“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the Lord!”

Psalm 117:1-2 (ESV) 

Philip has been called to serve with MAF as an aircraft maintenance engineer in Mareeba, Northern Queensland. Mareeba is the heavy-maintenance base that services both national and international MAF aircraft. This vital work enables MAF to continue flying critical physical and spiritual support to remote communities around the world.

He was raised in a Christian family deeply committed to supporting mission organisations, which helped shape his own passion for the Gospel. He grew up in Sydney, Australia and began his journey in aircraft maintenance in 2020, completing his Structural AME qualification in 2024.

Philip would love prayer that God will use him for His good works among the nations, wherever he may serve. In the coming years, he also asks for prayer as he continues his theology degree and works toward obtaining his license in mechanical aircraft maintenance engineering.

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…”

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Tali Grace and her husband, Salai Elijah, share a deep passion for serving God and reaching people in remote places with His love. Their family is anchored by the verse, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33 NIV), which guides their faith and purpose. Tali grew up with a love for adventure and a strong desire to help others. From an early age, she sensed that her life was meant for a greater purpose.

What began as a fascination with flying soon became a clear calling. God placed in her heart a vision to combine her passion for aviation with her faith, leading her to pursue full-time mission aviation training with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Her goal is to serve isolated communities with both practical help and the hope of the Gospel.

Standing with her is her husband, Salai Elijah, whose steady faith, encouragement and servant heart strengthen their shared mission. Together, they are raising their children – Noble and Zakai – to love God, serve others and embrace the adventure of faith. As a family, they are committed to seeking God’s Kingdom first and following wherever He leads.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Karlos and Caitlin feel called by God to serve in Bougainville in a way that brings together their unique journeys, passions and God’s perfect timing. Bougainville is one of the world’s most isolated regions and they are joining MAF to help meet critical needs there.

Karlos will serve as MAF Technologies Manager, leading and equipping local teams to deliver life-saving communication and technology solutions to communities often cut off from the rest of the world.

Caitlin will be involved with marine conservation and sustainable development, supporting this emerging nation as it protects its ocean environments and builds sustainable opportunities for its people.

They believe God has been preparing them for this work – shaping their skills, opening doors and placing these passions on their hearts. Their desire is simply to say yes to His call and faithfully walk the path He has set before them.

Your partnership – through prayer, financial support or encouragement makes their ministry possible. Together, we can see lives transformed, communities empowered and God’s creation protected in one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Peter and Fleur met at university when Peter was studying for a Graduate Diploma in Education, while Fleur was undertaking an Associate Diploma in Welfare Studies. Once qualified, Peter taught high school maths and science, then had a change of career, working as a paramedic until he retired after 29 years. He is also a volunteer firefighter.

Fleur has studied and worked in various fields of social work, chaplaincy and counselling, and as a Family Support Worker. She has also provided Christian education in public primary schools as a volunteer.

The couple raised four children together in North West Victoria, the three eldest are now young adults. Their youngest, Mikayla, will be accompanying them to PNG.

Peter and Fleur are members of Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia, with Peter participating in a number of short-term medical trips to Kenya. They are now partnering with MAF to fill the position of Residential Hostel Managers in Ukarumpa, PNG. The role involves creating a home-like environment to care for teenagers of MAF families attending the Ukarumpa International School, in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:8-11 (ESV)

Between Top Gun and living under a flight path, Jacob was defenceless against a love of aviation. After achieving his Commercial Pilots Licence, he faced unexpected challenges in both health and opportunity, and waited another seven years before God gave him work in aviation. His love for God and passion for flying directed him to MAF, and as he waited, he prayed that God would give him someone to do mission work alongside.   

Eliza felt called to missions as a child, her home church regularly hosted missionaries, and their stories of faith, challenge and adventure inspired her to the point of tearful frustration (“Why can’t I be there now?!”). Between multiple short- and medium- term missions she completed a nursing degree and practiced paediatric and neonatal nursing. All these experiences fostered a deep love for vulnerable people groups, and cross-cultural ministry. 

Jacob and Eliza met at a church plant in 2018 and spent three years sussing each other out in a Bible study before they married, and one month later they contacted MAF. They began serving in Arnhem Land in 2023, where they were blessed to have their son, Oscar. 

Now God has led them to Timor-Leste. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

While their family were young, James and Ruth served in PNG with CRMF (now MAF Technologies). Desiring to return to cross cultural mission, they have been with MAF South Sudan since 2017.  James is the Facilities Manager, and has the responsibility for a team of MAF maintenance, security and housekeeping staff, who together look after new construction projects, housing, work spaces, vehicles, utilities and security services.

South Sudan is a country recovering from generations of war. Recent decades have left the country with very little infrastructure and great need for committed friends to help build this nation. MAF provides air transport and technology services for missions, churches and NGO’s working in remote parts of the country. In this young nation, James and Ruth enjoy many opportunities training South Sudanese and working alongside them. Ruth uses her nursing skills in a clinic and has regular opportunities for teaching English and Bible to children and young adults. They are both involved in the small local church in the village where they live and James works with the young men responsible for leading the English service.

James and Ruth feel privileged to have the freedom to share and show God’s love in South Sudan. They value your prayers as they serve the Lord with MAF in Juba.

‘You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’

Matthew 5:14-16 (HSBC)

Matthew grew up in Melbourne, and from a young age dreamed of becoming a pilot.

Throughout Matthew’s high schooling in Melbourne, he met with a MAF staff member who spoke about MAF’s mission. It was through this connection that Matthew realised one day he wanted to serve alongside MAF, bringing help, hope and healing to isolated communities around the world.

In response to God’s call, Matthew left Melbourne in October 2022 and joined the MAF team in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Throughout 19 months he had the incredible honour to do life alongside the Yolŋu people; flying a range of evacuations, health, education, mission and community development flights.

In early 2024, Matthew was challenged with the great need for pilots in MAF bases overseas. Through prayer and fasting, God’s calling pointed Matthew towards working in Papua New Guinea in early 2025, with a short interlude training upcoming Mission Pilots at the MAF Training Centre in Mareeba, Queensland.

Matthew looks forward to using his skills and gifts to serve the people of Papua New Guinea, and seeing the way that God works through His follower’s obedience.

Dean and Christie commenced their journey with MAF in Arnhem Land in 1999. Dean felt called to use his chosen occupation as a pilot to serve the Lord. During their time in Arnhem Land, their family grew with the arrival of their four children, who are now adults.

At the end of 2015, the Giles family relocated from Arnhem Land to Cairns, where MAF has a regional support office, a nearby flight training centre, and a heavy maintenance facility.

Whilst with MAF, Dean has served as a Pilot, Operations Manager, and Assistant Program Manager. He currently works as the Manager of MAF’s Flight Training Centre, with additional responsibility for overseeing MAF’s flight operations in Arnhem Land and Timor-Leste. Christie continues to work at the nearby Christian school, where she has served since moving to Cairns, and she also runs a small business creating Scripture-inspired stationery and gifts.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)

Nigel grew up as the son of a Pastor in Victoria and NSW.  He met Georgina at a church camp in Townsville in 1990 after moving to Queensland with his family as a teenager. They became good friends and got married in Georgina’s hometown of Ravenshoe in 1993.

Since being married they have lived in Far North Queensland where Nigel worked in Communications and Information Technology before starting a company specialising in converged networks. Georgina ran her own home-based child care business for many years.

They have 5 children: Kiarnie was born in 1995, Michael was born in 1998, Jasmine was born in 2010, Danielle was born in 2013 and Matthew was born in 2015.

In 2011 they sold their IT business and joined MAF, where Nigel works in the IT department, supporting the infrastructure that makes it possible for MAF to operate in various locations around the world.

Nigel and Georgina believe that God gives us skills and abilities so that we can use them for the benefit of others, and serving with MAF allows them to work in support of worldwide missions, to see the gospel reach the remotest places on earth.