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.