International (MNN) — You don’t have to be a pastor or evangelist to be a missionary. In fact, missions work needs people in all types of roles.

Just ask Marionne Tucker, Mission Aviation Fellowship’s (MAF) Chief People Officer overseeing human resource functions.

It’s not your typical missions role. But even a ministry like MAF needs an HR department.

Marionne Tucker, MAF’s Chief People Officer (Photo courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship)

Tucker says, “I believe in having engaged, motivated, and committed staff who strive for continuous improvement to impact the organizations that they work for. Because no matter how well a strategy is written, no matter what is put together to impact whoever the beneficiaries are, if its staff are not committed, if they’re not ready, then it’s useless. You can’t give what you don’t have.”

When you think of advancing the Great Commission, a career in HR might not be the first thing you think of. But for Tucker, serving in this role with MAF allows her to use her gifts and talents for God’s Kingdom.

Ultimately, Tucker says, “My heart is in mission work to see isolated people changed through the love of Christ.”

Before coming to work at MAF, Tucker served as the Global HR Operations Lead for Food for the Hungry. She also served as People and Culture, Administration & Security Director for World Vision Kenya.

“When I worked in Kenya and we took MAF planes, the pilots would always pray before we took off. I found that so touching — that these people are skilled, they’re equipped to do their job, but they rely on Christ for safety, for protection, and for guidance even as they go.”

Are you curious about how God could use your gifts and talents to advance the Great Commission — even in an unconventional way?

Currently, MAF needs more IT staff and teachers for missionaries’ children. Learn more about these opportunities and other careers at MAF’s website!

(Photo courtesy of MAF)

Tucker asks, “Pray for us that we have teachers. Pray for us that we have IT staff. Pray for us that God just brings men and women of God – workmen and laborers in His vineyard to come alongside us to be able to accomplish the vision of taking His love to isolated communities.”

You can also partner with missions work by giving to MAF here.

“Not everyone is able to go physically,” says Tucker. “But you can also go by sowing seeds, making contributions [and] donations so those that God has called to go will be able to go with your financial support.”

Header photo courtesy of MAF.