Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

MAF recently hosted its annual family conference in Nampa at our headquarters — and let me tell you what a refreshing time it was to reconnect with fellow workers. I’m always encouraged when I have the chance to sit down and talk with our missionaries and really hear what is going on in their hearts.

This task our missionaries take on is not an easy one. Operating high tech equipment in areas of the world that don’t have modern technology at their finger tips presents quite a challenge. And living in these types of environment can wear on a person.

That’s why gathering together is so important for MAF missionaries. Whether it is a family conference that occurs within their own program (since all our programs also do this) or if it is the conference here for MAF headquarters staff, missionaries on furlough and alumni — this is the time where we laugh with each other, share tears and receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to sustain us.

And this year was as powerful as a family conference as I’ve participated in. Hearing the hearts of our missionaries reminds me that no matter how much we talk about airplanes and aviation, everything we do is about people. It’s about serving and loving people in isolated areas. And it’s our people who make this happen.