Derek & Hannah Steward

Maintenance manager

Derek and Hannah grew up on opposite sides of the state of South Dakota. Each blessed with Christian families, we accepted Christ at young ages. We met in 2006 at Black Hills State University where we were both studying business and exploring ideas of how we could use that in missions work. In 2010 with our degrees complete and wedding date set for March 2011, the Lord directed us into aviation ministry.

Derek received his Airframe and Powerplant License and Private Pilot’s License in 2013, around the same time we learned about Missionary Aviation Repair Center. Derek began work in general aviation to gain experience as a pilot and mechanic and Hannah continued working in financial services. We welcomed our son Isaac in 2014 and daughter Ada in 2017. During these years of preparation, God continued to draw our hearts to the need in Alaska.

In October 2017, our family was accepted as staff at MARC and we began raising ministry support to move and serve in Soldotna, Alaska. We arrived on the field in March 2019 and welcomed our son James later that year.

Derek now serves as Maintenance Manager, directing the maintenance of MARC planes as well as those of other ministries. Hannah serves as a mentor for pre-field staff who are raising ministry support and regularly works in the finance office.