TEAM
Dwayne Harris: Dwayne Harris is the main director, Helicopter pilot, and Mechanic for PAMAS. He pioneered this ministry when he stepped out in faith in February 2007 and shipped a donated Helicopter to the Philippines. He soon followed in faith with what was left of his own resources, and God has met every need since. God continued to lead Dwayne to the right people and provided the way for him to start flying the helicopter in an amazing three short months. He met Wendy Guptill, missionary nurse to the Philippines in May and they joined their lives and ministries the following year.
Wendy Harris: Wendy (Guptill) Harris is the Medical Director for PAMAS. She worked for AFM for 5 years, running a remote, jungle clinic in the mountains of Palawan. She also ran clinics at other remote missions in Chuuk and Nepal. She married Dwayne Harris, the helicopter pilot in April 2008. They joined their ministries just as the helicopter project was getting underway. Dwayne and Wendy oversee all the missionaries and work of PAMAS. They have just expanded the ministry to Northern Luzon to start the 2nd project.
Mershalov Family: Andrey joined us August 2009 from the Ukraine as our second helicopter pilot! (He is currently the sole pilot for the Palawan project.) God opened many doors to provide this miracle. His wife (Tanya) and 6 year old daughter (Angela) joined him in January in a happy reunion! They are adjusting well with God's help and learning English quickly. They sacrificed much to come to the Philippines to serve God. Tanya has blessed the project with her creative and character-building children’s programs that she presents in conjunction with the growing Bible studies and Muslim work we do.
Henson Family: Danny Henson and his Filipina wife, Rovelyn joined the PAMAS team in November 2008. They answered God's call with support from their church in Tennessee and are dedicated to a life of mission work. They were instrumental in the important work of getting our land donated for the building of the Hangar/housing complex through Rovelyn's great uncle. They also started the Bible study near our land that has grown and resulted in multiple baptisms. Baby Hadassah has brought much joy to her parents (and the rest of us!) since she arrived in August 2009. We are excited with Danny as he is now completing his flight training to serve the Lord as a fixed-wing pilot (on top of his other skills) and help the PAMAS ministry as it expands to other islands. Danny now oversees the Palawan project as Field Director.
Rolly and Shielah and their children Ej & Jm Reyes are no strangers to mission work. They served 7 years in Balabac with PFM (Philippine Frontier Missions) and 3 years as field coordinators (among many other titles). We are amazed at how God has brought them to PAMAS and excited at how God is using them to help oversee the workers and medical aspects of the project on Palawan. Their time with PFM makes them a great asset as much of our work supports the many PFM projects in the area. Their dedication to God's mission no matter the sacrifices is evident and appreciated!
Briane & Joy Lupkey (with Ellen and Eliana) were inspired by Dwayne and Wendy's video (mission pilot) early in their marriage and dedicated their lives to serving God no matter the cost. After a 6 month medical missionary course (with LIGHT), two precious children, and many other preparation experiences, God brought the Harris's right to their own town and they become immediate friends and co-missionaries! Dwayne and Wendy encouraged them in their commitment to be missionaries and have helped them move to Mayoyao where they are starting a mission in a beautiful but unreached mountainous area around 3 hours from Santiago. Their medical, natural remedies, language, and leadership skills are just a few blessings they bring to PAMAS. We are very blessed to have this dear family join our team!
Trudi LaFlair: Trudi LaFlair, wife and mother of 4 adorable children, has contributed greatly to PAMAS from her home in Northwest Georgia. Her creative ideas and editor's eye, combined with her computer skills, have been indispensable in the creation of the PAMAS website. She and her husband, Daniel, were a huge help in the first, printed newsletter for PAMAS during the summer of 2010. She is a cousin to Wendy Harris.
