We serve with Compass Aviation, where we help to train the next generation of pilots and mechanics for the mission field. Aaron serves as a flight instructor, mechanic, and inspector. As we shared in Our Journey, we have spent time praying and considering the areas in which the Lord has gifted us, and in which we are passionate about serving. Our ministry encompasses the following areas:
- Aviation (flight and maintenance). Aaron is a pilot, flight instructor, and aircraft mechanic/inspector, and is passionate about stewarding these skills well and investing in future missionary aviators. His desire is to teach and serve with technical excellence while caring well for people. We are also open to returning to an international field of service some day—either short- or long-term—if the Lord should open the door for that!
- Encouraging other believers. Tara has always had a gift for connecting with other women and being a support and encouragement to them. Sometimes this has been in a formal ministry role, and other times it has been through natural relationships that she has developed through the church or community. Aaron also enjoys supporting and encouraging other missionaries, and saw this as an important part of his role as a missionary pilot. Wherever we are, we want our family to be a source of life and light to the people around us—not only as a witness to unbelievers, but as an encouragement to other followers of Jesus.
- Teaching and mentoring. Aaron has always loved teaching, and flight instructing is no exception. Aaron enjoys instructing in technical subject areas, while also being a spiritual mentor. Technical expertise is important for missionary aviators, but that alone will not prepare a person for the mission field. That preparation must include interpersonal, emotional, and spiritual aspects as well.
- Cross-cultural and international missions. Even though we are currently based in the United States, we continue to be passionate about reaching the nations with the Gospel. Even as we live in the USA, we seek out ways to be personally involved in going, as well as preparing and sending others to the world.