Maintenance Controller & Doctor
Originally raised in Gisborne, Andy joined the RNZAF after leaving high school. Around the year 2000, he read personal accounts of the response to the Gospel of Papua New Guinean Highlanders —it left an impression on him. He recalls wondering if he might end up in PNG some day!
In 2016, he obtained a job with Pacific Helicopters, a PNG commercial company. This was ideal preparation for his role as a Maintenance Controller with MAF, a role he took up in late 2020 - as the “middleman” between Pilots/bookings and the Engineering team, maintaining compliance in the heavily regulated aviation environment.
Sharon, originally from Whanganui, had been working with Pioneers in PNG as a rural doctor since 2008 in an environment of widespread fear of spirits and poor access to healthcare.
Andy and Sharon were married in March 2021 and are now working together with Mission Aviation Fellowship. Sharon relieves in remote church-run hospitals, often flying there as a passenger with MAF.
PNG is a country with huge challenges, has had a rapid transition from the "stone age" to the “smartphone age", and is culturally complex. It is also a land of opportunity; may God make it a "light to the nations"!
Andy & Sharon appreciate being involved in the ongoing legacy of what God is doing in PNG—including MAF's involvement since 1950. MAF seeks to be holistic in its approach, professional in its operations, and accountable to its supporters. Your support and prayers are appreciated!
Psalm 113 v 7-8: He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes, with the princes of His people.