MAF -Flying For Life - April 2019

| APRIL 2019

DISA ST ER RESPONSE

06 PREPARING TO GO 08 MAREEBA: A HUB FOR THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION 10 FROM EAST AND WEST FOR OUR LATEST NEWS OR TO DONATE, VISIT MAF.ORG.NZ OR CALL US (TOLL-FREE) 0800 87 85 88

MAF’s Growing Role in

OVER MANY DECADES, MAF HAS RESPONDED TO NUMEROUS DISASTERS, FROM THE ETHIOPIAN FAMINE AND THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE, TO MORE RECENT MAJOR RESPONSES INCLUDING THE HAITI AND NEPAL EARTHQUAKES, HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA IN THE CARIBBEAN AND, LAST YEAR, THE EARTHQUAKES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND THE EBOLA OUTBREAK IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. WE ASKED TWO HIGHLY EXPERIENCED STAFF TO SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS INTO MAF’S ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE. John Woodberry is MAF’s Global Response Manager. He was asked to take on this role in 2006 and now has more than twelve years’ experience responding to disasters around the world.

Vaughan Woodward served with MAF in PNG for five years. He has been based in the Cairns office for the last 13 years and, among other key roles, serves as the Global Disaster Response Deputy Manager.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO ARRIVE ON THE SCENE OF A DISASTER?

Vaughan: The initial feeling can be a little overwhelming—with the strong feeling that you have to prepare a response very quickly with very little information to act on.

2

| FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

APRIL 2019

John Woodberry

Vaughan Woodward

Information gathering in the early stages feels a bit like trying to take a drink from a fire hose… there is so much going on and a need to rapidly assimilate a lot of information from many sources— and then to quickly define the “niche” within the scope of the disaster where MAF can use its strengths to bring aid and relief.

The key thing I have to remember is that MAF, on our own, can’t solve every problem or meet every need. It is vital that we partner with and work alongside others to respond effectively—which in itself can bring frustration and delay. It sometimes seems by day two on the ground Plan A has become Plan B and then morphed into Plan C, D and E!

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES WHEN YOU ARRIVE?

V: 1. As soon as we arrive we need to set up quickly so we can start to help those in need. To do this rapidly, we arrive with remote living kits, water filters and backpacking food.

2. Connect with the relevant disaster response or government authorities in the location.

3. Connect with any partner organisations that are in the area or on their way.

4. Assess needs and define how MAF can or will help and assign tasks to staff who have deployed.

5. Prepare the sitrep (situation report) for MAF, our donors and resourcing groups and then strategise the MAF response.

Edited by Tim Houghton Photos by John Woodberry

6. Call or deploy additional staff from our “surge list”.

7. Get out and start helping!

WHAT IS MAF’S STRENGTH IN DISASTER RESPONSE?

J: MAF is strategically positioned to assist with the urgent transportation and communication needs immediately following a disaster. As the world’s largest humanitarian airline, we offer a “global footprint” to the 2,000 agencies we serve—and many organisations depend on us as a crucial partner in rapid disaster response.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT MAF SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN A DISASTER?

J: We pay attention to what’s going on in the news and follow disaster websites. MAF is blessed to have a network of partners across the world who share information from the ground when a disaster happens. If we need to respond, we can get people and aircraft moving within 24 hours.

Flight, logistic and communication support can then be provided rapidly to agencies preparing to travel to remote areas where there’s a critical need for life-saving operations.

WHO IS ON YOUR TEAM? HOW DOES THE TEAM WORK TOGETHER?

V: There are currently eleven on the core team (see chart) with a mix

of skill sets who maintain 24 hour readiness. These staff may have other roles in MAF but still have the ability to deploy rapidly for a DR. The core team is structured so that at any given time at least four are deployable.

To support the core team, MAF has a list of global staff who can be called on to assist in a DR. There are over a 100 names on the list, so at least 20% should be available at any time (allowing for family, programme and personal needs) so we can “surge” staff into a situation. The list includes pilots, engineers, managers, logisticians, communications personnel as well as IT and satcom technicians.

HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR THE NEXT DISASTER?

V: Each core team member has a go-kit to enable emergency remote living (think self-contained camping!) The kits include freezedried meals, water filtration, communication systems such as sat phones and satcom packs that enable broadband internet over satellite and folding solar panels with battery packs to run electronic equipment independent of a power

grid. Every year they train in the use of these tools and equipment and have security training for hazardous environments.

HOW DOES GOD FIT INTO ALL OF THIS?

J: Faith underpins everything that the DR team does. The greatest challenge is coming into an unknown situation. You’re in a new environment, with new challenges and new needs. So, the first thing you’re going to do is pray and ask God to give you wisdom. You’re seeing people with urgent needs, and the question on your heart is “How can I help these people? God give me the strength to love, care and do the right actions in a rapid way.” And this, with God’s help, is what MAF is doing.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR MAF’S ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE?

V: I see DR becoming a bigger component of what MAF does globally. As MAF gets better at responding there will be more opportunities to become involved in the increasing number of both natural and man-made disasters.

maf.org.nz

|

3

History of

Disaster Response Honduras: Hurricane Fifi

Indonesia (Irian): Earthquake

Chad: Famine Relief

Indonesia (Irian): Earthquake

Sudan: Relief Flights (from Kenya) Nicaragua: Hurricane Gert

DRC: Ebola Outbreak

1991

DRC (Zaire): Security Crisis/Evacuations

1994

Rwanda: Genocide / Great Lakes Crisis DRC (Zaire): Hutu Refugee Crisis

1997

PNG: El Nino Drought Relief Indonesia (Irian): Earthquake, Drought Relief Ethiopia: Food Insecurity Mexico: Hurricane Pauline DRC (Zaire): Civil War

1999

Kosovo/Albania: Refugee Crisis

2001

Mozambique: Flooding

2003

Iran: Bam Earthquake (Subsidiary Response) Sudan: Relief Flights (from Uganda)

2005

Pakistan: Earthquake (Subsidiary Response)

2007

Madagascar: Cyclone Indlala Chad: Refugee Crisis (Darfur) Nicaragua: Hurricane Felix DRC & Uganda: Ebola Outbreak Bangladesh: Cyclone Sidr PNG: Cyclone Guba / Flooding

2009

Bangladesh: Cyclone Aila Indonesia (Sumatra): Padang Earthquake

2011

Horn of Africa (Dadaab): Famine

2013

Mozambique: Flooding Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Bangladesh: Cyclone Mahasen

2015

Nepal: Earthquake Chad: Refugee / IDP Crisis (Boko Haram)

2017

DRC (Kananga): IDP / Fighting Bangladesh: Flooding St. Martin & Barbuda: Hurricane Irma Dominica: Hurricane Maria

2004

2006

Haiti: Earthquake, Cholera Outbreak

2010

2012 2014

Ecuador: Earthquake South Sudan: Evacuations / Humanitarian Crisis Haiti: Hurricane Matthew Madagascar: Cyclone Enawo Indonesia (Aceh): Landslides

2016

PNG: Earthquake DRC: Ebola Outbreak (West & East) Philippines: Typhoon Mangkhut Indonesia (Sulawesi): Earthquake/Tsunami Haiti: Earthquake

2018

APRIL 2019

Nicaragua & Honduras: Hurricane Joan

2002

2008

| FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

1988

1995

Kenya: Post Election Crisis EDRC: Civil War USA: Hurricane Ike Haiti: Hurricanes Ike & Gustav

DRC: Ebola Outbreak

Ethiopia: Famine (1982-1985)

1993

2000

DRC: Ebola, Malaria & Measles/Cholera Outbreaks

1982

1989

Mozambique: Flooding Uganda: Gulu Ebola Outbreak South Sudan: UN-OLS; Humanitarian Crisis (Ongoing)

Suriname: Flooding

Indonesia (Irian): Earthquake Guatemala: Earthquake

1985

1998

Indonesia (Sumatra): Tsunami

1976 1981

PNG: Aitape Tsunami Ethiopia: Famine / Food Insecurity Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis (Ongoing, Subsidiary Response) Honduras & Nicaragua: Hurricane Mitch

DRC: Ituri Tribal War

4

1974

75 YEARS OF HARD WORK, PRAYER, SACRIFICE,

GOD’S GOODNESS, PERSEVERANCE AND SERVICE...

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE! DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR a young New Zealand pilot called Murray Kendon caught the vision of using aircraft for missions. The dream was born. In May 2020 MAF around the world will celebrate 75 years of “Flying for Life”!

Join us for a weekend of celebration in the central North Island. This will be a very special time of remembering the past, praising God for the present and praying into the future!

Set aside the dates:

8-10 May, 2020 | 5 maf.org.nz

Story by Jess Hunt Photos courtesy of Benji and Jess Hunt

BENJI AND I, ALONG WITH OUR SON ELLIOTT, ARE SO EXCITED TO BE JOINING MAF! SINCE WE ARE PLANNING ON GOING OVERSEAS LONG-TERM (BETWEEN 10-20 YEARS), THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE STEP OF FAITH FOR US! 6

| FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

Following many interviews, lots of prayer, a psychological interview and assessment, references, phone calls, a multitude of emails and paperwork, we were accepted as Candidates with Mission Aviation Fellowship in September 2018!

The journey has been a long one. It actually started years ago; even as children, we both knew God had called us to a lifetime of missions…

Benji grew up as a missionary kid in the Philippines. His parents were Bible translators with Wycliffe and the first village they lived in was only accessible by a few hours drive and then a 10-hour hike—or a 20-minute flight in the mission plane! From a young age Benji was drawn to aviation and knew he wanted to pursue that career path with the goal of one day using it for the Lord. As a small child, Benji could apparently tell which mission aircraft was flying over just by the sound! Many years passed and Benji returned to NZ and joined the Air Force to train as an aircraft engineer. He has since had over 10 years experience both within the RNZAF and in general aviation in preparation for serving with MAF. From the age of seven, I knew God had called me to a life of overseas ministry. When I was 18 I lived in South Africa for a year. God used this time

APRIL 2019

In June, Benji spent two weeks in Australia undertaking a technical evaluation of his engineering skills.

Elliott doing his part.

to strengthen my faith by learning to rely on Him and to plant a seed about a career in healthcare. I returned to New Zealand and soon started dating Benji. We both knew getting married meant a lifetime of ministry together, wherever God directed us. After we were married in 2013 I began my nursing training to gain a set of skills that could be used wherever Benji’s aviation qualifications took us.

Initially MAF approached us with an urgent need in Arnhem Land, flying among the Aboriginal communities in northern Australia. This was not what we had been expecting, but we felt challenged by God to be flexible and trust our futures entirely to Him. Within 24 hours MAF contacted us advising that an unexpected need for an engineer in PNG had come up—would we be willing to go there? It was so encouraging to know that God was orchestrating this whole venture— just as He has been in both of our lives, independently, for the last 15 years or so!

In late October we completed three days of “Ministry Partnership” training (without Elliott this time) in MAF New Zealand’s Auckland office.

This included learning effective ways to partner with people and churches to create a strong base of prayer and financial support. We then began the process of contacting churches, small groups and individuals and asking for opportunities to share our calling and vision with them.

the new life he will soon face. We explained each step as clearly as we could so that he understood what was happening. He received a lot of prayer as he was becoming quite unsettled by all the changes and we noticed that he reacted to our emotions—if we were excited, he was too, but when we were stressed he picked up on that.

At the beginning of January, we spent ten days completing “Transition Training” in Melbourne.

This programme is designed to help people heading overseas to develop strategies for saying goodbye to the familiar and adjusting to a new culture. We were given tools to help make the transition easier for all three of us.

Next we had GP appointments to complete, Bible classes to finish, visas to arrange—then we began to think about packing. Have you ever tried packing your entire family’s life into three standard suitcases? Who knew we had so much junk? We started sorting through all our stuff and deciding what we could get rid of!

Throughout this process we helped Elliott, who is three, prepare for

Jess and Benji

THE

PERFECT

FIT

MAF is an incredible fit for both of us and we can see God’s hand in the orchestration of every stage of this partnership.

Benji will be working as part of a team maintaining a fleet of 12 light aircraft that provide lifesaving flights to hard-to-reach communities in Papua New Guinea. While we appreciate how far God has brought us over the last months, we still need to raise some funds for our time with MAF. If you feel led to partner with us, please let the MAF office know.

Benji getting the house ready.

maf.org.nz

|

7

r a M

a b e e

B U AH

IA S A HE

T R FO

C I F I PAC

N O I REG

Aerial view of MAF Facilities at Mareeba Photo: Courtesy of MAF Mareeba

MAREEBA PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN MAF INTERNATIONAL’S WORK IN THE ASIA/PACIFIC REGION. THERE ARE TWO KEY FACILITIES LOCATED AT MAREEBA AIRPORT, 70KM INLAND FROM MAFI’S HEAD OFFICE IN CAIRNS IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND. ONE IS A HEAVY MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND THE OTHER IS A FLIGHT TRAINING CENTRE.

8

| FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

For 40 years the Heavy Maintenance Facility was located in Ballarat, Victoria, but was moved to Mareeba in 2003 to better serve the needs of the programmes in Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Bangladesh. It is equipped to provide major overhauls, repairs, modifications, repaints, avionics upgrades, stores support and more.

Engineers from Mareeba are also sent to these countries to help with maintenance when there is a short fall in the manpower required to keep the planes flying. Fourteen engineers currently work at Mareeba.

The Flight Training Centre opened its doors at Mareeba Airport in February 2015 and currently has six instructors. Partnering with Aviation Australia in Cairns, the Training Centre provides quality flight training.

Each year an average of 15 pilots are trained, starting from zero hours right through to completing their CPL (Commercial Pilots Licence).

This usually takes one and a half years. The Flight Training Centre also

APRIL 2019

carries out four-week Standardisation courses, during which pilots who already have a CPL are taught the “MAF way of flying”, with a specific focus on preparing for mission e.g. “bush” aviation. This course usually runs four times a year with three or four pilots being trained each time.

Tali Grace studying to gain her Commercial Pilots Licence.

Photo: Katherine Williams

TJoël Rominger and Ueli Müller celebrate completing their Flight Training at Mareeba in August 2018. Photo: Andrea Rominger

TWO NEW ZEALAND STAFF ARE BASED AT MAREEBA.

Kerry Hastie Kerry and his family left New Zealand in 2016, when he joined the staff at Mareeba as an aircraft engineer. Since then he has progressed to the position of Safety Manager for all the facilities at Mareeba, including the aircraft maintenance hangar, the offices and the Flight Training School. He is also the Quality Manager responsible for overseeing the engineering work taking place at Mareeba, Arnhem Land (Gove) and Timor-Leste.

Kerry says, “In my role as Quality and Safety Manager, I have had the privilege of travelling to four MAF programmes in 2018 to carry out engineering audits.

MAF took off to collect this little girl and get her to hospital. MAF also flew World Vision, who are partnering with the New Zealand government, to a place where they had recently installed a water pump and bore system—now 2000 people have clean, easily accessible water!

It was also the first time I have witnessed children looking in rubbish dumps for food or clothing.

It made me appreciate the need for MAF in Timor and how thankful I am for what I have.

In early December I visited the MAF Mount Hagen engineering base in PNG. It was a privilege to see MAF hard at work in a country that needs stability, peace and love. MAF are definitely doing their bit to help the physically and spiritually isolated people of PNG. I have been asked to carry out an audit for our MAF Uganda programme in September later this year. Of course I accepted the invitation to go! What a privilege to visit another MAF programme in action!”

In March 2018 I went to Arnhem Land, where the temperature averaged 33 degrees with about 90% humidity. This is where MAF serves the indigenous Yolngu of North Australia.

In July I flew to Mongolia. When I was there it was pleasantly warm, but in the winter temperatures go down to minus 30-40°C! Seeing MAF in action—where the “rubber meets the road”—was a real booster for me.

Next was Timor-Leste in September.

While I was there for five days MAF flew four medical evacuations! One was for a two-day old baby not able to breathe very well. Within five minutes of the phone call,

every new MAF pilot. It was not my original plan, but looking back I can see God’s fingerprints all over it!

During my first months in Mareeba I will complete Orientation (one week), Flight Standardisation training (four weeks) and then have an additional 6-8 weeks Flight Instructor training. After this I will start helping to train pilots from the grassroots up!

Not all of the students will necessarily fly for MAF in the future, but they will all be taught the skills necessary to be a MAF “bush” pilot.

During their time with us, they will also be part of the MAF community and be built up in their faith.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to be part of a new chapter in the MAF Flight Training Centre. In December 2017, the Centre received accreditation by the Papua New Guinea government to issue PNG pilot licences. This is part of MAF’s broader future strategy of enabling local people to perform the work themselves, rather than having expats come in and do everything for them. They are currently taking applications for the first intake of PNG students. Some of them, after completing their training, will return to PNG to be a positive influence in the aviation industry there”.

Bridget Ingham Bridget recently left the world of advanced science to follow her dream of flying for MAF. She says, “At the beginning of April I left New Zealand to become a Flight Instructor at the MAF Flight Training Centre in Mareeba.

It is a great honour to be considered for this role, as it is not offered to

(from left)Engineers Glen Cousley and John Hermanus.

Photo: Kerry Hastie

maf.org.nz

|

9

from east and west FOR SEVERAL YEARS ONE OF MAF’S KEY STRATEGIES HAS BEEN TO BECOME “MORE INTERNATIONAL”. THIS REFLECTS A DESIRE TO SEE GREATER DIVERSITY WITHIN MAF, ESPECIALLY AT THE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT LEVELS. SO IT IS FANTASTIC TO SEE HOW GOD HAS BEEN INSPIRING AND MOBILISING STAFF FROM ALL ACROSS INDIA TO SERVE IN MANY DIFFERENT CAPACITIES WITHIN MAF.

10 |

FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

APRIL 2019

DIVYAN & ROSHNI AHIMAZ (Arnhem Land, Australia)

ABDIEL & NEETHA DAVID (Cairns, Australia)

Divyan, Roshni and their sons, Adam and Levi are from Chennai. Both Divyan and Roshni are professionals in communications. In 2013 Divyan heard about MAF. Divyan completed his flight training at the Canterbury Aeroclub in Christchurch and was eager to use his flying skills to help people in need. However, during his induction he was asked if he would consider filling a critical position as an Area Communications Officer for the Asia Pacific Region. He accepted!

Abdiel and Neetha both grew up as children of medical missionaries who worked in remote parts of India.

Abdiel went on to achieve his Commercial Pilot’s Licence, and Neetha trained to work with children with special needs. They married in January 2015 and in May that year joined MAF. In his Asia Development role Abdiel works towards developing MAF in Asia, while Neetha works part time as an Asia Media Officer. Their daughter Kiara is two years old.

RAVI & POOJA DWIVEDI (Arnhem Land, Australia)

SATISH MOKA & SONALI GHOSH (PNG)

Ravi and Pooja grew up in the north of India in very different families. They met at a seminar and after many deep conversations Ravi accepted Christ. They married in 2015 and have a daughter Johanna.

Ravi is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and Pooja has a Masters in Social Work. They joined MAF International in April 2018 and Ravi currently serves as the Stores Manager.

Growing up in a missionfocused family, Sonali resolved to work anywhere—except in missions! Satish felt called to bring glory to God through professional excellence in the secular world.

Eventually, however, the Great Commission and desire to make Jesus known led them to leave their comfort zone and serve with MAF in Papua New Guinea. Sonali is utilising her experience and expertise as the HR Manager. Satish is bringing God’s love to the isolated as a Pilot. They have two sons, Sachh and Sanay.

VARGHESE PHILIP (VP) & NIRMALA VARGHESE (PNG)

JACOPHIN DAYAS SINGH (Arnhem Land, Australia)

SUNDAR DANIEL & PUSHPA LAWRENCE (Bangladesh)

Varghese and Nirmala served as medical missionaries for several years in many parts of India. Both of them were part of a team that established a hospital in a remote tribal region in Eastern India. Nirmala was also involved in starting an HIV & AIDS care centre.

They joined MAF in July 2017.

As Strategic Development Manager, VP’s role is to help MAF be more effective and strategic in fulfilling its vision of serving isolated communities by engaging meaningfully with partners. Nirmala is involved in various ministries, including a prison ministry.

Aviation was an unusual career for a girl from Jacophin’s community to pursue, but her father was very supportive and encouraged her to follow her dream to be a pilot. At 17, she enrolled at a flight school in the U.S. and by the time she was 18 she had obtained her Commercial Pilot’s Licence. In 2015 her mother found out about MAF and felt that this was a God-given opportunity for Jacophin to use her aviation skills to serve God and others.

Currently Jacophin is the only female Indian Pilot to serve with MAF.

Sundar worked in the field of drug use and HIV. He became the head of a Christian community development organisation in North East India and served as Asia Regional Coordinator for a global Christian mission network. He is passionate about integral mission and currently serves as the Projects Grants Manager and Development Director in Bangladesh. Pushpa is presently teaching at a school in India. Sundar and Pushpa have been married 29 years and have two children.

GOPI & SMITHA GORREPATI (India)

JOEL & GLADYS MUTHUSAMI (Cairns, Australia)

PRABHU & CHRISTINA POTHULA (Arnhem Land, Australia)

Joel and Gladys both grew up in a small town in Tamil Nadu.

Joel’s family were involved in mission work, while Gladys’ parents worked as missionaries in remote parts of India. Joel completed a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and then a Master’s in Business Administration. Gladys became a Special Educator to support children with special needs. Joel heard about MAF in 2013 when he met Bill Harding, MAFI’s International Development Director. They were married in 2015 and in 2017, after much prayer, they joined MAF. Joel now serves with MAF as a Recruitment Officer. They have a son, Joseph.

Prabhu grew up in a small village in South India, dreaming of becoming a pilot and serving God. Later, God gave him the opportunity to get his Commercial Pilot’s Licence and achieve his Masters in Aviation.

Prabhu flew in Arnhem Land for two and a half years before meeting Christina in 2017 while on a visit to Eastwest Bible College in New Zealand.

They got married in December that year and have returned to work together in Arnhem Land.

Prabhu is a Pilot and helps develop Digital Technology.

Christina enjoys connecting with the local Yolngu people.

Gopi and Smitha are from Andhra Pradesh, South India.

They married in December 2000, and have a son, Anoop.

Gopi completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering and worked for several corporations. He heard the testimony of a young MAF pilot at his home church in Hyderabad. He applied for an IT Service Manager role and joined MAF in January 2018, based in India. Smitha works for an international company.

LUNGPINGLAK DOMTTA (Uganda) Lungpinglak (Ping) grew up in North East India. Though he knew no one in the field of aviation Ping had dreamed of becoming a pilot since the age of ten. Years later, he received a scholarship from the Government of Nagaland that covered 75% of the fees to train as a pilot and obtain a Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

At the time MAF India did not exist but Ping decided to send in an enquiry with his story anyway. He was convinced that he could use his flying career to serve God. In 2016 he joined MAF in Arnhem Land, Australia. The next year he moved to Africa and is now with MAF in Uganda as a Pilot.

REJI YOSUVARAJ (PNG) Reji is from Bangalore, India. After graduating from university, he found conventional work unfulfilling. As he was exploring different possibilities, he found out about MAF and hasn’t had a dull moment since! He is currently serving with MAF in Mt. Hagen as a Flight Scheduler & Logistics Officer.

maf.org.nz

| 11

Bridging

the Gap

Story by Mel Laird Edited by Tim Houghton and Divyan Ahimaz

Yolngu and Western cultures have been described as being at two opposite ends of the human cultural spectrum—one of the biggest culture gaps of any cultures. Mel Laird is a MAF pilot who has been flying in Arnhem Land for two years. Like most MAF pilots, she combines her skill at flying with deep compassion and concern for the people she works with. Mel says, “We are there to help bridge the gap between the two ways of life. MAF is able to show the Yolngu that their identity doesn’t need to be in either culture, but instead in Christ, in their Creator, and that they can then live out of that identity and fit in with both worlds, both Yolngu and Western”.

MAF families become part of the community; they live, work and worship in the ancient Aboriginal homelands. Over the decades, appreciation, trust and respect have become deeply rooted.

ARNHEM LAND IS A HOT, HUMID AND REMOTE AREA IN THE NORTHEAST OF AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN TERRITORY. IT IS HOME TO ABOUT 12,000 INDIGENOUS YOLNGU WHO LIVE IN AN AREA OF ABOUT 97,000 KM2.

THE PROGRAMME IN ARNHEM LAND IS CURRENTLY ONE OF MAFI’S BIGGEST, OPERATING 11 AIRCRAFTS AND FLYING TO 56 AIRSTRIPS IN 2018.

MAF flights support a network of Christians who are serving the Yolngu communities: couples and families with Pioneers living in various outlying communities, two Christian schools, health workers and teachers who share the love of Jesus through their profession and various other balanda (white people) and Yolngu-led missions.

Newly arrived MAF staff attend a Language and Culture course, learning about the Yolngu way of life and the various languages that make up Yolngu Matha. Mel says, “There are two reasons why it is important that we learn at least a little of their language. Firstly, it shows we care. Secondly, it restores power and dignity to a people who most often feel powerless. They are “on top” for once, as we balanda fumble around trying to figure out the words and string a sentence together, often sounding like four-year olds!” Those who learn the language and culture are respected by the Yolngu and have greater inroads into discussing deeper topics such as faith and what it means to follow Jesus.

Church under a tree Photo: Divyan Ahimaz

12 |

FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

APRIL 2019

ALMOST 50 YEARS Over the almost 50 years Mission Aviation Fellowship has been in Arnhem Land, there have been many wonderful testimonies of the Lord’s breakthrough in people’s lives and communities.

Some fantastic Bible translation is also taking place—but there is still an enormous task ahead.

The New Testament has now been translated into the two main languages: Djambapuynu and Gapupuynu, but the Old Testament has yet to be translated.

Perhaps most encouraging of all, many Yolngu possess a mobile phone, and MAF’s Technology Services team has been able to produce microSD cards for mobile phones containing vast amounts of audio and video Christian resources. Because the Yolngu culture is predominantly oral, these mediums are the most impactful.

A “Digital Resources Training” course was held recently for more than 20 Yolngu Christian leaders at the MAF facility in Gove. The goal was to train and equip these leaders to use digital resources in Yolngu Matha to build up and encourage their local churches.

Communion Service at Garrthalala Photo: Divyan Ahimaz

Andrew Macdonald landing in Arnhem Land from New Zealand.

Photo: Mark Fox

Paving the digital way.

Photo: Divyan Ahimaz

PRABHU AND CHRISTINA POTHULA Prabhu Pothula served as a MAF pilot in Arnhem Land before meeting and marrying Christina. They recently left New Zealand to work together in Arnhem Land. Prabhu is continuing to serve as a pilot, but also helping develop MAF digital resources. Christina is connecting with the local people and serving the Yolngu community.

Prabhu and Christina

maf.org.nz

| 13

BE A SUPER HERO! WORK OVERSEAS WITH MAF FIND FULL JOB DETAILS AT:maf.org.nz

MANAGEMENT SKILLS?

ADMIN

MAF in South Sudan is currently looking to fill three key management positions: Deputy Operations Manager, Deputy Country Director and a Ground Operations Manager. Management roles are also available in other countries.

We are looking for two experienced and enthusiastic administrators to fill an Executive Assistant position in PNG and an Office Manager role in Arnhem Land (short term, 6 months). We also need a Hospitality Coordinator in PNG.

LIKE BUILDING THINGS?

IT TRAILBLAZER?

Are you currently working in construction and wondering whether you could use your skills to be part of something bigger? We have two short term, salaried roles—one for an experienced and qualified tradie and the second for a Building Maintenance and Projects Manager. Join our team working among Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Australia—and build something that will last!

MAF’s vision is “Sharing God’s Love through aviation and technology”. Technology is an essential part of what we do and we are looking for an Area IT Manager who will work with our programmes in East Africa (Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda) and deliver the technology platforms and infrastructure that keep our aircraft on schedule.

AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS Flying in some of the most challenging places on the planet is only achievable thanks to our engineering teams. We are looking for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers to join our teams in Arnhem Land (both on short term–up to 12 months–and long term basis), Uganda, PNG and Bangladesh.

LOVE CRUNCHING NUMBERS? As Head of Finance in PNG or Finance Manager in Arnhem Land you will be at the sharp end of transformation among isolated communities. You will inspire the team and work with local partners and officials to achieve the programme goals.

GREAT WITH KIDS? MAF Residential House Managers are responsible for managing a boarding-type home located at Ukarumpa (Papua New Guinea) providing interim parental care for children between the 12- 17 years of age.

READY FOR A “GAP” EXPERIENCE? MAF International’s Mission Experience Placement (MEP) scheme provides an opportunity to experience life in an overseas MAF programme—and to explore whether God is calling you into longer-term Christian mission work. Must be over 18. Placement is in PNG.

IT OFFICER-CAIRNS We are looking for an IT Specialist who can monitor the IT service desk and provide line support, implement upgrades and enhancements to systems, identify areas of risk, carry out preventative maintenance routines and provide first class customer service and advise our staff.

HOME SCHOOL SUPPORT TEACHER For families working in very remote locations, it can be a challenge to provide education for their children.

We are seeking a Home School Support Teacher for our Arnhem Land (Australia) programme who can coordinate with parents and facilitate a good home school environment for their children’s education.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Do you love researching and writing real life stories? We are looking for a Communications Officer to join the team in South Sudan. You will provide a frequent and detailed flow of information from the programme to the wider MAF community so that our Resourcing Groups receive accurate, detailed and timely information to support fundraising, inform prayer and engage potential recruits.

GOOD STORIES SUPPORT MAF AND HAVE FUN DOING IT!

JAMMING FOR LIFE

In MAF we often focus on the “larger-than-life” projects that we are involved in around the world. But it’s always good to remind ourselves that none of our work could take place without the prayers and financial support of thousands of people. Averil Cullen, from Mairehau near Christchurch, is often in a jam. Well, making it anyway. She gathers plums from a tree at her church and locally grown black currants and makes jam. She even has a little MAF display set up at church. She sells the jam and sends to proceeds to help keep the planes flying. Good on you, Averil! We really appreciate every jar! (By the way, Averil’s son-inlaw is Kevin Nicholls, MAFI’s Regional Quality Manager based in Cairns).

We are excited to announce that 2019/2020 Entertainment Books and Digital Memberships are now available! For $70* you’ll receive over $20,000 in offers you can use until 1 June, 2020. *Prices vary depending on region.

As you can imagine, flying aircraft comes with a cost. When you buy an Entertainment Book on behalf of MAF, a portion of your purchase will go directly towards our life-saving work in over 30 countries around the world. So why not treat both yourself and your friends, while at the same time helping MAF? You can choose between the traditional Book membership that comes with the Gold Card and vouchers, or the Digital membership that allows you to access the Entertainment Book on your iPhone or Android smartphone!

CONGRATULATIONS, BRIDGET!

To sign up for your Entertainment Book, go to www.entbook. co.nz/900490

We have just received fantastic news! Bridget Ingham, who is in training for the role of Flight Instructor at Mareeba, has received a grant of $A5000 from the Richard West Memorial Fund to help towards her training and preparation. Well done, Bridget!

Richard West, who flew with MAF for nine years, lost his life during a plane crash in February, 2005. Richard’s parents, Reg and Jan West, decided to turn something tragic into something special and established the Richard West Memorial Fund as a legacy honouring their son. maf.org.nz

| 15

THANKS THANKS

&THANKS

It’s always sad to say goodbye to staff who have served MAF so faithfully for years but who now sense that God is moving them on to the next stage of life, work and ministry. A huge “thank you” to you all! We know that all of your hard work and the challenges you faced overseas have made a significant and positive impact on the lives of many.

Lisa Curran who did an amazing job as Chief Pilot in Arnhem Land.

Alan & Alrena Martis. Alan was the Maintenance Controller at Mareeba.

Alrena took on a number of important roles, including Human Resources.

Emma McGeorge who began her time with MAF in the Home Office in New Zealand and then took the role of Executive Assistant and Public Relations in Papua New Guinea.

Brett & Michelle Nel, along with their children Ella & Jade. Brett was the Ministry Coordinator based in Gove, Arnhem Land, working among the Yolngu people.

Gavin & Sue Schwass who worked as Managers at Tree Tops Lodge in Cairns, providing a place of rest and recuperation for many in the Asia/Pacific region.

Chris & Ruth De’Ath, and their children Maddison, Chloe, Kaela and Toby. Chris was the Programme Manager in Arnhem Land.

MAF is an international Christian aviation organisation serving around 30 developing countries to reach people living in some of the world’s most isolated communities Operating more than 135 light aircraft, MAF flies into 2,500 remote destinations, transporting essential medical care, food and water supplies, relief teams and church workers enabling physical and spiritual care to reach countless thousands of people cut off due to formidable geographical barriers, natural disasters and political unrest.

FLYING FOR LIFE is the official magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship NZ. Articles may be reprinted with acknowledgment.

MAF New Zealand PO Box 76502 Manukau City, Auckland 2241 PHONE 0800 87 85 88 EMAIL info@maf.org.nz WEB maf.org.nz EDITOR Tim Houghton LAYOUT & DESIGN WindsorCreative PRINTING Roe Print Services