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A FLIGHT T O REMEMBE R
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WIN AN ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
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MADAGASCA R NEEDS FOOD
A friendship for life Former RAF men Jack Hemmings and Stuart King shared many unforgettable and pioneering adventures as they helped establish MAF, fuelled by their love of aviation and faith in God.
'Together we shared many novel experiences,' Jack recalls, 'first flying the Miles Gemini on the UK tour, then the six-month survey of central Africa in 1948.' His friend Stuart died in August 2020, aged 98.
'I want to remember all he achieved in his exceptional life,' says Jack. 'Stuart was a pilot, an engineer, a pioneer and a man of resolute faith. 'He was a great friend, a man of vision, devoted to MAF since its formation in 1945. If Stuart were here today, I would simply say to him, "Stuart — you done good!"' MAF’s early days Jack’s first flight in a Miles Gemini aircraft was on 6 September 1947 when MAF began its six-week UK tour from Broxbourne Airport, Hertfordshire. The momentous tour included 33 stops. More than 20,000 people were the first to hear about MAF and to see its first plane, which was also Britain’s first-ever mission aircraft.
The tw
o frien Stuart ds in 1947 – (left) a nd Jac k
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This unique plane was named the Mildmay Pathfinder, after the Mildmay Foundation which helped finance MAF’s first mission. In January 1948, the two friends flew across Africa in the Pathfinder, surveying the needs of some of the world’s most isolated people in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda and the Congo. In true adventure style, their six-month trip was full of challenges — hazardous terrain, difficult climates and dangerous conditions. During their survey, they travelled more than 10,000km, visiting over 500 isolated missionaries across central Africa.
'Everywhere we landed was somewhere new to us,' Jack says, '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 — people gathering round with great interest. 'We explored whether we could help in areas that were almost completely cut off.'
Background // Darren Harbour Far left // MAF Archive Left // Oliver Nunn Below // Jenny Davis
Shortly after landing, Jack summed up his
‘It was wonderful to be back in a Miles 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.’ momentous flight by saying,
No ordinary man Together, Jack and Stuart concluded that the only way to provide life-saving help in hard-toreach places was to build airstrips in the wilderness.
A trip down memory lane On 17 March 2022, 74 years since he last flew the same model with his pal, Jack Hemmings AFC (Air Force Cross — a military honour awarded for acts of gallantry) took to the skies in a vintage 1947 Miles Gemini. The flight, in memory of Stuart, occurred in the same week that would have seen Stuart King turn 100 had he lived. It took place over Old Warden Airfield on the Shuttleworth Estate in Bedfordshire. Blessed with a clear blue sky, Jack and Stu Blanchard — the plane’s owner — had a bird’s-eye view of Shuttleworth’s huge collection of vintage planes. Shuttleworth is home to some of the world’s oldest flying aircraft, including a de Havilland Rapide — the model first used by MAF in Sudan, which Jack flew during the 1950s.
The incredible flight followed Jack’s 100th birthday celebrations last August, which saw him perform aerobatics at White Waltham Airfield in Maidenhead. Jack is thought to be the oldest British airmen to perform stunts of this kind.
'Today, MAF has more than 120 planes worldwide,' Jack concludes. 'Every flight does some good — I think 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.' Jack’s long-established friendship with Stuart and their simple vision to reach isolated people around the world helped result in the formation of the world’s largest humanitarian airline.
Where will your dreams and passions take you?
– r in 2019 Togethe k c a J eft) and Stuart (l
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W E N
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STAFF HIGHLIGHT
More than just a job WHEN MAF YOUTH MET RUTH JACK MAF YOUTH: What was it like growing up? RUTH: It was amazing. My grandparents and parents ran a Christian conference centre and I lived in community until the age of 18 with my parents and grandparents. It was there that I developed a heart for mission work. MAF YOUTH: Tell us about your first overseas trip. RUTH: I went to Guyana, South America, for one year with Choices for Children as a project manager, to set up a home for street children. It’s still running! MAF YOUTH: What led you to humanitarian work?
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Country Director Joined MAF:
2015
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RUTH: I remember watching Live Aid when I was 12 and thought, ‘I want to be involved in this.’ Then, when the genocide in Rwanda happened, I wanted to help. These events had a profound impact on my thinking. MAF YOUTH: Tell us what led you to MAF. RUTH: I met my husband Duncan at City Church Aberdeen in my final year at university. A few years later, I studied Psychology with Open University while my two daughters were little, then did an MSc in International Development whilst running a youth organisation.
Background // Jeremy Bezanger, Unsplash.com Bottom left // Dave Forney Bottom right // Divyan Ahimaz
In 2013, I became Major Donor Manager at Tearfund and went on 5 or 6 trips in 2½ years. Then, in 2015, I became Head of MAF Scotland, which was in the same building as Tearfund. I always had a vision of flying in a small plane over the planes of Africa — which I’m about to do. I realise that, to get to the remotest places, you need an aircraft. MAF YOUTH: Why did you want to join MAF? RUTH: I wanted to do something new and connect with operational work that helps people directly. I’d just come back from India and Nepal with Tearfund and we were following the route of child traffickers to Mumbai. We walked through the red-light district — a hellish place. When I came back to Scotland, I cried in the shower, in the office etc. I couldn’t remain behind a desk. I needed to get closer to the front lines.
MAF YOUTH: What does MAF mean to you? RUTH: MAF is the backbone — it makes sure things happen. We go the last mile, land on airstrips no one else lands on and do the work no one else wants to do. I’ve always wanted to be close to those most in need. And I love aircraft. MAF YOUTH: Describe Arnhem Land to us — your last MAF placement? RUTH: It’s a vast stretch of land, with incredible history, and a very rich culture. It’s hard, hot, humid and remote. The sea and soil eat everything — some of my shoes and jewellery fell apart. Air conditioning breaks down more than anywhere else. In Arnhem Land’s remotest parts, the indigenous people live in poverty. Unless MAF is there, children can’t get to school, and healthcare won’t be delivered.
. en pp ha gs in th re su es ak m it — ne bo ck ba e th MAF is se el e on no s ip tr rs ai on nd la , ile m st la e th go We lands on and do the work no one else wants to do. rts the d suppo stian n a L m e hri rnh en two C MAF in A ip betwe e gap between h rs e n rt pa e th e land to bridg sent in th re schools p s re u cult the two
MAF Natio nal Staff o work to re versaw habilitate the Amud airstrip in at eastern U ganda
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MAF YOUTH: What will stick with you from your work in Arnhem Land?
MAF YOUTH: What are you most looking forward to as MAF Uganda Country Director?
RUTH: The level of poverty surprised me. Most Australians don’t know what it’s like there. If they see it, they’re surprised.
RUTH: I can’t wait to live in Africa — we’ve thought about it for many years. It’s a great cross-cultural opportunity for our son Samuel (12). He thrived in Arnhem Land and he’s excited about Africa.
MAF YOUTH: Most memorable work there?
Uganda is a hub for nearby programmes, right in the centre of humanitarian work. I love leading teams and seeing people be given the support to flourish in their giftings.
RUTH: Supporting the missionaries living remotely. It’s hard to describe but living out there is very difficult. Without MAF, most people wouldn’t stick at it. MAF is a lifeline, enabling access to groceries, healthcare, colleagues and family. It also helped set up a shelter which rescues women from violence. MAF YOUTH: What was the biggest challenge? RUTH: Being separated from our daughters, who are 24 and 21.
MAF YOUTH: What advice would you give to someone interested in being a Country Director? RUTH: Ask lots of questions, volunteer with organisations working in development, be clear about what you want to do and be passionate about chasing that dream. It’s more than just a job, it’s about leading teams and empowering them to be all that God has created them to be.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
'Mother to a nation' You don’t get a nickname like that lightly! And, seeing as Glenda Giles has very recently retired from classroom teaching after 46 years, we thought we’d take a moment to celebrate such an amazing woman! Since 1976, Glenda Giles has opened four schools in Papua New Guinea (PNG), all of which rely entirely on our aircraft to transport building materials and educational supplies. Her commitment to the students of Oksapmin Secondary School has helped them achieve some of PNG’s highest ever exam grades. Education has been a lifelong passion for Glenda — and she isn’t done with it yet. She has now moved to Wewak where she is working as an educational trainer for Christian Brethren Churches of PNG, meaning that she will still be a frequent MAF flyer. What a woman!
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9-15 May 2022 is Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is ‘Loneliness’. To read about practical steps to help with it, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk Please pray That all those who are affected by mental health struggles will know God’s peace. That everyone who is feeling lonely will be comforted. For God’s blessing on Jack Hemmings and family. For MAF Uganda Country Director Ruth Jack and her family. For Glenda Giles as she adjusts to her new life in Wewak, PNG.
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‘Fear not, for I a m you; be not disma with for I am your Godyed, will strengthen you ; I ,I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:10
(ESV)
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PHOTO DAVE FORNEY
KAMPALA
COUNTRY UGANDA CAPITAL KAMPALA POPULATION AROUND 46 MILLION Known for its game reserves, gorillas and precious gems Please pray for peace and healing in areas where there’s unrest
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Africa
Madagascar needs food! Tragically, Madagascar faces its worst drought in 40 years. UNICEF says half a million children under the age of 5 will be ‘acutely malnourished’ this year, with a further 110,000 facing ‘severe malnourishment’ In response, MAF flew staff from the Association of Bible Baptist Churches in Madagascar who’ve been distributing food to the worst-hit areas. In southern Madagascar, where 80% of the population depends on agriculture to survive, half of its 29 million people face hunger according to the UN World Food Programme. The drought has killed crops and dried up water sources, resulting in little to no harvest for communities and cattle. Farming families have lost their livelihoods and have been forced to leave their homes because of the drought.
Global warming The pandemic, deforestation and Madagascar’s cyclone season have worsened the suffering. The UN Food Programme says this could become ‘the first famine to be caused by climate change’. According to The Guardian, approximately 80% of Madagascar’s rainforest has been cut down, leading to soil degradation. Sandstorms are occurring as frequently as four times a month where dust
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smothers and ruins any fledgling crops. Once farms are covered in sand, it’s difficult to reuse the land for planting because the sand needs to be removed by hand. There are even reports of communities eating locusts, leaves, clay and shoe leather just to survive. Imagine that! For many farmers living on incredibly low incomes in the south, accessing basic food and water has become unaffordable. ‘Cassavas and sweet potatoes are difficult to find because of the lack of rain,’ says Josoa Salama Emmanuel, General Secretary of the Association of Bible Baptist Churches in Madagascar. ‘Before, families could afford to eat once a day, in the evening. Now people from the villages are forced to relocate to the city to find a job. ‘Many farmers have sold their livestock. They have to sell something to find the equivalent of just 19p — the daily cost of feeding their whole family. The rich became poor after selling all their cattle. Others sell their houses and land just to be able to eat and drink.’
Background // Mark & Kelly Hewes Right // LuAnne Cadd Below // Ryan Unger
the first famine to be caused by climate change?
MAF flew a small group of delegates to the southern part of Madagascar
MAF Pilot Ryan Unger Hope to replace hunger In response to the situation, MAF Pilot Ryan Unger recently flew a Bible Baptist Church team to Ambovombe, to distribute food in more than 20 surrounding villages which have been devastated by the drought. In just 3 days, 2,500 people were provided with food and water, thanks to MAF, the Association of Bible Baptist Churches and Pastor Jonoro, who has been working in the south for more than a decade. Spiritual ‘food’ was also offered to the people, with hundreds hearing the Gospel for the first time. Through the hardships, there’s an opportunity for Christians to share the love of God. One new Christian explained how she was encouraged. ‘Before, I was asking myself, “What will I eat?” after trying hard to find something. But God heard my cry and today, I got something to eat! Thanks to God for hearing my cry. I want to rely on this living God.’ Josoa Salama Emmanuel echoes this reliance on the Lord, saying, ‘We are thankful to God and MAF for their transportation. Our partnership is meeting real needs.’
Please pray for the rain to come, ending the 40 year drought, and that the people of Madagascar will have enough food. 15
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MADAGASCA R NEEDS FOOD
Search ‘MAF Youth’ W maf-uk.org/youth E youth@maf-uk.org