Tyler and Renae Schmidt

Renae is involved teaching music to students in the local MK school as well raising her family.  One of Renae’s favorite verses is Acts 20:24: “ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”  Renae shares, “I pray to have that same attitude towards life, wherever God may lead me.”

Tyler was born in Elizabethton, TN, but grew up in Africa and Ecuador since his parents are MAF missionaries.  He became a Christian at age six after talking with them about death and what happens afterward.  Tyler came to the understanding that he needed Christ so that he would not be separated from God by sin.  Watching his parents’ example, he became excited about serving as a missionary and more specifically, as a pilot like his dad. Tyler is passionate about aviation and is excited to combine that with the passion to see others reached by the love of Christ.

Tyler attended Grace University in Omaha, NE, and graduated in 2007 with a B.S. in biblical studies and mission maintenance.  He continued his education in flight training at Moody Aviation and graduated in 2009 with a B.S. in Mission Technology.  He has his Airframe and Powerplant mechanic licenses, and Private, Commercial, and Instructor licenses for flight.  Tyler taught as a ground instructor at Spokane Turbine Center for two years and as a maintenance instructor at Moody Aviation for a year to gain practical experience.  Tyler and Renae finished language school July 2016 and have been stationed in Tarakan, Indonesia, since then.  Tyler is also a MAF instructor pilot and has had the privilege to pass on skills and life lessons to new pilots joining the Tarakan program.

Renae was born in Salem, Oregon.  Though she lived there nine years, she considers Rugby, North Dakota her home and where she has the most memories.  Raised in a Christian home, Renae came to understand the Gospel at a young age.  Awana played a large part of influencing Renae’s Christian growth, and during her late elementary years, at an Awana camp, Renae rededicated her life to Christ and became involved in ministries in and outside of church. Renae also attended Grace University and earned her bachelor’s in music education and Bible, God brought Tyler and Renae together in marriage the summer of 2006, and she is confident of Tyler’s calling to the mission aviation world and her calling to support, serve, and love her family and those around her wherever she is.

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