The Story

Michael and Karen first joined MAF back in the 1990’s, and after a ten-year gap re-joined in 2009. They have served in Papua New Guinea in the past, but for more than a decade now have been located in Mareeba, far north Queensland, where Michael serves as logistics and stores manager for the aircraft maintenance facility there. The Mareeba hangar supports the flying programmes in Arnhem Land, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

They have five adult children, and have recently become empty-nesters for the first time in over thirty years. They are enjoying this new stage of life.

As parenting duties have diminished, Karen has branched out and been trained in prayer for inner healing and also in spiritual direction. Her heart is to use this training within the mission context, in the area of member care.  Recently she has been asked to work at ‘The Red Sea’ – an independent ministry based in nearby Cairns, which offers counselling and prayer services to staff from various mission agencies in the South Pacific region.

Michael and Karen continue to work amongst the people in their community of Mareeba, supporting and encouraging those around them, especially in their street where there are a number of indigenous families.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)