Doug and Karin Allrich have seen a lot of changes in the country of Indonesia during their 26 years there with MAF. And while the airplanes and passengers have changed, one thing that remains the same is how they feel blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of those they serve—particularly the remote tribal groups of Papua.

Doug and Karin Allrich.

Doug has been an instructor pilot since 1991 and shares his expertise with the newer pilots to help them develop their skills. “I especially enjoy working with the guys in advanced checkout situations,” said Doug, “where skill and judgement combine more strongly together to ensure safety and margin in our operations.”

The Allrich family began their MAF journey in West Kalimantan on the island of Borneo where they lived for 12 years, raising two children and serving in a more traditional mission setting. In 2002 the family transferred to the Papua program. Now empty nesters, Doug and Karin serve at the Wamena base.

While Doug’s early days with MAF were spent flying mainly Western expat missionaries, today things are different.  The majority of his flights are for the local, Indonesian church, its leaders, and their communities.

“But what hasn’t changed are the needs of the people who are largely hidden behind insurmountable mountain and jungle barriers,” explains Doug. “They rely on safe and consistent MAF air transport in order to move from one place to another, obtain goods, receive medical care, and conduct ministry.”

While she’s always enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker, Karin has also used her nursing background in different medical roles through the years. A highlight for her was assisting the wives of Bible school students in delivering their babies. “Now my days include fielding medical-related phone calls, texts, and emails from missionaries throughout the province and occasionally from other parts of the country,” said Karin.

“We’ve always been keenly aware that in the many opportunities God has given us to touch the lives of people around us through aviation, medicine, and relationships, it is entirely due to the faithful and continued support we enjoy through our partners in ministry back home,” explains Doug.

“These dear people are just as much a part of our ministry as we are,” adds Karin.

The Allriches are looking to add more people to their ministry team. If you’d like to join them in serving the people of Papua, visit maf.org/Allrich.