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We (Rich & Judy Olenik) are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. We served 17 years overseas with MAF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaïre), Madagascar, and Kenya. After returning to the states in 1996, we worked over five years at MAF headquarters in Redlands, California (the headquarters is now in Nampa, ID), where I (Rich) worked in the information technology and recruiting departments. Judy served as secretary to the president of MAF and as corporate secretary and liaison to the MAF board of directors.
Currently, we are Career Staff Ministry Advocates with MAF in the northeast United States. In this role, I establish more consistent contact with churches. A highlight of our current ministry is the opportunity to communicate how God is using MAF to overcome barriers in reaching people with the Good News about Christ ... read more
A favorite verse of mine is Matthew 13:45-46, "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." This scripture compares a flawless pearl to the Kingdom of Heaven. As with anything precious, we can hide it or proudly display it. Jesus commands Christians to light up our world so that all may have an opportunity to receive the blessing God intended from the beginning of creation. Working with MAF is our way to participate in Kingdom building.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite verse of Judy's, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." She says, "I feel strongly that God has planned each move in my life for a specific reason and I am excited about the future demonstration of that."
I was born in Chicago, and as a teen made a commitment to Christ at a Billy Graham crusade. I attended Eastern Baptist College in Pennsylvania. After four years in the Air Force, I earned a B.S. from the University of Illinois. I hold a private and commercial pilot's licenses with instructor and twin-engine ratings and an A&P mechanics license.
Judy was born in Brooklyn, New York and accepted the Lord at age 10. She attended The King's College in Briarcliff Manor, New York where she earned an AAS in Secretarial Science. Judy and I first met at a church softball game in New City, New York, and we were married in 1969.
We have four children. Sandy, who married Luke Flory (More about the Florys) in August 2002, completed her Master's in Public Administration at Indiana University. They live in Bloomington, IN. Luke is working on his Ph.D. and Sandy is a Mary Kay Director/Consultant. Bonnie, who married Josh Mann (More about the Manns) in August 2001, lives and works as an E.R. nurse in Memphis, TN. Lance, who married Katrina Larson (More about Lance & Katrina) in October 2001, lives in Caldwell, ID and works at MAF's headquarters as the Webmaster. Joel, who married Natalie Goodman (More about Joel & Natalie) in 2006 is going to school at a community college in Lynchburg, VA and works at Liberty University. Natalie attends Liberty University; she is a sophomore.
Please take a look at our Prayer Letters and read news (new and old) about our lives and ministry. We will continue to write these letters so that friends and supporters are up-to-date. These can be sent via e-mail (in PDF format) or via "snail" mail. If you would like to be on either mailing list, send one of us an e-mail and let us know:
Rich -
Judy -
- Important Dates:
- Rich's Birthday: March 29
- Judy's Birthday: January 5
- Rich & Judy's Anniversary: February 25