Cory and Annaleis Woodsum

Cory and Annaleis Woodsum are humbled to serve in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  along with their children, Kailey and Ezra. Cory is fulfilling his lifelong passion for ministry and aviation in his service as a pilot specialist. Annaleis is enjoying serving with Cory and the mission of MAF as well as home educating Kailey.

Cory was raised in Riverside, California. In early junior high school, his youth pastor led him to Christ and helped spark his passion for ministry when he told Cory, “Age is not a requirement to work with God and further his kingdom.” Around the same time, Cory also discovered aviation through going to air shows with his grandfather. By high school, MAF was on his radar, as the headquarters was near his hometown. The prospect of combining ministry and aviation fueled Cory’s desire to serve God with MAF. He went on several short-term mission trips, studied missionary aviation at Moody Bible Institute, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aviation from San Diego Christian College in 2008. Throughout all the challenges of the seemingly windy, narrow road, Cory hung onto Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.”

Annaleis was born in Big Bear Lake, California, and came to understand the gospel at a very early age. She has always been passionate about evangelism and showing great compassion towards the lost and the hurting. She and her family were very active in church ministries, which often included short-term mission trips. In high school, Annaleis faced her first crisis of faith when her soccer coach gave her the ultimatum that involvement with the school’s Christian club would mean she could not play on the soccer team. In that moment, she knew that she had to “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Annaleis chose to “fear the Lord, and serve him with all faithfulness” (Joshua 24:14). She attended Biola University and graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, and a minor in biblical studies. In 2007, Jill Briscoe challenged her that the “mission field is between your two feet, wherever you are.” That very weekend, Annaleis went to Joshua Tree National Park to serve as a rock climbing instructor with an outdoor adventure ministry. It was here that she struck up a friendship with another instructor, Cory.

Cory and Annaleis married in 2013 after several years of friendship. They moved to Hawaii six months later, where Cory gained experience at a commuter airline by maintaining and flying Cessna Caravans. Together, Cory and Annaleis are continuing the legacy of faith set before them by their godly parents. They are honored to bring the blessing of the Gospel of Christ to the nations through MAF.

David Livingstone once said: “If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by the Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?” 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 Woodsums’ ministry. Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner with them through prayer and/or financial support.