WINTER 2018
FLYING FOR LIFE
THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF
MAF AUSTRALIA SPECIAL EDITION: A LOOK AT MAF THROUGH THE AGES C185 VH-MFF over Shepparton, VIC during the MAF Field Day, 1964
FROM THE GM In Hebrews 11 - one of my favourite passages of scripture - we are told story after story of people of incredible faith. Though their stories differ in narrative, they all bear testament to the faithfulness of God in acting out His purposes. They are a “great cloud of witnesses” that in-turn inspires us to run the race marked out for us (see Heb 12). When I think back through the incredible history of MAF - from those early pioneering days, to the work that is carried out today - I am inspired in a very similar way. For almost 75 years, story upon story of God’s goodness, faithfulness and awesome strength in carrying out this ministry have been told. These stories energise us here at MAF Australia. They remind us that we are servants in God’s mission - acting under his strength to bring hope to isolated communities.
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It is for this reason that we have decided to make this magazine one that is focused on honouring the past - by exploring some of these incredible stories. We have selected a few articles from various MAF magazines over the past eight decades. We hope and pray that they inspire and energise you in your partnership with MAF. Together we are making an incredible difference to thousands of isolated people each and every day. In His Service,
Ian McDougall General Manager MAF Australia
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE Two pages from the very first MAF prayer newsletter! Reading through the prayer points, we can’t help but feel that God is indeed able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us!
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MAGAZINE ARTICLE FROM 1951
MISSION PLANE NOW FLYING OVER NEW GUINEA by Missionary Albert Frerichs from the Lutheran Missionary Magazine
Friday, April 27 was a RED LETTER DAY in Lutheran Mission New Guinea. At about noon that day we saw an Auster plane circle the Mission Station here at Lae. It was the day our plane was to arrive from Australia.
Superintendent John Kuder. He had worked untiringly through the last few years to procure this plane. Now a few weeks before he was going to America on furlough, he was seeing his wish come true.
So we jumped into the Jeep and rushed down to the airport. The plane had already landed. It was too good to be true. There she was, a shiny new silver monoplane trimmed in red, with a happy pilot and mechanic standing beside her.
The Australian Missionary Aviation Fellowship not only provided the survey necessary to the establishment of such air service as our mission needs, but also recommended the plane which is now in our possession. Mr. Harry Hartwig, a leader in the MAF in Australia, brought the plane to New Guinea and will serve as its pilot for the time being, under the same terms as all other missionaries.
They had come to the end of their journey and had brought the ship in safely. The Mission now has her own plane!
God’s faithful provision We are no longer wholly dependent on commercial airliners to furnish us transportation and do our freighting into the many mission stations of the interior. It will mean a saving and would increase our efficiency as a mission organization. One of the first to greet the pilot and mechanic was
Mr. Robert Hutchins, from Pasadena, Calif., is the mechanic who has been provided by the American branch of the fellowship. We are thankful for these two men who are inaugurating this service in our mission. The plane was dedicated on Sunday, April afternoon ceremony. Missionaries Kuder Hannemann, as well as local evangelists and Sanangkeo, spoke at the service. Then inspected the plane.
29, in an and Emil Gejamme everyone
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain...” so begins Psalm 127 . From its beginnings in the 1940s, the whole MAF enterprise has been lifted up in prayer by men and women who have called on God to bless every aspect – including the aeroplanes we fly. In April 1951 MAF’s Auster was dedicated by grateful Lutheran missionaries on its arrival in New Guinea. It had already been prayerfully committed to Christian service at Bankstown before it left Australia. This tradition of humble dependence on the God who hears and answers the prayers of His faithful people continues today.
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T-B: This is the plane! Mission Superintendent John Kuder shakes hands with Pilot Harry Hartwig while mechanic Robert Hutchins looks on. The plane is a four-place monoplane, with a ceiling of over 10,000 feet; The very first Auster plane flown to New Guinea; Dedication of the plane took place April 29, soon after it arrived in New Guinea from Australia.
Ending the day on a high A fitting climax for the day would be to see the plane fly. Mr. Hartwig obliged. As we watched her take off, we agreed that it was a good job. The pilot circled the field a few times and then landed. Rev. Kuder smiled approvingly as he stepped down and said, “It is a good plane.�
We are grateful to the members and friends of the Mission Auxiliary in the home church for heeding our appeal for a plane and contributing so generously to this cause. Pray with us that God may bless this means for spreading His Gospel in New Guinea.
Winter 2018 / FLYING FOR LIFE / 5
A MAF aircraft drops supplies in a remote village.
MAGAZINE ARTICLE FROM 1960
DROPS IN THE SEPIK by Doug McCraw “The highlight of the past month occurred last Tuesday when Max Flavel was over from Banz to initiate me into the gentle art of supply dropping. The scene of the drop was Sibilanga, a new Brethren outpost where already the missionary and his wife (Mr. And Mrs. Max Tuck) have been able to make an excellent beginning on their airstrip. However, supplies were needed and it is a long walk to the nearest airstrip so arrangements were made for a drop. We were required to deliver four bags of salt (120 lbs. each), two cases of tinned fish (66 lbs. each) and a bag of sundries (freezer, mail, etc.). We picked the stuff up at Aitape, using the 180 (BVL); Max was to fly, I was to do the tossing, and I assure you it is quite an experience! First, the door of the aircraft was removed and then the goods stacked in so that they could be easily dislodged at the proper time. Next I clambered on and a rope was tied round my waist just the right length so that I could not fall out of the doorway if I forgot to let go of any of
the bags! Then we set off. Over the drop site, we first did a dummy run to size up the situation and enable Max to decide how low he could safely go, leaving ample room to pull out again above the tree tops, then we went in for the drop.
It’s raining supplies At Max's signal I began shoving the bags out of the aircraft as we flew down the cleared area as low and as slowly as we could. It took only two runs to empty the aircraft and, surprising as it may seem, the only mishap was one bag of salt which burst on impact, but even that did not scatter much and I doubt if a great deal of it was lost. Ah! But it did our hearts good to see the excited, happy faces of the mission folk and the locals as the goods arrived, and we felt indeed that this was speeding the gospel on the “wings of the wind.”
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE Solving problems of access to remote communities is at the heart of all MAF does, and in earlier days that took some interesting forms, like supply dropping, as the article above shares. A mission or outpost without an airstrip could still be supplied from the air, as long as an adequate clearing in the jungle was available. With an aircraft’s door removed, suitable precautions taken and good teamwork in place, MAF aircrew could successfully deliver all kinds of much-needed supplies. Methods might change, but the motivation hasn’t! Winter 2018 / FLYING FOR LIFE / 6
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
Countless MAF flights have taken place over the beautiful red dirt of Arnhem Land these past 45 years.
Little did Methodist missionary Harold Shepherdson realise that, when he took to the air in a single-seat aeroplane he built himself, he was sowing the seeds of the world’s longest continuous mission aviation presence. That was 85 years ago on the remote island of Milingimbi in northeast Arnhem Land. The article below, written on the 10 year anniversary of MAF’s formal involvement in Arnhem Land, shares the different ways MAF had been serving the community in the formative years of the mission.
MAGAZINE ARTICLE FROM 1983
MAF: 10 YEARS IN ARNHEM LAND 1983 signalled the 10th Anniversary of Missionary Aviation Fellowship’s involvement in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. It has been exciting and challenging to be part of the tremendous development in this area.
Passing of the torch
of the people and lead worship services. Community advisors, maintenance workers, medical personnel, school teachers, patients needing medical attention, food supplies, fuel and spare parts are all transported by MAF as well as arts and crafts intended for sale in southern cities.
In the 1930’s the Rev. Harold Shepherdson pioneered the Uniting Church’s mission aviation work in Arnhem Land as the Church had recognised the need to be involved in ministry to the Aboriginal community.
MAF is also involved in regular flights between major centres in the region. These flights are used mostly by Church personnel and Government departments who are involved in support services to Aboriginal communities.
On the invitation of the Uniting Church, MAF assumed responsibility to take over this work in 1973 using Elcho Island as the base. Gove subsequently became Headquarters of the North Australia program.
A mutual blessing
Some of the development in the Home land centres has included construction of airstrips, roads, basic housing and water supply systems. In communities where commitment and enthusiasm are shown by the people, more development will take place. Much of what has taken place would have been much slower and even impossible without the involvement of MAF who continue to provide the links between over 50 Home land centres and the major towns which supply essential services to the Home lands. As well as providing transport for people who live in these communities, MAF regularly carries pastors and Christian leaders who minister to the spiritual needs
Throughout the year significant social and spiritual events are assisted by MAF transport and services. Christian Women’s Conventions International (CWCI) safaries, ISCF camps and Christian conventions which minister to people of this region are some of the events which call upon the services of MAF. MAF staff are privileged to be involved in providing vital air links for communities in Arnhem Land where ground transport is limited by vast rugged and hostile terrain. Above all we feel the importance of Christian witness and genuine caring and support for those amongst whom we work, a valuable ministry started many years ago and which the Lord has seen fit to bless and multiply.
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MAF AUSTRALIA THROUGH THE YEARS 1947
1951 MAF Operations Begin in PNG After a series of negotiations with the Lutheran Mission in PNG, MAF agreed to set up its first operational foothold in New Guinea. The Lutheran Mission would meet the cost of an aircraft and equipment; MAF would provide the pilot, Harry Hartwig himself, and an engineer.
1961
MAF Australia Begins
MAF Air-Services Opens
MAF Australia first begins in Melbourne as an autonomous body called Missionary Aviation Fellowship.
Alex Jardine from NZ opens MAF-AIR Services in Ballarat, moving into the hangar and huts vacated by the RAAF. For the next 40 years, MAF-AIR continues to serve the maintenance needs of field aircraft - major overhauls, repairs, modifications, repaints, engine and component overhauls.
1973
2007
MAF In Arnhem Land
MAF in Timor Leste
In late 1973, MAF was invited to assume responsibility for the entire aviation service operated by the Uniting Church in Arnhem Land. The invitation was accepted.
MAF begins serving in Timor-Leste with a single GA8 Airvan.
2004 Boxing Day Tsunami Disaster MAF was one of the first responders to this tragic event in Indonesia. Within days, MAF was conducting survey flights and delivering aid to survivors, using roads as landing strips to reach the isolated.
2014-2018 MAF Assists in Various World Disasters MAF lends a hand to assist communities affected by disaster, including the Ebola outbreak in Boende (2014), Nepal Earthquake (2015), Ecuador Earthquake (2016), PNG Earthquake (2018).
MAGAZINE ARTICLE FROM 1998
TSUNAMI RESPONSE by Jim Charlesworth
MAF was called to help early on Saturday morning on the 18th of July. Details were hazy and reasons vague, but we did know that the people at Sissano needed help. Andrew Sumner, our Regional Manager at Vanimo, on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, took the phone call. Relief workers at Nuku wanted to be flown into Aitape or Sissano to help, not knowing of the tragedy and devastation that lay ahead. A charter was organised. In the meanwhile, Don Harvey, our Vanimo based Twin Otter pilot, was requested to search along the coastline. Don was operating a special flight with school children movements for communities at Aitape, Lumi, Anguganak and Nuku. The scene over Sissano was horrendous. Whole villages were wiped out. The suffering, loss of life and injury was painful for Andrew Sumner to recount as he told me his story.
Relief efforts commence This was the tsunami. We have all read or heard details relayed through our newspapers and TV and radios. A series of ocean waves reaching higher than coconut trees, swept villages away. Over 1500 known deaths have been recorded and a further 2000 adults and children have been reported missing. Sad, so sad. This was a crisis of magnitude. Our team responded promptly and with compassion. Air evacuation was needed. Existing plans were suspended. Government and Disaster Relief authorities were alerted. MAF leadership was informed. Our team pulled together. We
are proud of them. Debris was cleared from the airstrip at Sissano. Otherwise it was undamaged. Don Harvey flew the Twin Otter delivering food, clothing, drinking water and cooking utensils. Medical relief workers were flown in too. Many terrified by the disastrous sweep of the tsunami fled to the inland regions, some of them sustaining deep injury. Don flew patients out to Vanimo. They were then carried by the ambulance and by utilities to hospitals. Nothing could prepare us to encounter such abject suffering and distress. Broken and protruding bones, bruised, battered and bleeding bodies. Ludmer Meiko, our cabin attendant on one of the flights, tried in vain to administer mouth to mouth resuscitation to a young boy. Children were separated from parents, and parents from children, neither knowing if the others were living. Relief flying continued over the next six days. The Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces moved in with large aircraft, medically trained personnel and a mobile hospital. They did a superb job. We say “thank you” to our MAF team at Vanimo and other bases who supported them. You acted with compassion, you responded promptly, you used initiative, and you did the job “right”. We say “thank you” to supporters who reached out with love, gave sacrificially and offered prayer. We have been overwhelmed and encouraged.
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE Earlier this year we asked you to partner with us as we supported the relief efforts of the devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake in PNG. Because of your generosity, MAF was able to assist the relief effort by reaching remote communities with food, medicine, shelter and hope. As this article shows, MAF have a rich history of serving disaster-struck communities. In 1998, PNG was rocked by a powerful and devastating tsunami. As one of the first responders, MAF were able to use their resources to faithfully serve those affected.
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T-B: Aftermath of tsunami on the coast of PNG, 1998; Scenes from the 1998 tsunami; Large-scale landslides after earthquake, 2018.
Winter 2018 / FLYING FOR LIFE / 11
MAGAZINE ARTICLE FROM 2018
COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR THE NEW TRAINING AIRCRAFT VH-WLX by Stephanie Gidney, photos Divyan Ahimaz The unseasonal grey clouds and rain showers did not dampen the celebration of the commissioning of a new MAF Cessna 182T training aircraft in Mareeba. Registered as VH-WLX, the plane has been fully funded by Australian donors: Geoff and Bev Atkinson, a legacy gift from Trevor Withnall, and 800 others who responded sacrificially to the fundraising appeal. MAF could not serve without the generous support and long term partnership of like-minded individuals who seek to transform the lives of people living in poverty and isolation.
John Hermanus (pictured on page 14) leading a time of worship. John then shared how MAF had transformed his own life. Growing up in an isolated village in Borneo he had dreamed of working for MAF. He was accepted as an assistant around the hangar, and later gained qualifications in engineering and flight streams.
Celebrations begin!
John shared, ‘Today we gather here to dedicate this airplane to God, before it’s used to train young men and women, to equip them before they go out to the mission fields in order to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to break the cycle of poverty in both physical and spiritual lives of isolated people.’
The day began with a tour of MAF’s Mareeba base, including the pilot training school. The Mareeba base is also the aircraft engineering hub for maintenance of MAF’s fleet of aircraft stationed in Arnhem Land, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Mongolia.
‘To all MAF’s donors I would like to thank you very much for your generous support. You can’t yet see the impact, and maybe never will, but I promise that you are making a bigger difference than you know, because I have seen the fruit of MAF’s ministry and I am one of them.’
The Commissioning Service began with aircraft engineer Winter 2018 / FLYING FOR LIFE / 12
L-R: Our proud Australian donors who responded sacrificially to the fundraising appeal; MAF’s newest assistant pilot and passenger ready for take-off!; Dedicating the new training aircraft in prayer; The training aircraft VH-WLX. Dave Fyock, MAF International’s CEO, emphasised ‘The plane is a tool. For many years MAF has been reaching the nations. We want to see transformation come to isolated peoples, physically and spiritually.’ ‘It is unlikely that this plane will go to a remote location, but it is one more way of multiplying, by training people more specifically. This gift is deeply, deeply appreciated and valued. As we train students my hope is this tool will help them transition to the larger aircraft quicker. ‘I’m a great believer in the future, and this plane represents the future. We still have a large amount of work to do. I hope you capture the vision of what you’re providing for.’ Trevor Withnall was an innovator – he saw a need and took the initiative to develop a solution. Having established an engineering business, he had been a long-term supporter of MAF. He had his own hangar, and flew his own C182 all the way from California to Australia, island hopping across the Pacific. Trevor had wanted to do more with and for MAF, but ill health prevented it. With an unwavering faith, he believed in being a good steward of all that God had given him. It was a privilege to have his daughter Joanne attend the occasion – a moving time for her, the hangar reminding
her so much of her father.
A living gift Geoff Atkinson shares, ‘The call for Australian supporters to partially fund this ‘new’ training aircraft, was an opportunity for us to participate in a ‘living gift’, in the sense that we will be able to read and hear of WLX’s service during our lifetime. The fact that the purchase was fully funded from Australia is indeed a further confirmation of God’s blessing on this aircraft and His work through MAF. ‘It was January 1956, that MAF really became a fixture in my mind, and one of the ministries that I, and later with my wife, have been able to provide prayer and financial support to over the years. We thank God for His many faithful servants who have participated in His collective ministries over the centuries.’ ‘We pray God’s richest blessings on MAF operations worldwide, but on the day of dedication, in particular on C182T VH-WLX, and all associated with this aircraft instructors, student pilots, engineers and ground crew.’ The day ended with the opportunity for donors and visitors to experience a short circuit flight in the new plane in the afternoon. Winter 2018 / FLYING FOR LIFE / 13
COMMUNITY NEWS CALLING ALL MAF AUSTRALIA ALUMNI! MAF has recently launched a Facebook group especially for the Alumni of MAF Australia. No matter when, where or how you served, this platform seeks to build a community of men and women who have previously shared in the work of MAF. Use the page to reconnect, share memories, share information and start meaningful and insightful discussions. Join now at: www.facebook.com/groups/mafaustralia.alumni
MAF Engineer, John Hermanus
HELP RAISE FUEL THIS FATHER’S DAY It’s not too late to get your church involved in saving lives this Father’s Day! This fun campaign will have your church enjoying the finest of dad jokes. Every $50 Jerrycan filled puts us in the air for 20 minutes enough time to save a life.
Call Matthew on 1800 650 169 to get your church resources or email maf@maf.org.au
FATHER’S DAY CAMPAIGN 2017 RECOGNISED Earlier this year, MAF’s 2017 Father’s Day Campaign was awarded the ‘Best Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the Australian Not For Profit Technology Awards. Thank you to the organisers for the recognition and a big thank you to our staff in MAF Mareeba who starred in the campaign with their awesome dad jokes!
TRANSFORM LIVES WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL If and when the time is right for you to include a gift to a charity in your Will, please remember MAF. After you have provided for your family, a gift to MAF in your Will, whatever size, will make a real difference to remote and isolated people.
For further information and resources, please contact our Relationship Manager Edgar Voigts at 1800 650 169 or e-mail: edgar.voigts@maf.org.au.
Flying for Life
(ISSN: 2202-0365) Design/Editor: Cadence Media (cadencemedia.com.au) Printer: BHB Printing Flying for Life is the official magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship and CRMF in Australia. Articles may be printed with acknowledgment. Flying for Life is a member publication of the Australasian Religious Press Association. If you no longer wish to receive Flying for Life (MAF News), please advise us at: MAF Australia 1800 650 169 and your name and details will be removed from our distribution list.
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Every Jerrycan gifted for Father’s Day puts us in the air for 20 minutes - enough time to save a life! Buy your gift cards at maf.org.au/fathersday or 1800 650 169 CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
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