Aviation Interns: Nathan Hunt

Waxhaw, N.C., is a long way from his hometown of North Pole, Alaska—but Nathan Hunt feels right at home in the JAARS hangar.

He cannot remember a time when he was not intrigued with aviation. As a young boy, he often accompanied his dad to air shows, where the “bug bit” him. When Nathan discovered that pilots can serve as missionaries, he knew he wanted to become one.

He recounts, “I was almost sure it couldn’t be God’s will, as I wanted it too much!”

Nathan accepted Christ as his Savior when he was 5, and at 14 he dedicated his life to Christian service. His parents were actively involved in supporting various missionary projects and encouraged Nathan’s desire to fly for the Lord.

In pursuit of his goal, Nathan earned a certificate in aircraft maintenance technology with airframe and powerplant ratings at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. He then attended Hobe Sound Bible College in Florida, graduating in May 2008 with a B.A. in missions and an emphasis in aviation.

It was during his college days that Nathan discovered JAARS through a Missions at the Airport event in Florida, and he began investigating JAARS and Wycliffe Bible Translators. He subsequently applied for an internship and was assigned to the hangar as an aircraft mechanic in May 2008.

When describing his three months at JAARS, Nathan said, “I have enjoyed getting good, hands-on experience from highly qualified staff. I am especially grateful for their putting up with my occasional ineptitude and my overall lack of knowledge. They were willing to teach me while correcting my mistakes and explaining how to improve. I learned many new skills while having a lot of fun with the other workers.”

Being an intern opened Nathan’s eyes to the importance of JAARS, as well as to the direct effect aviation has on the success of Vision 2025: having a Bible translation project in progress by that year for every people group that needs one. He wants to return as a pilot-mechanic to do his part to accomplish that vision.

“I grew here,” he said. “I gained new friends and found a church with great teaching. I also saw God move on behalf of projects and people at the hangar. It has increased my desire to fulfill my call to mission aviation.”