Pilot flies stormy course to work with MAF-LT

Bob Dontje’s missionary zeal appeared early in life.

“The idea and appeal of missionaries was always in front of me,” Bob recalled. As a youngster, the book Jungle Pilot  captured his attention when it told the story of five missionaries murdered in Ecuador by Auca Indians. He was further encouraged by his boyhood, mission-minded church in Ledyard, Iowa, as well as teachers, friends and family who supported his interest in missions.  

Later in life, when newlyweds Bob and Neva faced financial challenges while he attended Moody Bible Institute, his church provided support so Bob could concentrate on Bible school and aviation training. 

Soon after joining MAF, Bob completed flight and maintenance orientation.  Then, the Dontjes headed to Indonesia for language school and field checkout. They thought they were going to a one-year, temporary assignement to Kalimantan, Indonesia before heading to their permanent base in Iraian Jaya (today called Papua).  That turned into 12 years service in East Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

“Our work was very rewarding, but there came a time when both of us separately felt a strong urge that we needed to come back to the states to be close to family and friends.”  Bob said. “We were unclear as to why, but we felt the Lord was leading us.”  

After a brief time in California, Bob, Neva and their three children returned to Bob’s roots in northern Iowa where they worked as liaisons with MAF’s Church Ministry Team in the Midwest.  Soon, several events transpired that clarified the couple’s motivation to be near loved ones.

In quick succession, Bob lost his vision at age 45 due to the rapid onset of cataracts ( later, surgery restored his sight). Bob’s mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Neva was first diagnosed with melanoma.

A strong support system assisted with the challenges. They resumed a regular work schedule and the Dontjes, especially Neva, enjoyed the opportunity to use the our reach of MAF's Learning Technologies.

In May 2006, they were happy when Neva’s medical checkup came back clean. However, in June she began experiencing worrisome symptoms. The cancer returned with vengeance, and Neva went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2006.

For a brief period of time, Bob found therapy for his grief by working the rich Iowa topsoil with his neighbor’s tractor. Soon, however, he resumed the LT work that he and Neva championed.

Coming to Nampa for the dedication of MAF’s new world headquarters in September 2006 proved to be a healing step.  “Yes, I had an incredible loss, but Neva’s death was also a loss for all the people who worked with us and supported us through the years,” he said. “Being there for the dedication reconnected us with Idaho Friends of MAF and the whole MAF family. It allowed those who cared about us to have some closure.”

Bob continued his work with the MAF-Learning Technologies Instructional Support Team.  Now, after more than 25 years with MAF, Bob said he is thankful for his years of service and more secure than ever in the knowledge that God’s guiding hand is always there.