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Garth & Jody Pederson
Garth and Jody Pederson, along with their children, Samuel and Anna, are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. They have recently completed their first term of service in Africa and are excited to share about the ministry. They say, "The highlight of our ministry is being able to bring encouragement and hope to the missionaries and Congolese people we have served." After their evacuation from Congo, Garth and Jody finished their term in Kampala, Uganda, on loan to MAF - Europe.
     Garth grew up in a Christian home in Rochester, Minnesota. His mother had the joy of leading him to the Lord at age five, after a Sunday evening service. After high school, Garth earned a B.A. degree in Business from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds an A&P mechanic's license and a commercial pilot's license with instrument rating.
     Jody was born and raised in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. At age nine, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior after reading the Bible and memorizing verses in Awana Club. Jody attended Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota, where she majored in Music Education and Bible.
     Garth and Jody met while playing their violins in a church orchestra and were married in 1989. Jeremiah 29:11 was the verse they claimed when departing for Africa the first time. "'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.'" Jody says "In the face of our uncertainties about the future, these verses gave comfort."
     As a pilot-mechanic, Garth has transported missionaries, national pastors, medical staff, and development personnel. He has provided medical evacuation flights, flown urgently needed medical supplies to battle a cholera epidemic, and transported mail and supplies to remote mission stations. They have served a wide spectrum of clients, including Wycliffe, AIM, CBM, Tear Fund, CMML, CMS, Compassion, WEC, Medair, Voice of the Martyrs, World Harvest, World Vision and others. Micah 6:8 reads, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." "In a country filled with injustice and many people in distress, this has been a reminder of God's command for me in the daily situations I face as an MAF pilot," Garth says.
     Jody's primary responsibility has been to be a godly wife and mother. She has enjoyed preschool activities with their children as well as teaching music to other missionary kids. In addition, she has helped flight follow on the HF radio, tutor nationals in English, and provide hospitality in their home.