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.
James and Rebekah Snyder are looking forward to serving the Lord overseas as missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. James will be serving as a maintenance specialist, utilizing the gifts the Lord has given him to share the love of Christ with people living in isolation. Rebekah hopes to get plugged in serving with a non-profit, school, or orphanage overseas, while mothering their two children, Coleman and the baby they’re expecting in September.
James was born in Texas, but grew up as a missionary kid in several countries, including Haiti for 9 years. Raised in this context, he witnessed his family living out the Great Commission, and he was passionate about serving in ministry overseas and living cross-culturally. When James was around 6 years old, he accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, but his faith became his own around his senior year of high school and into college. He chose to study aviation at Liberty University for the purpose of serving with practical skills in overseas missions. James was familiar with MAF through living in Haiti, as well as through his college aviation program. After graduation in 2013, James earned his A&P, started working as a flight instructor at Liberty University, and married Rebekah.
Rebekah was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area. As a child, she witnessed her parents demonstrating the love of God in such a real way to others as they served in full time ministry to those struggling with addictions. Rebekah accepted Christ at age 5 and participated in annual mission trips as a teenager and young adult. The impact of these experiences led Rebekah to strongly believe that the Lord was leading her into missions, but she did not know His plan or His timing. In 2012 Rebekah graduated with a degree in Spanish and then went on to earn a Masters in Professional Counseling in 2014. Through years of working in counseling, in ministry, and as a mom, Rebekah believes that the Lord has guided her steps to where she is today to prepare her to serve on the mission field with MAF alongside James. James and Rebekah met in 2009 during their freshman year at Liberty University and were married in 2015.
After marrying, James and Rebekah moved to Richmond, VA, where James worked as an A&P and went on to specialize in avionics. Over the years, James and Rebekah talked about their passion for missions, but this past year they felt the Lord calling them to step out in faith and follow Him by pursuing MAF. They believe that the timing is right for their family and that the Lord has put together so many pieces in their lives to lead them to this point of joining MAF and serving as missionaries. The Snyders have been looking forward to serving together overseas in missions since they began dating. They are so excited to join with MAF as they commit themselves to love God and love people fully wherever the Lord plants 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 the Snyders’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.