Missionary Spotlight: Dave and Linda Ringenberg
S
ometime in 2009, when MAF approached Dave and Linda Ringenberg about a short-term position in Kalimantan, Indonesia, they were faced with a difficult decision: Was God calling them to go back? “We were surprised to get that offer; I never expected to go back,” Linda said. The Ringenbergs had been happily serving in Kalimantan since 1998. Then in 2002, their five-yearold daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. They returned home, and Hannah went to be with the Lord just 10 months later.
Afterward, Dave took on a new role as an instructor pilot at MAF headquarters. Then, seven years later, the Lord began to stir his heart about serving overseas again. But Linda wasn’t sure she was ready as she wrestled with her fears through prayer. Finally, she was able to say, “Lord, if you are calling me back, I’ll go.” With a new sense of peace, she told Dave she was willing—and ready—to return overseas. A few months later, the Ringenbergs were given an opportunity to go to Kalimantan. When Linda heard the news, sadness washed over her anew as she thought about returning to the place that held so many memories of Hannah. But immediately God seemed to whisper to her soul, “I’m taking you all full circle, Linda.” Now, the couple marvels at the sense of healing and closure God brought about through that year in Kalimantan. They see
now that it was all part of God’s plan to bring them full circle and complete the healing process. “I felt like God gave us new memories there as we worked through the old ones,” Linda said. “When we left, I didn’t feel like it was the old place or the sad place anymore.” While God was bringing closure, He was also preparing them for another door that would open—an offer to return permanently to the field in Papua. The Ringenbergs embraced the opportunity and are getting ready to move there by the end of the year. Their excitement is evident. Dave explains: “MAF happens to be there in this strategic location using the airplane to minister to people who are landlocked. Taking them to receive medical care, or flying in people to teach Bible translation, or delivering Bibles . . . we have those capabilities with the airplane, to the praise of God! This is all for the Lord. We want to serve God this way and be a blessing to others.” To learn more about the Ringenbergs and support their ministry in Papua, visit www.maf.org/ringenberg.
Giving a Gift that Leaves a Lasting Mark
T
he MAF-Estate Design team has a job that is both sweet and sorrowful—but one that ultimately results in an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living in isolated areas of the world. One task MAF-Estate Design has is to compassionately respond to letters from grieving relatives of MAF supporters who recently passed away. In these letters, it’s easy to discern the pain of losing a loved one. But it is also easy to detect the joy as a surviving family member sends a portion of the parent’s estate to MAF and recounts how passionate his or her parent was about this ministry and its mission. Consider this excerpt: “As one who had a long and distinguished career in aviation … our father had a special place in his heart for MAF. I remember him speaking of trips he made to Papua New Guinea with [his pastor]. These trips made a great impression.”
Such stories bring immeasurable joy to the MAF-Estate Design team. And the funds that accompany these letters continue to fuel MAF’s mission worldwide. If you would like to ensure that your financial resources continue to help MAF make a difference long after you have passed away, consider making a bequest to MAF upon your passing. The philanthropic spirit is given a voice when wishes are expressed in a person’s will. While many may think philanthropy is for a select few, the truth is every bequest to MAF makes a lasting mark. If you would like more information on wills, including sample language for making a charitable bequest, we invite you to contact us directly at 1-800-261-7280, or email Judy Harmon at jharmon@maf.org.
Fall 2011 | www.maf.org
7