Mission Aviation Fellowship Speaker
Ralph and Valerie Dawson from Mission Aviation Fellowship will be joining us on Sunday, February 14 for worship. Ralph will be speaking to our congregation about the joys of serving in mission and give specific information about MAF’s recent work in relief efforts in Haiti. Ralph (see below) is a native of Escalon and Oakdale and is the nephew of our own Erma Jeanne Barton.
Read more about Mission Aviation Fellowship here: www.maf.org
About Ralph and Valerie
Ralph and Valerie Dawson and their children Kathryn, Elliot, Emilee, and Elisabeth, are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. They are currently serving at MAF’s headquarters in Nampa, Idaho. Their previous terms have been spent in Irian Jaya (now Papua) Indonesia.
Ralph shares that the highlight of their ministry in Indonesia was working together with the local church to reach the remaining isolated areas of Irian Jaya, bringing the Gospel to those who have not yet heard. He flew more than 800 hours a year to help support the church development in areas where there is no other transportation. Valerie loved seeing God work in the lives of the national people. She shares, “As I saw each person change and grow in Christ, I was being changed and grew in ways I never imagined.”
Ralph is currently part of the Learning Technologies Department in MAF Headquarters. He plays an integral part in helping the church deliver Biblical teaching to remote, hard to access parts of the world. Valerie enjoys participating on MAF panels representing the MAF wives’ role, addressing the new candidates coming into MAF. She opens her home providing meals for candidates and orientees. Valerie also shares her musical talent through singing and playing her violin for MAF Chapels and other functions.
Ralph was born in Escalon, California and grew attended Oakdale High School. The evidence of Christ in the lives of some of his high school friends was instrumental in his decision to accept Christ as his Savior. Attending an Urbana Missions Conference confirmed Ralph’s desire to serve in missions. Ralph earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, and his Airframe and Powerplant mechanic license from LeTourneau University in Texas. He received his flight training at Moody Aviation in Tennessee. He holds a Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating. In November 2002, he received his Commercial Flight Instructor-Instrument rating. In 2003 Ralph went back to school part time and in 2007 earned a Masters in Spiritual Formation from Talbot Seminary, a part of Biola University.
Valerie grew up in Modesto, California. At age 19, she heard and truly understood the Gospel message, accepting Christ as her Savior. She attended Modesto Junior College and California State University at Chico, where she received a B.A. in Elementary Education. Valerie also attended Urbana in 1976 and 1979 where the Lord challenged her to make a commitment to missions. Ralph and Valerie met in 1978 and were married in 1980.
Ralph’s favorite verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” Lamentations 3:22-23, is a special passage for Valerie. “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.” The Lord’s grace is sufficient for whatever situations she finds herself in.
To fund the worldwide ministry of MAF, God is faithful in providing loyal, generous ministry support from His most caring people. He has called the men and women of MAF to serve Him in a unique way. He is also calling people like you around the world to play a special role in the ministry of MAF. You are invited to become a ministry partner with Ralph and Valerie in this strategic ministry. Please prayerfully consider involvement with them through prayer or financial support.