Ministry Highlight Interview: Silas & Amanda Cheek

Tell me a little bit about your family and your life right now. 


            After school, we moved to Bend, OR, and have been there for seven years. God used these years to grow us in our marriage and to grow our family. Emma, who will turn six this spring, has a tender heart for others and loves to have fun. Issac and Isabella just turned three this February and, while they are opposite in every way, they both love doing puzzles and coloring all day long. We’ve been plugged into an amazing church here too called Eastmont, where we’re serving with the high school youth group and helping the worship team.



How did you two meet?


            While pursuing my dream of being a missionary pilot, I (Silas) began flight training, which ultimately lead to becoming an aircraft mechanic. I met Amanda in the process as I attended the church where her dad pastors in Tucson, AZ. I quickly realized her call and heart for missions. After being married, we attended Frontier School of the Bible to start our life together and to prepare for life in missions.



How did you first know you were called to ministry (individually and/or as a couple)?


            Amanda and I both grew up in full-time ministry families. Amanda’s parents have been working in ministry for 30+ years. My parents have been with UIM International for over 30 years. We both accepted the gift of salvation at the age of 5. With so many faithful individuals guiding us at every stage in our lives, we both felt called at a young age to be in full-time ministry. We never wanted to lose sight of this calling, and that’s why last year, we prayerfully applied to UIM.



How did God lead you to pursue UIM Aviation?


            Again pursuing God’s call on our hearts towards missions, the opportunity to join with UIM Aviation in Tucson, Arizona was open to us. We have always had a heart for this ministry and organization. We love the people in it and are excited to work alongside them.



What kind of process did you have to go through to become UIM appointees?


            Like with all mission organizations, we went through a thorough application process. We had references, outlined doctrinal statements, and an interview. We had the opportunity to go to their headquarters in Glendale, AZ for orientation where they officially made us appointees.



What type of ministry will you be doing?


            UIM International exists to share the Gospel with indigenous people groups across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Across Mexico many native people groups are in need of medical attention, essential goods, disaster relief aid, and, most importantly the hope of the gospel message. What takes several hours, even days, to travel rugged mountain roads, trails and unforgiving terrain takes only minutes in an airplane. God is working in the hearts of these wonderful people and is accomplishing the work through indigenous Church leaders, missionaries, missionary pilots, technicians and aircraft. Currently, there is a high need for aircraft technicians as there is more work than what personnel can easily manage.


            Silas will be onboard as an aircraft maintenance technician with the opportunity to continue flight training. Amanda will be onboard to assist with any non-aircraft work such as office administration, event coordination, and fund raising, in addition to being an amazing mom of three.



Is there a specific location where you hope to serve?


            We will be serving in Tucson, Arizona with extension to Mexico.



What is the projected timeline for your ministry?


            Our family needs to be 100% financially supported before being field missionaries with UIM. We are praying for a quick, yet lasting, financial partnership development so we can be available for the future God has for us on the field as soon as possible.



How are you serving the Lord right now as you wait to be sent to the mission field?


            During our time in Bend, the Lord placed us in an amazing local church where we have all enjoyed serving and growing spiritually as a family.



How can people support you as you begin your journey with UIM Aviation?


            Pray – Our dependence on the Father through prayer is key to any ministry. We are asking committed family and friends to be on our prayer team to consistently GO for us in prayer. Your vital role will be the life blood of this ministry, helping it thrive and be fruitful to the glory of our Lord.


            Give – Again, we need to be 100% financially supported before we are able to begin our journey as field missionaries with UIM. You can give by mailing a check payable to UIM International designated for Silas and Amanda Cheek to P.O. Box 6429, Glendale, AZ 85312-6429. For those who would rather give online, you can go to uim.org/donate. You will receive our newsletter and updates. Any amount helps! Thank you in advance for your generosity and service!

Thanks for reading!  And a huge thank you to all of you who are prayerfully considering supporting this wonderful couple!  

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