JUL-SEP 2022
JUL-SEP 2022 Flying for Life 1
Paving the way for peace I once heard someone say that change was the only constant in their life. And how true that is We live in a world where change is happening all around us, all the time. Natural disasters occur, rains cease to fall, wars break out — people’s lives are changed instantly and with horrific consequences. The people of Ukraine have been devastated. For them, life will never be the same again. This is a relatively recent crisis but, around the world, millions of refugees have been experiencing fear and misery for years. They must feel forgotten. Wherever they are, I pray that — as help reaches those people — it brings hope. In the countries where we serve, MAF teams enable sick people to receive medicine and the lonely to receive love. This reminds me of God’s faithfulness and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This summer, we are celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the throne. At the original jubilee, God decreed that — once every 50 years — there should be a year dedicated to a time of rest, the reuniting of families, and the reverting of property to their true owners (Leviticus 25: 1-13). However, we can’t afford to rest for too long because, throughout the developing world, people are living in continual need of help and care. These are the people to whom MAF remains dedicated — the men, women and children we serve and you support. Our mission is to bring about lasting change in their lives that will pave the way for health and hope, peace and provision. I pray you’ll be inspired as you read stories of this work made possible by your tremendous generosity. God’s faithfulness astounds me every day, as the MAF fleet continues to meet the most urgent needs of some of the world’s poorest people — literally to ‘fly for life’. Your vital prayer and financial support is greatly appreciated.
Our summer cover illustrates MAF’s work in Uganda — see page 10 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 Ann: ‘I am sending this cheque from the proceeds of my cards that I sell for MAF. I have been praying for MAF since I was 14 – and I am now aged 81! Every blessing in all you do.’ Please send your comments to editor@maf-uk.org
Ruth Whitaker Chief Executive, MAF UK 2 Flying for Life JUL-SEP 2022
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Richard Chambers Editor, Flying for Life
Long live the king! Story and Photos Jenny Davies
Every 22 years, the Omiaha Kingdom in South Sudan comes together to celebrate the handover of power. Earlier this year, MAF flew outgoing King Charles Alifa Omoro to attend the latest inauguration
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he Omiaha Kingdom in Eastern Equatoria comprises seven villages, with the seat of power in Ibonni. In January, outgoing King Charles Alifa Omoro and his Monyomiji people — who have ruled the Omiaha Kingdom since the previous monarch’s death in 2015 — handed power over to the new rulers in a colourful celebration. In Ibonni, the entire Omiaha community gathered for the traditional hifira ceremony at Achalili Farm (Achalili means ‘garden of the King’). For King Charles — Omiaha’s ninth king — it’s the most important event in the calendar, signifying the transfer of power from the current king to the next. He is joined at the ceremony by other Omiaha members from across South Sudan and beyond — 45 of whom were flown in by MAF from Juba. The ceremony only takes place once every 22 years, so many of the guests haven’t witnessed it before. The last ruling generation — the Boro — took over in 2000, but it’s a tradition dating back to 1736. During the ceremony, a fire is lit and carried through the villages, replacing
the old fire of the previous generation. The new ruling generation is then given a name by the outgoing king. King Charles names his successors ‘Maa’, which means locust swarm. A black bull is slaughtered by the Maa, symbolising peace and serenity. This gathering is an important opportunity for the Omiaha Kingdom to reflect on its history. The attendees evaluate how well the outgoing generation has navigated challenges and completed its tasks over the past two decades. The elders summarise achievements and identify lessons learnt, which will inform the new generation’s vision for the next 22 years. King Charles’ vision was peace, l i t e r a c y a n d p r o s p e r i t y. G o o d healthcare, education, discouraging early marriage, female leadership, tackling cattle raiding and security were also high on his agenda. The Maa generation is expected to continue this vision, keeping harmony between the Omiaha and their neighbours. We give thanks for MAF’s part in this significant event, and pray for the new generation’s success.
MAIN The Maa generation will continue the vision of peace INSET Ohilang airstrip, Omiaha Kingdom TOP MAF Partnership Manager Jaap de With and King Charles ABOVE Many spectators had not seen this ceremony before JUL-SEP 2022 Flying for Life 3
‘People walked for five hours for paracetamol’ Story Claire Gilderson
Photos Dr Simon Ganal
The village of Indagen in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is only accessible by air or on foot. Healthcare is scarce, but MAF’s Aerial Health Patrol enables hundreds of people to receive treatment
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estled within the peaks of Saruwaged Range, Indagen is easy to miss. It is February 2022, and MAF Pilot Glenys Watson lands her Cessna 208 on Indagen’s airstrip carrying 8 medical professionals and 25kg of lifesaving drugs. In seconds, the aircraft is surrounded by curious locals. Word of MAF’s arrival spreads fast and news of an Aerial Health Patrol reaches other villages. Indagen does have a small clinic run by a handful of staff, but the shelves are empty – drugs, bandages, intravenous fluids, drip lines and basic consumables ran out long ago. The nearest hospital in Etep is a two-day walk away.
A lesson in humility For the next three days, Dr Simon Ganal and his team treat and advise around 600 patients. They carry out consultations, operations, cancer screenings, vaccinations, ultrasound scans, health talks, and blood, urine and eyesight tests. Of the 600 patients, 38 receive surgery and 71 have eye consultations. They all listen to critical medical advice about coronavirus, hygiene and family planning. For the first time in years, hundreds of people within Indagen’s vicinity are being treated for tumours, osteoarthritis, TB, pelvic inflammatory disease, eye problems, respiratory diseases, STDs, reflux, hernias, cysts and chronic backache. 4 Flying for Life JUL-SEP 2022
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Medical officer Samuel Mori is overwhelmed and humbled by the sheer need. ‘People are happy to wait all day just for a chance to be seen. It’s heartbreaking seeing people who’ve walked five hours, over three mountain ranges, just to receive basic medical advice and paracetamol. ‘A two-hour wait at Port Moresby General Hospital for paracetamol would cause a tantrum but, for these people, a five-hour walk means receiving a service. I never imagined severely marginalised people would be so accepting of so little, with such grateful hearts. ‘Our mission is to give, but I’ve received more in return — a lesson in humility from a forgotten people who appreciate so little and never act like victims, despite their harsh circumstances.’
200 miles
Destination/MAF Base
Capital
Bismarck Sea
PAPUA Mount Hagen
Indagen
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Port Moresby
‘A little goes a long way’ It is medical officer Amanda Avinaga’s first Aerial Health Patrol into rural PNG. ‘It’s eye-opening! Our people have great needs in these rural areas — especially in Indagen where there is no road access whatsoever, and they walk for at least a day to get to the nearest hospital. Their only transport is via plane. ‘Indagen Clinic is run by six very hardworking, committed people with few resources. They try to serve the people here, but there’s great need even for the little things — medication, oxygen and a proper water supply. A little goes a long way! ‘I’ve come here to give, but they have given me their gratitude, hospitality, kindness and faith. They are so appreciative of the little things we do.
‘Big thanks to MAF - we definitely need more Aerial Health Patrols!’ Fellow teammate and MAF passenger Malachi Liko agrees. ‘It was really busy every day — people came from everywhere. Even though we were tired and there were still heaps of people waiting in line at 6pm, we just had to see them. ‘Even though I was exhausted, I felt happy and fulfilled. It was really good.’
Teamwork! This is the first time that staff from both Braun Memorial Hospital and Etep Rural Hospital in Morobe Province have worked together for an Aerial Health Patrol. Dr Simon Ganal is delighted by what they’ve achieved, with MAF’s support. ‘Sharing capacity with Braun and Etep makes outreach easier and more sustainable. ‘Having a big team enables a comprehensive outreach across all primary healthcare. ‘Our outpatient team saw almost 200 patients each day. We did vaccinations, surgeries, antenatal checks, tests, cancer screenings, health talks — that’s only possible because of a bigger team. It was really special.’ Following a successful MAF Aerial Health Patrol, practically the whole of Indagen turned up on the airstrip to wave goodbye. God willing, they won’t have to wait too long for the next one.
It’s eyeopening! Our people have great needs in these rural
areas
FAR LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM Glenys Watson; a patient receives a vital eye test; Amanda Avinaga (second left) and the medical team; Dr Simon Ganal (right) leads the team LEFT Hundreds arrived from miles away ABOVE PNG is one of the hardest places to fly in the world JUL-SEP 2022 Flying for Life 5
More than just a job: a leap of faith Story Jo Lamb
Photos Dave Forney
MAF Pilot Andrew Parker shares how a single MAF News magazine changed his life
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rowing up in the suburbs of Durban, South Africa, Andrew’s childhood brings back happy memories of skateboarding, swimming and playing on the beach. His adventurous spirit saw him explore Australia and New Zealand after university, where he travelled with friends — including Liz, whom he married in 2003. Settling in London, they prayed about their future. ‘Lord, give me something to be passionate about,’ Andrew prayed. Shortly after, MAF News landed on his doormat with the revelation that serving God and flying planes could be a long-term career. ‘I was instantly excited — it was a lightbulb moment,’ Andrew recalls. ‘But I’d never flown a plane in my life. It seemed so far-fetched, but I told Liz and we got praying straightaway.’
Eventually, they moved to South Africa so Andrew could begin his pilot training. ‘We sat on the plane wondering what on earth we were doing,’ smiles Andrew, ‘but our friends had been praying and we felt so strongly it was from God. It was a leap of faith, but God provided in miraculous ways.’ Andrew eventually qualified as a pilot, and joined MAF in 2009. ‘My advice to anyone chasing a dream is to be patient and keep praying,’ he advises. ‘God stays the same — even during the hard times.’ Today, the Parkers are a family of five. Esther, Benjamin and Joel have grown up across eastern Africa. Thinking of his most memorable flight, Andrew recalls an emergency evacuation in South Sudan several years ago, where armed militia were closing in on a group of 12 missionaries.
‘I had one chance to land and get those guys out. I could see armed soldiers on the horizon. God protected us that day, and those passengers were so grateful — their lives had been saved by MAF!’ Looking back on his MAF career, Andrew feels hugely privileged. ‘From that photo of an MAF plane landing on a mountainside in 2003 to 13 years as an MAF pilot, I still believe this job is hugely important. ‘For people who want an adventure with God’s Kingdom at the heart of everything they do, don’t underestimate the joy of working with MAF. If God’s calling you, He will be faithful. His consistency throughout — especially during the pandemic — has been a real encouragement. ‘He doesn’t change and is never phased — no matter how big our leap of faith.’
LEFT Andrew and Liz Parker, with Joel, Benjamin and Esther RIGHT ‘Lord, give me something to be passionate about’
Working for MAF is more than just a job For all our latest vacancies, visit www.maf-uk.org/ journey or phone 01303 852819
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Book an MAF speaker today! Head of MAF in the Community Kevin Crook is hoping for a record year of requests for MAF speakers
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ver the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic prevented MAF from meeting face to face with many of its loyal supporters. However, the power of digital technology enabled us to update many of our ‘family members’ with encouraging, exciting news of a fleet that was still able to bring help, hope and healing to isolated people in great need of God’s love. But nothing beats the presence of an MAF speaker at an honest-togoodness, live meeting. And this year, the return of our volunteer force is already in full swing! Across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, more than 100 speakers are waiting to come to your town. They’re being received with open arms by audiences who can’t wait for that personal MAF experience. Your church, group, youth club or special meeting will be inspired by stories of how MAF and its partners bring peace, joy and love to isolated people throughout more than 25 developing countries. And you’ll connect with people thousands of miles away who are
experiencing physical and spiritual transformation because of our Gospel mission. 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. Please don’t worry about the size of your audience. We welcome every opportunity to meet new people and tell them the latest news from the MAF world. With this issue of Flying for Life, there’s a flyer providing the contact details of your nearest speaker. Talk to your group leader or church minister about this flyer — especially if they’ve never hosted an MAF speaker.
If for some reason you don’t have your flyer, or you need further information on booking an MAF speaker, please phone Allyson Edwards on 01303 851955 If you’re in Scotland, please phone Andy Martin on 0141 332 5222. JUL-SEP 2022 Flying for Life 7
Beyond isolation: Uganda Story Richard Chambers
Photos Dave Forney, Mark and Kelly Hewes and Jill Vine
Flying for Life’s featured programme this summer is MAF Uganda. We began serving its people in 1987 as they emerged from the brutality of a military dictatorship
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andlocked and straddling the Equator, Uganda is bordered by four other countries in which MAF serves: South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The combination of fertile soil and tropical climate gives Uganda’s agricultural sector tremendous potential. Yet ingrained rural poverty and erratic weather patterns caused by global warming mean that many people consume, on average, 400 fewer calories less than they need each day to live healthily. Efforts by communities in the highly inaccessible northern region to lift themselves out of poverty have been severely hampered for many years. Infestations of locusts, consuming in a single day crops that would have fed thousands of people, have plagued the region. Multinational investment in a predicted oil boom has seen grazing land, farms and people cleared to build the East African Pipeline from north-western Uganda to the port of Tanga, Tanzania.
from their communities as they fled murder, rape and the forced recruitment of child soldiers. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, lives across Uganda were already blighted by a range of diseases and the regular threat of an Ebola outbreak in neighbouring DRC crossing the border. Tr a g i c a l l y, e v e n p r e v e n t a b l e diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea continue to claim the lives of many children. Approximately 40 babies per 1,000 die before reaching their first birthday.
War and disease This hunger crisis is set against a background of the insurgency waged in the early part of this century by Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) terrorists. Two million people were displaced 8 Flying for Life JUL-SEP 2022
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The government has struggled to contain an HIV/AIDS epidemic that began nearly 40 years ago. More than a million people in Uganda live with a virus that is responsible for at least 20,000 deaths a year.
The flight to sanctuary It is a sobering irony that — having had so many of its people internally displaced by LRA terrorists — the impoverished north is now home to several of the world’s largest refugee camps for non-Ugandans. Millions displaced by the ongoing violence in neighbouring South Sudan and the DRC have found sanctuary in the settlements at the vast Bidi Bidi, Imvepi and Rhino camps. MAF has proved itself to be vital t o t h e e n o r m o u s n at i o n a l a n d international effort required to support the existence of nearly 1.5 million immigrants. Our aircraft regularly fly staff from a multitude of NGOs to and from the camps — merciful havens where lives are slowly being rebuilt away from the horrors of civil war.
See pages 8-9 of the Prayer Diary and pray for Uganda
MAF begins flying into Uganda from Kenya and South Sudan
Independance from Britain
MAF Uganda programme launched
Two Cessna 210 aircraft join the fleet
MAF hangar built at Kajjansi for aircraft maintenance Amphibious Cessna 185 aircraft joins the fleet for use on Lake Victoria
An MAF Cessna Grand Caravan 208B that takes off from its Kajjansi base, near the capital Kampala, will land in northern ‘refugee country’ just 90 minutes later. The same journey by car can take an entire day.
MAF buys entire Kajjansi airfield and runway is extended
A Cessna Caravan joins the fleet
East Africa hub The Kajjansi airfield and hangar now form the hub of all our East Africa operations. Its purpose-built training centre enhances MAF’s ability to equip pilots for long-term service. The hangar enables our aircraft from across Africa to be maintained to the highest international standards. The planes fly more than 200 partners to meet the needs of a wide variety of communities. These include ZOA, an organisation that installs solar-powered irrigation pumps for Ugandan farmers, and Engineers Without Borders, which equips local technicians with the skills to maintain these new water supplies.
Restoration Gateway recently opened a 180-bed hospital near its primary and secondary schools. Tu t a p o n a o f f e r s r e h a b i l i t a t i o n programmes for children traumatised by war. Far Reaching Ministries runs discipleship programmes, while Hope and Grace International takes the Gospel to prisoners, addicts and the disaffected young people who will determine their country’s future over the next quarter of a century. Lutheran World Federation Director Jesse Kamstra best sums up why we fly in Uganda saying, ‘I’m very happy to able to go with MAF. I have been stuck due to the bad roads a couple of times, and the journey times have been very long.’
MAIN A Caravan takes off from Kajjansi FAR LEFT Restoration Gateway is home to more than 100 orphaned children LEFT Hope and Grace International takes the Gospel across the country ABOVE We pray for a new airstrip closer to Restoration Gateway’s holistic community
Second Cessna Caravan joins the fleet
Third Cessna Caravan joins the fleet
Uganda becomes a training base, a fourth Cessna Caravan aircraft arrives
Cessna 182 SMA joins the fleet
New purpose-built offices built at Kajjansi airfield
MAF Uganda celebrates 35 years flying ‘Beyond isolation’
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Fishers of men Story Gary Clayton
Photos Mark and Kelly Hewes and Sam Tsapwe
Sam Tsapwe, Director of Jesus Film Ministries and former MAF employee, has a unique calling to Uganda’s Ssese Islands
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or the past 20 years, Sam Tsapwe has brought the Gospel to some of Uganda’s remotest regions. This ‘fisher of men’ has also helped to establish 12 churches as he ministers to villagers whose impoverished lives depend mainly on catching fish from Lake Victoria. For many living on the 84 hard-toreach islands dotted around the lake, Sam’s regular visits — thanks to MAF flights — provide a much-needed link to the outside world. They remind these financially vulnerable fishing folk that, despite their isolation from the mainland and past attacks on churches, they are not alone. ‘During the COVID-19 lockdown,’ Sam recalls, ‘people came from the community to our open ground to pray. As prayer increased, we noticed a corresponding change in the neighbourhood.
‘The adjacent bushland was cultivated. Two wood and metal workshops were constructed and are now functional. A new building was built while two broken-down buildings were repaired.’ Referring to 2 Chronicles 7:14, one community leader says, ‘Prayer is bringing healing to our community.’ According to Sam, ‘Lockdowns have affected many people, especially those who depend on a daily income, so we send financial help to vulnerable people. Many are bound by fear and worship of demons. ‘We believe that the Gospel is the power of God, and we bring the Kingdom of God to earth by leading people to Him.’ L a s t y e a r, w i t h c o r o n a v i r u s restrictions having eased, Sam’s team hosted a Christmas party on Buvuma Island. Food baskets were brought to those in need and — despite the people’s privations — the birth of Jesus was celebrated with great joy.
Please keep praying for protection as the Church continues to grow, and Sam and his team persevere in sharing the Gospel with those whose lost livelihoods and cramped conditions can sometimes tempt them to lose hope.
‘MAF,’ concludes Sam, ‘does a tremendous job, enabling us to minister to these lovely people.’
TOP A man hands over drugs after turning to Christ MIDDLE Pastors on a Jesus Film march BOTTOM Children of the Ssese Islands are the most isolated in Uganda LEFT Sam Tsapwe 10 Flying for Life JUL-SEP 2022
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MAF and partners are planning to launch new mobile eye clinics in Marsabit and Garissa, in a bid to improve eye health across northern Kenya. According to CBM, 80% of blindness in Kenya is curable. But, for many nomadic farmers and their families who live far away from any health facility, basic eye care is inaccessible. They live in remote, poorly ventilated huts — with little light — where smoke from open fires causes their eyesight to deteriorate.
And unto many that were blind He gave sight LUKE 7:21 In partnership with CBM, Kikuyu Hospital and others, MAF will restart flights for eye surgeons that haven’t been possible since 2010 when funding for them ran out. Sight will be restored to isolated people through simple operations. And Flying for Life will bring you that news in a future issue.
Please pray for the successful resumption of flights for eye surgeons
See page 14 of the Prayer Diary and pray for Kenya JUL-SEP JUL-SEP2022 2022Flying Flyingfor forLife Life 11 11
Jack flies the extra Miles Story Jo Lamb
BELOW Jack Hemmings INSET Stuart King and Jack, and the Gemini in which they flew to Africa BOTTOM Jack rolls back the years at the controls of Stu Blanchard’s Gemini
Photos Darren Harbour and Oliver Nunn
Last March, MAF legend Jack Hemmings took to the skies in a 1947 Miles Gemini aircraft — the same model in which he and his friend Stuart King flew to Africa
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ack took off from Old Warden Aerodrome at the controls of a Miles Gemini for the first time since 1948. The Gemini — owned by co-pilot Stu Blanchard — is the same type of wooden aircraft Jack and Stuart piloted during MAF’s first survey across Africa. Flying for Life readers will know that Jack performed aerobatics on his own 100th birthday in 2021. Shortly after landing, Jack said, ‘I’ve got so many thoughts about today. It was wonderful to be back in a Gemini after 74 years. I love flying because I have a feeling of detachment from all the problems in the world — and there are a lot of problems! Flying is an enjoyable relaxation.’ Stuart King would have turned 100 on 13 March, and Jack wanted to pay public tribute to his lifelong friend, describing him as ‘a pilot, a conscientious engineer, a pioneer and a man of resolute faith. A great friend — a man of vision, devoted to MAF.’
12 Flying for Life JAN-MAR JUL-SEP 2022 2022 www.maf-uk.org www.maf-uk.org
‘The flight today made me think of Stuart on what would have been his 100th birthday,’ Jack continued. ‘It was a suitable time to remember what Stuart achieved in his lifetime. One cannot count the number of people whose lives have been enriched by his services.’ During their 1948 survey, Stuart and Jack travelled over 6,000 miles, visiting more than 100 remote outposts across central Africa. ‘ Ev e r y w h e r e w e l a n d e d w a s somewhere new to us,’ Jack recalled. ‘and a lot of locals would never have seen a plane in the air — let alone in their village. We were met with total bewilderment as people gathered
This nostalgic flight was a special fundraiser for MAF, the charity Jack and Stuart helped found in 1945. To contribute to Jack’s special appeal, please visit justgiving.com/jackhemmings100
round with great interest. ‘Today, MAF has more than 120 aircraft worldwide. Every flight does some good. MAF is like the international Good Samaritan of the air. If anyone needs transporting out of difficulty — or needs urgent medical help — MAF is there.’
Everywhere we landed was somewhere new to us, and a lot of locals would never have seen a plane in the air
MAIN MAF Liberia — saving time, saving lives BELOW Steven Biggs BOTTOM ‘It was a rough road’
Time and space Story Richard Chambers Photos James W Kuma and Katie Machell
As Jack Hemmings marks a sensational century with one last flight in a Miles Gemini, MAF Liberia’s Deputy Chief Pilot Steven Biggs marvels at the technological advances he enjoys today
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See page 6 of the Prayer Diary and pray for Liberia
hen asked to give his thoughts on that legendary first African survey of 1948, Steven Biggs speaks in near incredulous tones about his predecessors. ‘They were simply using a compass, a map, a watch — looking out of the window for visual checks — and a few dials to tell them where they were in time and space. ‘By contrast, in the Cessna 208 Caravan, I have all my instrumentation to tell me where I am, the speed that I’m going, and the altitude I’m at. Also, I’m fortunate enough to have two Global Positioning Systems with touch-screen, “moving map” displays — it’s beautiful!’ Steven is also Safety Manager for MAF Liberia, so he has a special appreciation for the many post-war avionics improvements which now benefit all pilots. ‘I absolutely love being an MAF pilot,’ he beams. ‘I get to see first hand the impact we’re having around the world in isolated communities.’ One of Steven’s passengers, Nurse Amy Beyer, is equally appreciative of
the power that modern aircraft possess to reduce journey times greatly as they cross vast spaces. ‘On my first trip to Liberia, I took the road to Foya and it took 20 hours!’ she groans. ‘It was a rough road — we had lots of car trouble. When you arrive after such a long journey, you have to recuperate before you can even start working.’ The flight distance from the capital Monrovia to Foya, at Liberia’s northern tip, is approximately half that of the road journey. ‘The following year, we used MAF and we’ve been flying with them ever since,’ Amy grins. ‘It’s amazing that we can fly to Foya in one hour and spend more time with the people. ‘There’s very limited access to doctors in Foya. We treat who we can while we’re there. We always identify a couple of major problems, which cannot be solved locally, so we fly patients to Monrovia for surgery then return them to Foya. ‘It’s always good to be in Liberia on an MAF plane.’ JUL-SEP 2022 Flying for Life 13
The future of flight Story Richard Chambers
Photos Bye Aerospace and Heart Aerospace
On 9 March, at MAF’s fourth Ecological and Electric Aviation Conference, the possibility of electric passenger aircraft taking to the skies within the decade became a distinct possibility
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ilot, engineer and entrepreneur George Bye — who spoke at the conference — has been called the ‘Father of today’s electric aviation industry’ by Twin and Turbine Magazine. His all-electric eFlyer 2 aircraft is already in development. George believes that using electric aircraft will lower the cost of aviation operations, while reducing noise pollution and — of course — carbon emissions. ‘An electric aircraft radiates roughly one thousandth of the noise of a conventional aircraft — that’s 30 decibels quieter,’ George stated. ‘Electric energy is less expensive, which means an eFlyer’s total operating cost is only one fifth of a conventional fuel-based aircraft.’ Nevertheless, there are major
problems to overcome. The technology available today is suitable for cars, but the power — and hence the weight — required for aircraft means further innovation in battery technology will be necessary. Most importantly, a pathway to the certification of electric flight must be developed. Furthermore, many countries have inadequate facilities to charge car batteries, let alone the bigger ones future electric aircraft will require. And charging an aircraft in the remote places MAF flies to is also a significant obstacle to electric flight. Heart Aerospace founding CEO Anders Forslund also spoke at the conference. His team designed the Heart ES19 — a 19-passenger electric aircraft with a 248-mile range.
‘The limiting factor is the cellular technology,’ Anders admits. ‘Some cells (batteries) can do fast charging. There is always a trade-off between energy density, cycle life and charging time, so we need to pick the right strategy. Charging time is a key defining feature of electric aviation.’ However, a few weeks after the conference, a battery manufacturer announced the invention of a ‘crystal battery’ that should triple both the range and usage time of a conventional lithium-ion cell. The construction of a crystal battery is based on sulphur — an abundant material whose extraction does not require harmful mining practices. MAF will continue to watch the development of — and opportunities for — electric flight with great interest.
This is Mission Aviation Fellowship
MAF UK Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone Kent CT20 2TQ
Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation operating more than 25 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 more than 120 light aircraft, MAF’s pilots fly into more than 1,000 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 JUL-SEP 2022 ffnh It costs us no more than 75p to produce and send you this magazine and prayer diary.
Regional news MAF Community Manager (Scotland) Andy Martin considers Psalm 16:11 – ‘You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand’
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s we journey through life we enjoy many experiences as we encounter new people and places. Our Lord travelled far and wide in His ministry. He shared the Good News, healed the sick and drew people into an intimate, personal relationship with Himself. He chose people to act as His representatives after He ascended to heaven — to tell and to go. Each was directed to travel their own unique pathway. What a wonderful example to us today, in our lives, our churches and through the opportunities that MAF offers to those wishing to volunteer here in Scotland. We have a selection of different volunteer ‘pathways’ for you to choose from. They include speaking about MAF, representing us in your home church, hosting a prayer group, talking to young people or providing administrative support. Together, as we journey along your ‘pathway’, more people in Scotland will learn how isolated communities across the developing world are hearing the Gospel, and responding to God’s call.
Please pray about volunteering with MAF and — if you feel called — please visit www.maf-uk.org/pathways, or phone Andy on 0141 332 5222
Celia Stanton Celia Stanton set up a Wings of Hope Tribute Fund for her son Mark — a much-loved MAF employee — after he passed away having fought a courageous five-year battle against Motor Neurone Disease ‘I set up the Tribute Fund because it’s a great way to keep my son’s memory alive,’ Celia (pictured left) shares. ‘Mark approached life with so much joy and enthusiasm and this was reflected in his commitment and dedication to his work at MAF. ‘The ministry of MAF is amazing. Everyone supported Mark so well during his illness that setting up a Tribute Fund in his name felt like the natural thing to do, to honour both Mark and the organisation he loved.’ As Celia says, a Tribute Fund encourages regular giving, keeps the memory of your loved ones alive, and is a brilliant way to fund MAF’s work.
If you would like to find out more information about setting up a Wings of Hope Tribute Fund, or you have any questions, please contact our Tribute Fund Co-ordinator Nathaniel on 01303 852819 or by email at nathaniel.forthergill@maf-uk.org JUL-SEP 2022 Flying for Life 15
We haven’t stopped working but it’s so great to be able to fly again! I have been stuck due to the bad roads a couple of times, and the journey times have been very long. As soon as I knew MAF had been given permission to fly, I informed the rest of the country directors in the NGO community that flights are happening again. Jesse Kamstra Director Lutheran World Federation
www.maf-uk.org 16 Flying for Life JUL-SEP 2022
www.maf-uk.org