March - May 20 0 1

The magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship

New life and hope in the jungle

pages 4-5

NO LONGER UNREACHED pages 2-3 DOUBLE DELIGHT pages 12-13

What is MAF?

ission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation whose mission is to fly light aircraft in developing countries so that people in remote areas can receive the help they need. Since 1946, our planes have been speeding the spread of the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ by word and deed, in places of deepest human need. Isolated places where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline. Every three minutes, an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world. These flights enable crucial work by many development and aid agencies, missions, local churches and other national groups. Medical care, adequate food, clean water and Christian hope are reaching countless thousands of men, women and children. Normally, passengers contribute a highlysubsidised fare towards the true cost. The balance that makes flights possible comes as gifts from people concerned that others should have a better life spiritually and physically. In the UK, MAF is a registered charity funded by voluntary gifts which help finance MAFs operational work and support services. Please use the enclosed response form and envelope for your donation to this ministry. MAFs work is vital. Lives depend on it.

Chief Executives COMMENT

Wherever it is darkest light shines brighter! MAF works in many countries where the sun shines brightly, but where people, sadly, live in darkness. Having responded to the Good News of Jesus Christ, I am delighted to be part of bringing the light to those hearing of Gods love for the first time. Good news is always pleasant to share. However, sharing the Gospel brings joy and hope, and also the love of God the light of the world which transforms lives for eternity. The Bible tells us to shine as lights in the world. We shine with His light as we take practical help, medical aid and Bible teaching to those in some of the darkest places. This sees hope and faith born and the lives of many becoming brighter. I am amazed and daily encouraged at the Lords working through MAF and partner organisations we fly. I trust you too will be encouraged as you read of some of the many lives you have enabled to be touched in many different places. From medical work in Madagascar and prison ministry in Kenya, through Bible translation in Ecuador and literacy work in Papua New Guinea, needs of some of the worlds poorest people are being met. Your prayers and financial support are very much appreciated and vital as, together, we seek to reach unreached people and tell them of the love of God, so they may walk and live in His light. With thanks and blessings

No longer unreached
M
Gene Jordan

Deep in the jungles of north-western Ecuador, the airstrip at Zapallo Grande (The Big Squash) has been the gateway to reaching the Chachi people, supporting Bible translation work and eradicating river blindness. Veteran MAF pilot Gene Jordan shares this story:
day, we flew out blood samples to help battle river blindness. We always scheduled a two-hour window to pick up blood vials from patients and deliver them safely to the jungle laboratory. I am so happy to tell you that, through the dedicated work of Dr Ron Guderian of the Heralding Christ Jesus Blessings Global Medical Division and, after many MAF flights, river blindness should soon be eradicated. This dreadful disease is now under control with the help of an oral vaccine. We cant restore sight to those already blind, but we can prevent river blindness from striking others. Now we have been rejoicing as a different milestone has passed. After years of hard and difficult work and again through many supporting MAF flights the Chachi people have come together to mark the completion and publication of the New Testament in the Chachi language, as well as the books of Genesis and Exodus. People gathered from miles around, some travelling for up to two hours by river canoe. It was a great day of celebration and

Jenny Matthews/Panos Pictures

Local Chachi believers

Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent UK CT20 2TN Telephone: 0845 850 9505 Email: supporter.relations@maf-uk.org
Registered charity number, England and Wales: 1064598

Scottish Office Challenge House, 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD Telephone: 0845 850 9505 Email: scottish.office@maf-uk.org
Registered charity number, Scotland: SC039107

Website: www.maf-uk.org Chief Executive, MAF UK: Ruth Whitaker MAF News team Editor: Andy Prescott Research: Stephanie Gidney, Shaun Oliver Writers: Pandora Davies, David Hall, David Longley Photographers: Michael Duncalfe, Alan Duncan, Pierrot Men, Layton Thompson Design: Positiv Design Purchasing: Mark Stanton Art Direction: Richard Bellamy
Printed by The Website, Leeds Bible references are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated MAF UK March May 2010 mzrs9

issionaries first reached the Zapallo Grande region in 1955, about nine months before MAF pilot Nate Saint was martyred. I joined MAF as a missionary pilot in 1970 when we were serving one jungle airstrip in the northwestern area. Even then, the Chachi people were truly unreached, being bound by Satans chains of witchcraft, idolatry and murder. They were spiritually blind, their hopelessness clearly reflected in their eyes. I also remember the look in the eyes of local villagers afflicted with river blindness. Parasites, the larvae of black flies, enter the bloodstream and slowly destroy the optic nerve. The eyes of its victims appear to be normal, but their look is vacant just like spiritual blindness. Years ago, there was no effective treatment. Once people became afflicted with the parasite, they would then go blind. Throughout the 1990s, MAF carried out medical flights, supported Bible translators who were all busy working on the Chachi Scriptures, and transported indigenous evangelists. But in addition, nearly every

Landing at Zapallo Grande

thanksgiving. A once spiritually blind, unreached people group now counts many who can see healed for eternity. In 2008, the MAF chaplain ministry in Ecuador distributed 2,056 New Testaments, made 159 visits to Puyo Hospital, and also helped 144 indigenous people from the chaplains pantry. Some 34 people turned to Christ through this ministry and were linked with jungle churches for discipling.
Article sourced from materials of MAF in the USA

2 MAF News March May 2010

March May 2010 MAF News 3

Deep in the rainforest

M
Workers at Dungu Hospital facing the threat of renewed fighting take great comfort in knowing that there is an emergency exit MAF
bolitini gives birth to Christina at Dungu very prematurely and, at five days old, Christinas chances of survival are almost zero. Now, foil and blankets cover her in an attempt to keep her warm. Life is never easy in the isolated jungle areas of northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Even less so just months after the rebel Lords Resistance Army (LRA) massacred many people with guns, machetes and even hammers, raped women, abducted children

and burnt down their houses. Although UN troops quelled the fighting, their strong presence is still not sufficient to prevent other attacks around the area. The last hour of the flight into Dungu is across nothing but dense, thick rainforest, occasionally broken by half a dozen huts in a clearing. Finally, the aircraft dips into a hole in the forest to touch down on a small airstrip encaged by jungle.

as the hospital seeks to train Congolese nurses to be as efficient and confident as they can. Marie maintains that, unless the situation deteriorates, soon the area will no longer be considered officially in a state of emergency. That means many relief aid agencies will cease to operate there. MAF will resume being the sole link with the outside world for delivering medicines. Because the roads are so rough, our work would be impossible without MAF, Marie points out.

A fearsome rabies epidemic broke out last July. Without MAF, we would not have been able to get the medicine for a week or more. Because we got it so quickly, we saved lives. One girl died but, when we got the medicine, we managed to save 23 other people. And MAF pilots are also on call when young girls need fast transport to hospitals in Bunia for treatment and counselling after being raped. The crime is increasing to horrific levels, expresses Marie, adding, These young girls need this service.

Delivery

Determined

But here lies a remote medical outpost a hospital operated by Medair and Mdecins Sans Frontires. Nurse Marie Petry left France two years ago to use her skills working with Medair in a needier environment. She could not have picked a more deserving location than Dungu. Determined to make a difference, she acts more as a supervisor than a nurse,

Food, toilet paper and toothpaste are some of the everyday items that must come by air, as must computer batteries. These are vital as, without computers, the hospital could scarcely function. Beyond that, MAF is always on hand for mounting a rescue operation, airlifting staff to a less threatening location if fighting should return to Dungu. Our workers need the assurance that, if required, they will be able to be evacuated, Marie stresses.

Decay

Facilities in this part of the DRC rainforest are basic at best. Dungu Hospital is a row of old concrete sheds. Ants inhabit every crevice. The smell of decay is everywhere. Sagging rusty metal beds fill the wards. Each ward is crammed with patients, most of them with an intravenous drip alongside. Mosquito nets hang limply from beds. There is only one thing that is really unlimited patients! Here are a few of those being treated in

Dungu Hospital on just a single day: Mado, aged 37, is emaciated but cant eat and has severe heart problems. She fled during an LRA attack on her village, but has no idea whether her husband is dead or alive. Doctors are convinced her illness is psychological, but treat her as best they can. Mado struggles to speak, and says, I am pleased I can now be in hospital to get better. Mother of ten boys, Juliane was brought to hospital very sick with malaria, but has soon responded to treatment. Eating a large bowl of leaves and rice, she smiles, I am happy because I can get medicine without having to pay. I cant pay. I would have died.

and already two have died from AIDS. And now theres Angel This tragic family really brings home what a huge problem AIDS is in Africa. When a mother loses not one but three children to it, its easy to wonder if it will ever stop. Life in todays DRC is unimaginably harsh. But when sickness adds its unwelcome presence to a host of other daily problems, thanks to dedicated medical personnel and our aircraft, there is hope for most patients here.

Dedicated

Prospects are not at all good for 28-year-old Angel, now too weak to talk. Tiny and frail, her face is gaunt and sunken, and her eyes look sad and tired. She has AIDS. Her mother Ulsula tries to be optimistic. My daughter is now getting the drugs she needs and the doctors are very good, very good. But Ulsula has had eight children

Dungu Hospital

Marie Petry (left) with colleague Suzanne Krauss

Marie Petry and Medair logistician Gilbert Gbadi

Dr Ghislam at Dungu Hospital

Mbolitini with Christina

Angel and her mother Ulsula

Christina

Mado

4 MAF News March May 2010

Juliane

March May 2010 MAF News 5

BRINGING LIGHT AND LIFE TO MADAGASCAR

Operations and opportunities

Foreign missionaries and local Christians have joined together to serve people in Mandritsara through the vital ministry of Good News Hospital. Stephanie Gidney reports
n the midst of poverty, British doctor David Mann and his team are providing modern medical care. A small market town of 12,000 people, Mandritsara lies in the remote north of Madagascar. A further 250,000 people live as subsistence farmers in the surrounding countryside. Many come to trade in the town, some from as far as the east coast. With very few roads, and most people unable to afford a car, travel is usually on foot or by oxcart.

Sylvie

It is just a 90-minute flight from the capital Antananarivo. The alternative is a slow and difficult two-day road trip. At times, during rainy seasons, nobody could get through by road for three months, Dr Mann reveals. Then, everything and everybody has had to come by MAF. In addition to our flight services, MAF has assisted with communications and we also provide a weather forecast service, forewarning cyclones and severe weather approaching the area.

Gospel advance

Outside the hospital, X-ray films are pegged out to dry in the warm air; laboratory tests are conducted; chemotherapy is administered to cancer sufferers; and in the two theatres, operations restore sight, save lives and renew hope. Joy erupts from patient and staff alike when a small elderly lady is able to see for the first time in years. Every month, 2,000 outpatients are treated here; every year, the medical team carries out 1,000 surgical operations. Some patients come from far away if not on foot or by oxcart, then probably carried by others, some for up to three days. The nearest alternative hospital is 120 miles away! Vanombelona, who is a young mother, walked for two days to Mandritsara to give birth to her third baby. Her previous two children had been born in her village, but they

Saving lives

were difficult deliveries and both of them died during labour. Coming to hospital this time, she receives antenatal care and a Caesarean section, thus ensuring she has a safe delivery. Now at last, Vanombelona has a healthy little daughter.

She needs further treatment, including more blood. Her father has already donated blood. The hospital team is looking for some more relatives who have the same blood group as Sylvie. If the search proves to be unsuccessful, they can use some of their existing supplies all the hospital staff are blood donors.

Air support

Shoulder-high

A lot of babies die during childbirth in the villages where theres inadequate maternal care, Dr Mann tells me. Quite a few of the women in the district die in childbirth too, because of difficulties from bleeding or infection. We are starting a maternity unit to improve maternal and childbirth statistics in the district through the service. Sylvie came from half a days walk away. No road goes to where she lives. Four men carried her, shoulder-high, on a makeshift stretcher. She lost a lot of blood when she suffered a stillbirth a month earlier. Sylvie arrived at the hospital with heart failure because of lack of blood. When I meet Sylvie, she is receiving oxygen. She is feeling a bit better, not quite so breathless though visibly still struggling and very weak.
Vanombelona and her baby receive treatment

MAF aircraft have supported the hospital in Mandritsara from its beginning, transporting people, fragile equipment and items that are urgent, valuable or need to be kept cold.

The primary motivation of the hospital indeed the vision behind its very existence is to share the Gospel. Doctors, nurses and hospital evangelists all proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ as part of their daily activity. Patients also have access to Christian literature and audio material in Malagasy and French. The hospital radio station broadcasts the Gospel even beyond the hospital compound to the local area. Dr Mann shares: In the last 15 years since weve been here with the medical work, the local church has grown considerably. About 30 villages now have Gospel groups that didnt have them before. Frequently, the initial contact has been through patients coming to the hospital. If someone shows an interest, then they will invite us to come to their village. Theres a village that I go to once each month. The original link there was a child who was knocked over and broke her legs.

Her mother didnt think she would live. The girl was in hospital for a couple of months and, when she left, her mother begged, Please will you come to the village and preach the Gospel? Theres a little group of Christians who meet there now. Please pray for the ongoing work of Good News Hospital, and that the people of Mandritsara and the surrounding area will be increasingly blessed, physically and spiritually, by the Gospel. For a brief film from Good News Hospital, please visit www.maf-uk.org/hospital

6 MAF News March May 2010

Patients and relatives wait outside theatre

BRINGING LIGHT AND LIFE TO MADAGASCAR

Lahiman with Dr Fernand

Andre (centre) and Dr Fernand

Stephanie receives her chicken gift

Manakana: 2006

Manakana: 2009

Realising the doctors dream

H
Hidden deep in a Madagascan valley, 100 miles from the nearest road, sits the village of Manakana. Im visiting to report on MAFs partnership with Dr Fernand
earing of our vision to help people in remote villages, Dr Fernand saw the opportunity to realise his dream to help people in remote places, too. Three years ago, he started Madagascar Medical Safari (MMS) with MAF. The doctors medical practice is based in Antananarivo. But he commits a working week five or six times each year to go on medical safari. His motivation is his love of evangelism: Hospitals receive more people than church now. Because people know how we love God and how we help them, its an opportunity for me to share the Gospel. After a very early start and a gruelling six-mile trek all the way from the nearest airstrip at Sahakevo, my welcome at Manakana is overwhelming. A corridor of people lines the ascent to where Dr Fernand has been based for the week. The whole community fills the building to greet us.

by Stephanie Gidney

Women have spent the morning preparing lunch over open fires chicken broth and rice. Rules of hospitality dictate that a village representative always accompanies visitors. So elders eat the meal with us, though at a separate table, and two men stay with the team throughout the night.

Effective treatment

Overwhelming welcome

Theres singing and speeches, and then I receive a gift of rice and two live chickens. Its incredibly moving such warmth and generosity brings tears to my eyes. Yet simultaneously, theres the quandary of knowing that it would be very offensive to decline the gift. The people here need these supplies so much more than I do.

Though Dr Fernand has worked with MAF in other places, this is his first visit to Manakana. Already, he has seen 200 patients with Monsieur Charles, resident health worker. Consultations included problems with vision owing to lack of vitamin A, high blood pressure caused by stress health issues due to poor nutrition including thyroid inflammation, gastritis because of the method of cooking cassava, and also addiction to chewing tobacco.

Monsieur Charles serves six villages within a four-hour walk from his base in Manakana. He has really enjoyed the week because MAF brought us an experienced doctor and weve had time to improve our medical ability and work. Our aircraft also brought supplies of medicines, providing him further opportunity to do his work better. Among the patients who have received medical care this week is Lahiman, who is a 67-year-old farmer. He was suffering with abdominal pain and backache. Hes very happy with what the doctor has done for him and is delighted with how his medicine has helped. He has also stopped chewing tobacco. Seventeenyear-old Andre underwent minor surgery to remove an extra toe. The wound is healing well and he is very happy.

Endless buzzing

A day with MMS begins early. Between 6am and 7.30, Dr Fernand works with the church on how to read the Bible and trains leaders. Medical consultations and surgery follow,

filling most of the day. In the afternoon or at night, the doctor focuses on children, sharing the Gospel and teaching songs. Once darkness settles on the village, it rapidly quietens except for insects that buzz nonstop throughout the night. There is no electricity. MAF provides a portable generator for the week. Apart from the two light bulbs it illuminates, its very dark. Soon after 5am, I wake in dull light and walk down to the river to wash, carefully balancing on a rock. One or two others are up before clouds fleetingly glow pink at sunrise. Mist is rising from adjoining valleys. Slowly, the village comes to life. Spirals of smoke curl upwards from newly-kindled fires, the still air tinged with their smell. Chickens, clucking with motherly urgency, hasten their broods out of my path. The unseen insects persist in their singing. Unlike Dr Fernand, this is not the first time that MAF has visited Manakana. Back in December 2006, most of the village 184 homes burnt to the ground. We responded by flying in rice and building

materials nails, hammers and saws, while timber to build the structural frames of new houses was sourced locally and paid for by MAF.

Eternal consequences

Wandering through the village, its clear that a number of the homes are still to be completed. Dr Fernand tells me the owners of most of these have not rebuilt because they are very, very depressed they lost everything in the fire. Progress with others has been delayed as roofing material is limited, availability being seasonal. But the village promises to finish the homes within a year. It is a privilege to have briefly been part of peoples lives in Manakana. People with so little, yet so welcoming and generous with what they have. I am pleased that we have given them something, too. And with anticipation, I consider the eternal consequences of the MMS teams witness and expression of Gods love for poor people.
March May 2010 MAF News 9

8 MAF News March May 2010

Little screen, big change

When Pastor Charles Kabogoza read about the plight of Kenyas Turkana people, it changed his life and brought hope to hundreds
iving in Uganda, Pastor Kabogoza had seen Sam Tsapwe using the Jesus film. So he put the two things together, sensing Gods call to help the Turkana the dry people of Kenyas arid north. Two years ago, we started flying Charles to Lodwar, where he stayed for six weeks each time. After assessing needs, he established a home there in September 2008. And the results bear testimony to his enthusiasm. As he only has the shorter version of the film made for children and in Swahili, a translator is needed. Charles has ministered in Lodwar Prison with support from Governor Julius Kirapus and Chaplain Raymond Chirchir. At times, 400 prisoners live in a facility built for 120 inmates. Yet there is a surprisingly calm atmosphere. Remand prisoner Anton watched the Jesus film and now walks with Jesus, praying with other Christians. Sarah learned about Jesus in prison and no longer wants to drink alcohol and fight. Prison Officer Joram insists the work of fellow officers is easier since Charles arranged for donations of sports equipment and a television to watch a local station and English Premier League football. Joram

Sarah (centre)

Anton

adds that its also easier as prisoners and officers come to know Christ. On the outskirts of town, Charles lives in one of two rented rooms. Up to 80 members of the childrens church, started last year, meet in the second room on Sundays and most evenings. Children such as Corine. After watching the film, she was saved and now prays together with others. Meanwhile, Charles home is no longer big enough for all the children. The ministry is rippling outwards from Lodwar. At Naotim Primary School eight miles away, Charles played a Christian song and then showed the Jesus film. The children were very attentive and, after he prayed, some indicated they wanted to become Christians. Having shown the film in many schools, Charles now plans to return and follow up with more teaching. He uses material from Samaritans Purse to nurture new Christians, along with whatever worksheets, Bible tracts and storybooks he can persuade missions to donate. I have seen God at work in this place, Pastor Charles enthuses. He brought me here at the right time. But it would be very difficult without MAF.

Life-saving drop

Dead centre. Thats where the package landed on the halfbuilt airstrip. Kevin Lynne had dropped it from his MAF aircraft watched by excited villagers at Tumdungbon in Papua province of Indonesia
roud parents Anton and Olipa had marvelled at their first child, nicknamed Sam, the biggest, healthiest baby seen by the New Tribes Mission team. But Sam was not growing. Anton approached missionaries Kubili Condit and Joanna Jansma for food for a ceremony to drive away an evil spirit so his child would grow. Then Kubili saw Olipa coming: I pulled back her baby bag, expecting to see the same chunky little baby but no bigger. I was horrified! He was nothing but protruding bones and flaps of skin, recalls Kubili. Olipa was not producing enough milk. We felt the little guy would not make it without baby formula. Then we heard that, although the airstrip was not ready, MAF could help. Pilot Kevin takes up the story. I arrived overhead to find solid clouds. And so I prayed for a hole to get down over Tumdungbon. Four miles west, I was able to get down, then work my way back underneath to the future airstrip. Two practice passes and then I was ready. I prayed they would find it and dropped on the third pass. The package landed smack dab in the middle of the strip both lengthwise and widthwise, Kubili marvels. May this incident and this act of love challenge the thinking and world view of all Arimtap people. May this prepare minds and hearts to listen to Gods Word when we can present it to them in their own language. Thank you MAF

Olipa

for using your skills to keep us here and to impress Gods love upon the people of Tumdungbon. They may not yet understand who is the One orchestrating it, but prayerfully and with the help of organisations like MAF, one day soon the Arimtap people will know and understand. And Kevin echoes: What a blessing to use my pretty plane to drop some formula for Sam and do what were all here trying to do meet a need and help lead them to the One who can meet their big need.

UPDATES FROM KUBILI CONDIT

Two days after the drop: Sam is already filling out. One day later: He came in at 4 pounds today! Eight days later: I hardly hear hungry crying any more. Six weeks later: Sam is nine pounds, and at that cute stage of starting to smile.
Joanna with Sam

10 MAF News March May 2010

March May 2010 MAF News 11

Twice in one day, an MAF aircraft carried building materials crucial to projects that are tucked away in inaccessible areas

n arduous task confronted our pilots and ground staff in Papua New Guinea. For when the plane first took its cargo of roofing iron, plywood sheets, timber and water tanks to remote Yimnalem, there was a problem. On arrival, the two pilots discovered that the short airstrip carved into a ridge on the side of the Bismarck-Schrader mountain ranges was covered in cloud, thus making landing impossible. So the pair had to return the cargo to Mount Hagen 52 miles away, and unload it so that the plane could make other booked calls that day. In the evening, it had to be reloaded to allow early departure next morning. Loading and unloading building supplies is difficult, time-consuming and labour-intensive.

fellowship, Pastor Robert advised the pilots. Teacher Paul Parila was delighted to see the aircraft. Benaria is very remote, he explained. Its an eight-hour walk to the nearest road and then a twohour drive to Tari, which is the nearest main town. That whole days journey ends just 16 miles from its Paul Parila start. Tari is truly difficult to reach from Benaria which is situated in a narrow valley, but only ten minutes flying time away.

Solitary life

Unloading at Benaria

Benaria church building

Swift transport

But the morning was beautiful as the Twin Otter, flown by Michael Duncalfe and Mike Davis, returned to Yimnalem, setting down on the airstrip where landing and the start of the take-off are both uphill! The materials were for a project to build a classroom for school and literacy work organised by Steve and Rhonda Hayward of Pioneer Bible Translators. Coffee beans more than a ton of them were heaved aboard for the return trip to be sold by the missionary couple on behalf of village growers, who would then send the cash back to the community. Without the aircraft, Yimnalem is only accessible by long and arduous treks across mountains followed by a lengthy journey in a canoe. As the villagers rejoiced at the planes cargoes, Michael and Mike returned to Mount Hagen, reloaded the aircraft with a variety of building supplies and flew to Benaria, another isolated area. This time, part of their cargo was destined to become the roof of the building of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea.

Life is lonely for Paul as other teachers do not like being in such an isolated place. They run away back to the towns, and so children do not get an education. But I can stay here because this is my home and I am the owner of land on one side of the airstrip. Regular contact with the outside world is possible only by high frequency radio, installed by Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship in partnership with MAF. In the tiny room that houses the equipment at the back of the church, Pastor Robert told Mike and Michael how the radio is the village lifeline. He can use it to speak to other churches and mission communities at fixed times, and he can call for the plane when there is a serious medical emergency. Also, it is the only way that MAF can get a weather report before flying into Benaria with its changeable weather patterns.

Spiritual building

As the pilots returned to Mount Hagen at the end of their days labours, they were able to reflect on the way their efforts and their valuable cargoes would enable the work of mission, church and economy move forward in such hidden communities. Though it was much like any other day for them, for the people at Yimnalem in Madang Province, and Benaria, in Southern Highlands Province, it was a day to rejoice and resume building. Material for physical buildings it may be, but the spiritual building of the Lords people will surely follow.

Successful delivery

Almost as soon as the engines were shut down at Benaria, supplies were unloaded under the supervision of cabin attendant Jeremiah Akesim. He has gained a private pilot licence thanks to MAFs Aviation Training Centre. Jeremiah now dreams of the day he will complete his commercial pilot licence and fly for MAF. Young people and children helped carry the precious cargo into the church. The ceiling has to be finished, and we are going to build a separate room for the womens

Pastor Robert

Yimnalem

12 MAF News March May 2010

March May 2010 MAF News 13

All images on this page: Michael Duncalfe

Double delight

More than flying planes

As the UN declared Haitis earthquake its own worstever disaster, MAF aircraft were already there in the poorest country in the western hemisphere
e played crucial roles in early response. With 16 runways around Haiti, MAF has served its impoverished people since 1986. Suddenly, a host of additional activities became ours. In three days, we established a centre for communications. The GATR inflatable satellite system provided an essential highbandwidth service for at least 16 agencies including World Relief, World Concern and Food for the Hungry. As much emergency cargo was arriving without designation to any specific group, MAF was asked to co-ordinate getting it to the worthiest organisations a task of trust.

organisation, and 18 months with Tearfund before joining SAT-7 in February 2008. Already, Steve has completed a number of sponsored events to raise funds for MAF, including several snooker marathons and a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Having spent time in Africa and having just returned from a Bible teaching trip to Burundi, I am aware of how vital MAF is in rural locations, he comments. The service is essential for church workers and mission agencies it shows the love of God in very practical ways. When Ruth and I married in January 2008, we decided to sort out our Wills and leave money to four Christian charities, one of which is MAF. We very much want to know that we are able to support MAF after our deaths.

position to understand the role. However, one aspect bothered me slightly. The lack of a laptop and projector in order to give PowerPoint presentations. But then I noticed a laptop box in the garden shed of one of my customers. And knowing the people well, I asked whether they had purchased a new laptop and, if so, whether they would sell me their old one. As my need was for charitable purposes, they gave it to me. And Kevin told me a projector is now available for use by Area Representatives in Kent and East Sussex. Book an MAF presentation for your fellowship or group, or learn more about being an Area Representative by contacting Allyson Edwards on 0845 850 9505 or email her at allyson.edwards@maf-uk.org

How could I refuse? Practical love of God

Whats more, the controlling United States Air Force directed many of the humanitarian flights to our hangar for help with unloading and customs clearance. That hangar became warehouse and operational base for Operation Blessing and for Samaritans Purse which sent a DC-6 with 12 tons of urgent supplies. On Day Four, we serviced a flight taking 26 adopted orphans to new life in the USA. But alas, we also helped repatriate the body of a missionary doctor. And we handled a flight bringing 23 workers from World Vision, Mennonite Central Committee and Christian Reformed World Relief Committee along with food, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, water treatment systems and medical equipment. The aircraft left Haiti with 43 evacuated children and short-term missionaries. In fact, our hangar meant dozens of relief flights actually landed that would otherwise have been turned away. A real cause for praise, that same day we resumed internal flying. Many early flights evacuated people from Jacmel, hit hard by the earthquake. As you pray for Gods love, peace and comfort to reach right across this troubled nation, please also remember our national staff, some not knowing the fate of a family member or friend. Remember children who saw things no child should ever see. Even prior to the devastation wrought on 12 January, 80% of Haitians lived in abject poverty. But we know the country, the culture and the language, explains MAFs John Boyd. Our experience and knowledge will be invaluable to groups coming to help. Immediately after the earthquake, pilot Jason Krul was asked at an orphanage if he could do stitches. I said I had done once. So with little know-how and no anaesthesia, I stitched up big gashes. Especially in times like these, service means more than flying planes. Steve and Ruth Lancaster from Corsham interrupted their hectic lifestyle for long enough to instruct a solicitor to ensure MAF would benefit on their deaths. Now aged 40, Steve is Area Director for the south of England and south Wales for AIM International, while Ruth works for SAT-7, a Christian Arabic television station. Steves work often keeps him away from their fellowship at Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Chippenham. Steve has visited more than 10 African countries on short-term trips and also spent 18 months in Zambia, in part helping lead a missions training course for young people. Ruth worked for 19 years in television, 2 years with Oak Hall, a Christian holiday

News of MAF News

or many years, MAF News has been enjoyed by thousands of people who support our work. It has charted our journey over the years. It has taken us to poor and isolated communities around the world. And, within its pages, we have introduced you to our staff, our partners and the people they help. Over the past few months we have asked many of our Supporters from all over the UK for their views on MAF News. You may have been one of those who completed our questionnaire or spoke to us directly. We listened carefully and Id like to thank everyone who gave their opinion. As always, you have inspired, challenged and helped us to move forward. After taking all your comments into consideration, you will see some changes to your next magazine. Its look will be brought up to date with a fresh and dynamic feel that we hope reflects MAF as a ministry. In the next issue, you can read more about the opinions expressed by our Supporters that influenced our decision to update MAF News. Id like to assure you that the quality and content of our articles will continue to be of a consistently high standard. And youll be happy, Im sure, to know that the publication will remain inexpensive to produce. But the changes will reflect what you, our Supporters, have requested. I hope you like them. Andy Prescott, Editor MAF News

by Bruce Buckingham Last summer, I listened to a Sunday sermon about using our talents. Having worked for 34 years in financial services and the last 7 running my own gardening business and with retirement on the horizon I did not feel awash with skills to offer. But that sermon was very motivating. I prayed that the Lord would show me what if anything He wanted me to do. The very next day, a letter reached me at my Edenbridge home in Kent from MAF Volunteers Manager Kevin Crook. It asked me to consider prayerfully becoming an Area Representative, and give presentations about MAFs work. I had given many presentations in the financial services industry. How could I possibly not offer my services to MAF? The letter was most definitely not a coincidence! After meeting Kevin, I was in a better for that licence. But before applying to join MAF, I must have at least 500. So I am keen to fly as much as possible in order to reach that target. The 33-year-old flying enthusiast initially learnt of MAF at Gildersome Baptist Church, just outside Leeds, and at Guiseley Church of England which his mother attends.

Running for flying

A newly qualified pilot who ultimately wants to join MAF tackled the Leeds halfmarathon and raised more than 500 for the cause on his heart. Rob Perrett took to the citys streets closed for the event for his first attempt at the distance, along with 3,800 other runners. He managed to complete the 13.1 mile course in 1 hour 38 minutes, coming 334th in the mens open section. I was delighted, he recalls. I had run a few 10-kilometre races before, but never a half-marathon. Now I am considering tackling a full marathon, perhaps in New York. Training for the run was somehow fitted in between Robs work as a lecturer in economics and employment at Bradford University and efforts to build up his flying time to 500 hours one of the necessary qualifications for joining MAF as a pilot. Since the race, he has visited Zambia where he flew visitors to safari lodges in small aircraft. He found himself landing on tiny dirt airstrips. It was demanding but exciting, he enthuses. Rob, who gained his commercial pilot licence in October 2008, continues: I only needed between 250 and 300 flying hours

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Edes only chance

In remote Nebobongo, Democratic Republic of Congo, 19-year-old Ede had her baby by Caesarean section. But then she became seriously ill from a severe infection. With antibiotics flown in by MAF, Ede gradually started to feel better. She acknowledges that, without nurse Sebina helping her, she would have died. I was very sick and I felt very weak. My baby was crying a lot, too. Ede responded well to the antibiotics and returned to her village with her baby. Flying in medical supplies is essential for somewhere as isolated as Nebobongo. The hospital is really the only chance many people have.