Brad and Michelle Venter have been married since 2002 and have four children, Nathan, Hailey, Megan and Emma. They are currently serving in Papua New Guinea with MAF.

Brad is qualified as a pilot and also as an aeronautical engineer. He always wanted to fly as a missionary pilot and is excited about flying for MAF as he is pursuing his passion for flying and is able to use his skills and gifts to serve the Lord. Alongside him, Michelle is a qualified teacher and remedial teacher, and although she is a stay-at-home mommy she has been able to use her gifts and talents in amazing ways with various teaching opportunities and moms groups.

How it all began

They arrived in Papua New Guinea in 2011 where Brad initially flew the Twin Otter and later the C206 and GA8 Airvan. With the fleet change that happened in 2019, Brad transitioned to the C208 Caravan. They have mostly lived in Goroka in the highlands, but spent two years in Wewak which is on the north coast. Brad has also been a training pilot on the GA8 Airvan, Twin Otter and C208 Caravan. He fulfilled the role of Crew Training Manager for two years and is now currently the Flight Operations Manager (Chief Pilot). 

Michelle has the challenging role of looking after the family and is currently homeschooling all the kids due to the lack of good schooling options. 

Recently they adopted a baby girl from Papua New Guinea and that has been a real test of their faith but has come with so many blessings! They are grateful for the way that the Lord has answered so many prayers over the last few years to make this happen in his perfect timing!

Read their blog https://ventersadventures.wordpress.com/