Flying For Life - Autumn 2022

MAGAZINE Autumn 2022

BUILDING TOWARDS THE FUTURE INSIDE 02 BIG MOVES AT MAREEBA

NEW ZEALAND

08 PAST & PRESENT IN SOUTH SUDAN

04 LIFE IN PNG

10 CARING FOR THE WORLD WE FLY IN

06 BEHIND THE SCENES OF A MEDEVAC

12 WHAT COULD MAF’S FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

BIG MOVES

AT MAREEBA Story and photos by Kerry Hastie

hangar where equipment was spread over many different rooms due to lack of size. Bigger dedicated avionics workshop greatly increases our ability to work on more and new varieties of avionics work. We now have a dedicated training room where we can produce our own training videos. This not only benefits Mareeba, but these training videos can be used all over MAFI maintenance bases worldwide.

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or 40 years, MAF’s heavy maintenance facility that served the Asia/Pacific region was located in Ballarat, Victoria. It was moved to Mareeba in 2003 in order to be closer to field operations. At the time, this was thought of as a temporary measure.

Now, after almost two decades, MAF Mareeba is relocating and rebuilding on the other side of the airport.

Mareeba, in Far North Queensland, is ideally situated to serve the needs of Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. It is equipped to provide major overhauls, repairs, modifications, repaints, avionics upgrades, stores support and more.

The plan is to build with a view to the future, ensuring that there is room for expansion as MAF in Mareeba grows.

This new base will set us up for decades to come, drastically improving our ability to service aircraft efficiently, train new engineers and lower our operating costs.

The first hangar, which is designated

as our main maintenance hangar, was completed on schedule in December 2021. We spent the first two weeks of January shifting in our stores, engineering and office equipment and it was ready for work by the 20 January.

Due to its increase in size and layout, it gives much greater ability to have more aircraft being worked on at once. We now have all the equipment used for aircraft maintenance housed in one area, as opposed to the old

The second hangar is due to be completed by the end of April 2022.

This will house our new state of the art aircraft paint shop with additional office space upstairs—a major upgrade from what we had at our old hangar paint shop! We will now be able to paint aircraft like our Cessna 208s without having to remove the wings due to the size restrictions previously imposed on us at the old hangar. It will be much safer to work with extractor fans and air filtration, which provide a dedicated fresh air supply to the painters. There will also be a new office space upstairs allowing more administrative staff to be housed at Mareeba as well as providing

Opposite page: Kerry, right, at work in the new hangar, pictured above.

room for non-Mareeba staff to have a workstation to use when needed.

But wait, there’s more ...

Kerry with his wife, Marie, and sons Jesse and Ethan. Johanna not shown.

About Kerry I left New Zealand in 2016 with my wife Marie and our three children, Jesse, Ethan and Johanna.

The land on which the hangars are built is leased from the council. But in addition, 13 acres has been generously donated to MAF only 150 meters from the hangars. This land will be used to build accommodation for students and pilots here on training, office space for administrative staff from both the hangar and Flight Training Centre, a conference centre and training buildings for both flight and engineering!

I am the Safety and Quality manager for the Part145 maintenance certificate, which covers all maintenance work carried out at Mareeba, Gove and Timor-Leste.

The MAFI CEO and Board want to see Mareeba as a “Centre of Excellence” for both engineering and flight training.

The investment in these new hangars and the future building of the new Flight Training Centre, are steps towards this. Investing in training, equipment and additional administrative support is seen as a priority. Beyond allowing MAF to keep in step with regulatory requirements, it will set us up for the growth in training requirements needed to sustain us into the future.

For my Safety Manager’s role, I look after our safety reporting program, investigating incidents when needed. I collate information on potential unhealthy trends so MAF can focus on areas of improvement. As a result, people go home safe! MAF also saves money from stopping any potential incidents from even occurring. We call this continuous improvement.

My current role is divided into two areas.

On the Quality side, I carry out audits and compare what we say we will do with what we are doing.

If any differences are noted, the chief engineers, engineering team and I work together to look for the most effective corrective actions.

I have been seeing improvements year on year, both in the quality of workmanship and all-round safety, which makes the job all worthwhile!

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Bridget, in the centre of the front row, with some of the community in Telefomin.

LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE & CULTURE Story and photos by Bridget Ingham

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ll new staff arriving in the MAF PNG programme begin their service with two-and-a-half months of cultural orientation, including learning the lingua franca, Tok Pisin (formerly and incorrectly called Pidgin English).

Orientation includes three weeks of language lessons in Mount Hagen and two weeks of practice in Kompiam.

I arrived in Telefomin, a remote village, on a Thursday for a weeklong orientation to life in PNG. On Friday I was introduced to two sisters, Vero and Joyce. While they understood some English words, they weren’t able to hold a conversation. If I wanted to communicate with them, it had to be in Tok Pisin!

We each shared a little bit about our families, then went for a walk around the village, visiting the high school, haus sik (hospital), vocational training centre and community health worker training centre. In each case the story was the same: because there are no roads connecting Telefomin to the outside world and the river is not big enough to allow boats to travel this far inland, they are completely dependent on aircraft to bring everything in, from building materials to books, clothing and food staples like rice.

On Saturday I helped carry timber along a forest track as part of a church working bee, and the following day they took me to church. People were so hungry to hear God’s word that we were packed

in like sardines. I was invited to sit on a special seat up the front (which I declined) and to share some thoughts with the congregation (which I happily accepted). I chose my favourite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31, which proved to be a great encouragement to people: “Sometimes we can fly like eagles. If we can’t fly, we can still run. If we can’t run, we can still walk. It is God who strengthens us in our Christian life.”

On Monday the three of us began a two-day hike to the village of Feranmin, where there is an airstrip. We followed the road out of town and across a precarious-looking bridge. The further we went, the muddier and narrower the “road” got. Plenty of tramping in the Tararua ranges helped prepare me for

Clockwise from top: Joyce, left, and Vero carrying timber for the pastor’s new house; the man who had the dream, and his wife; Vero sells a Tok Pisin Bible to a lady in the village; beginning the walk to Feranmin; an aerial view of the village. this. We made good time and arrived at our overnight stop after about seven hours. Arrangements had been made to stay with the local pastor and his family.

I had brought some rice, salt, oil and tinned fish, sought after food items in short supply in this area. We also had some Bibles for sale, in both book and solar-powered audio device forms. I gave the pastor a Tok Pisin Bible as a gift from MAF. His wife cooked dinner for us that night; kaukau (sweet potato), taro, kumu (leafy greens), rice and tinned fish.

I later learned that, while I was asleep, a lady came to the house and talked with the pastor, his wife and Joyce and Vero for hours. Her husband had had a dream that a waitman (white man) would come to the village and sleep in the pastor’s house. God had spoken to him, saying, “When you see him, it’s not him but Me that you are seeing—it is Me that is walking to the pastor’s house.

Whatever you give to him, you give to Me”. (Matt. 10:40, Matt. 25:40) When we arrived, he realised that the waitman in his dream was actually a waitmeri. I was the first white person to visit the village in many years, and the first to ever sleep in the pastor’s house.

That night, unbeknownst to me, they all talked and talked until after 1am about how happy they were that I had come and was willing to eat their food, sit on the floor with them, see how they live, and how I had left my home country and family to serve God by helping the people of Papua New Guinea.

I am greatly humbled to think how

much my just being there was such an encouragement to people.

The next day we visited a school, where I gave a talk to the children. While there I found out that some teachers were planning to walk to Telefomin to collect some much-needed textbooks. Since the MAF plane would be coming that afternoon, I was able to contact the base to see if the books could be sent on the plane. It wasn’t long before a message came back saying the wheels were in motion and MAF would cover the cost of the freight. We said our goodbyes, made our way down the hill, crossed the Sepik river and waited at the airstrip for the plane to arrive.

Word had been sent to the school that the books were on their way, and the teachers arrived shortly before the plane did. It was very satisfying to have saved them a 14-hour round trip on foot!

The week has shown me first-hand the conditions that people are living in, the “roads” they must take if they have to carry a sick person to hospital and the challenges posed by mountain ranges and rivers. I had learned more about the culture of the people I will be serving, their allegiances to family and clan, their attitude towards hospitality and customs of prayer and worship. It also showed me the great joy that God can bring to people who are hungry for Him. As Joyce told me, “Yumi mekim wanpela wok, em wok bilong God. Kala narapela tasol mitupela i wanpela insait long spirit”—we do the same work, the work of God. We have a different colour (skin) but we are one in spirit.

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Behind the scenes of a Medevac Flight Photo Da ve F orn e

Disaster strikes; a fall, accident or medical emergency, and you’re far from a city, clinic, or hospital that is properly set-up to care for the situation. But MAF is operating in the country. Here’s what happens next: Story Chaundra Eagar From a remote location, an emergency call comes in - by phone, or in very remote locations, solar powered HF radio.

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The Operations Manager or on-call staff member calls in the Ground Team and pilot, who start to prep the plane and review the medevac procedures for the particular case. Ground Ops then preps, fuels, and if required, configures the plane to remove seats to accommodate a stretcher.

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The plane departs to retrieve the patient.

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Before take-off, the pilot assesses the case and decides what the best altitude is to fly at, considering oxygen levels or potential turbulence.

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Depending on the severity of the case, a nurse, doctor, or caregiver may be required to travel along for patient care during flight.

On arrival, the pilot helps load the patient. If a stretcher and backboard are required, the pilot helps strap in the patient to keep them secure.

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The Operations Manager calls a local hospital to have an ambulance or transportation to meet the patient at the airfield on arrival.

Flights like these are only made possible because of friends like you. Thank you for your support.

BUILDING T WARDS

We’re preparing the KendonStrong MAF Centre for service that will outlive us.

By Mark Fox, CEO MAF NZ This is an exciting time for MAF New Zealand! For many years I prayed into the vision of a Centre at an airport. It has been so exciting to see God faithfully lead us step by step towards establishing the Kendon-Strong MAF Centre. We have come a long way—but there is still much to do!

The plans have been drawn up for the renovation, the building consent has come through and now the renovation can start! The goal is to build a facility that will allow us to work effectively well into the future.

In the years to come, many new staff will be trained, sent overseas and championed from the Centre. Finances will be raised to support MAF’s programmes around the world. More churches will partner with us in missions. Visiting individuals, groups and churches will be inspired by coming to the Centre and catching the vision of MAF. It’s important, therefore, that we “future proof” the Kendon-Strong MAF Centre, so that as the ministry grows there is enough space for all the training and activities that will take place. To make the most effective

use of available space, there will be a combination of offices, larger meeting rooms and “hot desks” where visiting engineers, pilots and others can quickly set up their laptops.

I believe that the whole building should reflect who we are as MAF and capture the exciting work we do around the world.

We will do this through the use of large photos, banners, maps, displays and interactive media that reflect our history and stories.

It will be important that the Centre is a warm, welcoming space in which to receive visiting MAF staff, families, trainers, missionaries on Home Assignment and people who want to find out about MAF. This is equally true for our accommodation, which will include three bedrooms so that large families can stay, even for extended times. Jane Eddy, our Recruitment Manager, with her background in interior design, has been helpful in developing this.

We are keen to develop an aviation enterprise within the hangar space to help support both pilots and engineers as they train to be “mission ready” to serve overseas. We look forward to seeing all that God is going to do once all the renovations are complete!

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SOUTH SUDAN PAST & PRESENT

A brief history of MAF in South Sudan 1947 The Miles Gemini aircraft is dedicated.

1948 Stuart King’s Gemini survey of over 100 mission bases in Africa begins.

1950 First regular flight operations begin in Sudan.

1953 First flights from Sudan to Ethiopia.

1957 Single-engine Cessna 180 aircraft are introduced for use in Sudan.

1964 Expulsion of missions and programme closure after 14 years.

1977 A respite from the civil war sees the Sudan programme reopen.

1983 After seven years of further operations (21 years in all in Sudan), programme closes due to government restrictions.

My Journey to South Sudan

1993 Relief flights from Kenya begin into South Sudan.

By Andrew MacDonald

2006 New base established in Juba, South Sudan.

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2008 First pilot family for Juba, South Sudan arrive to the programme after 25 years.

he changes involved in my relocating to South Sudan were never going to be quick or easy. In fact, they have been almost entirely the opposite! But the outcome is that another plane can fly in South Sudan, so it is definitely worth it!

I began gaining the skills needed to operate in South Sudan over a year ago by travelling to Mareeba to begin the process of reactivating my Instrument rating.

The rest of 2021 was spent preparing for the shift to Africa.

From April until November I was located in Arnhem Land where I upgraded to flying the Cessna Caravan and increased my knowledge of Instrument flight.

On top of that there were quite a few immunisations, in particular yellow fever, required to enter some African countries.

After Arnhem Land, there was a quick detour to the Netherlands to undergo HEAT training (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), which prepares people to live and work safely in potentially insecure environments. I landed in Nairobi in the last week of November.

Currently I am halfway through the Kenyan pilot licence conversion process, which, in itself, is budgeted to take between five and six months. All this is worthwhile because it means that when I arrive I will be fully prepared and trained to fly in South Sudan.

2003 Relief flights from Uganda begin into South Sudan.

2011 South Sudan officially becomes independent, and MAF flights continue to provide support as well as respond to evacuation requests from areas of unrest.

We’re Almost There!

By Jonathan Pound

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ince arriving in Africa, we have been based in Kenya and I have been preparing to fly in South Sudan. Recently we made our first trip there! We were not too sure how we were going to react to our future home. We had read about it, and many people had spoken about it, but it was another thing altogether to go somewhere and experience it for ourselves. During our week in South Sudan we were able to see both MAF compounds, the MAF offices, the local church, the international school and the

supermarket—and I was able to see what a normal work day looks like for a MAF pilot in South Sudan. The kids made friends with the other MAF kids, and we were very encouraged when they said that they wanted to stay in South Sudan. Michele found comfort in being able to see the markets and find things that we normally eat—and that the markets weren’t too overwhelming.

We also met fellow Kiwi Sam Johnston, who took us for a flight in a Cessna Caravan (Daniel got to ride up front!) Now I’m excited to get back there and begin.

MAF in South Sudan (2019) Distance flown 537,152 kms Cargo delivered 148,260 kgs Passengers carried 8,484 Hours flown 2,298

The South Sudan programme today

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rainbow of fabric fills the freight room in MAF’s office at the Juba International Airport. The colours pop against the background of cardboard boxes and walls. They’re waiting to be loaded into the MAF plane flying to Yambio for our partner Humanity and Inclusion (HI). In Yambio, Yei, Torit and other locations across Eastern and Western Equatoria, this fabric will be used to make handcrafts by the women HI serves. Each sale generates precious income for this community but it is more. These crafts are part of a process of healing from traumatic experiences for these women, girls, and other excluded groups.

“The materials that were transported through MAF are meant for psychosocial skills development groups,” explains HI’s Deborah Siango, Programme Manager. “This is to meet a psychosocial need for adults to be creatively engaged in learning a new skill, while also benefiting from the support of a psychosocial worker. The project aims to increase the resilience of women, girls, and vulnerable groups from the effects of adversity, violence and exclusion.”

More than 60 years of war in South Sudan has left an estimated 22–40% of people battling mental health conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The need is vast, and growing, as people face hardships and challenges including a weak economy, flooding, inter-communal violence and COVID-19. The country has one of the biggest mental health service gaps anywhere in the world with just three psychiatrists, serving a population of

12 million people.

What South Sudan lacks in services, it makes up for in strong communities.

This makes support groups an ideal mechanism to target and reach the people most in need. In each location, weekly support groups are organized and meet together from four to twelve times. The structured sessions focus on building basic coping skills and healthy social connections for psychological recovery, while also learning a technical skill like bead work, embroidery, shoe making, fishing net weaving and more. The type of skill is decided on by the community, and the sessions are facilitated by both HI psychosocial support staff and local trainers. Products that are created are kept and sold by the women, creating a source of income for them and their families.

MAF operates in the areas it does to reach the isolated and transform their lives. Being able to support Humanity for Inclusion in South Sudan with flights and material delivery is one way that we are able to see peoples’ lives transformed.

Jenny Davies, Communications Officer MAF South Sudan

Top and middle: Colourful fabric lines the MAF office in Juba Below: Women make incomegenerating handcrafts Photos by Jenny Davis

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n just ONE WEEK in May 2021, just ONE of South Sudan’s aircraft carried 54 passengers from 30 organizations to 19 locations across South Sudan.

Across all South Sudan’s shuttle flights that week, 153 passengers from 49 different organizations were flown.

MAF South Sudan currently serves and transports passengers from 191 humanitarian and mission organizations.

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n the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and proclaimed that all He had made was “very good.”

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He then commanded the first humans to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth” (Gen. 1:28).

Not only did God create all that exists— He entrusted the responsibility for its proper management to us.

Churches and mission agencies are increasingly recognising that, in addition to bringing the life-changing gospel, we need to make sure we keep the Biblical mandate to care for the world God created.

In 2009 Max Gove, a well-known senior leader in MAF, along with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), first looked at this topic and developed a position statement. Since then an increasing awareness has grown within MAF of the importance of caring for the created world as an element of integral mission.

Today many organisations with whom MAFI interacts (aviation, churches, missions, NGOs and governments) already have action plans in place to help protect the environment. As a Christian mission agency we recognise this changing landscape. The ELT has set up an Environmental Working Group to develop both short- and long-term measures to be implemented across the organisation.

MAF management make the following points: • Our flying is critical to sustain life; it is a lifeline, not a “luxury” for those that use us.

• MAF flies in countries where there are often few alternatives to flying. Other forms of transport cannot meet the needs of isolated people—which is why we are there in the first place.

• MAF serves people groups that are usually physically isolated and sparsely resourced. Such people are often affected by environmental issues.

Care for creation is therefore directly connected with the welfare of those we are called to serve.

• MAF flights are actually very efficient.

Road travel may require far more resources than those used by an aircraft flying directly to its destination. For example, driving by road from N’Djamena to Tchaguine in Chad requires 55 litres of diesel fuel and results in greater CO2

aring for

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Photo by Hans Cool

emissions (147kg) than the same route flown by a MAF C182 (one hour of flying and only 92kg emissions).

• Our flights support partner organisations who help provide clean

water, health care, alternatives sources of energy and more.

• MAF already uses technology that helps us be more efficient. For example, our flight simulators reduce the amount of actual flight time required by pilots in training. We increasingly utilise solar heating and lighting in our remote programmes round the world.

In 1945, when Murray Kendon first heard from God about using aircraft in missions, the concept was not

accepted by all. It didn’t fit within the boundaries of “traditional missions”.

Over the 75 years since then, Mission Aviation Fellowship has continued to be at the forefront of innovation as we adapt to the changing needs of those in isolated communities as well as new developments in technology and aviation. As we move into the future, we will continue to explore the most effective ways to use our resources to bring the love of Jesus to isolated people and communities.

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What could the future of MAF flights look like?

Mission Aviation Fellowship is continuing to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for delivering help, hope and healing in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Conversations are getting electric!

healthier environment paired with better performance and low-cost maintenance.

The electric revolution is happening quickly in the small aircraft world, and it’s closer than you think!

Too good to be true?

Electric planes will become more common over the next few years, following a similar path of adoption to electric cars. MAF is watching this flying technology evolve with keen interest, along with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Countries like South Sudan could be ideally suited for electric flight because of insecurity in many areas where we operate, fuel costs and other operational obstacles.

As with all new technology, UAV and Electric Flight come with their own challenges.

Most UAVs have limited cargo space, carrying weight and flying distance.

This class of transport can also be costly.

Compliance, certification with flight regulations, safety and security must be considered and met in every country for both airplanes and drones. Availability of electricity in remote areas and charge time between flights are also a

A MagniX electric propulsion unit (EPU) (credit MagniX)

UAVs, commonly known as drones, already have applications in health delivery, search and rescue and postdisaster relief to remote areas. In some locations within Africa, blood products and medicines are being delivered by drone. That sounds very similar to our mission!

Electric planes, using technology like magniX’s electric propulsion engines, have created a stir in the aircraft community, promising a

challenge. Battery technology is getting better as worldwide demand grows, but there are still gaps for long run times and durability.

Steve Machell, a member of MAF’s Global Technology Working Group and MAF Chad Country Director, remarks, “It will be interesting to see how countries continue to innovate and adapt.

Hopefully as new technologies develop they will reach a point where they become commercially viable for MAF.”

“For the majority of the flying we do in MAF, the unprepared airstrips, the regulatory framework in most of our program countries and above all the current technological limitations mean that I don’t currently see “pilotless” aircraft being able to do what we do. Ask me again in 10 years!”

Along with environmental factors, bringing down the total cost to transport goods and people is key.

Planning for the future MAF Finland hosts a conference every year called Ecological and Electric Aviation. This year saw extended presentations on sustainable aviation, from electric engines to zeroemission aircraft using hydrogen fuel.

Conversations are already happening about the Pipistrel Alpha Electro, a twoseat economical electric aircraft with a fast charge time. Currently registered as a recreational aircraft in Australia, this plane could be a great training tool for MAF’s organizational learning and development.

MAF’s desire would be to join as an early adopter but not a leading-edge adopter. That means that MAF does not want to invest in the development of technology-but will consider purchasing once they have reached the production stage and meet our minimum requirements.

MAF desires to engage technologies that advance our mission and accomplish our vision. We believe drones and electric planes may help us achieve it.

It’s on the horizon, and we will trust in what God has in store for us, just as we always have!

Steve Surgim Vice President of Innovation MAF Canada

STAFF UPDATES

Nick Hitchins has assumed responsibilities as Country Director in Timor-Leste (as well as maintaining his role as pilot). Congratulations Nick! Since arriving in Timor, Nick, Ruth and their children have survived floods and lockdowns—and Nick has had to fly in full PPE gear. We appreciate your hard work and commitment!

Phil and Tania Sproul have completed their first months with MAF, based in Cairns, Australia. They are grateful for the provision of vehicles, a home and friendly neighbours. Tania is building a network and finding opportunities for pastoral care as well as occasionally helping at the Treetops Lodge, which provides accommodation for mission’s personnel. At the end of March Phil, in his role as Director of Technical Operations, had the

opportunity to visit four of the East African programmes, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania to see the maintenance operations. He was able to hold invaluable discussions with staff and listen to the challenges and opportunities they see ahead. Phil then travelled to the Ashford Support Office in the UK for the first face-to-face meetings the Executive/ Operational Leadership team have been able to have for nearly three years!

Congratulations, Minnie!

Hangin’ up the headset— after four trips to the moon and back Rick and Lauryn Velvin have spent 30 years serving MAF together in various roles.

Rick recalls, “When I think back over our time with MAF, there’s obviously the flying (equivalent of four return trips to the moon!) and the places we’ve been. But ultimately it comes down to the people we’ve met—people who have impressed us with their faith in God, their love for others and their insights into life. We’ve seen the reality of God in both tragedy and triumph, and along the way became better people.

“Would we do it again? Absolutely!“

At her birthday party, Minnie Kendon, the wife of MAF founder Murray Kendon, said, “Well, I don’t feel 100! When we were in London after the war, Murray’s big vision for MAF just didn’t seem possible to me.

I am so grateful to God and just wish Murray could be here to see how far MAF has come and the legacy that is now impacting thousands of people every day. MAF has done such a good job to continue and grow the vision over the last 75 years. But when I think back, my mind goes to the early days when we came out to New Zealand from England. In 1950 we drove around the South Island for six months, living in a caravan and visiting many churches to tell them about MAF.”

We are excited to introduce you to our most recent volunteers. Before COVID-19, Philippa and Russell McLachlan would spend up to six months a year in Asia, teaching ESOL and sharing the gospel. In July 2021 they contacted MAF about possible volunteer opportunities—just as we received a desperate call from MAFI asking for teachers in PNG. Philippa, with a background in teaching, is now the temporary Principal at a Christian Grammar school in the highlands of PNG. Russell is helping out as needed. We are looking for more teachers like Philippa!

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! ! ! ! ! NEWS FLASH! ! ! ! ! !

BE PART OF OUR VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR MAF Global is hosting a “virtual conference” on Saturday 18 June for anyone interested in learning more about our vision and work. There will be booths that represent all our MAF offices around the world. Please come and visit us at the MAF New Zealand booth.

You can ask questions, chat online with our Recruitment Manager, watch interviews with our staff and download information.

To register for the event, go to our website. Let your friends know about this event and don’t forget to put it in your diary!

WAYS TO GIVE TO MAF Banks have phased out the use of cheques, but you can continue to support us via:

Internet Banking Contact the MAF office for your donor code to ensure a tax receipt.

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY A gift to MAF in your will, whatever size, will make a real difference to the remote and isolated people we serve. Many MAF flights are made possible by gifts left in wills—and are a very important part of keeping MAF flying. Chat to your solicitor or, if you would like more information or a brochure, email us at info@maf.org.nz or go to our website: maf.org.nz/donate.

CALLING ALL TRUSTS We love to connect with New Zealand trusts. If you are part of a Trust and would like to find out how you could support the work of MAF, contact our office. We will send you information that describes the positive impact our work has on isolated communities around the world and specific projects your Trust could get behind.

Credit Card Call the MAF office or go to www.maf.org.nz.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK

Automatic Payment

Order your new all-digital Entertainment Book for 2022 and receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do—and help MAF at the same time. Go to our website to sign up.

Call the MAF office for payment details.

Have you received your end of financial year receipt?

These have been emailed to you or posted. If you haven’t received yours yet please contact the office – but please check your email junk folder first.

For assistance with any of these matters, please contact us at: info@maf.org.nz or 0800 87 85 88.

MAF MERCHANDISE You can purchase MAF gear on our website. Get your polarised Moana Road sunglasses (with MAF logo) and MAF caps. And we still have copies of Above and Beyond, a 256-page, fullcolour hardback book capturing 75 years of people, places and planes.

BE A SUPERHERO Use your skills in areas like IT, aviation, management, logistics or teaching to make a real difference. We currently have many great opportunities in locations around the world to “be part of something bigger.” Go to our website for our most recent opportunities. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

FOUR GREAT OPPORTUNITIES IN PNG Be part of the amazing team in Papua New Guinea. To find out more about any of these roles, contact us on: info@maf.org.nz

IT MANAGER Are you an experienced IT Manager who is looking for the experience of a lifetime and is willing to join our team in PNG? This role will suit a self-motivated individual who has strong knowledge in software, network, hardware, cloud-based solutions and implementation of technology solutions.

SAFETY MANAGER

QUALITY, SAFETY AND SECURITY MANAGER Arnhem Land, Australia Be at the sharp end of bringing transformation to isolated communities! Do you have the skills to ensure the effective running of the Quality and Safety Management Systems within the Arnhem Land program? Help identify and eliminate potential hazards and threats in order to create a safe working environment. You must have a current legal right to work in Australia.

RECRUITMENT OFFICER Cairns, Australia We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our international HR team as a Recruitment Officer. You will assist our MAF Support Offices and overseas programs inrecruiting staff to meet the needs of our growing workforce. You will have a proven track record within recruitment or HR management and be comfortable managing a high workload and conflicting priorities.

To ensure the safety of our operations in PNG, we are seeking a person who will implement and run Safety Management in our PNG (Mt Hagen) operation. This will involve helping the Regional Safety Managers develop and improve the systems and guide the PNG team in identifying and eliminating potential hazards.

HR MANAGER If you have a desire to work with people and see staff developed and nurtured both professionally and spiritually then we have the role for you! Using your HR experience, you will manage the recruitment and induction of international and locally employed staff. You will also help develop and oversee effective HR policies, procedures and systems as well as the application and renewal processes for passports, work permits and visas.

ENGINEERING MANAGER Join our program in PNG for a short-term period of two years! We have a critical need for an experienced, detail-orientated Engineering Manager to join our growing PNG team and play a key role in planning, managing and monitoring the engineering function. If you have at least five years’ experience, supervisory/management experience and an awareness of regional CASA regulations and advisory material please contact us!

Flying for Life Autumn 2022 |

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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 120 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.

Thank you for being a part of Mission Aviation Fellowship!

Cover photos by Dave Forney

Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 40:26

PO Box 76502 Auckland 2241 New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND

0800 87 85 88 info@maf.org.nz maf.org.nz

Flying for Life is the official magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship NZ. Articles may be reprinted with acknowledgment.

Editor: Tim Houghton Layout and Design: Creatipix Printing: Roe Print Services