APR-JUN 2021
APR-JUN 2021 Flying for Life 1
At the feet of Jesus At the start of 2021, did you wonder how to approach this new year of hope? While the coronavirus vaccination is a light in the darkness, the months ahead still contain many of last year’s challenges. In considering the passage in Luke 10:38-42, when Jesus went to the home of Martha and Mary, I was reminded of the contrasting approaches of the two ladies. Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to what He said. Sometimes there is just so much to do! Yet, when we choose to focus on the Lord, our many worries and anxieties can be replaced with peace and hope. Jesus said that what Mary had chosen was ‘to her advantage’. When we’re anxious — or overwhelmed by the worries of this world — this is such a good reminder that we should choose to sit ourselves at the feet of Jesus and listen to His voice. God’s Word is described as a ‘lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’ May we all make time to read God’s Word to guide us. And, as we progress through this year, may the Lord of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him.
Our spring front cover illustrates MAF’s work in Uganda — see page 11 for more news from that programme
Editor’s choice Each month, we receive dozens of wonderful comments from our supporters, for which we are deeply grateful. The following was sent in by Valerie: ‘Enclosed is a cheque in aid of the Stuart King Fund. MAF is an organisation I’m humbled and proud to be part of. I pray that God will use me in the amazing work Stuart King and other RAF members instigated so long ago. My prayer is for God’s blessing on the new, young people who will carry the MAF torch.’ Please send your comments to editor@maf-uk.org
Ruth Whitaker Chief Executive, MAF UK 2 Flying for Life APR-JUN 2021
Richard Chambers Editor, Flying for Life www.maf-uk.org
Healing hands Story Jill Vine
Photos Dave Forney, Jackson Mataya and Jill Vine
Orphaned refugee Jackson Mataya continues his quest to become a doctor, in spite of polio hampering his every move
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n 2019, Flying for Life readers were asked to pray that Jackson would be awarded an internship to further his medical studies. Since then, he’s completed a placement at Arua Hospital, northern Uganda, enabling him to graduate as a Laboratory Technician. Following this tremendous achievement, Jackson returned to life in the Palorinya refugee settlement. Jackson still dreams of completing his bachelor’s degree at the Makerere University in Kampala, southern Uganda. However, there is some uncertainty as to whether his South Sudanese educational qualifications will be accepted by the university. Fu r t h e r m o re , t h e s h a d o w of coronavirus continues to mean that any such plans are now on hold indefinitely. True to form, Jackson hasn’t let this stop him. He’s been working hard at a clinic in the settlement, applying his training for the benefit of his own people who — like him — are still in exile from South Sudan. At the clinic, up to 200 patients a day are tested for malaria, surface
antigens, Hepatitis B, syphilis and pregnancy. Screening for anaemia also takes place, as does analysis of stool, urine and blood samples. ‘What I like most about working in this field,’ says Jackson, ‘is microscopic diagnosis. I can carry this out confidently and tirelessly — it doesn’t need a lot of body movement, but a combination of brain power and hard work that really suits me! ‘I chose to work in the laboratory because it’s where God has made a way for me to help the entire community. ‘And I’m very thankful to MAF for helping fly my refurbished threewheeler to South Sudan eight years ago for repairs. It’s still very much needed so that I can get to and from work and, generally, move around. ‘Thank you also for standing with me constantly. I’ve seen that through God all things are possible.’ Jackson would appreciate our prayers that, one day, he’ll be able to complete his education. Right now, we are so thankful for the way he is bringing vital, practical help to the refugees in Palorinya.
MAIN More than one million people live in Uganda’s refugee settlements TOP Jackson (left) and his colleagues at the Palorinya clinic ABOVE Jackson Mataya APR-JUN 2021 Flying for Life 3
MAF is here – with new stories! Photos MAF Archive
Head of MAF in the Community Kevin Crook urges you to take advantage of MAF’s volunteer speakers
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here are few stories as exciting as those that tell how God is transforming lives throughout the world. While the coronavirus pandemic has made it hard for us to share them in person, digital technology enables us to continue bringing these amazing stories to life. Across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, more than 100 speakers are ready and willing to come to your town or — if you prefer — to ‘meet’ with you online. Their compelling images and footage make for a live experience that your church, group, youth club or special meeting will never forget. You’ll be inspired by stories of how MAF and its partners bring peace, joy and love to isolated people across the developing world. And you’ll connect with people thousands of miles away who are experiencing physical and spiritual transformation because of our Gospel mission.
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We also want to hear from you if your group already supports MAF — especially if there are other ways in which we can engage with you. There’s no cost involved. We just want you to welcome an MAF speaker to attend whatever meeting or event is most appropriate. And — with so many speakers available — we can say with great confidence that there is definitely one near you. Please don’t worry about how big or small your group is. We welcome every opportunity to meet new people and tell them the latest news from the MAF world. In this issue of Flying for Life, there’s a flyer providing contact details for your nearest speaker. (If you’re in Scotland, check your enclosed issue of Scottish Special for details.) Why not talk to your group leader or church minister about this flyer? They may feel that the time is right to welcome MAF to your town!
www.maf-uk.org
If for some reason you do not have your flyer, or you need further information on booking an MAF speaker, please phone Allyson Edwards on 01303 852811 If you’re in Scotland, please phone Andy Martin on 0141 332 5222
God’s purpose Photos Ping Domtta, Läkarmissionen and Andrew Parker
Communications Officer Jill Vine describes how much she admires MAF’s determination to find solutions when faced with logistical problems
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or many months last year, ‘patience’ was the watchword at MAF Uganda. We waited patiently for yet another audit to confirm that our planes and people still met the latest coronavirus health requirements. In September 2020, permission to fly came through just in time for us to organise and complete an incredibly important flight. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffers from the persistent threat posed by rampant militia. Many villages have been attacked — many women violated. MAF Uganda was asked to fly victims of rape and domestic violence to Panzi Hospital, on the border of the DRC and Rwanda. Despite the complicated planning and logistics involved, we agreed to meet this particular challenge head on because of the desperate plight of these women. ‘A visiting team of European doctors came to the hospital in Bukavu that week,’ MAF Pilot Andrew Parker reports, ‘and several ladies came from deep in the jungle, in dire need of surgery.
‘The flight required a complicated n u m b e r of l a n d i n g s t o c o l l e c t passengers and an overnight fuel stop in Goma – both ways. ‘In the end, eight women turned up in Lodja and five were waiting for the plane in Gemena.’ At Panzi Hospital, Andrew was met by its founder Dr Denis Mukwege. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr Mukwege continues to receive death threats for his efforts to stop rape being used as a weapon of war. ‘Dr Mukwege expressed his thanks for MAF,’ Andrew shares, ‘and his hope that the relationship with MAF would continue. ‘This was the first flight bringing remote women to the hospital for operations as opposed to surgeons having to trek deep into the bush to visit them,’ Andrew continues. ‘These women had walked for days or taken motorbike “taxis” to get to the airfields in Gemena and Lodja so they could be flown by our plane.’
MAIN MAF aircraft 5X-LDR at Entebbe Airport TOP A delivery of medical supplies for Panzi Hospital ABOVE Dr Denis Mukwege (left) BELOW Five women were collected from Gemena by MAF
Please pray for the victims of militia attacks and domestic violence in South Sudan. APR-JUN 2021 Flying for Life 5
Devastation in Central America Story Claire Gilderson
Photos Nick Frey and Ludin Reyes
Following the devastation caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota last year, MAF provided disaster relief to Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala — flying in food, medicine, doctors, counsellors and sanitation experts
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n 8 November, five days after category four hurricane Eta hit Central America, MAF aircraft assessed the damage. Eight days later, another category four hurricane — Iota — wreaked havoc along the same path. According to UNICEF, over nine million people have been affected by this double disaster. Where Eta decimated crops that were ready for harvest, Iota caused flood damage and mudslides. Catastrophic crop loss has led to huge food shortages. MAF US joined forces with AGAPE (MAF affiliate in Guatemala), Alas de Socorro (MAF affiliate in Mexico) and Samaritan’s Purse. Four MAF aircraft and ten staff worked tirelessly in the region to help thousands of people rebuild their lives. This joint operation spanned 18 destinations, comprised more than 150 flights, supported 21 organisations, notched up 244 flight hours and delivered more than 20 tonnes of cargo — mostly food — to the neediest people.
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1 Nicaragua Iota hit Nicaragua on 16 November with 200mph winds. Storm surges were 20 feet high. On 21 November, MAF US flew a Kodiak aircraft from its headquarters in Nampa to Nicaragua, where it was joined by Alas de Socorro’s Cessna 206. Emergency flights began four days later. The initial survey flights over southern Nicaragua revealed coastal damage and destruction of a riverbank 40 miles inland. MAF and its partners responded by transporting doctors, medical equipment, antimalarial medications and food to those in greatest immediate need.
www.maf-uk.org
On 1 December, 8 Nicaraguan pastors flew to the hardest hit areas to train 63 local pastors in trauma counselling. A major additional challenge was that refuelling facilities were so far from the disaster zone. Aviation fuel was only available in Nicaragua’s capital Managua — 200 miles from the coast! In partnership with the Moravian Church, MAF delivered three tonnes of food and clothing to coastal communities. UNICEF reported that 21 lives were lost and 1.8 million Nicaraguan people were affected.
MAIN The aftermath of Hurricane Iota in Honduras FAR LEFT Emergency supplies for the people of Guatemala BOTTOM LEFT Alas de Socorro was one of several partners to respond to the disaster BELOW LEFT The Puerto Lempira airstrip in Honduras INSET (left) MAF staff pray before flying to Central America where (right) more than seven million people suffered from hurricane damage
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2 Honduras When MAF began its relief efforts in Honduras, Iota was forecast to hit Nicaragua on 16 November. We had to move operations to La Ceiba to wait out the second storm. AGAPE’s Cessna 185 and 206 aircraft had to be tied down inside the hangar. Once the second storm had passed, flying resumed on 18 November to assess the damage. There was significant flooding on the coast between La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras. Villages and crops near the River Ulúa were two feet underwater and local health centres had been destroyed.
Residents took to living in tents along the roadside. In December, UNICEF reported more than 90,000 people living in temporary shelter. Communities in eastern Honduras were cut off due to impassable roads and destroyed bridges. AGAPE and its partners delivered emergency supplies along the Mosquito Coast — more than 300 food boxes were also delivered to Ahuas, Rus Rus and Puerto Lempira. MAF Pilot Nick Frey co-ordinated logistics with Samaritan’s Purse wh’d been operating their helicopter in the area. Samaritan’s Purse flew medical teams, water specialists and water purification equipment into areas which couldn’t be reached by MAF’s fixed-wing aircraft. And 5 water purification systems were set up, providing drinking water for around 2,000 people. UNICEF reported that 99 lives were lost and four million Honduran people affected.
3 Guatemala Following Eta, the worst-hit area was Guatemala’s central Alta Verapaz region, where mudslides buried dozens of homes. There was also severe flooding in northern Guatemala. AGAPE’s Cessna 185 and Cessna 206 delivered food packs consisting of rice, beans, oil, noodles and protein supplements to isolated areas. AGAPE also facilitated medevacs and search and rescue flights in an area where a village collapsed during a landslide. R e u t e r s re p o r t e d t h a t c ro p s sustaining tens of thousands of families were destroyed. UNICEF reported that 61 lives were lost and 2 million Guatemalan people were affected.
Please pray for the people of Central America who have experienced terrible suffering.
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TOP Vehicle maintenance in Liberia MIDDLE Master (left) and apprentice (right) BOTTOM MAF Uganda’s Kajjansi hangar
WANTED: engineers! Story David Leek
Photos Dave Forney and Last Mile Health
This year, MAF is excited to launch its new Engineering Training Scheme (ETS), opening up a whole new world for men and women with engineering potential
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ircraft cannot fly without engineers to maintain them. A lack of licensed engineers has affected our ability to continue the level of life-saving flights we currently operate. The ETS is designed to address that need by helping individuals with a passion to serve the Lord achieve the qualifications they need to become an MAF aircraft maintenance engineer. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone with a heart for overseas mission and an interest in aviation to obtain professional qualifications. Candidates need no prior experience but must be committed Christians with a good understanding of maths and physics. This is the ideal opportunity for
someone finishing their A-levels, choosing a university course or perhaps experiencing a sea change in their life’s direction. Successful candidates will undertake four years of theoretical and practical training in the UK before embarking on service with MAF in programmes across our Africa and Asia-Pacific regions. Serving with MAF is an adventure — challenging, yes, but also incredibly rewarding. Staff frequently report the joy of seeing lives transformed and a new richness in their family life. All new recruits have the added blessing of a ten-week, residential spiritual preparation course at All Nations Christian College.
If you know someone in your church or in your family who may be interested, please encourage them to email the HR team at hr@maf-uk.org More information about the Engineering Training Scheme can be found on our website, so please visit www.maf-uk.org/engineer-training We will be accepting applications to commence study in March 2022. As always, we would love to hear from any licensed engineers who would like to explore service with us!
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www.maf-uk.org
MAF’s new Engineering Training Manager Peter Fryatt leads the ETS. Head of HR David Leek took the opportunity to find out more about him Peter, you recently joined MAF. Can you tell us what you were doing previously? I served in the RAF for 12 years, working on the Nimrod R1 and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. I left to work as a project manager and project engineer contractor for Alstom Grid, GE, B/E Aerospace, Alstom Power and BAE, among others. Just before joining MAF, I was an engineering instructor at RAF Cosford in Shropshire, teaching aircraft fuel systems on the Tornado and Jaguar aircraft.
What brought you to MAF? I’ve wanted to join MAF since I was 15 years old! My dad and I visited MAF’s 50th anniversary celebration at Biggin Hill where I joined ‘What 4’ — the old MAF Youth department. I travelled with a team to the MAF Ethiopia programme in 1996. That experience and the friendships I developed spurred me on, trusting that God would call me into service with MAF at some point. Being offered this job is an answer to prayer, and I’m excited to be a part of what God is doing.
What is the need for engineers within MAF? MAF has an urgent need for licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, and there’s a global shortage. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the airline industry hard, but it’s released a wealth of engineering experience into the job market. We’re praying that capable, resilient, mission-hearted engineers will apply to work with MAF.
How do you see the ETS developing? Will it really make a difference? The ETS provides a clear training route into MAF for anyone wishing to serve as a licensed aircraft engineer. Bringing in new talent is essential to maintain our engineering capability. Eventually, the ETS will lead to two new engineers entering service annually, sustaining our capacity far into the future.
What are you looking for in the ideal candidate? We’re looking for resilient team players with a general interest in mechanics and aviation. Mature individuals who can demonstrate an active Christian faith, a genuine call and passion to serve with MAF, and a willingness to commit for the long-haul.
MAF UK’s previous training scheme in partnership with MMS Aviation was great for me. I left the scheme with my licence and a lot of practical experience, making me effective immediately on joining my first MAF programme. Initially, I committed to serve for 8 years — that was 15 years ago! Mark Newnham, MAF Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
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Always something new to learn Story Hannah Gardner
Photos Mandy Glass
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Amber Joy Mori was a teenager growing up in Papua New Guinea (PNG) when she felt called to missionary work with MAF
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rom a very early age, I was aware of MAF,’ says Amber, ‘because I went to primary school with a lot of MAF kids. Also, there were a few MAF families at our church. Living in Mount Hagen, it’s hard not to know about MAF!’ However, it was while Amber was studying engineering at university that her calling was sidetracked by other job opportunities. After graduation, she tried unsuccessfully to secure work in nearby Australia before realising that God wanted her to stay in her home country. ‘In hindsight,’ Amber recalls, ‘I realise that God was closing all those other doors and calling me back to PNG.
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I joined helicopter company Manolos Aviation and worked there for a yearand-a-half before joining MAF in 2018. ‘My work varies from day to day because each task depends upon the maintenance job we’re assigned. Then, if you’re assigned an unscheduled job, you have to drop whatever you’re doing and tend to that. ‘There’s a sense of satisfaction when we complete a scheduled maintenance on time, and the engineer or pilot comes back after an engine run or test flight and says, “Everything was great.” ‘One thing I find about this role: there’s always something new to learn! I enjoy that aspect of my job. ‘MAF is a lifeline to a lot of people in PNG, especially in rural communities. There aren’t a lot of other airlines that provide the services we do, such as medevacs. People really need MAF — I’ve seen first-hand just how grateful they are. ‘MAF always tries to put people first. In this pandemic, I know a lot of people in the aviation industry have lost their jobs. At MAF PNG, we’ve been blessed with relative security during the pandemic.
www.maf-uk.org
‘Eventually, I want to go with MAF to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, or Uganda, so I’m currently trying to learn French and Swahili – although Swahili is so difficult!’
One thing I find about this role: there’s always something new to learn!
BELOW Every day brings a different job BOTTOM Amber Joy Mori
The return of Esther Story Richard Chambers
Photos Greg Vine and Dave Waterman
The overhaul and maintenance of an MAF aircraft ensures its flight safety today and extends its lifespan far into the future
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egistered as 5Y-EST, the Cessna 208 Caravan known as ‘Esther’ is named after the second grandchild of one of our long-standing supporters who purchased the aircraft for MAF 20 years ago. Initially serving the people of South Africa, it has spent most of the last ten years operating in Kenya and South Sudan. The plaque of dedication inside the cockpit reads, ‘For such a time as this’ — taken from the book of Esther. During Uganda’s lockdown, there was a golden opportunity to work on the aircraft. MAF Uganda volunteered to give Esther a thorough overhaul and repaint — ‘she’ was the last aircraft in Africa to fly with the old MAF paint scheme. MAF Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Andy Swanson took charge of stripping the paint from the plane and repainted her to look like new. The landing gear was overhauled, and one of our trainee Ugandan engineers took on the unenviable task of installing new headlining (replacing cabin ceiling fabric). Aircraft Maintenance Engineer G e of f L i n k l e t e r ’ s ro l e i n v o l v e d inspecting components removed from the aircraft and deciding which repairs and replacements were necessary. He also helped with the re-installation
and adjustment of the flight controls. ‘This is critical for ensuring that the aircraft will behave as the manufacturer intended when it flies,’ says Geoff. ‘I also carried out a duplicate inspection on all the critical systems to ensure that everything was safe. Then there was the documentation of the work that keeps our operations in accordance with airworthiness regulations.’ Finally, during lockdown, everything went back together again! The engine was installed and MAF Pilot Andrew Parker carried out a test flight in which the Caravan flew beautifully with no significant adjustments required.
MAF Pilot Sam Johnston then flew the shiny, newly painted Esther back to its Nairobi base, to resume work across Kenya and South Sudan. ‘We look forward to Esther returning to South Sudan,’ Geoff concludes, ‘to serve the people in these two beautiful countries.’
MAIN ‘For such a time as this’ Esther is now fully prepared TOP Geoff Linkleter INSET Our engineers at work in MAF Uganda’s Kajjansi hangar APR-JUN 2021 Flying for Life 11
MAF flies mattresses for fistula patients Story and photos Jenny Davies
Mattresses are essential for patients who are recovering from fistula surgery. These childbirth injury operations in South Sudan only take place if health charity Amref Health Africa UK (Amref) has enough
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ast November, MAF flew 44 m a t t re s s e s f ro m J u b a t o Yambio in South Sudan for Amref. This 80-minute flight spared MAF’s partner hours of dangerous road travel. Amref offers surgery to women suffering from obstetric fistula — a condition caused by prolonged and obstructed childbirth. Left untreated, the stigma of the condition — which causes women to leak urine and faeces — can lead to poverty if they’re unable to work. Such surgery isn’t widely available outside Juba. Many new mothers in remote areas have waited years for treatment and are suffering. According to the Fistula Foundation, a South Sudanese woman has a 1-in28 chance of dying from pregnancy complications. Médecins Sans Frontières claims that two million women globally are living with fistula. Amref’s Fistula Camp Co-ordinator Julius Busiri explains the process. ‘Some women live nearby but others may need to fly with MAF from Mvolo, because the road may not be safe. ‘We’re targeting around 60 women to be repaired. We need to have them booked on flights — this is really important.’
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Pointing to the pile of mattresses, Julius exclaims, ‘Patients have started arriving, but the hospital has no mattresses. Without them, we can’t do any surgeries!’ Loading MAF’s Cessna Grand Caravan is Despatch Team Leader Duku Richard.
The challenge of transporting 44 mattresses is more to do with volume than weight. Even with the seats removed, he can only squash 37 mattresses on to one flight. ‘The whole cargo weighs less than 300kg,’ says Duku, ‘so the mattresses that don’t fit will have to be flown later.’
www.maf-uk.org
MAF was able to fly the remaining mattresses to the camp last December. ‘The surgeries went well,’ Julius is happy to report. ‘Women in the complicated category have been operated on and are recovering. Four women have been discharged. ‘The support from MAF is so timely, and instrumental in ensuring the comfort of these patients.’
MAIN Fistula operations can take place now that Amref has enough mattresses LEFT One aircraft can transport 37 mattresses ABOVE MAF provides a lifeline for fistula patients in South Sudan
Jesus in Every Village Story Richard Chambers
Photos Danny Gill and Wim Hobo
Last autumn, MAF Pilot Danny Gill flew nearly a tonne of solar-powered radios for partner Every Village to South Sudanese communities. Each of the 5,000 radios will operate for years to come
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he radios were distributed mostly to members of the community who do not have one,’ explains Joseph Njuguna, who works with Every Village. A missionary himself, he’s passionate about sharing the Gospel over the airwaves with people in some of South Sudan’s most inaccessible communities. It’s a ministry that MAF has supported for many years. ‘We’re very thankful,’ says Joseph. ‘Without MAF, it would be very hard for us to serve here.’ ‘They were really excited in Tonj and Mvolo to receive the radios,’ Danny reports. ‘At Tonj, they were saying, “These will go really quickly. We need more!” ‘I’ve worked with Joseph a few times and it’s really great to see his ministry grow, develop and multiply to reach even more people. ‘Every Village workers take each radio we deliver and they’ll jump on a bike and cycle – or walk – for hours to make sure it reaches someone who doesn’t know about Jesus. It’s a privilege to work with them. ‘To deliver radios and hear that there is a hunger for even more, is exciting!’ Danny smiles. ‘The fact that so many people can hear the Gospel is absolutely awesome!’
Listeners can enjoy a range of programmes, including Bible stories and teaching. They can also hear Scripture read in their mother tongue, which could be Dinka, Luo, Jur Modo or local Arabic. In addition to Gospel programmes, there are dramas on different health topics, educational programmes targeting school-aged children, and community announcements about lost cows. ‘We’ve broadcast many programmes about coronavirus, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, and our radio station is the most listened to in northern Bahr el Ghazal. Our most popular programme is known as The Good News,’ Joseph explains. ‘When churches were closed for a time, we broadcast a two-hour worship service every Lord’s Day so that people could worship with us. Although many churches have been planted, there remains a great need for spiritual growth.’
TOP Joseph Njuguna and family RIGHT The eagerly anticipated radios are unloaded BELOW Spiritual growth will be accelerated by the delivery of 5,000 radios
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Love lifts us up MAF Partnership Manager Simon Dunsmore explains why loving ‘in deed and in truth’ is as important to our mission as any aviation principle
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his apparent jumble of letters and numbers is the equation for calculating ‘lift’: L = (1/2) d v2 s CL As an aviation enthusiast, the principles of flight have always fascinated me. However, it was not until I started working for MAF that I became aware of a much more powerful force at work. Love. It is love that motivates our supporters and staff alike. It enables us to overcome the barriers that seek to exclude those in deepest need. ‘Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth,’ says 1 John 3:18. It’s that active love and compassion which puts fuel in the tanks and keeps hope in the air.
In 2020, when the UK had to limit its fundraising efforts to the realm of social media and direct mail, long-time MAF supporters Bill and Sandy Harcus were able to continue traditional community fundraising. The couple from Guernsey took full advantage of their island’s relaxed restrictions in the face of very low coronavirus infection rates. Together with a team of helpers from St Andrew’s in the Grange, Church of Scotland, they pulled out all the stops and held a summer fete in their garden! The money raised went towards the refurbishment of MAF’s Millennium Messenger — an aircraft which had operated in Mongolia for many years — in preparation for its new role serving remote communities in western Africa.
This is Mission Aviation Fellowship
MAF UK Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone Kent CT20 2TQ
Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation operating 26 programmes in developing countries to reach the world’s forgotten people — those living out of sight, out of mind and out of hope. With land access denied by inaccessible terrain — due to natural disaster, war or economic crisis — thousands of communities are completely isolated. Operating 138 light aircraft, MAF’s pilots fly into more than 1,400 remote destinations. Whether landing in deserts or jungles, on lakes, rivers, tracks or roads, MAF planes transport essential medical care, food, water, relief teams and church workers to those in desperate need. Each flight carries practical help, spiritual hope and physical healing to thousands of men, women and children for whom flying is not a luxury but a lifeline. MAF is flying for life.
29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD
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FREEPOST ADM4164, PORTRUSH BT56 8ZY Dept AA1818, PO Box 4214, FREEPOST Dublin 2 T 01303 852819 E supporter.relations@maf-uk.org W www.maf-uk.org Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107) ® Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915
Flying for Life Editor: Richard Chambers Email: editor@maf-uk.org Copy Editor: Gary Clayton Designer: Ben Dyer Printer: Fretwell Print and Design Ltd Printed on sustainable paper produced from a managed forest © MAF UK APR-JUN 2021 ffnc It costs us no more than 75p to produce and send you this magazine and prayer diary
A heart to serve
A note from the Editor Coronavirus regulations vary across the world. MAF is committed to safety and adheres to local regulations wherever it serves. The images and people you see in every issue of Flying for Life conform to the rules of the countries in which they were taken.
Christine Carrick (above) was born in 1933 in Motherwell, Scotland. She had a passion for teaching and serving others and, in her late teens, taught in the Sunday School and toddler group at the church where her father was Superintendent. Later, Christine went on to attain a scholarship to Hamilton Academy, followed by a three-year course at Jordanhill Teacher Training College. She loved teaching and taught a class of 53 infants without an assistant in her first teaching job! Christine met her husband Peter at a Christian holiday home in North Wales — they were married in Scotland in 1956, eventually being blessed with sons David and Christopher. Shortly after retirement, Peter felt the call to work for MAF in Tanzania as a Flight Operations Assistant. They stayed for two years, returning again in 1993 for another six months of service. During this time, Christine worked as a teacher in the Canon Andrea Mwaka Primary School. After she retired, Christine organised activities at Bridgemead Care Home and became a keen member of the Mothers’ Union. Sadly, she became afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in 2006 — shortly after hers and Peter’s Golden Wedding anniversary. In spite of this, Christine never lost her unique sense of humour or her faith and trust in the Lord. Tragically, she passed away in her care home last year, having contracted coronavirus. We praise God that she is now at rest with her Lord and Saviour in her eternal home. A loving mother, grandmother and — latterly — greatgrandmother, Christine’s passion for teaching and serving will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all the children she served throughout her lifetime. Furthermore, her legacy to MAF will enable us to continue serving isolated people in some of the remotest countries in the world.
If you’d like to know more about leaving a legacy to MAF through a gift in your Will, please phone Miriam Wheeler on 01303 851958 or email miriam.wheeler@maf-uk.org
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A beautiful and inspiring account of how the Kingdom of God has spread to those who are in great need From the Foreword by The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
Packed with more than 250 pages of photos and stories about our lifesaving work, MAF’s colourful new coffee-table book will take you on a flight through the decades from 1945 to the present day! Visit our website below or phone our Supporter Relations Team on 01303 852819 to obtain your copy for a suggested donation of £25
www.maf-uk.org/aboveandbeyond 16 Flying for Life APR-JUN 2021
www.maf-uk.org