The Story

Phil and Margaret Snell began serving with MAF in 1996. Previously, Phil worked as a Telecom Technician and Margaret as an Occupational Therapist.

Their first MAF posting was to Alice Springs, Australia where Phil worked as a Pilot serving remote Aboriginal communities, and later gaining his avionics engineering licences. Three of their four children were born during this time.

In 2003, the family relocated to Arnhem Land where Phil worked in avionics and maintenance control and their fourth child was born.

2005 saw another move, this time to Papua New Guinea. Phil’s role there was managing the maintenance of the MAF aircraft and Margaret supervised the children’s schooling through distance education.

The family returned to Australia for the children’s further education in 2010 and settled in Mareeba.

Margaret was able to take up her OT career again. She now works in schools with students requiring additional needs.

Phil provided regional Avionics support for MAF International until 2023, when he accepted a new role as Manager of Maintenance Support.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. – John 15:16 (NIV)