John & Maryann Pais

John and Maryann Pais serve in both urban and rural areas on the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington. The peninsula is a prime area for outdoor activities, and is only a short drive from rivers, lakes, mountains, or the ocean.

There are many small communities on the peninsula, and residents of these areas are often from low-income families. There is a large Native American population in this area, with approximately thirteen tribes living on the peninsula.

Many residents of these communities are self-sufficient, and therefore feel they have no need for God. As a result, there is a great need for people committed to community involvement and spreading the gospel to take an active part in life on the peninsula. Due to the mindset of residents, those involved in ministry must first earn the right to be heard.

After seeing the need in their community, the Paises started serving in a variety of area ministries. They get to know local pastors and come alongside them to support their efforts to reach the surrounding community. John leads Bible studies and fills pulpits as needed. John and Maryann serve as area coordinators for their field, encouraging and supporting current InFaith missionaries and their ministries.

John also serves as a volunteer chaplain at the Washington Correctional Center prison system and at the local fire department. 

The Paises have served as InFaith field staff since 1986.

Both John and Maryann are second career missionaries—John worked in the aerospace electronic field and Maryann worked in nursing. John served in the local church until he felt called to attend Bible College. The Lord then led the Paises into the pastoral ministry as church missionaries with InFaith.