MAF SA Newsletter Vol.6 No.1 2023

MAF is an international Christian organisation whose mission is to fly light aircraft, and to use other technologies to bring help, hope and healing to people in some of the world’s poorest communities. Every four minutes an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world to assist missions, churches, aid and development agencies, and other local groups to transform lives and share the love of God.

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FROM THE CEO 2023 | VISION

We are enthusiastic for what the Lord has prepared for MAF South Africa this year. We believe the Lord has positioned us for such a time as this. As we look to increase MAF’s worldwide effectiveness by recruiting experienced, skilled Africans to join and be part of sharing the gospel to the ends of the earth. We are dreaming big and asking the Lord to increase our faith as we look to build a MAF Africa hub here in South Africa. This will enable African candidates to have access to all pre-technical assessments before moving on to the final international recruitment assessments. We want to set all our candidates up for success so that their time on the mission field is impactful and life-changing.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Please join us in praying and supporting this big dream of sending workers into the fields ready for harvesting.

MEET OUR NEW WINGS!

THE ZS PKP STORY

IN THE BEGINNING

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention, and so it was with a little Cessna 152 which seemed doomed for the scrapyard. Her saving grace was when a number of aircraft engineers who had applying for service in MAF simultaneously were ready for a practical skills assessment by the MAF International engineering team. These assessments could be, and to date have generally been, carried out at MAF training facilities. The issue was that all these candidates were from African countries, and this would incur considerable cost in terms of travel and accommodation. When Jeremy Boddington, of Mercy Air, a long time partner with MAF South Africa, heard of this, he kindly offered the Mercy Air facility at White River as an alternative. To

MAXINE HOLMAN CEO of MAF SA

provide suitable training and assessment aids, he began to look about for a scrapped airframe that could be fit for purpose. That is where ZS PKP came into the story. As search of internet for sale websites revealed a C152 airframe suitable for “parts or scrap” with a picture of a complete airframe drew his attention.

THE EXAMINATION

Fearing such a complete airframe would not be up for sale for long, Jeremy quickly dispatched David Schumacher, and experienced C152 pilot, from White River to Alberton to view the airframe. On arrival in Alberton, and discussion with the owner, Gerrie van Wyk, it transpired that PKP had been sold by an Eastern Cape flying school, amongst other aircraft. The engine and

propellor had been separately sold. Other than that the aircraft was complete down to avionics seats and seats. David’s response on seeing the airframe was that it was essentially a complete airplane without engine, and after some calls between MAFI, MAFSA and Mercy Air, the airframe was purchased from the buyer.

THE LOADING

While some will feel that an aeroplane without an engine is very light and easy to handle, they would be wrong. Jeremy dispatched the Mercy Air Volkswagen Transporter with trailer and David set of with two assistants from White River. Those would not have been enough, and so James Holmes from MAFSA pressed wife, daughter, and grandsons into service to help. Being aviation and MAF lovers, it took little persuasion. On the day of loading, David suffered a blown tyre on the trailer which delayed him somewhat and the Holmes family spent the time with Gerrie’s family, also aviation enthusiasts and new friendships were formed. On David’s arrival, the gathered family members jumped in, to a man/ lady, and the fuselage was wheeled out of the driveway. It took all available muscle power to lift and place PKP on the trailer. This took some time with much grunting and heaving (and pinched fingers) but at last she was secure. Then the troops set about carrying the myriad spare parts and components to the street where our loadmaster, David, ensured they were correctly stowed and secured. The major effort in this phase was to release the main wings from their location again the garage roof, using almost all manpower to ensure no mishap could possibly secure. Eventually, the loading was complete, and all stood about the Transporter, enjoying a cold drink and a job well done.

The activities in the street had attracted quite some interest from neighbours as well as security patrols, but all had gone well with Gerrie being visibly moved to see her leave. He however remain part of her ongoing journey.

THE FUTURE

ZS PKP is now safely in the Mercy Air hangars and is awaiting the arrival of the first group of engineers, as well as the fitment of her wings. She is also in need of a name, which will be forthcoming. There will hopefully be many more engineers passing through the facility and she will in time see full refurbishment, and the fitting of her engine. All in the loading party and Gerrie look forward to her eventual engine runs, ground testing, and then, who knows, her first flight to where she belongs, in the sky.

Your support is powerful.

Story by Jenny Davies

Photos by IDAT

IN DEED AND TRUTH

Near the end of last year, a plane full of passengers including three generations of the Rittman family travelled from the United States to volunteer at Indeed and Truth’s hospital, church, and health outreach programme in Tonj, South Sudan.

IDAT hospital is a beacon of hope providing vital healthcare services in a country with some of the worst health outcomes in the world. The greatest need is hidden away in remote rural communities like those surrounding Tonj.

‘The hospital is run entirely by South Sudanese, everyone from the administrators to the medical staff. It’s a remarkable achievement,’ begins Kim, a doctor and long-time IDAT supporter who is visiting from Florida for two weeks, with her two teenage children Allie and Tucker and her father, Frank Stephens an experienced hospital chaplain.

MOBILE CLINICS

IDAT, began its community outreach programme, ten years ago, to tackle the root causes of

common diseases the see at the hospital. By treating them in the community they hope to reach people earlier, educate them and encourage them to seek help earlier instead of relying on traditional remedies.

Kim and her kids joined the IDAT staff on their monthly outreach clinics held in some of the rural villages surrounding Tonj. ‘We did three different medical outreaches, each in a different village where we saw close to 300 patients a day - almost a thousand patients in total. Most of the patients were from villages where IDAT have community health workers or CHE’s, were able to get the word out to say that the doctors were coming,’ Dr Kim explains.

While Tucker and Allie helped register patients –Kim triaged patients who presented with minor

injuries and not so minor diseases like malaria. In each location, the mobile clinic saved patients the many hours or even days they would have to walk to reach the hospital. The team got to experience the challenging wet season conditions when their car got stuck on the road.

GOOD HEALTH STARTS AT HOME

Dr Kim was interested to find out more about the outreach programme. She had the opportunity to see the CHE programme in action, during a visit to one of the 30 villages where IDAT ‘Healthy Happy Homes’ project is already making an impact; promoting practises that can easily be adopted to reduce accidents and combat the spread of disease. ‘To receive the healthy happy homes award households must make some changes to improve their physical and spiritual health. Twelve physical and five are spiritual,’ Dr Kim explains. ‘The physical aspects include having a pit latrine and a rubbish pit. Others relate to basic nutrition and healthcare; the children in the family have to be vaccinated and well nourished. The family need to know how to mix oral rehydration solution which is crucial in the treatment of diarrhoea,’ she says.

Dr Kim was impressed by the simple personal hygiene, food preparation and cooking practises, advocated by the CHEs to help reduce illnesses like diahorrea. ‘They have to have a tippy tap to wash hands (those are so clever), a drying rack for dishes which is four feet off the ground and sturdy enough that it can’t be knocked by goats or children. They leave their dishes out to dry on this rack because sunlight is the best form of sterilisation,’ she says.

Serious burns from cooking fires, particularly amongst children, are something they see all too often at the hospital. To encourage safer cooking,

Dr Kim says the home must have a CHE stove which is fuel efficient and enclosed so there is no open flame. ‘The stove is constructed in thick clay, so all of the heat come up through the top and is used much more efficiently and is much safer than an open fire.’

Physical changes can be short-lived without a transformed thinking that comes from a relationship with God. Knowing this, the community health evangelists share the gospel with the families in the programme. ‘On the spiritual side, to get the health happy home award, they had to have professed a relationship with Christ, be attending a Bible study, have shared their faith with someone else. You received a certificate of accomplishment if you got 14 of 17 targets. It was great to see the pride in accomplishment amongst the household that had achieved this,’ Kim says.

RESPONDING TO HUNGER

With many of the people in the community struggling with hunger, one of the busiest days for Kim and the team was helping with a food distribution at IDATs church in Tonj. ‘The people there are hungry right now,’ Kim explains. ‘They are in the hunger gap between the last season and the new season. The harvest has run out and the new harvest isn’t ready yet. They are also dealing with flooding which may mean their crops are destroyed.’

As the distribution got going, Kim was pleasantly surprised how smoothly it went. ‘I was prepared for crazy but thankfully that didn’t happen! IDAT are based in the community and have good relationships. The families receiving food were connected through the church and CHE programme and had to register for the event. Before the distribution started, they addressed the

crowds and asked people to be kind and patient towards those giving the help. The team split up to make the distribution faster. ‘Those of us that were helping were organised into sections and each assigned to different villages. We distributed six coffee cans of sorghum for each person in the household. In total, we gave away 30 metric tons of food – around 66,000 lbs. Each family brought their own bag and carried home the food for the people in their household. The food we gave was enough for two weeks although people will make it last for a month.’ They even had food left over. ‘At the end, after everyone had received food, the leftover was given to the unregistered people. There were so many extra unregistered people that we cut the cans back to five and in some cases four. There were just so many. We just kept trying to

‘Back in the US I have a patient who is in her 90salmost a hundred-years old, who survived World War II and was in East Berlin when Russia came through at the end of the war. They were very anti-German at that time. She ended up escaping in the 1950s and married an American man and came to live in the US. She has a very small stature, just a spec of a person but she has a real heart for those children because of everything she has lived through herself. She made four really soft blankets especially for premmies because she knew that IDAT have incubators. This worked perfectly because all the incubators were full, with two baby girls and two boys. On the last day, I was able to hand on her baby blankets to patients on the ward.’

YOUTH CONFERENCE

From serving the smallest, most fragile members of the community to the most energetic and robust. The team took part in a conference attended by more than 800 teenagers and young adults who descended on IDAT’s Calvary Chapel from the 30 surrounding CHE villages. The conference was held in a brand-new church building, dedicated just a few months previously in Easter 2022.

make loaves and fishes towards the end to make it stretch. We made it last and took the names of other families to see if it was possible to do another food distribution.’

BABY BLANKETS AND HOPE

As well as spending time in the community Dr Kim met some of the patients and their families on the wards. ‘In the maternity ward they have four incubators. One of the babies was probably the smallest little human I’ve seen in my life weighing no more than 800grams – but alive in South Sudan,’ she said incredulously. Dr Kim shares how a supporter back in the States helps her to bless these tiny patients by crocheting the baby blankets she brings with her on every trip. The blankets help keep sick and premature babies warm – which is necessary, even in the heat of South Sudan. Her supporter has a very personal reason for helping, as Kim explains.

‘We had 800 kids at the youth conference. Can you imagine 800 excited teenagers in one place?’ Kim exclaimed happily, painting a vivid picture of the energy and excitement. ‘The church holds a thousand people, and it was almost full. They called each village one by one. All the kids from that village would stand and yell in a competition to see who could yell the loudest. There were kids from over thirty CHE villages. It was incredible!’ ‘I was struck by the thought that amongst those young people who attended for those two days, they had the future pastors, the future church leaders, future government officials, businessmen and businesswomen, that are going to change South Sudan. They are all there! It brings a great deal of hope.’

Reflecting on the wider impact of IDAT’s integrated programmes Dr Kim said: ‘CHE is opening up opportunities to everyone. It’s not just about clean dishes and healthy households. It’s also about looking for opportunities for spiritual transformation, bringing people together and helping young people grow in their faith. Going

around and seeing the different villages, you can really see the difference with the presence of CHE. They put a priority on education. There’s poverty but no impoverishment of spirit. There’s dignity and pride.’

TRAINING CHAPLAINS

Dr Kim’s was accompanied on the trip by her Dad Frank who while she was busy treating patients, put experience as a hospital chaplain to good use training the pastors and chaplains that counsel patients and support them during a difficult time. Kim was happy but surprised that her dad agreed to come - on what was his first ever trip to the mission field. ‘He was pretty reluctant when Suzy first asked him!’ Kim laughs ‘My dad was never interested in the mission-field, it wasn’t ever a thing that he felt called to do, although my whole life he was very involved in church.’

Frank admits his initial reluctance. ‘When Suzy asked me to come, my initial thought was, ‘I don’t speak the language or know the culture or society. Is this even relevant? But yes, it turned out it was,’ he says.

‘I’m absolutely, glad I did it. It was interesting to see the chaplains at work. The chaplaincy team play a crucial role at the IDAT hospital Most of the attendees on the training were serving in ministry in some way either as CHE’s (Community Health Evangelists) or as pastors or associate pastors.

‘I was able to carry out training for the team of hospital chaplains together with fellow pastor Cameron Neuman. We did six days of pastors training. They did two days of ward rounds where they took the pastors through and let them practise on the patients. Some of the team really understood what they are doing. They are embracing their roles and even want to expand their ministry to reach out to those in prison.’

MAF TRANSFER

The team travelled back to the States after a busy ten days – satisfied with the contribution they were able to make as a family. They were very happy with the service they received from MAF who provided a vital connection so they could catch their international flights.

‘Flying with MAF was beautiful! The pilots and ground staff are awesome and the equipment is well maintained. I definitely have no complaints about that,’ Frank says.

Kim, who has flown with MAF many times in South Sudan and other countries, said ‘I love flying with MAF. The very first time I ever flew with MAF was in Haiti. I knew we were in for a completely different thing when, before we took off, the pilot said, okay, let’s pray! On the way out, Tucker got to sit next to the pilot. He thought it was the coolest thing ever, so when we when the plane came in on the way back, he was a bit disappointed to see that the co-pilot seat was full!’ ‘The return charter brought us back to was full of medical supplies, food and mattresseseverything needed for the 30 person Samaritan’s Purse Cataract Clinic, which was due to happen a few weeks later. It’s an efficient way to serve the needs of the patients,’ Kim concludes.

SERVE WITH US AND LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

FROM OUR RECRUITMENT MANAGER

Walking into 2023

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

My 2023 vision is to see candidates for MAF service complete the full selection process and be placed as international staff, with full support and sufficient preparation and provision. Part of the vision is to design an integrated, aligned, and efficient recruiting pipeline for African candidates who are called to serve in MAF.

Current inspiration: click on me

Cornerstone; It is about Jesus, and His will for MAF and us who serve.

CRITICAL POSITIONS

2023 | VISION

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER MAREEBA

EXPERIENCED MISSION PILOTS VARIOUS LOCATIONS

EXPERIENCED MISSION PILOT/ENGINEER GUINEA

The role would suit an experienced aircraft engineer, preferably with a Quality Management background. ENQUIRE ENQUIRE ENQUIRE

We are looking for a experienced pilots, especially from southern African, to help us in our goal to reach isolated communities. Popular choice for Bush Pilots.

We are looking for an experienced pilot, with aircraft engineering experience, to help us in our goal to reach isolated communities.

JAMES HOLMES

FAMILIES FROM SOUTH AFRICA ARE WORKING IN THIRD-WORLD COUNTRIES

ACROSS THE GLOBE, TO BRING THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO THE ISOLATED.

PRAY FOR OUR MISSIONARIES

BRAD & MICHELLE VENTER | PNG

Please pray for the new MAMA CARE ministry, launched in 2023, for God to grow and foster the initiative according to His will. Watch an update from the Venter’s here

MARK & LORRAINE LIPRINI | TANZANIA

Please pray for the couple’s trip to South Africa in March and April, that the Lord will bless their church engagements and networking encounters. SUPPORT

GIFT AND ABIGAIL MPOSIS | AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER IN PROCESS

Gift and Abigail are waiting for confirmation for placement in either Liberia or Mareeba, Australia. They are heading for orientation and OM training in July and August, and will begin the visa applications once confirmation is received. Please pray for God’s covering over this process; and funds for the pre mission field training. SUPPORT THIS FAMILY

TOBIAS AND MORIAH MEYER | SOUTH SUDAN

The Meyer’s would appreciate prayers for more teachers for Juba Christian Academy (JCA), where Moriah works, as well as continued recovery from fatigue for Tobias.

GRANT & EMILY STRUGNELL | LESOTHO

Please pray for capacity across the board for the couple’s ministry endeavours; and God’s covering over the family.

KENNEDY & JOTHINA MARIMBE | UGANDA AVIONICS ENGINEER IN PROCESS

Kennedy has just returned from a contract in Nigeria, home to Zimbabwe. He and Jothina are busy again applying for visas to attend the MAFI orientation in July, and thereafter the missionary preparation course with OM in August. After that, they are due for placement at the AMO in Uganda. Please pray for God’s covering over this process; and funds for the pre mission field training.

MAF SERVES IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE VISION OF TAKING CHRIST’S LOVE INTO THE MOST REMOTE PLACES ON EARTH.

PRAY FOR OUR PROGRAMMES

Pray for our pilots who often witness trauma when conducting medevacs. Pray for their mental wellbeing and that God would grant them peace.

Pray for the recruitment of experienced pilots specifically in Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Liberia and Guinea. Pray also for Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in Mareeba.

Pray for pilots, passengers, and planes as South Sudan enter the wet-season which can make flying conditions more challenging.

Pray for current maintenance projects, including an aircraft from East DRC being refurbished for training in Nampa, the Cessna 206 from Haiti undergoing an engine change and other repairs, a Kodiak being prepared for Papua, and the PC-12 from West DRC being brought back to US registration.

The programme is nearing the end of the 3 month flight permissions that were granted. Pray for favour with authorities that will extend these permissions for longer periods of time.

Pray for a good outcome of the Civil Aviation Authority’s certificate of airworthiness audit in Kenya. And praise for trip to pick up a group of eye doctors from Dadaab refugee camp.

Continue to pray for those communities affected by the ongoing drought in East Africa.

Pray for unity during the reintegration process to bring the Ecuador affiliate program back into the ministry of MAF US with the goal of seeing isolated communities changed by the love of Christ.

GUINEA KENYA EAST AFRICA ECUADOR

KINGDOM SERVICE CRUCIAL ROLES SOUTH SUDAN USA

Recently, Papua, was split into four new provinces. Pray that there would be a smooth transition for Papua and the MAF team as they relate to this big change.

Pray for godly wisdom as the team organises the Lesotho Flying Doctor Service and the Lesotho Flying Pastors ministry. Pray that God will flourish the fellowship of MAF families in Maseru.

Pray for solutions to illusive health issues faced by several members of the MAF Kalimantan team. One family is currently in the US on a medical furlough.

Praise God that the programme has flown twice as many hours this year compared with the same time last year.

Pray for the Haiti team as they suspend operations from April due to deteriorating security conditions.

Continue to pray for the closing of Ryan, Eric, and Willem’s legal case with all charges dropped, in Mozambique. And the release of all confiscated supplies.

Praise God for audio bibles that were recently donated to widows and young people at BBM Church by MAF Technologies.

Praise God for charter flights to Lapalama, that will be continuing through April. They will be delivering over 20,000 mosquito nets to ten different communities.

Praise God for so many willing volunteers who help make the work of MAF possible and more cost effective! Pray for the longevity of helping hands as the teams’ work grows.

There is a great deal of insecurity in the southern region of Mali. Pray for protection for the four men who are digging wells for clean water in that region.

Praise God for a flight that took place that transported a partially paralysed pastor back to his home. Pray for his family as they work through the next steps of his treatment.

Pray for MAF staff perseverance and enthusiasm in the wide variety of tasks that it takes to keep MAF running effectively and according to God’s purposes.

HEARTS TO SERVE MALI TANZANIA MAF GLOBAL

HAITI MOZAMBIQUE PNG | 1 PNG | 2

PRAY FOR MAF SOUTH AFRICA

OUR PROGRAMME’S PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISE POINTS

Please pray for the approval of grants that are in the pipeline for Flying for Life medical flights.

Please pray for more sponsor and partner opportunities for our Flying for Life charity Golf Day in October 2023.

Praise for the Anchor Foundation grant which was approved

and received in December 2022.

Please pray for breakthrough and favour with the Limpopo Department of Health as we try to lockdown a multiyear MOU. We need the MOU to continue our outreach flights and work within the Limpopo province.

Please pray for the

Lord’s guidance as we investigate expanding our work and the communities we work for with Flying for Life.

Please continue to keep our fundraising efforts in prayer – we trust that the Lord will continue to provide for our every need.

Please pray for our flights and partners, we have 17 planned

outreaches in 2023.

We are expanding our projects to a new province, KwaZuluNatal, please pray that doors be opened and God’s wisdom in our decisions.

Please pray for our current group of candidates in the selection process, for strength and guidance as they progress.

FROM OUR FUNDRAISING & RESOURCE MOBILISING MANAGER

Walking into 2023

“To be consistent in Christ alone.”

My hope for the year ahead is to plant financial hope through acquiring funding, which will bolster our projects in these uncertain times when they are needed the most. Open up and explore different channels and funding streams that align to our values at MAF. My hope is to on board young Christians with a heart for MAF and direct the organisation’s funding towards self-sustainability.

Current inspiration: A Healthy Soul, click on me

GOD ONLY

Devotion Written by Malvern Mhlanga, Resource Mobilising Manager

“ For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” Exodus 34:14

As humans we have found ourselves with Plan B to Plan C - Z, if Plan A doesn’t work. Earthly excuses have allowed us to make room for other options and beliefs that separate us from Gods Plan A for us. Previously I had heard that God is a jealous God and through my curiosity I pursued the fact in the Bible; discovering, of course, He in fact a jealous God. I delved further into gaining an understanding of ‘jealously’ in this context:

According to the Oxford Dictionary one of the meanings that caught my attention was: fiercely protective of one’s rights or possessions.

In medieval Latin ‘Jealous’ is ‘Zelosus’ and its modern understanding hasn’t strayed far from its origin.

The meaning opened up clarity in what it truly means for God to be jealous. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was taught that God helps those who help themselves. It simply meant God being Plan A could do with a bit of your Plan B to make it work. It meant yes, I can go get a bit of ‘muti’, mix it with a bit of prayer, shake it up and go put it under my son’s pillow and he will be healed from a terrible disease. It also meant you just don’t pray to God alone, you can also put some faith in your own ability or strength.

Oh dear! Little did I know God is fiercely protective of his own possession, which is us. He is Plan A and A alone. He wants us to Himself. He requires us to fully depend on Him. For us this means actively not depending on our own ability or strength. He’s not interested in competing with other ‘gods’ because He is the ultimate, and through seeking Him we have this continually reinforced. The beginning and the end. God passionately loves us and does not want us to be destroyed by idolatry.

Idolatry has taken many forms in this day and age. We find ourselves worshiping our phones, heroes, influencers and even ourselves. I pray that we keep our eyes on the cross and make God our only ‘influencer’. I pray we continue acknowledging Jesus as our hero who died for us on the cross and had our sins forgiven.

I pray we continue to pray to God alone. And recognise when we place our trust elsewhere. I pray we do not dilute God, by mixing Him with anything - but make Him remain our only source and keeper, surrendering it all to Him.

I encourage you to challenge yourself today, note where you place your trust and ‘surety’, and actively redirect it to Him.

LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.

Jeremiah 10:23

Story and photos by Mandy Glass

In partnership with Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM), our planes are transporting over 20,000 mosquito nets to 7 remote communities accessible only by air between the end of February and Easter 2023.

TOGETHER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA

“Malaria is dangerous. 70% of deaths in PNG are caused by malaria. Rotarians Against Malaria aims to reduce deaths caused by malaria.” Jerry Randel,

Jerry Randel, a RAM Officer reports: “I have been assigned to distribute nets here in Lapalama. I will stay here for a fortnight to survey households and distribute mosquito nets in the Lapalama area. Malaria is dangerous. 70% of deaths in PNG are caused by malaria. Rotarians Against Malaria aims to reduce deaths caused by malaria through this initiative. We are doing our best to go to remote areas and protect the people there from malaria.”

After unloading the nets, Sparki, the chairman of the haus sik at Lapalama shared about malaria in his village in the Tok Pisin language.

“Dispela sik malaria em is save kamap long hot ples,” he said. “Mipla stap long hot ples olsem

na mi no inap long stopim. Planti taim ol lain i dai tasol. Tasol taim mipla kisim displa net em save helpim mipla planti taim. So i gutpla long mipla ken usim dispela net, em i gutpla tumas. Mipla putim (ol net) long haus sik, wokim miting, distributim i go long wanwan lain insait long famili bilong ol, insait long lain stret bilong ol. Planti lain, sixpla, sevenpla, etpla lain i stap. Mipla bai skelim inap long kisim na sampla i sot o mi no save tasol, mipla traim skelim.”

(English: “The sickness of malaria exists in hot places. We are living at a hot place, and we are not able to stop it. Often people just die from it. But when we get these nets, that helps a lot. It’s really good for us to use these nets, it’s

RAM Officer

really good. We take (the nets) to the health post, do a meeting, and distribute them to the different clans and their families. We have many clans here, six, seven, and eight clans in total. We distribute them so people get one, but we might not have enough, I don’t know, we’ll do our best.”)

Malaria deaths have been declining in PNG in recent years. However, PNG still has the highest incidence of malaria disease in the Asia-Pacific region.

Photos: RAM charter to Lapalama as part of a big charter agreement to deliver more than 20.000 mosquito nets to 10 different communities

RAM aims to eradicate malaria globally using proven interventions such as free mosquito nets, especially long-lasting insecticidal nets. RAM PNG distributes life-saving nets throughout PNG’s malaria areas on a 3-year cycle. This year’s partnership with MAF was to fly nets to airstrips in Enga, Simbu, and Southern Highlands Province. The first flight into a location will have one or two RAM officers on boards who will locally do surveys and train local staff to do them and then allocate the nets. After two weeks, MAF is collecting the officers again.

Jerry Randel is thanking MAF for assisting in the distribution.

“On behalf of RAM,” he said, “I would like to thank MAF for transporting the nets. If it wasn’t for MAF, I don’t know what other airline or transport system we should have used to get here because there is no road connection, and the only way is by plane. So, thank you, MAF. Thank you for delivering the nets here to Lapalama!”

MAF PNG serves nearly 200 bush airstrips. For many target areas in RAM ‘s net distribution program, MAF is the cheapest, most reliable, fastest and safest transport option to reach vulnerable rural communities. MAF and RAM have been working together for over ten years. In 2022, MAF helped distribute nearly 35,000 mosquito nets for RAM to 26 airstrips in Western Province, West Sepik and Hela Province.

MAF’S FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA MALARIA FACTS

COVID PANDEMIC:

• In 2019, before the pandemic struck, there were an estimated 568 000 malaria deaths worldwide. This estimate rose to 625 000 in the first year of the pandemic (2020) and then fell to 619 000 in 2021. During the 2 peak years of the pandemic (2020 and 2021), about 63 000 of the additional malaria deaths could be attributed to disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Between 2019 and 2021, an estimated additional 13.4 million cases were attributed to disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OVERALL CASES

• Globally, there were an estimated 247 million malaria cases in 2021 in 84 malaria endemic countries (including the territory of French Guiana), an increase from 245 million in 2020, with most of this increase coming from countries in the WHO African Region. In 2015, the baseline year of the Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030 (GTS), there were an estimated 230 million malaria cases.

• The WHO African Region, with an estimated 234 million cases in 2021, accounted for about 95% of global cases.

• Twenty-nine countries accounted for 96% of malaria cases globally, and four countries –Nigeria (27%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12%), Uganda (5%) and Mozambique (4%) – accounted for almost half of all cases globally.

DEATHS

• In 2020, malaria deaths increased by 10%

compared with 2019, to an estimated 625 000. Estimated deaths declined slightly in 2021 to 619 000.

• The percentage of total malaria deaths in children aged under 5 years reduced from 87% in 2000 to 76% in 2015. Since then, there has been no change.

PREGNANCY

• In 2021, in 38 moderate and high transmission countries in the WHO African Region, there were an estimated 40 million pregnancies, of which 13.3 million (32%) were exposed to malaria infection during pregnancy.

• By WHO subregion, west Africa had the highest prevalence of exposure to malaria during pregnancy (40.7%), closely followed by central Africa (39.8%), while prevalence was 20% in east and southern Africa.

NETS

• Overall, access to and use of ITNs (insecticide-treated mosquito net) remains below the levels observed in 2017.

ACCESS

• Gaps in access to equitable and quality care remain an important challenge to malaria. In sub-Saharan Africa, care was not sought for about a third of children who had fever in the 2 weeks before the household was surveyed

• Although children in the poorest households were five times more likely to be infected with malaria, they were also two times less likely to access care.

World Malaria Report 2022 (WHO, 8.12.2022).

MAF SA is joining MAF programmes around the world to raise funds for widespread mosquito net distribution to isolated areas.

We’re appealing to our supporters to join us in this endeavour. Would you consider donating to the cause?

To gift to this initiative, please EFT us and reference your Name+’Malaria’. or Donate via our online PayFast portal, by clicking on the DONATE button:

Mission Aviation Fellowship Standard Bank

Greenstone Branch

Account no.: 020044615

Branch code: 016342

Swift code: SBZAZAJJ

Story by Emily Davies

PRISON MINISTRY

A team flown by MAF brought hope, comfort and Bibles to prisoners suffering harsh conditions in three jails in Madagascar.

In December 2022, MAF organized a series of flights over three days to visit prisons in the towns of Mananara, Maroansetra and Mandritsara.

PRISON VISIT MINISTRY

According to the UN Human Rights office, in 2019, Madagascar counted 24,000 prisoners, 60% of whom were in pre-trial detention and the rest were sentenced.

In Maroansetra, a town located in the NorthEast coast of the island, there are 234 prisoners that are detained in the prison: 212 men, 2 teenagers aged of 14 and 15 years old, and 20 women (one with a baby). The life conditions are deplorable, with limited resources for

survival. It takes 3 to 4 days to reach the town’s prison, so when the family of the detainees are not able to bring food to them, roots of manioc are cooked as their unique meal of the day. In average, a quarter of the food distributed is provided by the families who travel to the prisons. The cells are overcrowded, and the terrible living conditions, malnutrition, and lack of medical care are almost like a reflection of the poverty in the country.

BRINGING HOPE

The message of the Gospel was shared with the prisoners and several bags of rice along with food supplements were distributed to the prisoners. For them, it was an end of year celebration.

Photos by Betty Jurgenson

Pastor Solofo, who has been working alongside MAF for a couple years, was one of the passengers. His main ministry is to preach the Gospel and distribute Bibles to prisoners. During the visit, prisoners gathered in the courtyard as Pastor Solofo shared the love of Jesus Christ, giving a glimmer of hope to the detainees. Country Director Patrick Keller says, “Having visited prisons myself, I can only imagine how many tragic and sad stories Pastor Solofo must have encountered in his 17 years of prison ministry. Nevertheless, he continues to faithfully minister to hundreds of prisoners, bringing light, hope and encouragement.” His words are so impactful and encouraging that many prisoners responded to the message of the Gospel and were ready to commit their lives to Christ. The time of prayer was of great comfort to them.

ASSESSING THE LIFE CONDITIONS

Tantely, one of the other passengers that joined the flight. He heard about MAF 5 years ago and rejoiced at the idea of flying with us as this was his very first flight with MAF. He had two missions: to ensure prisoners are looked after in a humane way and to prepare them for their re-entry in society.

“MAF contributes greatly to the work of the Ministry of Justice in Madagascar for the Malagasy administration lacks the means to subsidize the trips,” he said.

Access to most of the prisons is difficult due to the conditions of the road so Mr Tantely has not been able to travel and visit the prisons in the last 10 years.

His presence is of great importance to the ministry as it involves face-to-face contact with detainees and prison staff, allowing him to observe and assess the conditions of life of the prisoners. As he observed the deteriorating living conditions, he concluded that the main needs of the prisons are proper medical care and food.

On the day of our visit in Mananara, a woman gave birth after being detained for three months. A doctor was contacted to deliver the baby and provide basic care to the mother and the baby. That same day, she was released thanks to an early decision by the general attorney.

BIBLE DISTRIBUTION

Ravo, who works in the capital of the island, Antananarivo, in a Christian library, also joined the flight. MAF transported boxes of Bibles for distribution in the three towns. Mr Ravo explained, “The population expects to receive the good news of the Gospel. People are so thankful when the Bibles are handed over to them.”

For many years now, he has been distributing Bibles to isolated places, in 22 different locations across the island.

“Thanks to God, MAF exists, and we can go to the unreachable areas of the island. The airplane is the solution for us to distribute Bibles, Christian literature and share the Word. We are simple tools used to reach out to them (prisoners). Glory to God for this good work,” he said. Ravo wished God’s blessings upon the MAF team and future collaborations to bring more help, hope and healing.

Prison Main Entrance gate

distribution

Aeodrome - Mr Rivo, Betty

Jurgensen with MAF, Ps

Solofo, Mr Tantely, Pilot Patrick Keller

Photo P19: Maroantsetra

Photo P20: Bible and Christian literature

Photo P21: Maroantsetra

FROM OUR FINANCE OFFICER

Walking into 2023

God is able

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us.” Ephesians 3: 20

My 2023 vision: Working as unto the Lord Jesus Christ. Streamline processes and create synergies with other functions and be more effective and efficient.

Current inspiration: click on me

A person that prays can receive anything from God, by John Hagee.

Your Prayer is powerful. Thank you.

2023 | VISION

“In God’s faithfulness, lies eternal security.”

Corrie Ten Boom

THE RIGHT FOR EDUCATION

Because of MAF’s air service, remote communities can “invest in people, and prioritise education,” - as is this year’s theme of the International Day of Education, celebrated on 24th January.

CELEBRATING YEAR 10 GRADUATION FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

“What a great day it was to be present for the 10thgrade graduation ceremony at Nomad-Mougulu High School,” states MAF PNG Country Director Todd Aebischer who was a guest of honour at the school’s very first year 10 graduation in 2022.

He continues: “MAF has been partnering with the

Strickland-Bosavi Foundation and the Hoey Family for years as they have grown this school to what it is today. It is truly inspiring to hear that 22 of their 54 graduates were accepted to continue their education on the basis of scholastic merit! This speaks volumes about the quality of education being provided at this school! To Sally, Ian, and the entire Nomad-Mougulu High School Team and Students - keep up the great work!”

Nomad Mougulu Highschool in Western Province

Story and photos by Mandy Glass

is one of the many rural schools on mainland PNG, relying on MAF’s air service to operate. Let it be teachers, food, pens and exercise books, chalk and textbooks, roofing iron, steel posts, nails, timber, etc., even exam papers – everything needed to build and operate a school gets flown by our aircraft.

EDUCATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT, A PUBLIC GOOD AND A PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as the International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind.

Today, 244 million children and youth are out of school, and 771 million adults are illiterate. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable. It’s time to transform education.

EDUCATION CHALLENGES IN RURAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Approximately 80 percent of the ten million people in Papua New Guinea live in rural areas. Remote rainforest locations, mountains filled with jungle, usually only accessible by single-track footpaths over which villagers will walk for days or travel by canoes on rivers prone to flash flooding, ominously claiming several lives each year.

Children in grades 8, 10, and 12 who attend schools in these remote locations must complete standardised tests, which are later marked by officials whether or not they have attained the competencies necessary to move forward with their education. For these children, successful completion of these exams is the only pathway forward with their education. Their hopes of one day earning an income and developing their bush communities hinge on these exams.

Annually, there is a complex process to provide school supplies, textbooks, and exam papers to schools in rural PNG and then to transport those exams back to the urban towns in order for them to be marked.

This school provides access to quality education for Yifki and the surrounding villages, but more importantly, it enables children to hear the Gospel. Andy Symmonds

MAF ENABLES EDUCATION IN REMOTE VILLAGES

Each year, our aircraft transport many boxes of school material from our various bases to schools in rural areas on behalf of the Minister for Education in order to support the students in their preparation for their end-of-year exams.

The supplies pictured below were flown from Mt Hagen to Dusin, a rural community in the mountains of the Jimi Valley of Madang Province. Without the logistical aid that MAF provides via flying, rural schools would never be able to receive the required resources in time, nor send out their exam results before the marking deadlines, adding more stress to an already stretched education system.

MAF continues to work alongside both mission and government education providers to help bridge some of these gaps by flying around 300 hours each year in the transportation of:

• Building supplies necessary for the establishment and maintenance of school buildings

• Teachers to and from rural communities

• Educational resources such as curriculum and equipment for rural schools

THE CONSTANT NEED

Regularly, we are approached by those in the remote communities who let us know that MAF is their lifeline for medical evacuations, necessary supplies, and the transport of educational materials, students, and teachers. Provincial governments also understand the logistical nightmare of providing education to their rural communities. Their involvement comes through the voicing of their tremendous need for assistance – both as we meet them at their individual airstrips and by official government communication.

THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN EDUCATION

It is a statistically proven fact that restricted access to education is one of the surest ways

of transmitting poverty from generation to generation. It also leads to increased maternal deaths and the rise of such diseases as HIV/ AIDS. Increased education allows for increased income and gives people the opportunity to leave their rural communities and have a career outside of them, which in turn allows them to bring development into their communities and increase the standard of living. This is what we are hoping to achieve, better living standards that in turn help people become more productive so the overall development of the country can rise.

MAF SUPPORTING A SCHOOL EXTENSION AT YIFKI

Yifki is a village situated in a remote side valley, off the major Lagaiap River valley in the highland province of Enga. New Tribes Missions (NTM) have established a vibrant church there, with many local believers. The missionary families who lived there full time have been able to leave the church in local hands, but the missionaries still have close links with the community, visiting regularly. The village school is thriving and has outgrown the current building, as they seek to extend the capacity up to Grade 8 and to respond to the local hunger for education.

Not only does this school provide access to quality education for Yifki and the surrounding villages, but more importantly, it enables children to hear the Gospel. The school is staffed by Christian teachers and runs with a Christian ethos, holding regular faith-based assemblies. In 2022, our aircraft made multiple cargo flights from Wewak to Yifki, taking in much of the building material for the project. Work is progressing well with local labour and help from visiting NTM teams.

STARTING A NEW SCHOOL AT ITERI

The village of Iteri is in the far west of East Sepik Province, in a valley at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

The communities of Iteri and neighbouring Nakui also previously had full-time NTM missionaries who planted indigenous churches. There are still close links between the mission and communities. NTM and Samaritan Aviation have been working together in the planning to start a school there, where, to date, there has been no education provision at all.

MAF Wewak had the privilege of flying in teams with representatives from NTM and Samaritan Aviation, plus tools and materials, so that over two multi-day visits a new classroom and office block, plus two teachers’ houses, could be constructed. The community provided plenty of willing labour and put in the backbreaking work to clear the dense bush next to the airstrip where the buildings now stand. The plan is for NTM to fund and oversee the school initially, with input and funding also coming from the local education authority.

2023 | VISION FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER

Walking into 2023

Radical futures require radical obedience. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12.12

My 2023 vision is to assist MAF SA orientate itself towards creating an impactful African hub, that equips individuals for the missions field.

Current inspiration: click on me Destiny requires a wilderness season, by John Bevere.

JAZZ CHRISTIE

MISSIONARIES RELEASED

STATEMENT: PROVISIONAL RELEASE OF MAF PILOT RYAN KOHER, AND SOUTH AFRICAN MISSIONARY VOLUNTEERS ERIC DRY AND WILLEM DU PLESSIS, FROM PRISON IN MOZAMBIQUE

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is thrilled to confirm that Ryan Koher, Eric Dry, and Willem du Plessis, have been granted a provisional release from prison in Mozambique.

Koher, an American pilot, along with two South African missionary volunteers, Willem du Plessis and Eric Dry, also detained, left prison late on Tuesday afternoon, 14.03.23. They have been held for more than four months.

They are required to remain in Mozambique and the case is still ongoing. We are continuing

to learn more about the next steps in the case from our legal counsel.

MAF SA expresses its thanks for all those who have been praying for the men and their families. We ask for continued prayer that the final outcome will conclude the full release of the men from any charges and trial. Including the release of all confiscated goods of which the orphanages are in need.

MAF is grateful to the courts in Mozambique for this decision. Out of respect for the legal process in Mozambique, MAF will make no further comment at this time.

This update was written on 16.03.23, details subject to change as time progresses.

2023 | VISION FROM OUR PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN

Walking into 2023

Keep on dreaming.

’’Then he dreamed another dream and told his brothers and said, ‘Look, I have dreamed another dream and this time the sun, the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to me”. Genesis 37:9

Remembering Joseph, disliked by his brothers, for his dreams. Not everyone will be happy for you, regardless of any circumstances you face, dream yet another dream.

My dream for 2023 is for MAF to be recognised as an organisation that is greatly encouraged though faith. I trust MAF SA expands, grows, and builds worthwhile relationships.

Current inspiration: click on me

Ntandoyenkosi Kunene on “The Power of Acceptance”

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BANKING DETAILS

M ission Aviation Fellowship

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Branch code: 016342

Swift code: SBZAZAJJ

Account No: 020044615

Reference: Surname+V6N1

Front Cover: Courtesy Annelie Edsmyr