MAF Youth Magazine - Issue 23

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TRIBUTE TO MAF FOUNDER – STUART KING

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EXPLODING APPENDIX!

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WIN A PAIR OF SNAPCHAT SPECS

Background // MAF Cessna 182 taxis for departure in Torit, South Sudan Right // Stuart in his RAF unifrom, pre MAF

PHOTOS JENNY DAVIES, OLLY NUNN AND MAF ARCHIVE 3-MINUTE READ

Stuart King, 1922-2020 Our dear friend Stuart King, cofounder of MAF — the world’s largest humanitarian airline — died peacefully at the age of 98, on 29 August 2020 in Folkestone, Kent, during MAF’s 75th year.

How MAF began Stuart served as an aircraft engineer during World War II, ending his RAF career as Chief Technical Officer at RAF Duxford. Having seen aircraft used in battle, Stuart had a

growing desire to use aircraft for good.

He wanted to reach isolated people in the developing world.

Stuart was one of the early pioneers who took light aircraft to remote parts of Africa – landing planes in the middle of the jungle, on the edge of a mountain, or in the desert.

Highly skilled, tenacious and dedicated to helping those in need, Stuart began a lifelong mission to reach isolated and forgotten people using aviation and technology.

cut off To help thousands of people physical, to from the outside world due s. economic and political barrier terrain and To overcome the hazardous that made extreme weather conditions er difficult or travel by road or on foot eith impossible. human needs To enable the most basic of to be met. nsforming The only way to bring life-tra and isolated help to those living in remote areas was to build airstrips. a compass and With little more than a map, , Stuart and their wartime RAF experience Jack Hemmings former RAF Squadron Leader raft on the set off in a tiny two seater airc ydon to East Cro adventure of a lifetime, from the River Nile as Africa 4,000 miles away, using sight! their guide… not a sat-nav in

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t, emergency With the help of light aircraf and medical cargo, missionary personnel red safely equipment could all be delive days of travel and efficiently, saving many ent roads. on treacherous or non-exist throughout That missionary communities . nce Africa needed MAF’s assista

Top // Stuart and Phyllis, with daughter Rebecca and son John Middle // Cartoon drawn by Stuart illustrating the difficulties of navigating during the 1948 survey Bottom // Last rays of sunshine over Ramingining

Stuart’s family In 1951, whilst repairing a crashed plane in the Sudan, Stuart met Phyllis, an American missionary. When her boss told Stuart that he could have ‘anything you need that will help you’ Stuart was happy to take him up on his promise — marrying Phyllis in 1952.

Later, Stuart recalled their adventures in his book Hope Has Wings: ‘After a brief honeymoon, we moved into a room at the SIM headquarters. The plan was to repair the Rapide [aircraft] at Khartoum airport [in Sudan], and our room had to double as the MAF office. Phyllis soon took over accounts, paying invoices as well as typing innumerable letters to London, the Sudan Government and to missions. She also ordered spares for the plane. Some of these had to be stored in our room; we even kept a propeller under the bed!'

Stuart and Phyllis had three children who joined them in their adventure: Returning the family from London to Africa ‘proved an epic flight — 12 days and 5,000 miles of flying. We’d wash the children’s nappies at night and spread them over our knees during the next day’s flight, turning on the cabin warm air to help speed the drying.’

75 years later…

As demands changed and technology evolved, MAF became an invaluable asset when global disasters struck. Delivering aid for refugees and helping governments and charities respond to hurricanes, earthquakes, famines and cyclones, by the turn of the century MAF had become a trusted leader in humanitarian aviation and an expert in disaster response.

Today, MAF operates 138 purpose-built light aircraft in 26 countries, employs more than 1,300 staff — 1,000 are of whom are local personnel — and partners with 2,000 humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, World Health Organisation, the Red Cross, Medair, Samaritan’s Purse and Tearfund.

Supported the D-Day landings as an Engineer Officer for 247 Fighte r Squadron

Co-founded MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship)

Pioneered a six-month survey acr oss central Africa and narrowly escape da crash which destroyed MAF’s first Miles Gemini aircraft

Launched MAF’s first operationa l African programme in Sudan

Flew with his wife Phyllis and the ir 2 young children 5,000 miles in MA F’s Cessna 180 aircraft to set up hom e in Sudan (The journey took 12 day s.)

Returns to the UK as MAF’s General Director

Becomes President Emeritus of

MAF UK

Appointed to the rank of Chevali er in the Ordre National de la Légion d’H onneur by the French Government

Receives the Award of Honour from the Honourable Company of Air Pilo ts.

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For 75 years, Stuart has been at the heart of an organisation which has grown and expanded beyond his wildest dreams. Since the initial hair-raising survey of 1948, MAF has remained true to its founding vision of using aviation and technology to share the Gospel and deliver humanitarian assistance.

Stuart leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren, all of whom describe him as a truly inspirational figure.

'Dad's life motto was always to be the best man he could be in God in every season of his life. He strived to be the best bachelor, then the best husband, the best father and finally the best widower. He was always so determined and committed to MAF. He is an inspiration to us all.'

Rebecca King, Stuart’s eldest daughter, 18 November 2019

'MAF is a family, and I am grateful to be a part of it, and for the way God has enabled me to be involved. I want to thank my MAF family for 75 years of faithful support – we could not have done it without you. May God bless you and make you a blessing to others.'

Stuart King, 13 March 2020, on his 98th birthday, shortly before self-isolating at his home in Folkestone, Kent

Want to know more about this inspirational legend?

Then check out our website www.maf-uk.org/stuartking

Are you interested in world mission and adventure?

We’re looking for teenagers across the UK to join our online youth panel, to help MAF Youth remain relevant, fresh and inspiring.

The panel will meet every three months, on Zoom, to: Ensure MAF Youth always puts young people’s thoughts, voices and aspirations first.

Review, discuss and give feedback on any new MAF Youth products, resources and plans.

Share opinions and provide insight into current youth culture and new trends; ensuring that MAF Youth keeps relevant and up-to-date.

Bring new ideas for MAF Youth to try out.

What do you get in return?

Skills for your CV. The satisfaction of making a huge difference to MAF’s work, both locally and globally.

A forum to voice your opinions, feedback and exciting ideas.

Exciting post before each meeting –including new resources and sweets to get you through the meeting!

If you’re 13-18 years old and want to join our MAF Youth Panel, email youth@maf-uk.org to tell us you’re interested.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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COMPETIT s Send u t es b r u o y s a m t s i Chr selfie!

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TION// TIME Get creative with your family or friends.

Dress up as a Christmas tree, pretend to be a turkey, or ‘Elf Yourself’!

Send them in to us at youth@maf-uk.org

ie f l e s t Bes air p a s win at h c p a of Sn cs! spe

All entrie s win a Christm as selection box!

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MAF helps IMA by flying medical supplies from Juba to the Kodok airstrip in the far norith, an over two-2hour flight and impossible by road.

PHOTO LUANNE CADD

COUNTRY SOUTH SUDAN CAPITAL JUBA KNOWN FOR Savannas, swamplands and rainforests Peace and healing where there’s conflict and crime

JUBA

Y utH Wall Even Santa

sometimes

asks for help

MAF has reached over 30,000 School children in the UK this Christmas with our MAF Advent Adventure!

Who h ide a bake s in ry at Christ mas?

A minc e spy! o you What d eat ou get if y as Christm s? tion decora is Tinsillit t you ge o d t a Wh Santa s s o r c if you duck? a h t i w tmas A Chris r quacke

at Christmas...

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re. ent Adventu their MAF Adv e landed on to be for a chance his friends hav re Mike and s each day and find out whe fascinating fact ily in 2021!* r each day to out loads of fam find le y, who stor Open the doo the for our Advent to the cinema s org to hear trip ent. win adv Visit maf e draw to our grand priz entered into

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PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Pray for scattered teenagers around the world who are unable to attend school and who can’t access education at home.

Pray for schools, students and teachers across the UK who are struggling with catching up on lost time.

Pray for those who can’t see their loved ones this Christmas.

Why not send us a prayer, so we can pray for you? Just email youth@maf-uk.org

PHOTOS DAVID WATERMAN, THORKILD JØRGENSEN AND WINTERMANTEL 2-MINUTE READ

Last flight out

doDginG a draMA Hazel Wintermantel sits opposite her mum in the cosy living room of an MAF house in Juba, South Sudan. It’s been three weeks since her MAF medevac and operation Before COVID-19 hit Africa, 17-year-old Hazel was at boarding school in Kenya. Her parents and three younger brothers were based in Torit, South Sudan, about 620 miles away, serving as missionaries with Africa Inland Mission (AIM).

When Kenya started going into lockdown, Hazel flew to join her family in South Sudan.

She expected to stay in Torit, continuing her studies online until the end of term. But Hazel’s plans changed again when she woke up in the middle of the night with a stabling pain in her right side.

‘I woke up around two in the morning with abdominal pain. At about 6am, I told my mum that I wasn’t feeling super-great!’

‘Later in the morning, I texted my mum because she was out teaching. She came back early because I couldn’t move. She had spoken to a doctor who said it might be appendicitis.

After I’d visited the clinic in Torit, they decided I needed to go to hospital for a proper examination.’

When you’ve been diagnosed with suspected appendicitis, it’s quite likely your appendix will need to be removed as soon as possible before it gets too inflamed. In a worst case scenario, it could even explode!

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All flights shut down Everything leading up to Hazel’s medical emergency flight happened quickly.

‘I stayed at the clinic,’ explains Hazel, ‘while my parents rushed to get our passports, then came back and got me. The usual twiceweekly MAF shuttle flights weren’t running, but a specially arranged charter flight was due to land in Torit at 3pm to pick up the World Health Organisation’s Rapid Response Team.

‘My mum and I were able to get on the plane and fly to Juba. That was the day before the flights shut down for passengers travelling anywhere in South Sudan.’

God’s life-saving timing Gina, Hazel’s mum, continues, ‘We got to the hospital, where Hazel was examined and eventually had a CT scan. Having consulted with doctors and the radiologist, they performed the operation the day after.’

It was all very much in God’s timing!

The operation went well and, a few days later, Hazel continued her recovery in a vacant house in MAF’s compound. Her mum kept her company.

Main // MAF aircraft on the ground in South Sudan Far left // Hazel with her parents Left // MAF Pilot Danny Gill Bottom left // Hazel with her three younger brothers home in Torit, pre-appendicitis Below // Recovering at the MAF compound

uld that we co et t a e r g y ll g ‘It was rea her out to g in y fl y b l next help Haze oved. The m e r ix d n rt was her appe er transpo g n e s s a p me timing day, all o s e w a s a . It w r cancelled uld get he o c e w t a th wn. from God gs shut do in h t e r fo out be ot serious g e v a h ld u Things co kly!’ pretty quic

Scattered students around the world As Hazel began to feel better, her focus turned back to her studies and fast approaching exams.

‘I should be in Kenya at Rift Valley Academy right now, but third term classes are now online. It’s hard, especially as a senior this year, but I know that seniors across the globe are going through the same thing.

‘I’ve been trying to stick to the “this too will pass” thing! I think it makes it easier knowing that everyone else is going through the same kind of stuff.

‘Right now, we’re missing a lot of fun things that people get to do during senior year at our school, such as beach trips and graduation.

South Sudanese teens ‘Girls my age in Torit are always busy. The ones I know are already mothers and already working, doing everything for their families. They don’t really have time to hang out with friends. We have a completely different life.’

Hazel shares how her Torit peer group’s limited options make her feel ‘kind of guilty’, ‘because I know how many opportunities I have!

But it’s helped me realise not to take the options and choices I have for granted.’

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MAF Engineer Training Scheme

MAF is excited to let you know about our new engineering training scheme which enables aspiring engineers get the theoretical and practical experience necessary to serve as a licensed aircraft engineer in one of our programmes overseas.

Financial assistance MAF UK will provide financial assistance to help with living expenses and accommodation costs for the duration of the scheme.

MAF UK will also cover the cost of tuition for both the approved and modular routes. For those on the degree route, MAF UK will pay monthly student loan repayments for the length of active service.

Training agreement In view of MAF UK’s investment, successful candidates will be required to sign a training agreement binding them to service with MAF following the completion of their studies and practical experience.

Contact youth@maf-uk.org for more information or to register your interest.

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The training scheme There are three pathways through the MAF UK training scheme: APPROVED ROUTE

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

SUPPORT RAISING (3 MONTHS)

STUDY AND EXAMS (2 YEARS)

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE (2 YEARS)

OVERSEAS SERVICE

The approved route involves an initial two years of full-time classroom study and exams, followed by two years of gaining practical experience with a partner organisation in the UK.

MODULAR ROUTE

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

SUPPORT RAISING (3 MONTHS)

STUDY AND EXAMS (1 YEARS)

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE (4 YEARS)

OVERSEAS SERVICE

The modular route involves an initial year of intense classroom study and exams, followed by four years of gaining practical experience with a partner organisation in the UK.

DEGREE ROUTE

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

SUPPORT RAISING (3 MONTHS)

STUDY AND EXAMS (3 YEARS)

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE (2 YEARS)

OVERSEAS SERVICE

The degree route involves enrolment at the University of South Wales to complete a BSc (Hons) Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance Systems, followed by one year of gaining practical experience with a partner organisation in the UK.

Educational and other requirements

Application and selection

The completion of A-level mathematics and physics at grade B and above

Complete the online application form found on our Vacancies page on the MAF UK website.

A vibrant Christian faith

Attend initial interviews to explore Christian faith, maturity, character and calling

The support of a local church community Maturity and a strong indication of resilience Evidence of a keen interest in aircraft engineering The ability to pass an occupational medical

Complete a medical and psychological assessment Complete a technical evaluation.

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TRIBUTE TO MAF FOUNDER – STUART KING

12

EXPLODING APPENDIX!

IT

// ION

6

23

WIN A PAIR OF SNAPCHAT SPECS

Search ‘MAF Youth’ W maf-uk.org/youth E youth@maf-uk.org