We (Rich & Judy Olenik) are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. We served 17 years overseas with MAF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaïre), Madagascar, and Kenya. After returning to the states in 1996, we worked over five years at MAF headquarters in Redlands, California (the headquarters is now in Nampa, ID), where I (Rich) worked in the information technology and recruiting departments. Judy served as secretary to the president of MAF and as corporate secretary and liaison to the MAF board of directors.

Currently, we are Career Staff Ministry Advocates with MAF in the northeast United States. In this role, I establish more consistent contact with churches. A highlight of our current ministry is the opportunity to communicate how God is using MAF to overcome barriers in reaching people with the Good News about Christ.

A favorite verse of mine is Matthew 13:45-46, "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." This scripture compares a flawless pearl to the Kingdom of Heaven. As with anything precious, we can hide it or proudly display it. Jesus commands Christians to light up our world so that all may have an opportunity to receive the blessing God intended from the beginning of creation. Working with MAF is our way to participate in Kingdom building.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite verse of Judy's, "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." She says, "I feel strongly that God has planned each move in my life for a specific reason and I am excited about the future demonstration of that."

HOVER:  More About Rich   More About Judy   More About the Kids

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