-time Christian service in the region. Sharol is part of a team that plans and leads semi-annual, weekend retreats for the ladies. As part of the EDRC team, she manages a small guesthouse so that families have a place to stay when they bring the airplanes for maintenance. She also does quite a bit of shopping in Uganda for items that the team cannot get in DRC.
As a couple, Mike and Sharol are involved in ministries at Kampala Baptist Church and a new Puppet Ministry, partnering with Scripture Union, helping to bring the Gospel to kids and adults in Uganda.
“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 (NRSV)
Mike and Sharol share, “In the world of MAF, we all have different ministries and skills. Some of us are on the front lines flying the missionary, injured person, or medical supplies. Some, like us, are on the field keeping the planes flying so they can meet those needs. Whatever we do it is God that we are working for and God who causes the increase. We are all fellow workers for Him.”
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 Sharol’s ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.
