Lary and Sheryl Strietzel

Along with flying, Lary has also been the interim program manager, chief pilot, flight scheduler, maintenance engineer, and even house repairman. Lary finds Proverbs 3:5-6 especially meaningful, reminding him that God is completely in control, and he can trust Him even when circumstances are beyond his comprehension.

Recent ministry highlights for the Strietzels include the following: flying Congolese missionaries to remote areas, providing them with 2 motorcycles to be able to continue even further over land, and overseeing the construction of a new airstrip in the village of Itendey.

Sheryl’s ministry includes supporting Lary, offering hospitality for MAF guests, as well as praying for and sharing the Gospel with hospital patients. In addition, she loves to mentor young people and encourage other missionary wives. Psalms 139:1-3 is especially meaningful to her. “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”

Lary grew up in Wisconsin and accepted Christ at the age of 14. From Moody Bible Institute and Moody Aviation, he received a B.S. in Missionary Aviation Technology.

Sheryl was born in Detroit, Michigan. The daughter of missionaries, she spent most of her growing up years in Brussels, Belgium. She says, “My parents, by teaching Bible truths and by their example, were the greatest influence in my life.” She realized the truth of the Gospel at eight and renewed her commitment to follow Christ as a teenager. She attended Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, where she received a B.A. in elementary education with a French minor. Lary and Sheryl married in 1985.

The Strietzels have two adult children and five grandchildren. Their son, Jason, and his wife, Rachel (Shedd), with Judah, Violet, and Adela, live in the Chicago area. Their daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Eric Teune, with Alyssa and Erika, live in Winona Lake, Indiana.

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 Strietzels’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a Ministry Partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.