Flying for Life Winter 2019

Flying for Life Winter 2019

The quarterly magazine of MAF

6 Mozambique Flying for wildlife

10 Mareeba

Into the wilderness

LIBERIA: pray for the Kingdom

Liberian harvest In a country where thousands of people are without a church or trained pastor, MAF partner Wordsower spreads God’s Word, trains Christians, provides clean water, pulls teeth and fights malaria Story Sarah Newnham Photos Kelly and Mark Hewes

K 'We've probably given out 200,000 Bibles' Main Country Director and MAF Pilot Emil Kündig Above The biggest killer in Liberia is malaria (treatment for 1 person costs 58 pence) Right Kim Smith (fourth from right) at the Wordsower Bible Institute in Zwedru

2 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

im Smith began his ministry walking from village to village, sharing the Gospel. Eventually, this gave rise to Wordsower. Now based in Zwedru, he explains, ‘We call ourselves Wordsower Liberia because we’re sowing the Word of God.’ Originally a teacher, Kim felt the Lord calling him to Liberia. ‘When I first went into the villages nine years ago,’ he recalls, ‘there was very little Christian literature.’

‘Since then,’ he says, ‘the Lord has given us miracle after miracle of provision to do the work. Thousands have come to Christ and been baptised. All I did was show up in obedience.’

There are no Christian bookshops in south-eastern Liberia, so Kim sells Scripture translations and concordances at cost price. He also distributes audio Bibles in the local dialect.

Although most Liberians live in traditional mud huts, they have mobile phones. Wordsower puts Christian material onto micro SD cards so those who can’t read can now access God’s Word via their phones.

Disciples and dentists The organisation has also started a Bible school. When a Wordsower team visits

villages, they invite pastors and believers to spend two weeks learning discipleship, basic doctrine, church planting and being a missionary.

‘We now have 13 motorbikes and 60 disciplers,' Kim shares. ‘They visit 60-100 villages a month – evangelising, discipling, planting churches and distributing teaching material. We’ve probably given out 200,000 Bibles.’

Some who’ve completed Bible school have also trained in basic dentistry. With no dental clinics for hundreds of miles, many suffer from toothache and need basic dental care. ‘The plan,’ explains Kim, ‘is to send them to unreached people. There isn’t a village around that doesn’t need a dentist!’

Malaria and MAF The biggest killer in Liberia is malaria.

‘Treatment costs 75 cents [58p],’ he says.

‘Think about it – just 75 cents will save a life! So we distribute as much malaria treatment as we can.’

The second biggest killer is the polluted water many people drink.

Wordsower has supplied more than 1,000 homes with chemical-free filters that last a lifetime. ‘We give them the living water,’ Kim grins, ‘but we also give them water to sustain life.

GUINEA

SIERRA LEONE

CÔ TE D'IVOIRE Monrovia

L I B E R I A Zwedru

South Atlantic Ocean

20 miles

Key to maps

— Capital city /

— MAF base — Location

From scorpion to saint ‘When I first came, MAF wasn’t here – we had to go by road. On one journey to Zwedru, I carried a new computer on my lap and it cracked the case. That’s how bad the road is!

‘It can take 20-40 hours to travel 300 miles. In the rainy season, I won’t even take a car – the roads are clogged with stuck vehicles. MAF has helped us many times, and I appreciate you sacrificing so that God's Word can continue to spread.’

Operating in Liberia since 2015, MAF

flights from Monrovia enable Kim to reach Zwedru in an hour rather than a day. His practical initiatives continue to save lives and introduce even more villagers to Jesus, the source of all life.

Apart from transporting personnel, we’ve taken seats out of our aircraft to fly a couple of printing presses to Zwedru.

They enable Kim to print 30,000 pages of Bible teaching material daily. MAF flights also ensure that his computers and electronic equipment arrive unscathed!

‘I run Bible studies in bars,’ says Kim. ‘I just teach the regulars who the Holy Spirit is. One day, this guy comes in.

They called him Red Scorpion [a former cannibal who ate human hearts]. He saw his old soldiers and said, “What in the world are you guys doing?”

‘They said, “This white man keeps givin’ us Bibles and helpin’ us study. It’s pretty cool.” So Red Scorpion replied, “Well, you guys take me to this white man, I got to meet him.”

‘I sat and talked with him and he accepted Christ!

We baptised him, discipled him, and today he’s doing a fantastic job. He went from being one of the most evil men on earth to a man who’s starting churches.’

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 3

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: pray for safety

Not quite Heathrow

Story Mandy Glass Photos Mandy Glass, Mathias Glass and Remi van Wermeskerken

Many of our supporters are more accustomed to state-of-the-art international airports but, for those flying with MAF, things are a little different

I

Main Mowing the airstrip for take-off!

Top Volunteers keep safety standards high Above Lawnmower fuel is precious in PNG

t’s not easy keeping the little bush airstrips flight-ready in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Cutting the grass regularly in a tropical climate and preventing the little strips, approximately eight football pitches long, becoming soggy is extremely time-consuming.

‘One of the biggest struggles we face as pilots,’ explains Remi van Wermeskerken, ‘is whether to close an airstrip or not if it’s not maintained to a high standard.’

To ensure local communities keep the grass cut, the Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) was established by former MAF pilot John Bromley in 2013. The NGO receives government funding to bring lawnmowers and fuel to rural airstrips. It relies on MAF to fly RAA personnel to the strips on a regular basis to check they’re correctly maintained.

Expecting a normal day of taking fuel and lawnmowers to several small airstrips, Remi was forced to change his plans because of fighting in Iropena and Yomneki.

‘Then, at Maramuni,’ he recalls, ‘we had to replace a broken lawnmower. They’re bulky and heavy and weigh 120kg. After unloading the new mower, I discovered that, as soon as we’d put fuel in the tank, it was leaking.

‘Then my phone rang. Could I do an urgent

4 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

medevac for a woman in Malamaunda who has serious difficulties giving birth? So I flew the patient to the mission hospital at Kompiam, a 30-minute flight from Malamaunda.

‘After dropping her off, I flew back to Mount Hagen to fill up on fuel and supplies, then returned to Maramuni, where I had left the RAA worker.’

By the time that Remi got there, the new lawnmower was now working, so he took the RAA member to Eleme – the final destination of a busy day’s flying.

It is thanks to MAF supporters and our partnership with RAA that we can provide PNG’s people with their most basic needs, as well as carrying out the life-saving medevacs they need to survive.

Thank you!

Did you like this story?

To read the latest MAF news, visit www.maf-uk.org/stories

WORLDWIDE: pray for staff

A winter’s tale Photos LuAnne Cadd and Alan Sully

MAF veteran Alan Sully encourages the explorers of the future to be part of something bigger

I

t is December 2016 and I’ve just come in from the dark streets. Slowly taking off my winter clothing, I turn to look in the mirror and am momentarily shocked to see that all my hair has turned white!

Then I laugh with relief as I realise that each strand of hair on my head is frozen with the moisture from my breath. This is Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and the outside air temperature is -45°C. Fast forward two years and – as I write this article for Flying for Life – I reflect on the many changes that I’ve experienced during 13 years with MAF. My wife Davina and I were initially recruited to be a schoolteacher and operations manager respectively in warm Tanzania. When we moved into the role of ‘programme management couple’ in ice-cold Mongolia, the contrast was a big challenge to us.

The same held true when we moved again so that I could take up the position of interim Country Director in South Sudan.

Such contrasts and changes have often made us feel inadequate for the roles to which we’ve been called. Yet God has always found a way of using Davina and me for His glory. Could He be planning the same for you?

As 2019 approaches, you may feel the call of

God on your life. And you may consider using your skills to help MAF continue flying for life.

Your unique abilities need not be aviation related. We need skilled accountants, IT personnel, office managers – and that’s just for starters!

An MAF career is unique to each individual staff member. However, there is one thing I can guarantee. You’ll encounter extremes of temperature, poverty and – maybe – security.

But working with MAF colleagues to the glory of God is a truly inspirational, fulfilling life experience.

For more information, please phone the HR team on 01303 850950, email hr@maf-uk.org or explore a life overseas with MAF at www.maf-uk.org/bigger

Main In Mongolia, we operate as Blue Sky Aviation Above Davina and Alan Sully – the latter has enjoyed 13 years of 'truly inspirational' experiences working for MAF Left We recruit the very best pilots in order to fly long distances in testing conditions

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 5

MOZAMBIQUE: pray for creation

Flying for wildlife Story Jenny Davies Photos Kent Embleton, Dave and Jill Holmes

God’s creation is under threat. If poaching continues at its current rate, there may be no elephants left in northern Mozambique within five years

I

n the last 7 years, the elephant population of Niassa Reserve has dropped from 12,000 to just 1,500.

These African giants that loom so large in the imagination of every small child are disappearing at the rate of four every day.

Jill Holmes' training in wildlife management gives her a unique perspective. 'My husband Dave and I come from a natural resource background. We value mankind's responsibility to take care of God's creation.'

Last chance to see

Main The devastating consequences of poaching Above Fewer than 2,000 elephants remain in the Reserve Top right Our Flying Doctor project serves 42 villages Middle right Jill Holmes Below right Dave Holmes Bottom right There is a desperate need for clinics such as this one

6 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

Although not typical of MAF’s ministry in Mozambique, Pilot Dave has flown for the reserve on many occasions. He helps conservationist groups track elephant populations and scout for illegal activities.

A reduction in poaching has been recorded on the days his aircraft patrols the reserve.

You can see the sheer glory of God’s creation from the plane. Great herds of antelope move in concert and majestic animals gather at the watering holes. But Dave has also experienced the darker side of Niassa – finding six mutilated elephant carcasses in just one day.

On the ground, Dave and the rangers

record the utter brutality of poaching in photos too graphic to show. This horror will continue for as long as one elephant tusk commands £115,000 and can be sold openly in south-eastern Asia.

Good stewards

MAF flights don’t just benefit the wildlife.

Our Flying Doctor project to bring mission doctors and supplies to alleviate the desperate need in Niassa’s villages is partially sponsored by one of the conservation groups. This partnership shows that the group values both people and wildlife.

Medical care is provided to some 40,000 people across numerous villages, mining and fishing camps. This is part of a strategy to tackle the root causes of poverty – a key cause of wildlife crime and environmental degradation.

Groups like Niassa Carnivore Project are establishing initiatives such as beekeeping, cultural tourism and handicrafts which work to sustain Niassa’s natural resources.

They give local people an alternative to poaching, illegal mining and the trapping of bush meat.

The project’s education programmes inspire young people to protect wildlife

Creation calling

Niassa National Reserve ZAMBIA Nampula

ZIMBABWE

M

O

Z

A

M

B

I Q

U

E

Mozambique Channel

SOUTH AFRICA Maputo 100 miles

and involve communities on the frontline as rangers.

But time is fast running out for the elephants.

Fighting for wildlife

The vast, isolated reserve covers 16,000 square miles – an area larger than Switzerland.

However, conditions that are a haven for wildlife also make it difficult to police.

Rangers with pump action rifles are no match for the high calibre weaponry wielded by syndicates of poachers.

In January 2018, Dave flew several scouts to an area north of the river after shots were fired.

'While flying,' Jill recalls, 'Dave learnt that another group of scouts had already responded quickly and confronted the poachers. Unfortunately, one had been shot in the leg. 'An elephant had been killed and its tusks removed before the poachers fled.'

Dave flew the injured scout to a hospital in the nearest city. Although thunderstorms made the trip stressful, the scout survived and is expected to make a full recovery.

In the wider Kingdom perspective, it may be difficult to see exactly where wildlife conservation fits.

Until, that is, we stop and remember that poverty is linked to the land and that it is geography which separates people from the services they need.

On the other hand, well-managed wildlife can generate an income for the remotest communities.

Dave and Jill serve with MAF because they keep one eye on the physical needs of people who are at risk of dying from preventable causes before they even get the chance to hear the Gospel.

But, as creation stewards, they also know that the natural world is a display of God’s glory. Every creature, from the smallest insect to the mighty elephant, is part of His perfect plan.

But creation is fragile and requires our protection. Once the last elephant is gone, it is gone forever.

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 7

UK NEWS: pray for missionaries

The legacy of love The final chapter of our four-part story is a celebration of Christ’s love reaching countless men, women and children over seven decades Story Stuart King Photos MAF Archive

I

n the previous issue of Flying for Life, you were left with a true cliffhanger – Jack Hemmings and me stranded on a mountain in Burundi 70 years ago.

By the grace of God, we’d survived a plane crash but MAF’s inaugural air survey lay in ruins.

The broken remains of The Mildmay Pathfinder symbolised our shattered hopes.

We’d worked and prepared for this survey for two years, then prayed and waited for the funds to buy our plane. For six gruelling months, we’d flown and landed, talked and listened across the width of Africa. Had it all been for nothing?

'MAF is part of my family' Main The legacy of MAF's 70 year mission Above Stuart King in RAF uniform Right Stuart at RAF Duxford checking out the new floatplane Bottom right MAF staff present the new floatplane to supporters

‘With God nothing is impossible’ As ever, God was with us. Two Belgians in a Peugeot came bumping down a nearby dirt track and we began a roundabout journey back to Nairobi.

Ironically, the following nine days would show us what life would continue to be like for isolated missionaries without MAF. We covered more than 1,000 miles by lake steamer, train and lorry – twice the distance and 10 times longer than it would have taken by air!

Back in England, we convinced our sponsor, the Mildmay Movement, to give us another chance. By the end of 1950, we opened the first MAF programme in southern Sudan where we still provide a lifeline for its people today.

The rest, as they say, is history.

8 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

Thank you As many faithful supporters will know, that first programme was merely the beginning of God’s plan for MAF. You’ve been with us for much of our long journey – maybe all of it, if you’re my age! Your prayers and gifts have fuelled the establishment of new programmes in each of the past seven decades.

I sometimes wonder how Jack and I would have felt if we’d known the incredible future God had in store for MAF. Today, 128 aircraft fly to 1,400 destinations in 27 countries – making us the world’s largest humanitarian airline.

Most importantly, we partner with 2,000 incredible organisations of all shapes and sizes in the daily challenge to see people physically and spiritually transformed by God’s love.

For your crucial part in realising that vision, I thank you most sincerely.

The future of MAF In March 2018, it was my pleasure and privilege to visit RAF Duxford to see our new floatplane purchased with gifts from our faithful supporters to serve in Bangladesh.

My last Air Force posting was to RAF Duxford shortly after World War II, so it was poignant to reflect upon the legacy of MAF’s worldwide work during the seven decades since. Some of my thoughts that day were captured on video.

To me, MAF is part of my family and I cherish its future as I cherish that of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And – as with my family members – I have arranged to leave a gift to MAF in my Will so the Gospel can continue to reach men, women and children who have yet to hear it.

Legacies left to us by supporters fund one in ten MAF flights. They keep our vision alive. They are, indeed, a 'lifeline beyond your lifetime.'

See Stuart’s video now online!

Please take a few minutes to listen to Stuart's special message to supporters about MAF's future by visiting maf-uk.org/stuartkinglegacy

So, if you would like to know more about leaving a gift to MAF in your Will, please phone Miriam Wheeler on 01303 851958 or email miriam.wheeler@maf-uk.org

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 9

MAREEBA: pray for the Church

Into the wilderness Story Jenny Davies Photos Hans Cools

Earlier this year, Mareeba-based MAF Pilot Hans Cools had the chance to trade the cockpit of his training aircraft for the opportunity to visit small communities where only a handful of Christians remain

T

Main The spectacular Torres Strait Above MAF is crucial to the future of the remote Church worldwide Top right Northern Australia's beautiful, untamed wilderness Bottom right A typically small congregation meets to worship Christ

10 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

oday, Hans will start flying two women to remote communities in the most northern part of Australia where they aim to encourage the small congregations there.

Chris Keith and Helen Harper, visiting speakers from Christian Women Communicating International have been travelling for a week already.

‘Neil, one of the other pilots, has been flying the ladies along the west coast of Australia’s northern peninsula,’ Hans explains.

He’s about to meet some of the most isolated Christians in the world.

of his life on Masig. I love listening to his stories and his worldview.’

At a women’s fellowship, Chris and Helen share an inspirational message. The following morning, Hans joins them at an Anglican Sunday service where a handful of beautiful voices sing traditional hymns.

At a contemporary evening service, islanders dance and lift their hands to ‘paint’ the worshipful words.

The next day, the ladies catch a short ferry ride to Thursday Island (population 2,610) and share at an evening gathering before returning to Masig for the journey back to the mainland.

Yorke Island: 238 people

Lockhart River: 642 people

The first stop on the week-long safari is a beautiful island in the Torres Strait.

‘This area is traditionally known as Masig,’ he explains, walking across its pristine beach. ‘The people speak Creole and are closer to Papua New Guinea, both culturally and physically, than to the Australian mainland.’

‘I have the privilege of staying with a village elder,’ Hans smiles. ‘He’s lived most

To the outsider, this looks like any small town – except it’s located 80 miles from the next one and nearly 500 miles from the city of Cairns.

Its small, diverse population includes people from five different Aboriginal clan groups, Torres Strait islanders and a handful of government workers.

‘It was great to see the few people who came to tonight’s church meeting – they

birthday – so it’ll be a great celebration.

Tomorrow, we’ll fly to Cooktown.’

Cooktown: 2,631 people The following day’s flight saves eight hours on the road for Helen and Chris (pictured right with Hans). Now they’re in Cooktown – named after Captain James Cook, whose ship the Endeavour ran aground there in 1770.

For the next few days, they use Cooktown as a base to reach outlying communities.

At a meeting in Hope Vale (population 974), they are greeted by the beautiful singing of local children.

On the final day, Hans visits a local Christian college to encourage young people to consider a career with MAF. Then he’s invited to a men's beach barbecue where he posts on Facebook, ‘The food and scenery couldn’t be better – the conversations, too.’

As the trip draws to a close, Hans reflects on the last few days.

‘It’s been really humbling to see how people live here. Heartbreaking and amazing in equal measure, but I’ve had a wonderful week flying these ladies to inspire the faithful. God bless them both!’

20 miles

Masig Island

Arafura Sea

Coral Sea

Lockhart River

Coen

Cooktown

A U S T R A L I A Mareeba

were so grateful for the support and encouragement,’ Hans shares, inspired by one person in particular.

‘The lady who’s leading is originally from the Solomon Islands. She moved here in 1991 and then, two years later, her husband passed away. It’s amazing how she has the perseverance to serve this community despite the many social problems it has.

‘I just keep praying for her, it’s pretty intense.’

Coen: 416 people ‘It’s amazing the reception we’ve had so far!’ Hans shares from his accommodation – a caravan in the grounds of a local family.

‘We had a lovely evening meeting with a small group of locals. I gave my testimony, helped with the worship and Chris and Helen shared another powerful message.

‘The church leaders stay strong in spite of the congregation being only seven people. Sadly, they say that people in the town are walking away from Christianity.’

With characteristic positivity, Hans shifts the focus back to the family with whom he’s staying. ‘Just witnessing their faith in staying here, where they’re called to be, is really amazing! We’ll have a church service tonight and two people also have a

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 11

SOUTH SUDAN: pray for equality

Walking tall A young disabled girl receives a second chance Story Thorkild Jørgensen Photos Nelson Deng and Joseph Gamara

I

Main Joseph and Imanya flew with MAF to collect her brand new feet Above The school ‘run’ in the days before she could walk Right Imanya is no ordinary six-year-old

n 2012, six-month-old baby Imanya was left in a tukul – a thatched, clay home – in Abalawa, South Sudan, while her mother went out to run some errands.

Waking in distress, Imanya crawled in search of her mum, and stumbled into the cooking fire.

Her feet were burnt so badly that staff at Torit Hospital couldn’t save them.

In South Sudan, a girl is worth a lot because of the large number of cows paid to her family as a dowry. But without feet, Imanya was viewed as worthless, kept inside and beaten.

Three years later, NGO worker Joseph Gamara walked past the hut and heard Imanya being punished and told she was useless.

Profoundly moved, Joseph intervened and later encouraged the family to accept their daughter as a child created in God’s image.

Joseph eventually took Imanya to stay at his home, which enabled her to attend Airport View Primary School in Torit. There, she was able to play with other children for the first time in her life.

The school is run by members of Africa Inland Church, which has a vision to transform surrounding communities through education and the Word of God. Among the pupils are orphans, children with disabilities and girls with little chance of education.

12 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

Contacting a clinic in Juba, Joseph applied to a Red Cross project which provides prosthetic limbs for children. Finally, in May 2018, Joseph and Imanya flew with MAF to Juba, where Imanya received brand new feet.

Now six years old, she is able to walk around using crutches. ‘I bought a tricycle in Juba so Imanya could be pushed to school from my house,’ smiles Joseph, ‘but today she decided to refuse the tricycle and is now walking 500 metres to school. Praise be to God!’ Thanks to Joseph, MAF and Airport View Primary School, Imanya has been given a new life, new feet and the chance of a brighter future.

WORLDWIDE: pray for the world

A conference inspired by the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 'If my people... will humble themselves and pray... I will heal their land' Story Victoria Fagg

O

n 3 November 2018, people gathered together at the Bethel Convention Centre, Birmingham, to pray at a mission focused conference For the Sake of the World.

The event was motivated by our belief that something special happens when we intentionally cross cultural barriers and stand side by side with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Hosted by MAF, that Saturday was a beautiful expression of the body of Christ uniting to release a blended cry to the One who brings change and restoration.

It also reflected a growing and fruitful partnership between MAF and Betty King Ministries, Prayer Storm, Elim Missions, Missio Africanus and Kingdom Worship Movement.

The Bible promises us that where two or three gather together in His name, He is there with us (Matthew 18:20). It tells us

that the Holy Spirit is released when Christians pray together – partnering with His power – and impacts the world in which we live.

Momentum is building, so – this January – we are launching For the Sake of the World prayer groups. We want to facilitate mission focused prayer where you are and see change happen across the nations.

These prayer groups will not replace the existing MAF ones – they will work in partnership with other mission groups to share the wider global need.

A quarterly prayer booklet will be produced by MAF, featuring reasons to praise God and the different mission groups’ needs for prayer.

MAF supporters are vital to this. We want to say ‘thank you’ to those who are faithfully partnering with us in prayer to see God’s glory break across the globe.

You may be interested in setting up a

For the Sake of the World prayer group, or in joining an existing one local to you.

Perhaps you are already meeting with brothers and sisters and would like our resources to help inform your prayers.

Either way, we would love to help you.

To register your interest in these new prayer groups, please email me at info@forthesakeoftheworld.com

Let’s talk about prayer!

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 13

UK news

Our long journey together

Calling all alumni!

Head of HR David Leek announces an exciting new initiative for the New Year – and beyond!

As MAF UK rapidly approaches its 75th anniversary, it seems entirely appropriate to launch MAF UK Alumni.

Over the years, hundreds of men and women have answered God’s call and set off on the adventure that is MAF. Through MAF UK Alumni, we hope to connect with individuals and families who have served with us overseas, in our Folkestone, Ashford, Scotland and Northern Ireland offices, or as Trustees.

They share a rich history dotted with remarkable stories that we would really like to hear and honour.

We are very keen to stay more connected, as well as provide a platform where alumni can interact and share common experiences with each other.

When you sign up to MAF UK Alumni, you will be able to: • Access the Alumni Facebook page and connect with other alumni • Receive the Alumni biannual newsletter and other bespoke MAF news for prayer by email • Receive invitations to our annual Alumni event, along with other events that may be of interest to you • Learn about short-term service opportunities.

If you are eligible to join MAF UK Alumni, we would really love to hear from you. You can sign up by emailing alumni@maf-uk.org visiting www.maf-uk.org/alumni or by joining our MAF UK Alumni Facebook group.

Please join us today and continue your journey with the MAF family!

This year, Flying for Life took you on a journey back in time with the story of our very first aircraft The Mildmay Pathfinder.

The conclusion of that four-part journey marks the point at which — by the grace of God — MAF survived its first brush with death (page 8).

The legacy of more than 70 years of ministry which has its roots in that plane crash can be seen in every article written since that grim day in Burundi.

Back in 1948, some of the plans God had for MAF could have been predicted easily: flying water, medicine and the Gospel to remote African villages (page 2) or establishing and maintaining airstrips in Asian jungles (page 4).

However, ideas such as supporting endangered wildlife (page 6) and leading a prayer conference for mission (page 13) may not have been foreseen by our founders.

But, God has led MAF faithfully over many decades and it continues to be our privilege to experience new ways in which to bring His love to isolated people.

Your faith in Him and His endless creativity is as much a part of MAF’s legacy as the countless flights which have followed that of the Pathfinder.

Thank you for all the support you give to MAF. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Ruth Whitaker Chief Executive, MAF UK

This is Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation serving 27 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 around 128 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.

14 Flying for Life Winter 2019 www.maf-uk.org

MAF UK Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone Kent CT20 2TQ 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD 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: Oak Creative Printer: Fretwell Print and Design Ltd Printed on sustainable paper produced from a managed forest © MAF UK Winter 2019 ffms It costs us no more than 65p to produce and send you this magazine and prayer diary

Our Mark MAF's former Purchasing Manager Mark Stanton would have been 50 this year. His family and friends marked the occasion just the way he would have – with a very big party!

Mark passed away on 14 June 2013 aged 44, after a gruelling 5-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Still deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues, he will forever be remembered for his deep personal faith, inspirational zeal and passion for sport.

Dedicated to maximising supporters’ donations, Mark was responsible for ensuring that the quality of Flying for Life was always maintained at the lowest cost possible. It was at the MAF office that he met Donor Development Officer Fiona Stanton – they were married for nine years.

It came as no surprise when Fiona announced she would be celebrating Mark’s 50th birthday with a fundraising party! So it was that, on 15 September, 200 people gathered to enjoy live music, family games, two bouncy castles and a huge barbecue.

The event raised nearly £2,000 for MAF! ‘All of us in the Stanton family were determined to remember our beloved Mark in style,’ says Fiona, ‘by raising money for a cause that we hold as dear as he did.

There was also a church football match at which the couple's ten-year-old son Cody (pictured right) scored a goal dedicated to the memory of his football-mad dad.

‘Anyone who met Mark never forgot him. His smile made you feel you were the most important person in the room, and his easy-going nature drew people to him like a moth to a flame.

Mark was cheeky, kind, competitive, compassionate and – in the midst of intense pain – altogether heroic. I know he’d have loved to party for the charity that was so very close to his heart.’

The couple’s eight-year-old daughter Lorelai (pictured right) is already a veteran fundraiser.

In 2016, instead of receiving birthday presents, she encouraged donations to MAF – sparking a fundraising campaign called Not Just Another Birthday. And, just over a year ago, she gave her pocket money to support the Help us buy a plane! appeal, which successfully added another Cessna 208 Caravan to our South Sudan lifeline!

Mark's family set up a Wings of Hope tribute fund in his name.

You can set up your very own special tribute fund by visiting www.maf-uk.org/wingsofhope Or perhaps you would like our free tribute fund pack, which has more information about giving in memory of a loved one. Please phone Nathaniel Fothergill on 01303 851958, or email him at nathaniel.fothergill@maf-uk.org to find out more.

Winter 2019 Flying for Life 15

Church partnerships Your church could take the Gospel to places it's never been before!

A church partnership with MAF is one of our supporters' favourite ways to share the love of Christ.

Please phone us on 01303 851955 and find out whether your church could spread help, hope and healing in 2019

Share the love of Christ www.maf-uk.org/getinvolved