GOD IN THE HARD TIMES
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? — Romans 8:31 (ESV)
American journalist Sydney J Harris once wrote, ‘When I hear somebody sigh, “Life is hard,” I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?”’
It’s true, life is hard! If we think otherwise, we’re either too young to have experienced any trials or we’re possibly in denial!
Life is hard because sin came into the world due to Adam’s and Eve’s refusal to obey God in the Garden of Eden. The result? Expulsion from paradise, painful toil all the days of our life, the severe pain of childbirth and, finally, the fear and painfulness of death.
Providentially — for those who follow Jesus — God’s mercy and love mean that, in times of trouble, we can turn to Him either for help and deliverance or the power to persevere and prevail.
‘God’, Psalm 46:1 tells us, ‘is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ In Psalm 107, we see the people who were crying out to the Lord then receiving their deliverance.
Fourteen years ago, when my dad died of cancer and my wife and I both lost our jobs, I created a document which listed all our bank accounts so I could see how much money we had left.
Depressed by my findings, I decided to go for coffee — only to discover when I got there that the list had vanished.
I still remember my heart racing and my feeling physically sick at the thought that the single sheet of A4 not only contained how much was in each bank and building society, but all the account numbers.
So I prayed, then retraced my steps until I eventually stumbled across the sodden piece of paper lying face down in a puddle.
God doesn’t promise us that life will be easy, but He does promise that He’ll be with us in our trials and tribulations and will eventually see us safely to the other side.
For MAF’s missionary staff serving overseas, life isn’t always a bed of roses. Some serve in nations where believers are viewed with suspicion. Some struggle with the climate, the temperature or the absence of family and friends.
Some live in areas where violence and political instability are rife. Others, providing relief in the wake of natural disasters, face scenes of unimaginable destruction and distress.
Like the apostle Paul, we too may feel ‘hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed’ (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).
As we pray through these pages, let’s intercede for the many countries and communities we serve, and the challenges faced by our partners and personnel.
Remember, ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’
Gary Clayton Copywriter and Editor, MAF UK
ANGOLA
OCTOBER
The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed — Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT)
TUESDAY 1 Earlier this year, MAF flew a team from Boa Vista Eye Hospital to Saurimo. They carried out 125 cataract operations and examined more than 600 people over a 2-week period. Praise God for all those whose sight has been restored.
WEDNESDAY 2 Marijn and Noortje Goud and their family have moved from Lubango to open a new base of operations at Cavango. Pray that good relationships will be formed with this remote community and that the Goud family will remain in good physical health.
THURSDAY 3 Praise God that women with obstetric fistulas after experiencing traumatic childbirth receive life-changing treatment, thanks to MAF partners Hope for Our Sisters and Fistula Foundation. MAF covers the cost of their flights, enabling those living in remote and isolated areas to receive healing.
FRIDAY 4 Corrine Cadinouche joined the Flight Operations team earlier this year after serving for four years with MAF in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Please pray for Corrine as she continues to settle into her new role and gets to grips with the Portuguese language.
SATURDAY 5 Give thanks for the two volunteers who worked tirelessly for two weeks to improve the Cavango airstrip which was built last year. They widened one end by almost 1.5 metres (about 5 feet) and were able to repair the erosion damage caused by the rainy season.
ABOVE LEFT
ABOVE RIGHT Corrine
MAIN The Boa Vista team with Pilot Marijn Goud (left)
TOP Aerial view of Cavango airstrip
The Goud family
Cadinouche
Marijn Goud
TOP One of the Cessna Caravans operating in the DRC
MIDDLE Kolomani IDP camp, Bunia
ABOVE Jeremy is loaded into the plane for the trip to Vanga
BELOW The MAF Cessna Caravan at Vanga
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)
God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble — Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
SUNDAY 6 Praise God for the airstrip at Vanga. Our regular flights from Kinshasa to Vanga transform an arduous 15-hour road trip into an effortless 75-minute flight.
MONDAY 7 Earlier this year, the west DRC programme welcomed a new Cessna Caravan to its fleet. Please pray for safety over this aircraft.
TUESDAY 8 Give thanks that MAF DRC has been able to construct a new building to host the sewing and literacy classes in Kolomani IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp, after the last one developed some serious structural issues
WEDNESDAY 9 MAF has seven light aircraft serving in the DRC, so please pray for the aircraft maintenance engineers who do an incredible job keeping our aircraft safe and ready to serve
THURSDAY 10 Jeremy was taken to a morgue when he was thought to be dead following a motorcycle accident. Thank God he began to stir! Thanks to an MAF flight to Vanga Hospital and the caring medical staff, there is hope that he will be able to walk normally again
FRIDAY 11 Today is International Day of the Girl Child. The day is aimed at recognising girls’ rights and the challenges they face worldwide. In the DRC, about 30% of teenage girls no longer attend school because of poverty or pressure from society. Although this is improving, please pray for the girls living in this nation, and for the various organisations seeking to help them
SATURDAY 12 Give thanks for a new airstrip at Dingila, which means a ten-minute flight for those needing to get from Dakwa to Dingila as opposed to a two-day trek through the jungle!
Lem Malabuyo
Dominic Villeneuve
Nicole de Jongh
TANZANIA
The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him — Nahum 1:7 (NLT)
SUNDAY 13 Praise God for the MAF safari flights that enable medical teams to reach remote communities. One 45-minute journey brought a team from Maternity Africa to a dusty airstrip in Malambo, saving them an arduous 9-hour road trip. The four-day clinic raised awareness among Maasai women about obstetric fistula – a potentially life-threatening condition.
MONDAY 14 Earlier this year, we prayed for MAF Tanzania’s internet connection to be restored. Pray that, in an age when technology links individuals, communities and nations, good internet connections will enable our programmes to run smoothly.
TUESDAY 15 Pray for the villagers struggling to keep the grass airstrips cut to a safe level for our planes to land. Although the abundant rain was good for the crops earlier this year, the poor condition of some of the runways resulted in at least one medical clinic being cancelled
WEDNESDAY 16 Uphold the ministry of evangelist Daniel Siang’au. He’s been cursed by his neighbours, had his flock stolen, and been shot in the face. Over time, thanks to our flights for students from Malambo Bible School, increasing numbers of formerly antagonistic Maasai have turned to Christ.
THURSDAY 17 Finance Officer and Document Controller Mary Ellen Elinatii Lyimo gives thanks for the time we flew her to Chidudu village, where she ‘witnessed children attentively listening to God’s message’, with ‘many led to Christ’. Pray that these precious youngsters will grow in their faith. Pray too that the Lord blesses Mary Ellen as she supports orphaned children through her church community by teaching them God’s Word and helping to provide them with meals.
FRIDAY 18 John 16:33 says, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ Few people are immune to life’s problems, challenges and sorrows. Today, let’s pray for someone who is hurting, whether they live locally, are serving with MAF overseas, or receive help from one of our programmes.
SATURDAY 19 Without airstrips we cannot fly! Pray for good relationships with Tanzania’s Civil Aviation Authority which approves the licences for the airstrips from which we take off and land.
TOP TO BOTTOM
Mum and baby attending the Malambo medical safari
Evangelist Daniel Siang’au
MAF Finance Officer Mary Ellen Elinatii Lyimo
Jacqueline Mwende (All)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God — Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
KENYA
OCTOBER
SUNDAY 20 Praise God for a recent flight to Lodwar and Lokichar, which enabled a team of medical doctors from CURE to support children and provide education to remove the stigma with which disability is viewed.
MONDAY 21 Please uphold Mark Newnham (Area Head of Maintenance) and Sarah (Speech Therapist) in your prayers today. They have returned to Kenya after a couple of months’ home assignment. Pray they settle back into work and don’t miss family and friends in the UK too much
TUESDAY 22 Please pray for MAF Programmes Facilities and Logistics Manager Brenda Mwaura. With a master’s degree in project planning and management, she is adept at keeping all sorts of projects running smoothly, from budgeting to obtaining aircraft parts. Her friendly attitude and love of cooking makes Brenda very popular with her teammates.
WEDNESDAY 23 The flooding in Kenya this year displaced about 210,000 people. Please pray for everyone trying to recover from the devastation, giving thanks that our Disaster Response team was able to deliver vital supplies such as blankets, Plumpy’Nut food supplements, mosquito nets and malaria and cholera test kits to more than 200 households.
THURSDAY 24 Every role at MAF is valued by us and by God. Please uphold MAF Kenya’s two gardeners, Jonathan Musyoka and Simon Muya. They keep the outside of our Kenya base welcoming and well-tended.
FRIDAY 25 Uphold Susan Kigen-Kolum who is responsible for a team of around 30 MAF personnel. Pray too that Kenya’s missionaries will be strengthened and encouraged in their faith and will see much fruit from their work.
SATURDAY 26 American businesswoman Anne F Beiler once wrote, ‘My philosophy is: Life is hard, but God is good. Try not to confuse the two.’ Even when we, or MAF staff, ‘face trials of many kinds’ (James 1:2), we can give thanks that we have a God who loves, hears and sustains us, whatever difficulties we encounter.
INSET Flooding in Kenya during May this year
ABOVE An eight-year-old who attended the CURE medical outreach
Mark Newnham
MAIN Mark Newnham works as Area Head of Maintenance
Jacqueline Mwende
Paula Alderblad
MADAGASCAR
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand — Isaiah 41:10 (CSB)
SUNDAY 27 Praise God that our new hangar is operational, and that our Cessna 182 aircraft can now be safely kept inside and protected from the elements. Give thanks for the dedication of those involved in this important project.
MONDAY 28 MAF Madagascar has been delivering polio vaccines for UNICEF. Pray that the vaccines will protect the recipients and prevent them from paralysis and the other debilitating complications of polio
TUESDAY 29 Following the necessary safety assessments, Pilot Ryan Unger made the first landing at a newly built airstrip at Ambararata in south-western Madagascar. Pray that the new runway will bring positive change for the community and will keep those living there connected to the rest of the country.
WEDNESDAY 30 MAF partner Salama is a non-profit organisation that procures medicine at affordable prices for public health facilities. Many of these life-saving medications are provided free of charge to those in need. Pray that our partnership expands so that no one in a remote area is without medicine in their time of need
THURSDAY 31 Give thanks that we’ve been able to bring physical and spiritual healing to remote and isolated communities on the world’s fourth largest island for more than 35 years.
FRIDAY 1 Uphold Michael Jurgensen who leads our team of 20 national staff and 4 international staff members. Pray that Michael and his colleagues will know God’s guidance as they go about their work in His name
SATURDAY 2 Praise the Lord for MAF's partners including Wycliffe Bible Translators who are translating the Bible into many of the different languages spoken in Madagascar. Pray that the results of their hard work will bless many and that, even in challenging times, they’ll receive great comfort from God’s Word.
MAIN Two of our aircraft in the new hangar
TOP Country Director Michael Jurgensen
MIDDLE Team of Bible translators
ABOVE Loading polio vaccines into the aircraft
Irina Randriamandrato
Gino Antsatiana Randrianasolo
NOVEMBER
SOUTH SUDAN
SUNDAY 3 Praise God for the guest accommodation that MAF provides for Christians serving in some of the remotest, most difficult places in South Sudan. Missionaries fly to Juba to restock with supplies, visit government offices and take some much needed rest.
MONDAY 4 Malony James, our recently promoted Flight Operations Manager, plays a central role in our programme — one that requires great communication, critical problem solving and complex decision making. At the start of this new week, pray for wisdom in dealing with everything that crosses his desk
TUESDAY 5 Our shuttle flight heads westwards today. One airstrip in the midst of the forest serves Ibba. Pray for the Diocese of Ibba under the leadership of Bishop Wilson Kamani a regular MAF passenger as he ministers to the community there
WEDNESDAY 6 Is it a goat? A motorbike? A termite mound? All are spotted on airstrips by MAF pilots preparing to land or take off. Safety is paramount, so Ground Operations Leader Thomas Titus and Operations Projects Manager John Feil have designed an airstrip safety workshop that they deliver at the locations to which we often fly. Pray that the workshops, along with the skill and attention of our pilots, ensure that every flight is safe
THURSDAY 7 Partnering with the Usratuna Centre, MAF now regularly flies babies — accompanied by their mothers — for surgery at CURE Children’s Hospital in Uganda. With conditions such as hydrocephalus and spina bifida, children receive treatment that isn’t available in South Sudan. Pray for these vulnerable youngsters and for the treatment and help offered to them by the hospital
FRIDAY 8 Juba Christian Academy plays an essential role in enabling missionary families to continue serving in South Sudan. There are 28 children at the school — 50% of whom are from MAF families. Pray for new teachers to join so the school can thrive in its unique mission.
SATURDAY 9 MAF staff trained in reconciliation ministry have held ‘Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations’ workshops in more than ten communities this year. Pray there will be continued healing within and between these communities, especially now, as the world’s newest nation — 13 years old — is preparing for its first elections since independence
out more at www.maf-uk.org/ gwop24 or scan the QR code
MAIN Our Cessna Grand Caravan under the stars at Malualkon airstrip
TOP A mother and her baby on their way to CURE Children’s Hospital in Uganda
ABOVE Students from Juba Christian Academy visit the hangar
Jenny Davies
Dave F
Tracey Feil
GUINEA
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You — Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 10 Today is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember those who have died because of war. Let’s also remember to praise God for all those who’ve committed their lives to pursuing peace. As we commemorate the victims of various conflicts, pray that God will shine His light on those living in the shadow of death and guide their feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79).
MONDAY 11 Guinea, which achieved independence in 1958, has experienced a series of coups — the most recent occurring in 2021. In February this year, the military regime dissolved the government and appointed a new administration one month later. Pray for peace, prosperity and food security in a country where, according to World Food Programme, a quarter of the population doesn’t have enough to eat.
TUESDAY 12 Give thanks that, by the time you read this, MAF Guinea’s Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft will have been delivering help, hope and healing to some of nation’s remotest communities for 2½ years. Pray for favour and growth as we continue serving a country in which, according to the Joshua Project, over 86% of people are unreached with the Gospel
WEDNESDAY 13 Today, let’s pray for MAF Guinea Country Director Lisa Blomberg, who leads a team of six national and three international staff families. Pray for favour as we seek ways to enable additional humanitarian partners to reach some of the country’s most at-risk communities
THURSDAY 14 On 24 April, we joined a national rescue effort when a horrific bus crash in Nzérékoré killed 16 people and left more than 50 injured. Pilots Jonathan Blomberg and Brad Ballin flew seven patients from Nzérékoré to the capital Conakry. Pray that God will comfort those who are grieving and that those who survived will recover fully.
FRIDAY 15 Pray for the electricity supply, which remains unreliable, and for an end to the fuel shortages caused by an explosion at a fuel depot last year. Pray too that, amidst these difficulties, our team will experience the perseverance, character and hope so graciously given by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5).
SATURDAY 16 Ranked 178 out of 189 in the United Nations' Human Development Index, Guinea has one of the highest rates of poverty in the world. With most of the roads becoming impassable during its sixmonth rainy season, the need for us to reopen more airstrips to reach those in need of help is vital. Please pray!
TOP TO BOTTOM
The Guinea Civil Aviation Authority inspects MAF's Cessna Grand Caravan Lisa Blomberg and her husband, pilot Jonathan MAF flies the injured to hospital following the bus crash in Nzérékoré One of the many vehicles stuck in the mud during the rainy season
Joel Conte
Lisa Blomberg
Joel Conte
Jim Egli
MOZAMBIQUE
NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 17 Praise God that Ambassador Aviation (MAF Mozambique) came to the rescue of a missionary family when their car broke down between Montepuez and Mueda. With no way of returning and the possibility of rebel insurgents ahead, MAF swiftly flew the family of seven to safety.
MONDAY 18 Today, let’s uphold MAF partner MozMed and its Flying Doctors programme. MozMed runs medical, dental and ophthalmic clinics in some of the country’s most isolated communities. Please pray for the team’s safety as they sometimes work in some of Mozambique’s more volatile areas
TUESDAY 19 MAF recently carried out an emergency medevac for a patient suffering from a possible stroke. Because of the patient’s medical condition, the aircraft was required to fly at a lower altitude to avoid pressure complications. Please pray for MAF pilots as they go about their vital and potentially stressful work
WEDNESDAY 20 Today is World Children’s Day. In a world where hunger, hardship and violence are on the rise, children seem to be disproportionately affected. According to UNICEF, an estimated 333 million youngsters live in desperate poverty. Please pray for MAF as we seek to bring spiritual care and practical relief
THURSDAY 21 Sometimes the difficulties of life conspire to steal our joy and we can’t see a way forward. At times like these, we need to gain a heavenly perspective. Psalm 61:2 says, ‘When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.’ Today, why not pray for someone who needs the fresh hope that only God can bring?
FRIDAY 22 This year marks 25 years of MAF serving the people of Mozambique, where it is known as Ambassador Aviation. Please pray that we'll be able to continue bringing hope there through vital aviation services for many years to come.
SATURDAY 23 MAF's missionary families and national staff serve those who work with the Makua, Makonde, Lomwe, Chuabo, Yao and other people groups of northern Mozambique. Please pray that their evangelistic efforts will be successful as they seek to share the Gospel with them.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’
— Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
MAIN The MozMed team
MIDDLE The missionary family MAF rescued after their car broke down ABOVE A medevac patient is carefully carried off the aircraft
Dave LePoidevin (All)
PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
— Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
SUNDAY 24 Praise God for the families stationed at our Goroka base. In addition to the flying carried out by MAF personnel, five female staff members minister in hospitals, prisons and throughout the community, sharing God’s love. Please pray for them as they share the transformational message of the Gospel with those they meet.
MONDAY 25 In 2023, MAF performed 90 potentially lifesaving medical evacuation flights. Please pray that MAF will always be able to respond quickly and efficiently to urgent calls for help. Pray too that our pilots will remain strong whenever they encounter difficult or traumatic situations
TUESDAY 26 Local resident John was violently attacked while he was walking home in PNG’s remote Highlands. Miraculously, he was found by a pastor and carried to a local
clinic. Give thanks that, because they were unable to provide the life-saving care he needed, MAF was able to fly John to Goroka so he could be treated at the hospital there
WEDNESDAY 27 Amid the backdrop of social and behavioural issues that many schools in PNG experience, MAF is inspiring change by getting Bibles into the hands of teenagers. Please pray for the work of MAF Technologies PNG as they endeavour to touch the lives of young people
THURSDAY 28 In PNG’s remote Telefomin District, rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure pose barriers to healthcare. Please pray for the effectiveness of the partnership between MAF and the Provincial Health Authority as we seek to boost health patrols and child immunisation programmes in isolated areas.
FRIDAY 29 The challenges of life can hit us hard — so hard, sometimes, that perhaps we
feel we may never recover. Take courage today that, although we may stumble, we will not fall, because God upholds us with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24). Pray for somebody you know who is struggling today.
SATURDAY 30 Many of the areas that MAF seeks to serve are so remote that people are unable to access a mobile network. The only hope for someone needing outside assistance in these communities is the HF radios that MAF installs and maintains. Please pray for our team as they continue this essential ministry.
MAIN One of our aircraft at the fuel yard of our Telefomin base LEFT John was brutally stabbed while walking home
ABOVE Two thousand Bibles being delivered to a high school
Mandy Glass
Andrew Yalbai
Kowara Bell
DECEMBER
INDONESIA
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
SUNDAY 1 Praise God for our work in Kalimantan. Our programme there enjoys the support of the local government and the Ministry of Health, enabling our two Kodiak aircraft to provide an air ambulance service for the region. Pray for God’s presence and healing for those who, through illness or injury, are finding life difficult.
MONDAY 2 Jeremy Toews leads the 22 national staff and 7 expatriate families that make up our Kalimantan programme. Give thanks for the team’s close working relationship with the Church, and pray for wisdom as our personnel seek further opportunities for ministry
TUESDAY 3 Please pray that the Gospel continues to make a difference in people’s hearts in Papua. Relationships there can be unpredictable, as shown by our need to airlift a man to hospital who’d been shot with an arrow in a revenge attack. Pray for full healing, and that peace and reconciliation will replace violence and retribution
WEDNESDAY 4 Earlier this year, we delivered an ultrasound machine and a large consignment of plywood to two hard-to-access communities in Papua. The plywood was used to
TOP TO BOTTOM
Conducting a medevac in Kalimantan
complete a clinic in Lumo, with the imaging machine now serving the clinic in Taria. Please pray that remote clinics like these will meet the needs of those requiring medical treatment
THURSDAY 5 When the Moi people recently celebrated the distribution of the Moi New Testament, a local pastor said, ‘Praise God who brought this Word to us. Praise God we are alive for this day.’ Pray for MAF’s continued ability to assist Bible translators by providing flights, and that God will bless their painstaking work
FRIDAY 6 Matt Harris heads up MAF’s Regional Office in Jakarta. Uphold our work in Indonesia and pray that any visas, permissions or security clearances needed for our Indonesian programmes will be granted
SATURDAY 7 When an MAF staff member ended up with complications arising from a nasty bout of malaria, they had to be flown from Papua to Australia. Give thanks for their recovery and uphold any MAF personnel struggling with their health. We sometimes forget that not only do those we serve need God’s help, hope and healing, but also MAF personnel!
Members of the Moi community were thrilled to receive the New Testament in their language
MAF's Kodiak 100 takes off from Moi, Papua
Heather Marx
Lem Malabuyo
Heather Marx
DECEMBER
ARNHEM LAND + MAREEBA
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me — Psalm 50:15 (KJV)
SUNDAY 8 Praise God for Melissa Higgins, our newest female pilot! Thank God for her success so far, and pray for her future serving Arnhem Land as an MAF pilot.
MONDAY 9 Pray that through MAF flights, Anglicare NT’s staff will continue to help people with money problems in Arnhem Land's remote areas. Pray too for its East Arnhem Money Support Hub which assists those struggling with debt and financial insecurity
TUESDAY 10 Uphold Laynhapuy Homelands School’s education programme. Having teachers fly out weekly with MAF enables primary school students living in remote areas to stay at home with their family and receive an education. Pray for MAF pilots like Chris Coffee, whose ‘school bus’ flights provide Yolŋu youngsters with a future and hope
WEDNESDAY 11 Marcus Grey has been flying with MAF for 40 years. His flights have included famine relief, hundreds of medevacs, freight transport and scheduled passenger services. Please pray for Marcus as he trains new pilots. Pray too for safety for the trainees as they learn to fly during their time in Mareeba.
THURSDAY 12 It’s a real blessing having a heavy maintenance hub in Mareeba, which is wonderfully positioned to maintain the aircraft for the training centre
there and the MAF programmes throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It’s always busy in the hangar as our engineering team works tirelessly on our planes. Please give thanks for our amazing engineers.
FRIDAY 13 Praise the Lord for the two senior instructors who’ve received their examiner endorsements at our training centre. Andy Little received his endorsement to test for Private Pilots Licences and Joe Knighton received his to test flight instructors! Give thanks for the three examiners at Mareeba and for the gifts and talents God so graciously provides
SATURDAY 14 Arnhem Land is, for most Australians, like living overseas. ‘It’s an odd feeling, because it feels like a different country,’ says Reservations Officer Imogen Caudell. One of her tasks is to plan and book rescue flights for those suffering from domestic violence in Australia’s Northern Territory. Please pray for the women and children suffering from abuse, asking God to protect them. Pray too for Imogen as she helps bring them to safety.
TOP TO BOTTOM
Pilot Melissa Higgins
Anglicare NT Financial Counsellor Monique Achtenberg Marcus Grey receives the rare Master Air Pilot award Reservations Officer Imogen Caudell
Melissa Higgins
Monique Achtenberg
Janne Rytkonen
Janne Rytkonen
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose — Romans 8:28 (NIV)
SUNDAY 15 Praise God for Pilot Ed Burrows, his wife Kathy and their children Nathanael and Eliana, who’ve just arrived in Liberia. It’s a country with a tough climate, a growing MAF presence, and much need. Do pray for their them, their 16 colleagues and for everyone we serve in West Africa.
WEDNESDAY 18 Richard Wall left his job as a commercial airline pilot to work as a pilot for MAF. This month, he joins our team in PNG. Pray for Richard, his wife Christine and their children Eloise and Rupert, as they get used to a new way of life in the Asia-Pacific region.
MONDAY 16 Today, let’s pray for the Dillingham family who recently moved from our programme in Chad to join our team in Tanzania. Pray for Pilot Becki as she joins her new colleagues, and for her husband Matt and children Bethan and Luke as they adapt to life in a new home and a different culture.
THURSDAY 19 Remember
Andy and Emma Dipper in your prayers. They’ve only been in Indonesia for a few months and there’s much to do. Emma’s focus is on advocacy and pastoral care, while Andy serves as Regional Director. Ask God to give them wisdom in serving a population spread over 17,000 Pacific islands.
TUESDAY 17 Uphold Patience Oduro who spent six months in PNG earlier this year. She’s now back in the UK studying at All Nations Christian College while building a team of prayer supporters and financial partners to enable her to return longterm in 2025. Ask God to make her time here fruitful.
FRIDAY 20 James Gullett is the first person to graduate from our Future Pilot Programme. This month, he and his wife Danielle — a midwife — join our team in Arnhem Land. Thank God for a successful training programme and the exciting opportunities lying ahead for them both.
SATURDAY 21
Please pray for more people to commit to praying regularly for our overseas staff. To find out more about MAF's families, please visit www.maf-uk.org/staff
The MAF PNG team getting ready for Christmas
RECRUITMENT
DECEMBER
SUNDAY 22 Praise God that this year we were able to send out four fabulous individuals and families overseas from the UK. Give thanks for Ed and Kathy Burrows going to Liberia, Andy and Emma Dipper to Indonesia, James and Danielle Gullett to Arnhem Land, and Richard and Christine Wall to PNG.
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me — John 14:1 (ESV)
MONDAY 23 Pray for the two men graduating from MAF’s Engineer Training Scheme. Matthew Veale will be carrying out his practical placement in the UK, while Nathanael Smith completes his practical and starts to prepare for his move overseas in March next year
TUESDAY 24 Pray for the new trainees taking part in our Future Pilot Programme. They start officially on 2 January 2025. Pray that the transition into study mode is smooth.
WEDNESDAY 25 Today, let’s give thanks for Jesus’ birth! Let's also pray for MAF’s overseas staff who are separated from loved ones in the UK. Pray that they’ll have a rich and blessed time this Christmas
THURSDAY 26 Uphold our Talent Acquisition Team as they enjoy a much-needed break over the festive season before launching into another busy year. Pray that the conversations they have in the year to come will be a blessing to them and to those exploring service overseas.
FRIDAY 27 Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up and send out workers into the harvest. As Luke 10:2-3 reminds us, the harvest is great and the labourers are few.
SATURDAY 28 We have a critical need for more schoolteachers to serve in PNG and South Sudan. The current shortage threatens the ability of families with children to remain overseas. Pray for new teachers to jump at this amazing opportunity to serve.
SUNDAY 29 Praise God for all the MAF families serving overseas and for the UK staff who make it possible. Each one is precious and is really appreciated!
MONDAY 30 Pray that MAF’s leadership team will have wisdom and insight as they continue to lead the charity during a time of financial challenge. Pray that they will have ears to hear and minds to discern what the Lord is saying at this time.
TUESDAY 31 Today, let’s give thanks for 79 years of MAF service to remote and isolated communities in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. By providing help, hope and healing, our personnel, partners and planes are changing lives one flight at a time.
Ashley Leyenhorst
Global Week of Prayer
It gives us great joy that you love to partner with us in praying for our staff, our programmes and the people we serve. So we’re hoping you’ll join us for MAF’s digital Global Week of Prayer, 3-10 November
This year, we’ll be reflecting on the names of God to remind us of the nature of the one we are praying to: our Father, our Provider, and our Peace... to name but a few!
Visit www.maf-uk.org/gwop24 or scan the QR code and sign up to receive daily emails encouraging you to pray for MAF during the week of prayer.