Remembering Missionary Pilot Joyce Lin
The sick woman was not well enough to sit in the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) airplane, so pilot Joyce Lin helped her to the floor, tightened the straps to secure her for the flight, and began to pray. Tears welled and her voice cracked as she struggled through the prayer. But these were not tears of sadness—they were tears of hope.
This was a special moment for Joyce.
Joyce took off from the Wamena airstrip, high in the mountains of Papua, Indonesia, and flew the woman to the larger city of Sentani to receive medical care. This was MAF’s first medical evacuation flight since the COVID-19 lockdown.
It was also Joyce’s first-ever medevac flight.
And it marked a momentous step in Joyce’s journey.
A Long Obedience
After earning two degrees in engineering from MIT followed by a decade-long career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and in private-sector cybersecurity, Joyce felt led to Christian ministry, so she enrolled at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. While in seminary, she discovered missionary aviation and traveled to Papua, Indonesia, for a summer internship with MAF.
“[Ten] years ago, I left Papua convinced I should pursue mission aviation,” Joyce said in a 2019 newsletter. “But there were no guarantees I would actually be able to get to this point.”
Joyce had earned her private pilot license while at MIT, but still needed an instrument rating, a commercial pilot license, and months of training to meet MAF’s standards. She was dealing with back issues and unsure if she would be healthy enough to serve in Indonesia long-term. But “the doors never closed, and every hurdle was cleared.”
MAF pilot Joyce Lin celebrating with her teammates at the Sentani airport in Papua, Indonesia, after her first solo flight.
“I am thankful to every flight instructor, every friend, and every medical person who contributed in a myriad of ways to help me over those hurdles,” Joyce said. “I am thankful to God, who gave me a vision of what my future would look like and who was steadfastly faithful to keep me on the path that led me [to Papua].”
Living A Dream
She arrived at her new home at the MAF base in Sentani as an MAF pilot and IT specialist, and quickly became a key part of the team. She began by flying essential supplies to isolated villages and helping complete a years-long fiber cabling project to support MAF’s IT work in Papua. And just as quickly, her care for her teammates and the people she served left a lasting impact.
Joyce kept her team connected with her IT skills. Photo by Debbie Klynstra.
Each morning, Joyce would make the “long” commute from her home to her office—which entailed walking out her front door, crossing the street, and opening the doors to the MAF offices at the Sentani airport. She would settle into her desk and get to work. For Joyce, these daily rhythms carried a weight that transcended the work itself. Her desk was not just a desk.
“This is my desk, where I do IT work,” Joyce said. “It is also the place where God has been working on my sanctification, one day at a time.”
In this far-flung corner of the world, Joyce Lin was living her dream.
“I’m privileged to be serving the many churches and missionaries in Papua who continue to reach out to isolated villages so that people can be both physically and spiritually transformed,” Joyce said.
“Anyone who knew Joyce recognized that she was extremely dedicated. That showed up most in her commitment to being used by God and sharing His love with others, especially those less fortunate. She was extremely generous, giving of herself and her treasures selflessly,” said Brock Larson, regional director of MAF Indonesia and Joyce’s teammate.
“Joyce embodied so much of what we love to see in MAF staff,” said David Holsten, president and CEO of MAF. “She was invested in the local culture, but she maintained a deep connection to her family, friends, and supporters around the world. She was professional in her IT work and in her flying. She was a dedicated teammate and well-loved by those she served.”
Joyce played a vital role in supporting the work of the missionaries, local believers, and communities deep in this rugged landscape. As COVID-19 forced Papua into lockdown, Joyce and her MAF teammates continued to find ways to serve. Joyce found reasons to be thankful even in this unprecedented challenge.
Joyce Lin was living her dream, sharing the love of Jesus and bringing hope to isolated people. Photo by Putri Kitnas Inesia.
“It may sound strange, but these trying times have enhanced my feeling of purpose here in Papua,” Joyce said in an email update on May 6. “With every flight I see first-hand how MAF is connecting isolated villages with vital supplies and medical care. This can’t be taken for granted in normal times, but especially now with all of the travel restrictions, the people remind us how thankful they are every time an airplane is able to land in their village.”
“We Don’t Mourn as Those Who Have No Hope”
On May 12, 2020 at 6:27 a.m., Joyce took off from Sentani in an MAF Kodiak—a plane she had dreamed of flying since learning about mission aviation. Her cabin was filled with school supplies and COVID-19 rapid test kits, which she was delivering to a remote village.
In that moment, soaring through the beautiful Papuan sky, Joyce was doing exactly what God had called her to.
From a seminary campus on the other side of the world where she first discovered her calling, to countless training flights in Idaho, to visits with churches across the country, to hours spent in prayer, and finally to arriving in Sentani—God walked with her each step of her journey.
Two minutes into her flight, Joyce sent out a distress call.
Later, a search and rescue team recovered her body from Lake Sentani.
But Joyce wasn’t there.
She was where she had always been—in the arms of her Savior.
Hope Worth Sharing
Joyce saw the impact the gospel had made in Papua. The transformation happening in isolated communities scattered across this vast island was evident to her.
Villagers in Mamit leave notes for MAF pilot Joyce Lin.
“The presence of God has given [the Papuan] people hope, a real hope that I share.”
And she carried that hope with her whether she was touching down on a remote airstrip or settling into her IT desk.
“Just two days before she went to be with the Lord, she shared how she was living her dream,” said Brock. “Her years of effort following God’s calling were being rewarded and rewarding others daily. Joyce was a light reflecting Jesus, and she will be deeply missed.”
Joyce’s road to MAF was a long one and it was filled with challenges. But Joyce was always able to see past hardships to the hope that lay beyond them.
“I am most grateful to personally know God, who has never forsaken me in my lowest times (as there have been many) and has repeatedly turned “mourning into dancing” (Ps 30:11) in ways I could not have brought about on my own,” Joyce said. “While I will always be excited to fly planes and work on computers, I am most excited to share the love of Jesus Christ by helping to transform other people’s deep discouragement and mourning into dancing and joy.”
As we mourn for Joyce, our tears, though tinged with sadness, are the same tears Joyce wept over the sick woman in her airplane—tears of hope.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joyce Lin Memorial Fund, which will enable MAF to train Indonesian national staff in more technically advanced skills like maintaining and flying aircraft. The family will be informed of any donations made to the memorial fund. Cards and messages of condolence can be sent to the family via Derwood Bible Church, Attn: Lin Family, 16011 Chieftain Avenue, Derwood, MD 20855 or emailed to office@derwoodbiblechurch.org.
104 Comments
So sorry for the loss of this precious servant of the Lord. Laura and Timo Harkonen, who also served with MAF, came out of my church in Danville,VA. Laura posted that Joyce will be truly missed.
RIP joyce lin…she was a brave , brilliant woman…people will miss you so much…but above all your in the right place and let’s pray for you to be with the Angel’s…
Thank you for putting together this tribute page and capturing the joy she found in following God to interior Papua. Joyce would’ve been blown away reading this; I can hear her laughing and saying ‘whoa, thanks guys!’ 🙂 As a longtime friend from her MIT days, it’s been amazing to watch the journey to missionary pilot unfold. Exactly 10 yrs from her first trip to Indonesia to the first solo flight. As she put it, the Finish line and the Start line. I just thought the Start line meant 200-30 more yrs of medevacs and delivering humanitarian aid. I hope this Start line is better than anything we can ever imagine. It’s reassuring to know she was filled with peace and joy in the end. We miss her tremendously. May God be with you all in this time of grief.
Yes, she’s in Heaven indeed. Fear not, the HOLY FATHER GOD is pleased with her and she’s fought a good fight of FAITH and for the family to have Shalom peace. Pray that her BELOVEDs are comforted and strengthened by the Lord JESUS knowing that they will meet again in due season … 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🧡🔥🔥🔥⚡🏩🙇🏻♂️🙇🏻♀️🧡
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Joyce, but heartened by learning of the joy and fulfillment she had from the work she was doing with MAF. Her love and heart of service for the Lord has left a mark on this world. Her friends, family and colleagues will be in my prayers.
My friend Joyce,
The way you lived your life serving God and others is an inspiration. You will be missed and your legacy of love will be how we remember you.
Helen Keller once said, “so long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.” Losing Joyce has left a hole in my heart! But I had the rare experience of her filling my heart with hope and love, but most of all the pouring forth of Jesus into my soul each time we talked, each time she sang, will again fill my heart! Her memory will always live inside of me! Joyce was the epitome of what our Savior wanted each of us to be. I will forever be grateful for the time I’ve known her! Truly, she was and is blessed forever!❤️
So sorry to hear this sad news. I was rescued by MAF from the village of Balobo in DR Congo in 1980 when I was seriously ill working there as a missionary. Joyce is with her Lord Jesus, thank you Lord for Joyce and thank you Lord for MAF. Praying God’s comfort on her family.
A big loss for MAF, PNG and the world
I like to think Nate Saint welcomed her home right after Jesus himself.
My heart is so heavy and broken to hear of Joyce’s passing. The first time I met Joyce, I was amazed by her conviction, her inner strength and she knew exactly what she was called the do…to be a pilot and bring hope to those in need. I spoke to her last August and she was so excited about what God was doing in her life.
Joyce, your impact on my life and those you served will never be forgotten. You were an inspiration in life and your legacy will inspire others to continue where you left off.
(For the record, when the Lord calls me home…you will be one of the people at the top of my list that I want to see. So look for me..I’ll be hanging out on Cloud 9. Lol)
Grateful for ALL missionary pilots and IT staff. Always THERE in the background!!
So true. I am finishing up reading the book “Gates of splendor”. Nate wanted with his yellow piper to reach out with a message of hope and transformation. Joyce along with her red Kodiak was carrying that same hope but with her service and dedication.
Joyce you are my inspiration, hope and friend. I will miss you, but I know you are where you want to be. You will continue to be in my thoughts as you often are.
So inspirational to know what she had done. With her faith, her hope and her love of God which is the greatest of all, she placed God’s work ahead of what she could actually accomplished for herself.
Rest In Peace Joyce Lin
So sorry for the loss of this precious servant of the Lord.
Her love and heart of service for the Lord has left a mark on this world.
I had the privilege of getting to know Joyce when she studied at Gordon-Conwell. I enjoyed many conversations with her. She was a gifted student and a wonderful Christian woman. She knew that I had earned my private pilot’s license when I was a young man and she kindly took me up on a flight to the Laconia NH airport and let me pilot the plane for a while (it was my first time in almost 40 years). I had flown my dad to the same airpot when I was a newly-minted pilot so many years before, so the experience was a special gift to me. I taught Joyce SSA (Semantic and Structural Analysis) as a tool for biblical interpretation and she used her tech knowledge to create a nice program for preparing better diagrams for using that tool. We talked about her calling to be a missionary pilot and her desire to also to be able to use her biblical and theological training to support the work on the mission field at the same time. It was wonderful to follow her development as she made her plans to go to the mission field and then to see her arrive there and begin to serve in the way she had dreamed of doing for years. She was one of those special students that a professor would never forget. I thank God for Joyce and the knowledge that her Lord has welcomed her as a good and faithful servant, who died in the act of serving Him and those in need.
I remember when she came to Papua in 2010 for the first time she showed us the Java program she had created for strucrual analysis 🙂
My heart is broken 💔. Joyce, I still can’t believe your plane went down as you were flying emergency supplies like rapid COVID tests, food and school supplies to remote villages in Indonesia as a missionary pilot. I can imagine hearing your amazing analytical brain trying to explain to me what might have gone wrong with the plane. What I would give to talk to you again. I have been trying to hold it together for days, only letting myself sob after I have taken care of my patients, just like you would want me to do. 😭😭 I have been telling all the amazing doctors and nurses I work with, what an amazing person and frontline worker you are, sharing your arrangement of Mark Schultz song that you just recorded, “When the Mountains Fall,” that is so pertinent to these times. You radiated joy, love, humility, and brilliance to me. Thank you for being a guiding light ever since our time in MIT Cross Products a cappella group. Your perfect pitch 🎶🎵 was a blessing to us, but I’m sure a curse to you 😜. Thank you for driving all the way from Linthicum, MD to help me get groceries when I was a poor med student, and joining us for JHMI Christian Fellowship. Thank you for spending 10 years of your life protecting us from cyber attacks, with the Air Force, with your brilliant computer science brain. Thank you for bringing joyful songs to our wedding. Thank you for coming to visit and bless each of my kids with your awesomeness and music as time went by. Thank you for flying us around from Rhode Island to tour Boston and MIT from the sky while Z1 was just 3, visiting us in OH, and then a few more times in LA, while we tried to see you whenever we were in MD. Thank you for responding to my last minute request for a video for Ben’s birthday from all the way across the world. We may have been physically distant, but you have always been close to my heart. A strong presence, a voice of reason. Now I feel a piece of me is gone. The world is dimmer without you, Joyce. 😭😭 Despite how amazing you are, you were still human, and shared struggles with me, that I am so impressed you surmounted. You became stronger because of your struggles, and were able to help others because of it. I am so glad I could be of a tiny help in preserving your perfect vision as you prepared to be a pilot. It was so good to hear about the joy you have had in fulfilling your calling with MAF. I loved the aerial photos you shared and the IT projects. You were truly in a tropical paradise and am happy to know you will be laid to rest there to continue to bless the people of Papua. I am so lucky to have known you, and want to have others continue to be inspired by you. Flood the world with positive music as you put it. I hope others will share your brilliant arrangement of “When the Mountains Fall” as well. The world needs to hear more from you, and I will try to live as you have inspired me. 😢🙏🙏 So happy to know that God is receiving you with his open arms, saying “Job well done, good and faithful servant,” and you are helping Him in other ways now. Can’t wait to catch up with you again someday.
I didn’t know Joyce, but after reading your comment, I feel I know her now.
Thank You
Jack
Me too. Thank you, Sandy. I wish I have met her. Ahmui
i always have followed Maf since I was a child as my parents were missionaries in africa and central america,and we used them.Now I didnt know joyce but had seen read about her on the MAF website I dont know why but there was something about her that captured my attention.And I would always follow her steps along the way to becoming a MAF pilot.She came across as some one very intelligent with alot of value to MAF.I was very touched and moved when I read the story of her accident sort of in disbelief.That is very dangerous and high risk flying that she was doing.I do not know what caused her accident but as a highly trained MAF Pilot that they become with all the intense training I do not believe that it was any thing she did.As I said I did not know her but there was that something which I believe is in the statement and words made by the person above and the pictures which brought to light that something about Joyce,My condolences go out to her family.A true loss for MAF.
Hi,
This is the first time that I read that Joyce was a musician and had perfect pitch. Her tribute moves me as I read how faithful she was and her dedication for PNG. I’m a musician, have a perfect pitch and from Indonesia. Do you by any chance know how I can get Joyce’s arrangement of the song? I would love to be able to sing with friends in her memory. Thank you for sharing your memory of her with us.
I’d like to know where to find her music, too! What a bright beautiful blessing she made st have been! Earth’s loss is heaven’s gain!
I shared it on my Facebook page. She arranged Mark Schultz’ song “When the Mountains Fall.” We sang it many years ago in our a capella group, and now she took it to the next level. She recorded all the different parts and put them together as a video collage! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159863967369899&id=510149898
Her songs can be found on the Cross Products web site. You can request the CDs she was most involved in. You can still purchase the CDs (I think only $10 donation to the MIT Cross Products), and they may even be able to provide you the recordings digitally now. I take so much comfort in listening to these songs now. Joyce was most involved in the “And Then He Found Me” and “What am I Waiting For” CDs. She basically did the arrangements for most of those songs and coordinated the recordings. https://xprod.mit.edu/recordings/
Thanks for sharing this link, Sandy. Did Joyce sing in any of these songs? I found some on Spotify. Blessings, Jenn Wolf
For the past 30 years I have cared mission and missionaries. Several years ago Joyce shared her mission flight at my basement. Since that I constantly received her newsletters. I always forward the newsletters to my prayer group to pray for her. Now we can not receive her newsletters but Holy Spirit gives us a verse. Hebrews11:4″ Abel’s voice still comes to us through it though he is dead”. Indeed Joyce is still talking with us.
I thought Joyce would work until retirement as she said but we received the sudden tragic as Amy said. However God comforted us through His Words, John12:23-24″And Jesus said to them in answer, The hour of the glory of the Son of man has come. Truly I say to you, If a seed of grain does not go into the earth and come to an end, it is still a seed and no more; but through its death it gives much fruit”. Joyce’s sacrifice will bring about a far-reaching influence for the world. And she glorified Jesus as Jesus glorified the heavenly Father.
Apostle Paul said “Take part in the joy of those who are glad, and in the grief of those who are sorrowing”(Romans12:15). We should be sorrow but Joyce told us “my name is Joyce you know you should have joy as I am in you” as Psalms30:11 said”By you my sorrow is turned into dancing; you have taken away my clothing of grief, and given me robes of joy”.
I had the honor of serving Joyce as her pastor. My wife and I loved being in partnership with Joyce and we will dearly miss her. Thanks for the wonderful tribute to our precious sister. Thank you MAF for making her dream possible.
Joyce, thank you for being a part of the MIT Sport Taekwondo club during its foundational years. You were an important part of the formation of our club culture that remains strong 20 years later. The club grieves for your loss as much as it is amazed by the incredible path you led.
Very sad to hear the passing of Joyce Lin. She was following the path laid out for her in service to others, and passed away while serving others and pursuing her calling. RIP Joyce.
So very moved by this tribute and watching her memorial service on-line from Indonesia. She was truly a remarkable woman and a humble and faithful servant of the Lord. Having served as missionaries in Zaire / D.R. Congo in the 1990s we were so very faithfully and skillfully served by MAF, our two kids born ‘in the bush’ at a mission hospital taking their first MAF flights when they were 5 days and 17 days old respectively. Even as there was GREAT Kingdom fruit through Joyce’s life, so may there be fruit overflowing for eternity through her death! The joy of the saints gathered round the Throne, a testimony to Joyce’s faithfulness even unto death!
Joyce and I worked together at Mandiant doing cyber security for several years. She was a leader in Threat Intelligence research. Joyce was highly analytical and very detail oriented. She was passionate, insanely hard working, and very kind. Everyone at the company knew Joyce and loved her.
One time, I had the opportunity to offer Joyce stock options that would make her good amounts of money spread over 3 years. By that time she had already shared her MAF plans with me. Since she intended to leave the company to pursue her MAF dreams in 18 months or so, she turned down the stock. She said she would only get 33% of the stock options full benefit before leaving and she would rather I allocate the stock option grant to someone else within our team. That story has always stayed with me (along with dozens of others) – that was Joyce. Thinking of others and keeping her needs simple.
Everyone from our old team will miss you so much Joyce / Raven / jb3k-inspiration! I’m sorry things here have ended so quickly, but it is time to relax in the arms and fellowship of Jesus.
We met Joyce when she came to Papua on an internship 10 years ago and we have watched and encouraged her on her journey to this point. She was a good friend, who was talented, caring, humble and loved God. We will miss her greatly.
I knew Joyce for maybe two decades. There were four different bonds that we shared… we were both special agents in the same organization; we were both computer (cyber) crime investigators; we were both very interested in learning to fly – except that she actually did something about that; and we both (in very different ways) picked up our crosses to follow Christ. When we lose someone this kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and so easy to just have a conversation with, it seems much more difficult to process than maybe losing someone that was hard to get along with. But just as God is no respecter of persons (meaning that God values us all exactly the same), Joyce treated everyone with the same honor, dignity and empathy that she shared with everyone else. She might be the only human I’ve ever known for any length of time that I never once saw fail at that. She gives me hope that, maybe even just for one full day, that I too can just not fail at that. But this wasn’t just her way, it was God that she was reflecting to the rest of us. I hope that someday, that anyone can remember me for that.
Can anybody or do you know what caused her crash to happen in only 3 minutes.She wasn’t even in the mountains or very high and just off the runway.I know she was very well trained and would have known what to do.Was it a health issue?I would really like to know because Iam a pilot and take off is a critical point for things happening
I’ve had this very question almost since the minute I heard about the crash. I pray they have the results of the crash report made public once it has been completed!
So sad. Such a wonderful person. I know she’s rejoicing with the Lord.
Thank you for the beautiful tribute written about Joyce’s life and service. It really captured the essence of her dream and work so well. I first met Joyce at Gordon Conwell when she was studying there. Joyce had taken me and other friends up flying many times. She truly was an incredibly skilled pilot. It was a joy to follow her adventure and life as she first visited Papua ten years ago and then later signed up and trained with MAF and then more recently to see her dream come true as she flew with MAF. Joyce lived her life fully and was a shining example of what it is to serve God. She will be truly missed by so many. May God’s comfort and love surround her mom and dad and sisters and all who loved and knew her.
I first knew Joyce as Captain Lin in my final Air Force assignment. As so often happens in military life, physical connections may not be as frequent, if at all, but the brother and sisterhood remains. Reading through this tribute, I’m sure now I have never known anyone who lived the Air Force core value of “Service before Self” more than Joyce did. While I’m sad she is no longer with us here on earth, I’m happy she lived her life doing something she loved, serving others.
You penned and replied to every individual supporters who care about your missions. That brought your supporters great joy reading your handwriting and your newsletters. You fought a good fight and fulfilled your earthly missions Lord assigned to you. Now you are more alive in Jesus’s arms. Pray for your family receiving comforts from the Lord continuously.
That precious saint and child of God reached out in her chosen mission work and finally flew through the shadow of death, then reached out and touched the very face of God.”
https://www.gotquestions.org/valley-shadow-death.html
I had the pleasure of working with Joyce over the last year. I met her last year in July 2019. We worked together for the Air Force at Quantico, VA, and she and I great conversations and discussions, but most importantly I really liked working with her! She told me about her humanitarian job in Indonesia and how she flew planes! We often had good conversations about life and I really liked her sense of humor!
A few months ago, I called and spoke to her. We collaborated on work topics, but it was nice to hear she was enjoying her work and flying! I am saddened by her sudden departure.
She was very talented and had a great personality! I will miss her!
I have served on the board of MAF for many years and of course all the MAF candidates that we meet are special and unique people with a significant call on their life. Of all the candidates Joyce Lin was the special one. One that I will never forget. Kind, warm hearted, brilliant, transparent, and passionate. We are blessed and proud that we had a team member that radiated Christ. God bless you, her family and friends and know that we will be praying for you and thinking of you and for the MAF family she will always be in our hearts.
I am PROUD with Joyce Lin. Like musicians and world-famous painter artists, where during their lifetime maybe only certain circles who knew them or not many knew them and their service; but after Joyce died Papua lost their humanitarian hero, maybe Joyce’s Footsteps will awaken many young generations who have a calling to be the invisible hand of God reaching the world.
🙏👑 RIP CAPTAIN JOYCE LIN, Crown of Heaven awaits you 🌹
Papua’s Humanitarian Hero who will always be remembered by Papua, especially inland people.
Words can’t express our unbearable grief. But we take comfort in knowing that Joyce died for our Lord doing the things she loved to do and serving in a place that she loved so much.
She touched so many people and she will be forever in our memories.
Rest in peace, Joyce, and we miss you so much
As a single woman, Joyce embraced a difficult and at times lonely path to missionary service. She has joined a long and illustrious line of God’s precious daughter-servants who have given their all for His glory and the progress of His kingdom in this world. As I grieve her all-too-soon passing, it is a comfort to remember what a glorious place she is in now.
Joyce was one of our closest family friends. She was our younger son’s classmate, fellowship co-worker; and through her, we got to know her parents and younger sisters. We were always so impressed by her determination to live out a purpose driven life and her dedication to serve the Lord through serving people. From her, we see nothing but the glory of God. What she brought to the village actually was much more significant than the medical supplies that were left behind! We will continue to support MAF’s mission that was so embraced by Joyce! She will always an inspiration to us.
Heaven acquired a treasure in you, Joyce. Rest and delight in His holiness and glory.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
No words can express the grief and heartbreak we all experience for the loss of our beloved Joyce. Joyce loved God and people so much! She was serving God with joy and was living her life to the fullest glory of God.
Joyce, we miss you terribly. You are forever in our hearts!
I’ll always remember Joyce’s dedication to the mission and ability to get a community to come together from her cybersecurity days. She played a key role that only those around at the time understand. It surprised me at first when she was going to go in the path towards becoming a missionary, but when I thought about it more it made sense. I’m glad she was able to live out her dream but I just wish she could have done so for another 60 years, the world would have been a better place if she had.
No words can adequately express the grief and heartbreak of all of us for losing our beloved Joyce. Joyce loved God and people so much！She was serving God with joy and was living her life to the greatest glory of God.
Joyce, we miss you so much! You will be forever in our memories.
May our God, and only our God, provide the greatest comfort, love and peace to Joyce’s family.
Joyce touched not just the lives of those in Papua, but also those of us in Maryland as well. She lived her life to the fullest and glorified God in so many ways. I can imagine Jesus embracing her in heaven, saying “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
We are all grieving the loss of her here on earth and miss her deeply. To the Lin family — thank you for raising such a faithful woman of God. She has told many of us just how blessed she is to have such wonderful, supportive parents. We also know how much she loves her sisters. I pray for God to lift you up during this difficult time and provide you with his comfort.
Praise the Lord, Joyce Lin had the opportunity to bless and be the Role Model for Papua people, Indonesia and the World; serving with a meaningfull purpose; a true sense on God Ministry.
Thank you Joyce Lin and her family at Derwood, MD, USA. 🙏🙏🙏
This is the 1st time that I have heard about Joyce Lin. Reading the eulogies brought tears to my eyes. She loved her God, lived her dream, & passionately fulfilled the destiny God has mapped out for her. I know that I will see Joyce one day. But till then, she has inspired me to enjoy life’s journey with God. To live, love, and serve with a passion impacting lives for the Glory of God. Thank you Capt Joyce for touching my life – your legacy lives on!
My tears rolled as I read the tribute. My faith is weak. I cannot help but to question God for not saving her so that she can continue her good word.
Yet every story about her inspired me to seek God first in all I do. I wish I have known Joyce when she was on earth.
It is very difficult for parents to accept the passing of their child. May the Lord bring great comfort to her grieving parents.
Joyce, my dear sister in Christ,
Even though we never met in person, it was communicating through emails and the videos you sent that I got to know and love the person the Lord created you to be. Your love, joy and enthusiasm for where you were and what you were doing was evidence that you were where the Lord intended you to be. You are now in the arms of our Lord. You are loved and will be truly missed.
Joyce, my dear sister in Christ,
Even though we never met in person, it was our communicating through emails and the videos you sent that I got to know and love the beautiful person the Lord created you to be. Your love, joy and enthusiasm for where you were and what you were doing was evidence that you were where the Lord intended you to be. you are now in the arms of our Lord. You are loved and will truly be missed.
Rest In Peace, my MIT alumni. You are in God’s hands now.
My connection to Indonesia also runs deep. Many of my former graduate students are from Indonesia and they have been outstanding. One of my former Ph.D. students who lives in Papua sent me a link for local news about Grace’s sad news and the local community is in mourn. Our Taiwanese-American communities are all shocked to hear the news. She is missed by all of us, near and far. God’s love is without borders. Joyce’s passion, love, and mission will be carried on forever. Thank you Joyce!
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,”
Matthew 10:32 ESV
Jesus has presented this faithful lamb to His Father.
We had the opportunity to meet Joyce when she was co-missioned to serve Jesus at the MAF headquarters in Nampa, Idaho. It was at the same time that our daughter and son-in-law were commissioned. Our prayers go out to her family and friends at this time. We know she is with Jesus and thank God for her testimony in serving Jesus. I can’t put into words how grieved we are over losing her as part of the MAF family.
I grew up in Zaire Africa and was taken to school by MAF. We always felt so safe a secure. It is hard to hear of this tragedy but as you said…she is with her Savior now! MaybGod be with her beautiful memory for all those she knew.
Sitting at my desk on a Saturday morning to complete some project work, I opened the weekly MAF prayer email and began to pray for the daily requests. For Tuesday, there was the picture of Joyce and was curious to see what the prayer request was going to be for this young lady but then my heart sank when I saw the news. Immediately going to the MAF homepage to learn more, I began to feel a very strong kinship to Joyce – like a sister. Very sad, but then the Lord gave me peace and mission. Quickly, links to news of the tragedy and Joyce’s life were sent to others, especially a young man who has become very involved in aviation. He quickly replied expressing sadness about Joyce and curiosity about MAF and the table is set for me to use Joyce’s life to share the gospel with this young man. God uses the very best, he uses the very best.
♥️♥️I have been using her story to inspire others as well. He uses the very best. If only we could be a small reflection of Jesus like Joyce. 😭😭 Let’s all strive for sanctification like her.
She sacrificed everything on this Earth to serve our God and Creator, but has now gained heaven. Can’t wait to see her again.
I did not know Joyce but as a fellow female in the missionary aviation field and Air Force veteran, I can relate to some of her journey. Such a sobering time but praise be to God. She is safe in His arms. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, MAF, and the many who mourn.
So grateful and so sad. What a beautiful blessing Joyce was and will continue to be to so many. God bless you MAF!
WOW, I am speechless. I just heard her story when my pastor in surabaya, Indonesia shared it at the end of his message. She cares for other people more than herself. Truly a woman of God.
An impeccable soul, rest in peace Joyce Lin.
May God give comfort and love to Joyce’s family in this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, my MIT alumni. You are in God’s hands now.
My connection to Indonesia also runs deep. Many of my former graduate students are from Indonesia and they have been outstanding. One of my former students that lives in Papua was shocked to hear the sad news. You are missed by all of us, near and far.
God’s love is without borders. Joyce’s passion, love, and mission will be carried on forever. Thank you Joyce!
What a full life! What a fulfilled woman! May many follow her to serve our Lord Jesus.
Together with the people in our parish, we send our deepest condolences. This is heartbreaking. May Joyce’s gospel legacy continue.
I never knew Joyce, but as a fellow pilot and Christian, I follow the work of MAF. After hearing the news of her plane going down, I’ve taken a lot of time to read about her story at MAF. Reading the comments left by others has had a profound impact on me. In a way, I have gotten to know her through the experiences of others. Her story and her faith are inspiring and I mourn the fact that such a wonderful person was not able to stay and carry out her work, her passion. I am comforted by the thought that her soul was guarded by our Lord and that our hope in Christ is not in vain. Thank you Joyce for your faithful service.
A Prayer:
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let the perpetual light shine upon her.
And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
So sorry for the loss of Joyce. What a wonderful blessing she was to so many.
MAF and the Family of Joyce Lin,
Please accept my sympathy.
What an inspiring story of someone hearing God’s call and finding great joy in pursuing it. My condolences to her family and friends and the Mission Aviation Fellowship family. I look forward to meeting Joyce in Heaven someday!
Joyce is now part of that “so great a cloud of witnesses” cheering us on to “run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith….”
My deep condolence for you, such a huge loss to MAF, but I believe God will bless MAF and Joyce Lin’s family abundantly.
I’m Indonesian man who knew this sad news only from online mass media. After I read her story, I realize how dedicated she was for God’s mission. She has many talents, and I just amazed when I look her ability and her dedication.
I knew MAF for some time ago. I thanked MAF to give Papuans (and Indonesians) a hand to serve, while government and private sector can’t give this service (aviation) sufficiently. And this service must be continued.
I didn’t have the privilege of knowing you Joyce in this life but your life and legacy have profoundly affected my life. We share a love for JESUS and for Indonesia. Thankyou for teaching me so much by your servant heart.
Although our encounters were brief, you left a lasting impression. I am forever grateful for your wisdom and kind words. Bless you and your loved ones Joyce Lin.
Joyce was a truly beautiful person and will be missed so much. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to meet her. What a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ in her life and in her death. Praying for her parents, sisters, and team in Papua.
God calls His servants. Blessings on Joyce’s family and rejoices for Joyce and her new neighbors!
To Parents and sisters of Joyce Lin
we grieve with especially you folks over the loss of Joyce’
I’m korean. I don’t know her well. but Her love of Jesus is real I know. I feel sorry for her. I will pray for her soul. Let’s meet heaven after long time.
Dear Joyce,
I do not know you but after reading your story, I’m so amazed by your sacrificial, exemplary life giving your all to serve our precious Lord Jesus.
May your life continue to inspire others to follow your footsteps. I’m so touched by your life. The Lord bless you and your family and your memories of your life.
David Chin
As an Indonesian, though only knowing her recently through news in social media, I shed tears of pain of loss. Yet, I am very proud of Joyce Lin, and MAF who serve those in remote area in Indonesia. I believe testimony of her life inspired many Christian Indonesians (only God knows whom and the exact number) to voluntarily, joyfully embrace a lifelong pursuit of deep sacrificial love modeled by Lord Jesus Himself for the sake of His fame, His kingdom’s advancement and true joy of His people. Thank you Captain Joyce Lin for such a fragrant life of your union with us in our Lord Jesus. Please send our warm hello to those Christian Indonesians up yonder who have gladly and warmly welcome you into the presence of our loving Father.
Joyce, you are such a faithful, wonderful person. Rest in peace.
May 24, 2020
I just finished reading all the comments left by those who knew Joyce and some who didn’t know her, but were affected by her life. I thank the Lord for her life and testimony – what a blessing she was to so many. I didn’t know her either, but have been acquainted with MAF since 1956, and my husband, Stan and I, have been volunteers at MAF at different times, so we follow what goes on there and we have personal friends with MAF. God bless Joyce’s parents and help them to get over their losing her because she is now with Jesus. God bless them and those with MAF.
Lord, guard and guide all those who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair
Aloft in solitudes of space
Uphold them with Thy saving grace
Oh God protect all those who fly
Through lonely ways beneath the sky
From a fellow aviator… “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
God bless Joyce Lin and her family. I’ve learned about the organization due to her accident and donated in her name. Thank you for your service.
She is my hero.
May the Lord be with all at MAF and beyond.
When Joyce came to Papua ten years ago for her IT internship I was the MAF pilot who took her on an aircraft ride along. She spent one day with me in one of our Kodiak aircraft. God used the time she spent in Papua, and this flight to call her into becoming an MAF pilot. Joyce reminded me of how much the ride along meant to her a few years ago when she joined MAF.
We miss you dearly Joyce.
Thank you for inspiring her. And in turn the rest of us. 🙏🙏. She told is about this formative experience!
May the Lord Jesus express my love and thanks to you Joyce. I don’t know you and you certainly don’t know me either. But my heart was broken to hear an MAF pilot missionary who loved God very much, and loved my Indonesian people living in Papua, Sentani, has died in an accident. Dear Joyce, thank you for devoting your life with love until the end of your life. Your love for God and for them touched my heart. When I return home to the Father’s house, that’s when I know you and will hear how your life rejoices to fulfill God’s calling as a winner. Lord Jesus, thank you to Joyce.
May the Lord Jesus express my love and thanks to you Joyce. I don’t know you and you certainly don’t know me either. But my heart was broken to hear an MAF pilot missionary who loved God very much, and loved my Indonesian people living in Papua, Sentani, has passed away. Joyce, thank you for devoting your life faithfully to the end. Your love for God touched my heart. When I return home to the Father’s house, that’s when I know you and will see you face to face. Lord Jesus, thank you for Joyce.
I was so shocked when I heard of Joyce’s death. We were in a small group together at Derwood Church. I was so impressed with her skills yet she was so humble! I’m so sad the world lost her. She surely has great rewards in Heaven.
My condolences and respect for the family and friends of Joyce Lin. She is in Heaven together with all other young aviators that died recently. A big THANK YOU is appropriate, I guess. MAF is a great organization, I’m happy to volunteer for them every now and then in Holland.
Wow! I had never heard of Joyce until now but I am choking with tears over her death. I am currently flight training and my dream is to serve with MAF. Now I am more determined to do so. Joyce in death, is my inspiration.
My condolences to family and friends for your loss. I just read about Joyce’s impact to the world in the MIT Tech Review and was truly inspired by her commitment to make the world a better place. May she rest in peace knowing she continues to make a difference.
My life was changed when I visited the believers in Papua. I preached in Pogapa, arriving there by MAF flight, landing on that green airstrip. I have known of MAF all my adult life. One of my childhood friends became a missionary pilot. Joyce will continue to inspire children and adults as her story is told. I am praying that God will give comfort to her family and friends, and that the gospel will move powerfully forward through the witness of her life.
17Feb2021, Hello. I worked with Joyce for about 2 years as an AF Special Agent. We were both believers at the time. She was always very reliable and kind and obviously in love with Yahweh. I was thinking about her today for some reason and thought to look her up. I’m very saddened and I know her family must be very sad also to not have her on Earth. She often spoke of her sisters. Thank you Joyce for always being so understanding of the world around you. I’ll see you in the great beyond with God, sister. Peace to you and yours, christopher
Yesterday I saw the the movie done by MAF, Ends of the Earth. It was wonderfully done to see the work being done for the kingdom. It was in this movie I learned of Joyce’s love and dedication to serving her Lord. I feel privileged to have seen a small insight into her life. I look forward to meeting her in Heaven. I shouldn’t miss her, as her smile was so heartwarming. Thank you for sharing this article and so much love for this dear saint.
I was privileged to see Ends of the Earth and was totally smitten with the way this beautiful documentary revealed Gods hand in the hearts and lives of these missionaries and the beautiful Indonesian people they were leading to Christ.
The story of Joyce made me ball right in my seat and then I went home and continued to ball as I read this beautiful memorial. I am a Moody grad and grew up with knowing the value and uniqueness of their aviation program even visiting them with my family as a kid while they were still in Elizabethan TN. I also grew up with the lives of Jim Elliott and Nate Saint and now Joyce has joined these memories. As Romans 10:15 says – “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
This has touched me. I feel as enthusiastic about flying big jets as about programming computers for over 30 years.
My prayers will be for Joyce on my next flight to the US.
I have only a few years to retirement, otherwise I would seriously consider joining MAF.