In 1996
while in the final stages of heading overseas with Wycliffe, John met and
married his wife, Gioconda. As is
typical in ministry, Wycliffe annulled the membership at that point, as they
wanted us to go through the application process as a couple. One additional stipulation was for Gioconda to obtain her
US Citizenship (she is originally from Ecuador). This launched the beginning of a 5 year process that would
ultimately go on to affect the next 15 years of our lives. During the application process for citizenship, John and
Gioconda accepted a 13 month position with Gospel Missionary Union (now Avant
Ministries) working on a Bible translation team in Makuma, Ecuador. This experience gave an amazing perspective of “being on
the other side of aviation.” There
were no roads in Makuma, and a person would either hike in or take a small
aircraft. God stirred our hearts
for the indigenous people of South America, and confirmed our passion for
mission aviation!
Following
our time in Ecuador, we returned to the US and co-founded Proclaim Aviation
Ministries in Worthington, MN. Proclaim is a unique ministry in the
industry that specifically works with graduating pilots/mechanics from schools
like Moody and SMAT, and helps them to transition to overseas service. To
find out more, visit
www.proclaimaviation.org
We had the privilege of serving with SAMAIR Peru between 2013-2017, and still enjoy the opportunities to serve on short-term trips as needed.
Currently, John serves as the COO of Proclaim Aviation Ministries, where he oversees the organizational development as well as daily operations.
The excitement and passion for mission aviation has only grown through the years, and we are thankful to the Lord for the season of life which has allowed our family
to grow in ministry opportunities.
John and
Gioconda
