Our Team
Things Above Project partners with the Gabon Alliance church’s aviation department (AMB Gabon) to provide critical air service in Gabon, turning days of difficult jungle travel into minutes for those needing urgent hospital care.
With hearts set on the things above, we are raising up the next generation of local and international leaders to keep this life-saving ministry flying.
Steve Straw
TAP Executive Director & AMB Gabon Mobilizer
What I bring to the team: My whole heart and over two decades of partnership with the Gabon Alliance church, from getting the aviation program off the ground (literally!) to now fundraising, recruiting staff, and supporting the aviation department projects (like aircraft refurbishments and fuel shipments).
I first discovered my passion for aviation: In 1987 when my big brother, Dan, took me for an airplane ride in a 1948 Taylorcraft tail-dragger aircraft in the skies of central Pennsylvania and I was hooked!
I studied aviation at: LeTourneau University
People who know me well say that: I have faith and vision to have started AMB Gabon and stayed with it for over 2 decades.
In my free time, I enjoy: supporting my favorite sports teams (soccer: Olympique de Marseille, baseball: New York Yankees) as well as maintaining and restoring a 1600’s era manor house in the Brittany region of France that serves as a retreat and training center for people of faith! Come and visit!
Rob Peterson
Program Manager & Chief Pilot
What I bring to the team: I seek to be a professional aviator with an eye towards operational safety and efficiency.
I first discovered my passion for aviation: My introduction was when I was 3 days old and my dad flew my mom and me back to mission station in the Philippines where my parents were serving. Years later, my call to missions came with a desire for and joy of seeing people experience God's Word in their own language.
I studied aviation at: Moody Aviation
People who know me well say that: I am pretty easy-going and not a big fan of drama. "Plan the flight and fly the plan."
In my free time, I enjoy: walking on the runway with my family or sitting down for a relaxed meal and talking.
Henrica Ongala
Intern / Apprentice
What I bring to the team: Expenses :’)
I first discovered my passion for aviation when: as a kid playing in my grandma's front yard, I stopped and always admired airplanes flying over our house.
I studied aviation at: Blue Ridge Community College
People who know me well say that I am: enthusiastic.
In my free time, I enjoy: listening to podcasts or going for a walk.