Charles “Chuck” Bennett went to be the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. He was 83 years old.

Chuck studied aviation and theology at Moody Bible Institute before joining MAF in 1955. He spent 13 years as a missionary pilot in Mexico, immersing himself in the local culture and sometimes going weeks without speaking English. In 1965, Chuck researched the history of the evangelical church in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, authoring a significant study of church growth called Tinder in Tabasco that showed how the Mexican Church in the area had largely evangelized its own people.

Photo caption: Chuck Bennett, left, with Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision.

Chuck became MAF’s president in 1973, serving until 1985. Under his tenure, MAF moved from predominantly serving expatriate mission groups to providing greater assistance to indigenous churches.

“I always remember Chuck for his kindness as well as his deep understanding of MAF and its values,” said Stuart King, president emeritus of MAF International. “I really appreciated all his concerns for the MAF staff and especially for the unreached and neglected people MAF sought to serve. Chuck had a real heart for the extension of the Kingdom of God.”

After leaving MAF, Chuck became the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Food for the Hungry International. He later served as president and CEO of Partners International and as president and CEO of Paraclete Mission Group.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jane, and daughters Lisa and Rebeca. Please join MAF in giving thanks for Chuck’s many years of ministry, and in lifting up his family.