Brian became a believer at age 18. Soon after this, as he himself was learning God’s Word for the first time, discovered that there were people in the world who still had no part of the Bible in their language. Without really knowing how, he wanted to be a part of taking God’s Word to them.
Someone brought up the idea of missionary aviation as a way to be part of tribal evangelism. This really appealed to him because he was not the teacher/translator type but was excited at the thought of being in a support role to those who are. In 1989, at the age of 22, he began preparation by attending Bible College, training as a pilot/mechanic, working in aviation to build experience, and training at New Tribes Mission Training Institute.
In 2000, Brian arrived at the field of a South American country where he learned Spanish and then began assisting tribal church planters through the ministry of aviation, flying a Cessna 206. He loved it, but he was all alone. ☹
In 2004, Brian went home (to the US) on his first furlough. This is when he was introduced to Katherine Linscott. She was working in the teaching field and had already completed Bible College. She also had become interested in missions to un-reached people groups after watching a New Tribes Mission video about the Taliabo people of an Asia-Pacific country. During Brian’s six-month furlough they became friends, fell in love, and were engaged to be married.
Brian returned to a busy ministry, not knowing how soon they could be married, but five months later, the Lord worked out circumstances for a wedding and quick return to the host country as newlyweds. This was 2005, a time when foreigners were becoming less and less welcome there and in the fall of that year, the shocking news was announced, by that country’s leadership, that NTM was to be expelled. The tribal missionaries had to pack up their lives and ministries, say their sad goodbyes, and the flight program was closed.
It was at this time, after leaving that country, that Katherine was able to enter NTM’s mission training for the required one year. In 2007, they returned to the same country where they previously served to verify whether it was possible to continue there. However, it was clear that permission to stay would not be granted and they had to leave. During this time their first child, Naomi Grace, was born.
So, what was next?? NTM Aviation leadership asked Brian if he would train in helicopter flight and maintenance to go to the Philippines to serve. Up to this time, Brian was capable in fixed wing aircraft only. They began this training in 2008 at the NTM Aviation headquarters in McNeal, Arizona and arrived in the Philippines in 2010. While in AZ their second child was born, Joseph Brian Schaadt.
Now the Schaadt family enjoys serving in the Philippines where they work together to assist tribal church planters through aviation. Their third child came to join them in 2013, Isaac Matthew Schaadt.
The Philippines (named after a Spanish king), is made up of over 7000 islands. You can choose from black, brown, grey, white or pink sand. It is a place of amazing beauty, delicious tropical fruits, and friendly people. It’s no wonder the national saying is “Its more fun in the Philippines”.
There are also more than 170 languages in the Philippines. Some people groups have not heard or had access to the Gospel. They live in remote locations and are hard to access due to rugged terrain. Missionaries, who are bringing the gospel to these people, need air service so they can serve effectively. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Rom. 10:15) It is indeed a beautiful thing to be part of the work of bringing the good news to people who have never heard.