WHAT’S INSIDE 02 LIFETIMES OF SERVICE 05 YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN TIMOR-LESTE WHEN ... 07 THE HUB IS HUMMING 08 WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A MAF PILOT
Photo courtesy of MAFI
Spring 2021
MAGAZINE
NEW ZEALAND
All photos courtesy Ted and Elsie Crawford. Inset image of their wedding day, 4 March 1967.
Lifetimes of Service TED & ELSIE’S STORY Story by Ted Crawford. Edited by Tim Houghton. For many years MAF New Zealand has “punched above its weight” in sending missionaries to serve overseas. But what has prepared so many Kiwis to successfully adapt to life on the mission field? It is fascinating to see the foundations of family, church and hard work that were established in Ted Crawford’s life from the earliest years, and which helped prepare him for missionary service with MAF. Ted recalls: I can remember it as if
it happened yesterday. I was nine years old. I had just cycled home when Dad asked me, “What do you want to become when you leave school?” Without thinking I answered, “Oh, either a farmer or a preacher.” I pondered my answer. Where on earth had that idea come from? My parents were both active Christians—but me, a preacher? Looking back, I can see that God was giving me a nudge in a direction pg 2
that I had never ever considered. I was born at home in Remuera, Auckland in 1936, just seven months after King Edward the VII came to the throne of England, but a small farm in Kumeu was home for the first 16 years of my life.
A strong family upbringing Both Mum and Dad were good examples for me in each and every way. Dad was a very skilled woodworker who worked hard to
take care of his family. He always set clear boundaries, and it was everybody’s expectation that we kept within them! Mum, in her quiet but strong way was a real example of humility, strength and spiritual guidance. Despite the pain from one hip that she endured for so long (she was house-bound for almost 20 years) she rarely complained. I enjoyed my upbringing on our little farm, but everything was pretty simple. In the early days we had electricity but no running hot water or inside toilet and certainly no refrigerator. Getting in firewood for the winter was both fun and hard work—with just a cart and our legs!
Exposure to missions Our Sunday School Superintendant was very overseas missionorientated. He was in touch with two missionaries who would always come and speak to us. One worked in China and the other amongst a pigmy tribe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both of these men would often stay in our home, so the concept of overseas mission was quite natural and normal for me. From a very young age, I can remember having Bible readings on Sunday mornings. As soon as I could walk to the Kumeu Sunday School, I was doing so, and put my hand up at the age of four in answer to the question “Who wants to go to heaven?” But it wasn’t until later that I fully gave my life to Jesus as my Saviour. Since then, it has been a time of continual growth—with a number of setbacks and downtimes!
A key step along the way When Doug Hunt, the very first MAF New Zealand missionary, was about to go overseas, a meeting was held. As it progressed it was as if a small voice said to me, “This is something you could do!” Doug held a “Field Day” at Ardmore airport where people could take a “joy ride.” I believe that the God we worship today is the same God that Gideon worshiped centuries ago, and so I asked God to give me a sign—that I would either be
Clockwise from top: Ted and Elsie in front of the Cessna 180 that Ted flew for MAF; Ted in front of the de Havilland Rapide he flew in Milford Sound; growing as a family, with Ann and Gwen as children.
thrilled with the flight—or I’d be sick! I knew the latter would be embarrassing, but it would be a very clear indication! But when I arrived I was told, “Sorry, all the seats have been taken.” I was confused and wondered if God was shutting the door. You can imagine my delight and surprise when Trevor Strong, then Chairman of MAF NZ, came over and told me that he had heard of my desire to have a flight and had asked if someone would be willing to give up their seat! I was thrilled with the experience! I knelt by my bed for a number of nights after this, asking God if I had heard the message correctly—it would mean breaking up our family farming partnership. From the time I first started flying, I kept in contact with MAF through the Mission Aviation Youth Fellowship (MAYF), which met monthly in the home of Kiwis Mr. pg 3
and Mrs. Ken Nobbs. These Sunday afternoon MAYF meetings were not only encouraging, but great preparation as missionaries home on furlough gave us invaluable insights into what made an effective MAF missionary.
Learning “bush flying” in New Zealand I had so many flying experiences in New Zealand that prepared me for “bush flying” in the challenging conditions of PNG. I well remember coming into land at the Milford Sound airstrip and having to move the throttles from full power to power right off to full power again a few times due to the whirling and turbulent winds on approach. Upon safely landing, a young American chap came up to me and said “I am a pilot based on an aircraft carrier, and what you did this afternoon was superb with the
General Manager of MAF New Zealand from 1989–2001 Rod and Cherry Peake had established a well-run office in Manurewa and helped make the transition into our new roles easy. Elsie was again my fantastic helper. The Ardmore airfield hanger had just been dedicated, so we moved the office there. This meant we had a close relationship with the newly established “Flight Training Centre” (FTC). Although the FTC did do initial flight training, the main focus was to extend the skills and capabilities of those preparing to go to the field.
Elsie spending time with the local women; Ted at his desk as Manager of MAF NZ; Ted with the Cessna 172 in front of the Flight Training Centre at Ardmore.
conditions you were contending with, well done!”
Working as a husband and wife team Elsie and I got married in the little Salvation Army church at Foxton on March 4th 1967. Both of us are thankful that we were brought up on farms, as it meant that when we served in Papua New Guinea, some things weren’t too different from life in rural New Zealand. For instance, in PNG supplies were sometimes many weeks, or even months apart. Not too challenging for Elsie, after living in rural Manawatu with her parents going into town once a month for groceries! My work with MAF was only possible because of the fantastic support that Elsie gave me. Not only emotionally, but also in the very practical way in which she got loads made up for my aircraft. I would tell her where I was going to be flying next, the weight available and any priorities I knew of
and she, with our wonderful cargo handler Byama, would have the load ready when I came back. In fact, she taught Byama so well that he was asked to go to our main base at Wewak where, after a short time, he became the head cargo handler.
Returning to New Zealand After we came back to New Zealand, MAF asked if we would take up leadership of the work here. However, we said we needed time to settle and give our two daughters, Ann and Gwen the opportunity to go to high school and get used to a culture so different from that of PNG. We settled in Palmerston North and for the next seven years, I worked selling paint and wallpaper at a Guthrie Bowron shop, finally managing one of the stores. Then, once again I was invited to take up the role of Manager of MAF NZ. By now both of our daughters were working, so we accepted the challenge. pg 4
I was involved in taking meetings in churches, writing prayer notes, doing accounts and keeping an eye on the FTC. Both Elsie and I spent time encouraging, developing and following through on inquirers. We had monthly “MAF Associates” meetings, where young and old came together for mutual encouragement and up-dates from the field. All staff were encouraged to come to one of these when on furlough. Having been on the field, we knew just how important wives were to any staff member being successful, so Elsie held “women’s days” to introduce wives and girl-friends to the challenges they might face overseas. For multiple reasons both the faithful Cessna 172 and the hanger were sold during this time. I trust that the “Kendon-Strong MAF Centre” in Tauranga will more than adequately fill the gap!
Today Today Ted is one of our most faithful volunteers in the Auckland office, always available to help with mailings or anything else that needs to get done. Ted and Elsie attend our InFlight events and are active at our AGMs. At the 75th Celebration in Matamata in November 2020, Ted and Elsie were made “Life Members” in recognition of their long years of service. We are grateful for Ted and Elsie’s contribution to MAF—and their example to those just starting on their journey towards MAF!
Nick in front of one of the GA8 aircraft in Timor-Leste, and in PPE.
YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN TIMOR-LESTE WHEN ... Story by Ruth Hitchins Photos courtesy Nick Hitchins
You know you’re in Timor-Leste when your 11-year-old son goes to help out the guys clearing the section, and calls out, “Mum, can I use the machete?” Nick and I, along with our three boys, arrived in Dili, the capital of TimorLeste, in April, in the immediate tragic aftermath of Cyclone Seroja. The subsequent escalation of COVID-19 necessitated a State of Catastrophe being declared. Timor-Leste is very mountainous and reminiscent of parts of New Zealand—except here villages are perched precariously atop razorback ridges! They are very susceptible to being washed away, as recently happened. Access to these remote villages is by foot. MAF has seven airstrips, several of which are in mountainous regions and flying to them is very much at the whim of the weather.
Nick has been completing his country-specific training with the Chief Pilot; and is glad for his experience flying light aircraft in New Zealand’s challenging weather and terrain conditions. Nick’s first flight here involved both the MAF planes: criticallyunderweight triplets were born in the mountains on Mother’s Day, and a lot of medics and family were required to airlift them all safely to Dili! In order to keep flying during Dili’s ongoing lockdown, the two GA8 aircraft here are fitted with COVID-19 protection screens between the cockpit and the rear, and for the increasing number of pg 5
COVID-positive patients in the districts, pilots must fly fully-garbed in PPE gear. Patients now have to wait longer for medevacs since they have to pass COVID-19 tests before flying! This can delay situations which are already critical. The boys are doing long-distance learning and our days are spent wrestling with the ad hoc internet and power. Their studies are accompanied by the music of the little MAF GA8 planes, full of hope, taking off and landing. We are thankful for our AC unit whenever we hear the planes overhead flying to the remote regions, as we can imagine them roasting in their “suits” with no AC! An AC unit in the planes would take up valuable space and prevent more
Clockwise from left: It’s not all schoolwork for the boys! Local smells and colour. Coconuts at the beach.
essential items like oxygen tanks from being carried aboard. Pilot comfort is a necessary sacrifice! There’s space for the pilot to take four passengers plus the patient on a stretcher. This is always fully maximised by the time paramedic staff from Dili hospital are on board, clinic staff from the villages plus the patient’s family! On the ground, we are assailed with so many smells: acrid overflowing drains, impending rain-storms, 80% deet to fend off prevalent dengue fever, freshly-baked banana bread made with local vanilla, cinnamon and coconut. Now we are in our new home, we miss the cocktail of languages frequently heard on the compound: Portuguese, Arabic, Tetun, Urdu, French and Mandarin all prevail over English! But we are getting a bit more familiar with some of the vagaries of Tetun Dili, which is a language blend of one of the local Austronesian dialects with Portuguese and Bahasa (Indonesian). In trying to talk with the locals, we enjoy finding occasional similarities
between te reo Māori and Tetun, however it really stretches our brains when we shop at the markets in the heat, and don’t know which of the three counting systems will be used! Will the “folin” (price) be calculated in Tetun Dili, Portguese or Bahasa?! You know you’re in Dili when…your children unconsciously whistle Christmas carols in May because they’re so happy and excited with the plethora (their word!) of novel experiences! You know you’re in Dili when… date night with Nick involves driving as-yet unfamiliar roads to a supermarket on the other side of Dili in a torrential tropical storm in the dark, dodging unlit and unpredictable pedestrians, dogs, motorbikes and vehicles. Arriving in a state of heightened tension from all the defensive driving, we walk the aisles made for tiny people to the soothing backdrop of familiar Western love songs dubbed in Indonesian, which I sing along to behind my face-mask. Being a small programme, MAF Timor-Leste is a bit of a family. pg 6
Although we don’t all live on the same compound as in many other locations, there’s still a great feeling of connectedness. As was obvious last weekend when one of our MAF national staff came over to our house and helped the septic tank guys to locate and excavate the massive rocks that were obstructing our drains! And we have already seen locals get excited when we explain why we are here (since many expats from other organisations have returned home due to COVID-19), who MAF is and why we fly regular medevacs. MAF has only been active in TimorLeste since 2006, so our profile and presence here has room for expansion. Some experienced doctors from India have been working with MAF on vital network connections at government level, but COVID-19 has been understandably taking centre-stage. We feel so excited and deeply privileged to be part of the programme here, with our own invisible special “cloud of witnesses” right alongside us!
the Hub is
HUMMING! From the beginning, the vision of Mark Fox, MAF NZ’s CEO, was for the Kendon-Strong MAF Centre to become a “hub.” A hub humming with all kinds of missions-focused, aviation-centred activities. It would be a place where prayer, training and hospitality came together. It would be light to the surrounding aviation companies. A place where school groups could come in, sit in MAF NZ’s Cessna 206, hear the stories and catch the vision for MAF. Where staff returning to New Zealand after serving overseas could debrief and find rest and encouragement. And a place where funds were raised to support the overseas work of MAF. The centre is already beginning to “hum”! Accommodation at the centre has often been filled. Leo Hume and his wife Glenys stayed for two weeks so he could carry out maintenance work on the Cessna. The MAF NZ board and the Tauranga prayer group both held their most recent meetings there. Several international staff based in Tauranga now work out of the centre, as does Andrew Pound, the new Relations Manager for MAF. Connections have already been made with several aviation companies at the airport and two groups of young people have come and heard about the work of MAF. There is still a lot of work to do, especially in developing both the facilities and programmes to train pilots and aviation engineers. More construction work will need to take place in order for the centre to reach its full potential. However, it is encouraging to see the vision becoming a reality as things begin to “hum”! pg 7
An “airside” view of the hangar, top. Leo Hume working on the Cessna. The Tauranga Prayer Group meeting at the centre.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A MAF PILOT Story by Tim Houghton with major contributions by Olivia Monk (Recruitment Manager) and Mark Fox (CEO)
On Saturday pilots Mike and Mary heard about MAF at an airshow. Two weeks later they were soaring above PNG, serving MAF and … wait! Time out! Reality check! The average journey to joining MAF takes between one and two years and is a challenging one. MAF pilots need the ability to respond in situations not faced by many pilots in the world—and to do so they need specialist training and preparation. It takes determination and commitment—and the prayers and support of friends, family and church. Knowing this, MAF NZ supports and mentors potential pilots through the recruitment process. This is a step-by-step look at what it takes to become a pilot with MAF.
arrow-alt-circle-right Initial Contact Some pilots have known since they were young that they want to fly
with MAF. Others hear about MAF for the first time at an airshow, through our website or a church presentation. When they contact us information is sent that provides a general overview of the steps to becoming a MAF pilot. If, having read this, the pilot wants to go ahead, an initial interview is set up in order for both parties to find out more about each other.
arrow-alt-circle-right The Initial Interview This evaluates the applicant’s level of interest and identifies their motivation for wanting to fly with MAF. (MAF offers some of the most challenging flying in the world, and we need to be sure that people are not applying just for “the pg 8
adventure” or to build up their flying experience). By the end of the interview it is usually clear whether it will be appropriate to formally start the application process.
arrow-alt-circle-right Application Process If it’s “thumbs up,” the pilot is encouraged to go to our website and create a profile on the MAF Careers page, and an application form is sent via link so he or she can formally apply for MAF. If married, both husband and wife apply. The application form includes questions about church involvement, family life, personal history and thoughts on living in a developing nation. (Some people have a romantic, “Indiana Jones” view of living overseas!) The application form is reviewed to identify any areas that need follow up, and a criminal history check is
ability to fly in typical MAF settings. Both Rick and the MAF International Assessors are looking for a candidate’s ability to analyse flight situations and make quick, confident and safe decisions while taking into account everything that is happening both in and around the plane. A typical scenario might include flying in difficult terrain with the added challenges of bad weather and an unexpected emergency. Sometimes MAF NZ will suggest an applicant gain further experience and training before continuing with their application. Incidentally, engineers also need to travel to our engineering base at Mareeba to be assessed as to their suitability for MAF deployment.
arrow-alt-circle-right Symbiotics— aviation assessment applied for at this stage. The pilot also nominates four referees (one their pastor or minister) and each completes a reference form.
arrow-alt-circle-right Further Bible College Training MAF is looking for missionaries who have both the technical skills required as well as a mature Christian faith and a clear sense of God’s leading into missions. To this end, MAF may recommend that some applicants do further study at a recognised Bible training institution.
arrow-alt-circle-right Flight Assessment MAF International (MAFI) recently introduced a new step that includes pilots travelling to the Flight Training Centre at Mareeba (inland from Cairns, Australia) to undertake a flight assessment. But before we make the decision to send an applicant, they first need to pass a flight assessment with MAF NZ’s Chief Pilot and Flight Assessor (currently Rick Velvin). Rick assesses pilot candidates on a competency framework that requires certain standards to be met. He takes them up in MAF NZ’s Cessna 206 aircraft and puts them through a number of scenarios designed to test their
If a pilot has done well to this point, a Symbiotics assessment is arranged. This involves the completion of a full day of online tests. Phase one evaluates a pilot’s flying aptitude, including their ability to multi-task, manage heavy workloads, their short and long-term memory and situational awareness. Phase two involves meeting with an aviation occupational psychologist from Symbiotics via video conference. The psychologist will discuss the results from phase one to get a better understanding of the pilot’s aptitude and how they fit the MAF profile for pilots. Following this, a report will be sent to MAF and a copy provided to the applicant.
arrow-alt-circle-right Psychological assessment Psychological assessments are now set up. If married, both adults fill out online questionnaires and then have an interview with a psychologist to explore their family dynamics. If they have children, the psychologist will also talk to them to get an idea about how the whole family interacts together (since they will all live together on the mission field). A report is prepared and feedback provided to give recommendations for ongoing growth, health and development. pg 9
arrow-alt-circle-right Behavioural Event Interview (BEI) The BEI provides an overview of how the applicant manages life events. From describing at least two significant life experiences, the goal is to identify the applicant’s key competencies, including emotional resourcefulness, leadership, problem analysis, decision-making and communication.
arrow-alt-circle-right Medical Once MAF NZ feels confident that everything is proceeding well, a full medical examination is arranged. Each individual and family needs to be cleared to live in a developing country, which can include working in environments where there are different parasites, diseases, heat and humidity. Any pre-existing conditions are explored and discussed as to how they can be managed. All paperwork from this exam goes to our medical assessor, who looks through it and gives the pilot clearance as “Medically fit” to live and work overseas. The pilot and their family will also need to be fully vaccinated for the country they are going to.
arrow-alt-circle-right Formal Interview A formal interview is arranged to determine whether MAF can go ahead and formally accept the applicant as a candidate. A group of people with a range of backgrounds and experiences in MAF review the paperwork and discuss both the strengths and any concerns that have arisen from the assessments to date. The final decision to accept or decline a pilot is made jointly between MAF New Zealand and MAF International. (This is because, although staff are recruited by MAF NZ, they are seconded to—and work for—MAF International once they go overseas). For this reason, MAFI staff, based in Cairns and/or Ashford are briefed and included throughout the process. If successful, a pilot will be duly notified that they are now a candidate with MAF.
arrow-alt-circle-right Candidacy Course and Ministry Partnership (CCMP) This three-day course is held in New Zealand. The Candidacy Course (CC) provides candidates with a more complete introduction to MAF as an organisation, while the Ministry Partnership (MP) course covers the practical aspects of how to build a strong base of prayer and sponsorship necessary to go overseas.
arrow-alt-circle-right Ministry Partnership Following the CCMP course, the work of Ministry Partnership begins. Because MAF is a charitable organisation, all staff who will serve in a programme are required to raise financial sponsorship to help offset the costs of them working overseas. Over the following months candidates build a team of people around them who are committed to seeing them succeed in their call to missions. These are friends, family and church supporters who will stand with them in prayer and help them raise the sponsorship they need to go overseas. Candidates give presentations about their plans to join MAF and their call to missions in churches or home groups that express interest in their work.
arrow-alt-circle-right Transition Training This is an intensive ten-day, live-in course that addresses the issues involved in making an effective transition to another culture. If married, the whole family attend, since the instructors talk to both adults and children about their expectations, hopes and fears about living in a cross-cultural setting. The course also covers preparing to say goodbye to friends, church and school.
arrow-alt-circle-right Getting Ready to Go At this stage pilots prepare to move overseas. They begin to say goodbye to family, friends and church. Some may choose to sell their home and most of their possessions. Another challenge is packing. Each candidate is given an allowance, but tough
decisions may need to be made about what to take and what to leave behind—the coffee machine or the books?
The pilot’s flying skills are reviewed thoroughly, and occasionally some will require some extra flying time to get up to MAF standards.
arrow-alt-circle-right Orientation Course
arrow-alt-circle-right In-Country Language and Cultural Orientation
Once a candidate gets close to their overseas deployment they attend a week-long Orientation course in Cairns, Australia. This is designed to orientate them to “everything MAF,” including what they need to know about serving as staff with MAF and how to successfully live in a crosscultural context.
arrow-alt-circle-right Commissioning Service It is very important to MAF that staff are commissioned and sent out with the blessing and support of their local church. The Commissioning Service is a significant time in the whole process of preparing to go overseas—as their church gathers around the pilot and their family to pray for them before they go.
arrow-alt-circle-right Standardisation At this point non-flying staff go straight to their first assignment overseas. Pilots go to Standardisation, a four-week course of specialised training that prepares pilots to fly in the specific country they will be going to. They fly everyday, while being instructed, mentored and taught everything they need to know about “flying MAF planes the MAF way.” They learn how to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, how to handle stressful conditions, poor weather and dangerous terrain. pg 10
All programmes provide language and cultural orientation. Newly arrived staff attend an intensive language course that teaches them basic communication in the local language—starting with “yes, no, hello, and goodbye”! A cross-cultural experience is also recommended. For example, in PNG new staff spend one week in an isolated village. They live with the local people and gain insight into life without newspapers, Internet or contact with the outside world. To help them settle in, they are also linked with a host family who walks them through the first weeks in their new country, shows them around and introduces them to their new living conditions.
arrow-alt-circle-right Cleared to Fly! Each country where MAF flies has its own particular set of challenges that new pilots need to become familiar with. The newly arrived pilot flies with the Chief Pilot (CP) until he or she feels completely confident that they are ready to fly in that part of the world. They also need to be “rated” to land at each particular airstrip in their programme. At this point, they are cleared to fly solo. The journey to becoming a MAF pilot has come to an end—and a new journey, of service as a MAF pilot, begins.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 5 MINUTES
Disaster Relief in Haiti. Photo courtesy Haiti Bible Mission.
HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
Celebration for reopened airstrip in PNG. Photo by Paul Woodington.
Early Saturday morning on Monday 16 August, southwestern Haiti was hit with a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. MAF immediately initiated relief efforts with numerous other groups, including Samaritan’s Purse, Missionary Flights International and Agape Flights. MAF carried out a survey by land and air in to gather additional information and provide an assessment for relief efforts. Tropical Storm Grace hit soon after the earthquake—so MAF’s relief work in Haiti continues!
YALUM AIRSTRIP REOPENED IN PNG After 22 years of isolation, the Yalum airstrip has been reopened. It was closed due to civil unrest, but the need and longing for access to much-needed resources caused people to come together in peace talks and step up to clear the runway so that MAF once again can serve the community. Singing people, dancing in their most festive clothing, expressed their joy and appreciation as pilots Richie Axon and Paul Woodington brought in the first aircraft after 22 years. in Ballarat, Victoria, but moved to Mareeba in 2003. At the time, this was thought of as a temporary measure. Now, after almost two decades, land has been generously donated so that MAF Mareeba can relocate and rebuild on the other side of the airport. The plan is to lease land on which to build new hangars, while on the donated land the Flight Training Centre (FTC), Engineering Training, housing and workshops will be built. The full development is expected to take between two and five years.
RADIO PROVIDES ACCURATE INFORMATION IN PNG
The rebuild at Mareeba
MAREEBA REBUILD Mareeba provides major overhauls, repairs, modifications, repaints, avionics upgrades and stores support for the programmes in Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Bangladesh. For 40 years the facility was located
Accurate information is vital for informed decisions and this certainly is the case during the ever-evolving changes imposed by COVID-19 in PNG. Misinformation regarding COVID-19 is mostly felt in the rural communities who, due to limited access to media and valid sources of information, often rely on hearsay. Because of this, Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship (CRMF) provides regular weekly updates with current information and developments as they unfold. pg 11
MAF’s first Yolngu pilot. Photo by Divyan Ahimaz.
FIRST YOLNGU PILOT IN ARNHEM LAND Yingiya Guyula is MAF’s first Yolngu pilot. A senior leader and elder from the Liya-dhalinymirr Djambarrpuyŋu clan, he said, “I was born and raised in the remote bush in Arnhem Land. I started working with MAF by making tea, sweeping the floor and keeping the hangar clean. After gaining more skills, I was asked to go to the MAF headquarters in Victoria to help dismantle a Cessna 207. I went on to get my learner’s permit and radio communications license, then started work on my restricted private pilot license. During the week, I serviced airplanes with MAF and on weekends I learnt to fly. Today I am a pilot with MAF— and look at MAF as my tribe, my family.”
WE’RE RECRUITING
Be part of something bigger! Use your skills and experience to leave a lasting legacy. MAF currently has a number of vacancies that urgently need to be filled. Below is just a “taste” of the exciting opportunities to work with Mission Aviation Fellowship. To find out more about these and other vacancies, go to our website/Work for Us/Current Vacancies. Numonohi Christian Academy (Goroka, PNG) and Ukarumpa International School (Aiyura, PNG) We have urgent teaching needs at both these international schools. Vital to the work of MAF and other mission organisations is the education and preparation of the next generation, whose parents, both local and international, have committed themselves to unreached peoples of Papua New Guinea. A wide variety of teaching positions need to be filled, including: Elementary school upper and lower, High School Science, Maths and Social Studies. Commitments can be for as little as one year.
in South Sudan. JCA is a small but growing mission school that strives to provide high quality international education in a loving Christian environment. The school primarily serves the children of families in
Juba Christian Academy, South Sudan We are in urgent need of Primary School teachers to be seconded to Juba Christian Academy (JCA) pg 12
Juba working with MAF, SIL and other mission organisations.
Operations Manager, Arnhem Land This is a fantastic opportunity to join our MAF Arnhem Land team and make a difference among the aboriginal communities we serve there. Ensure safe and efficient use of resources by managing flight operations, rostering pilots and maintaining an updated maintenance schedule.
Digital Business Partner, flexible location
Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, various locations
Assist in driving the direction of digital technology within MAF. You will review and develop digital enablement applications across global operations by providing strategic leadership, advice and support and be an “advocate for change.”
There are a number of positions for Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in Papua New Guinea, Uganda and Australia (Mareeba).
Interim Finance Manager, South Sudan We are looking for a Finance Manager on a 1-year short-term contract to join the South Sudan team. MAF will provide housing in Juba, travel costs, medical and life insurance, pension contributions and a living allowance.
Other Opportunities: • HR Manager PNG (1 year short-term) • IT Manager PNG • Facilities Manager, Arnhem Land • Executive Officer PNG • Executive Assistant PNG pg 13
Country Directors, Australia (Arnhem Land), Chad, South Sudan, Guinea and Timor-Leste Being a Country Director is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs there is. Inspire a multinational team to achieve MAF’s vision. Work with local partners, regulatory authorities and country officials to achieve the programme’s goals.
TAKE-OFFS & LANDINGS A lot has been happening recently. Over the last few months a number of new staff have joined MAF New Zealand, others have taken on new roles while two are leaving. working in various administrative roles she had the privilege of being a full-time mum to two daughters: Larissa and Emma, both of whom recently married. Phil and Tania are currently doing their ministry partnership development and Phil will take up the full role effective 1 January 2022.
William Nicol MAFI Strategic Advisor William has accepted the newly created role of Strategic Advisor for MAF International. For the next three years William will focus on the PNG programme, where he will bring his knowledge and skill to help move forward a number of key strategic projects for the PNG leadership team. Additionally, William will spend part of his time working on and developing broader operational and organisational strategic thought.
Phil has accepted the Director of Technical Operations (DTO) role and will be based in Cairns, Australia. Phil has thirty years experience in roles from maintenance, technical support, fleet management and quality and safety, with both with Air New Zealand and Air Pacific. For the last four years he has been pastoring a local church. Tania came to faith through a children’s outreach. After
Andrew has taken on a new role within MAF NZ. His goals include growing MAF’s network of church relationships, building strong connections with churches, pastors, leaders and volunteers and promoting awareness of MAF in church communities across New Zealand.
Andrew is married to Kay and their son Jonathan is preparing to work with MAF as a pilot in South Sudan.
Residential House Managers, PNG
Director of Technical Operations
Relationship Manager, MAF NZ
He taught in primary schools for five years before training at Carey College in 1983–1985. He spent five years as pastor of Oamaru Baptist Church and fifteen years at Westgate Baptist Church.
Leigh & Inneke MacRae
Phil & Tania Sproul
Andrew Pound
Andrew always loves opportunities to connect with pastors or to speak in churches.
Leigh and Inneke will be serving in Ukarumpa, PNG as Residential House Managers in a hostel for children who attend the International School. Their key responsibilities will be nurturing, guiding and encouraging the children in their everyday lives and spiritual walk with God. Leigh was born in Napier and Inneke in South Africa. Leigh has managed his own business for the past four years. Inneke is a physiotherapist, mum and has helped with administration in the business. Leigh and Inneke are currently doing their ministry partnership development and plan to move to PNG in January 2022. pg 14
Jane Eddy Recruitment Manager, MAF NZ After nearly 40 years overseas, my husband David and I returned to New Zealand just before COVID-19 hit in 2020. We believe God directed our course home and provided me an opportunity to work in the wonderful family called MAF. Every
skill the Lord has blessed me with will now be used in His service to meet the needs of those applying to serve with MAF. My background has been varied, most recently including management consulting, recruitment and client management. During the last 15 years in Dubai, David and I found our church home and my life changed forever. I rediscovered my faith and it was like switching from a life of black and white into colour. We became actively involved in the church and I helped with fundraising for Syrian refugee programmes and meeting needs in the community.
The Board praying for Ken and Erica; Mark Fox presents Ken with a model Cessna 208 Grand Caravan.
My husband David, my mother Wendy and I live in Papamoa. Our daughter Tiffany and her son Jasper reside in Dubai.
Ken & Erica Mathews
I have some very large shoes to fill in this role with MAF.
Olivia Monk Recruitment Manager MAF NZ (resigning)
Judi Dennis Office Manager, Arnhem Land Another Kiwi has recently joined the MAF team in Arnhem Land. God has led Judi to work for MAF, which has fulfilled the desire of her heart to use her skills in administration to support aboriginal communities and a Christian ministry at the same time! Judi’s husband Steve is working at the Gulkula Mining company, which was formed by the three main Aboriginal tribes to train, provide income and replant their land after mining.
Olivia began working for MAF in February 2016 but sadly her time with us is coming to an end. As Recruitment Manager her primary focus was to recruit and prepare Kiwis and their families to serve with MAF. Olivia said, “After five and a half years with MAF it has been a difficult decision to move on, especially from a warm and encouraging office environment, not to mention the inspirational applicants and staff I get to work with on a daily basis. “However, I know the recruitment position is in good hands with Jane, and that I’ll continue to be involved as a volunteer and cheerleader. “God has incredible plans for MAF NZ and I can’t wait to see what’s next!” pg 15
MAFI Regional Safety Manager (resigning) Before joining MAF Ken was, among other things, an engineer and pilot with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, a pilot for Wycliffe Bible Translators and an air accident investigator. In April 2012 he carried out a safety culture investigation for MAF PNG, following a series of accidents in the programme. In January 2013 Ken took on the role of MAFI Regional Safety Manager, based in Cairns. After four years, in 2017, Ken and his wife Erica returned to New Zealand. Ken continued in the same role, frequently travelling to Australia and other programmes. His current contract ends on 30 September—but this may be extended because of the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement. So, in August, the MAF NZ board held a special “farewell in advance” for Ken and Erica.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices. – Hebrews 13:16
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 130 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.
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MAF NEW ZEALAND PO Box 76502 Manukau City, Auckland 2241, New Zealand 0800 87 85 88 info@maf.org.nz maf.org.nz Editor: Tim Houghton Layout and Design: Creatipix Printing: Roe Print Services
