Prayer Diary (April - June 2021)

PRAYER DIARY APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org/pray

HOPE /həʊp/ noun to cherish a desire with anticipation (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint — Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) In the UK, as the spring blossom begins to emerge and the earth changes colour from greys and browns to greens against the blue of the sky, we can cherish with anticipation the desire for the ‘cold winter’ of coronavirus limitations to be over.

What a winter it has been! Alongside the devastation of loss and challenge to health, the prolonged effect of this global pandemic has overwhelmed the strongest of hearts as fear wages its war against us — resulting in an overwhelming sense of weariness and fatigue.

As Christians, we haven’t been immune to the harsh wind that has blown across the world.

We have had to adapt to new ways of worshipping and connecting with fellow believers.

We too have experienced the loss of family and friends. I am sure there were times when it felt like we were holding on to God by only our fingertips.

But there is something that we have as believers that sets us apart. Hope in the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 tells us: ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’

Although these words were addressed to the people of Israel, they apply to all God’s people. As we trust God, unable to see what the future holds, His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Hope is a mindset. It doesn’t ignore or deny the reality of the season or the circumstances but, despite all that’s going on around us, chooses to believe that God will bring beauty from the ashes that surround us.

Jesus came to bring us hope. When we hope in Him, He doesn’t let us down. Instead, He renews our strength and invites us to be bearers of hope to others.

As we bring our offering of prayer for MAF and those we serve over the coming months, let us ask our Father in heaven to soften our hearts in the areas where we have lost hope, to renew our anticipation at seeing His hand at work, and to help us to be a ‘blossom of hope’ this springtime and beyond.

God bless you all

Victoria Fagg Prayer Communications Leader, MAF UK 2 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

Weekly pattern of prayer

Praise Sundays

Ask

Mondays

Scripture Tuesdays

Be still

Wednesdays

Team

Thursdays

Faith Fridays

Action

Saturdays

PHOTO KENT EMBLETON

MAF reaches people in remote Mozambique with the hope of the resurrection

RESURRECTION HOPE

APRIL

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many — MATTHEW 20:28 (ESV) THURSDAY 1 The humility expressed by Jesus as He washed His disciples’ feet foreshadowed His ultimate act of humility and love on the cross. As you ponder the significance of this simple act of care, please pray for our overseas staff as they reflect the love of Jesus in their everyday service to remote and isolated people throughout the world.

FRIDAY 2 This Good Friday we remember our Redeemer — mocked, tortured and crowned with thorns. Let’s still ourselves for a moment and imagine the devastation His followers experienced as they watched their Lord being crucified. Then pray with extravagant faith, knowing that He overcame the grave and will overcome all that hinders this world from knowing His peace, protection, provision and love.

SATURDAY 3 The Bill Gaither hymn ‘Because He Lives’ encourages us that we can face tomorrow and live without fear because Jesus rose again. This Easter, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind a worship song or hymn that might encourage our overseas staff, and share it with victoria.fagg@maf-uk.org APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 3

PHOTO GRACE WARD

MAF Technology Services in PNG help install solar panels for clinics, hospitals and churches — a renewable energy source

HOPE FOR HUMANITY

APRIL

SUNDAY 4 Praise God for the ultimate hope for humanity — the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Give thanks that at the heart of MAF lies the desire to make Jesus known, demonstrating love in action to the ends of the earth.

MONDAY 5 MAF is working hard to research new, clean technologies for the future. Pray that we will be able to serve the communities most at risk through caring both for the people and their environment.

TUESDAY 6 Stuart King, one of MAF's founders, called his book Hope Has Wings. 'And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal Gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people'.

Meditate on these hope-filled words from Revelation 14:6 and let God guide your prayers for our flights.

WEDNESDAY 7 Give thanks that hope is being brought to Yolŋu communities in Arnhem Land through the provision of God’s Word via solar-powered audio Bibles. Today, as you turn to the Lord in stillness and quiet, ask the God of peace to bless the Yolŋu people who benefit from this amazing resource.

THURSDAY 8 There are MAF teams in 26 different countries across the world. Today, let’s focus on a country featured in Flying for Life to help us pray for the MAF team at work there.

Notice where ‘hope’ and ‘humanity’ are clearly present.

FRIDAY 9 At times, we are tempted to lose hope as we hear reports of war, sickness, inequality, prejudice and injustice.

However, we follow a God who has redeemed this world. Pray for MAF partner Kuron Peace Village. May God increase the villagers' faith and His Kingdom be manifest in all they do.

SATURDAY 10 Our overseas staff have seen a need, heard God’s call, and responded. Pray for them as you consider what action God is calling you to take for the sake of humanity — locally, nationally, or globally. Visit www.maf-uk.org/staff for more details.

4 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit Romans 15:13 (NLT)

ABOVE Remote communities in Arnhem Land receive solarpowered audio Bibles from MAF

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS

APRIL

SUNDAY 11 ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head’ (Matthew 8:20, NIV). Praise God that Jesus understands homelessness intimately. He experienced it throughout His ministry and can empathise with the plight of displaced people throughout the world.

MONDAY 12 MAF serves in many nations where refugees fleeing conflict and violence find themselves living in ‘temporary’ settlements in neighbouring countries. Pray that people will come alongside the refugees and that it’ll soon be safe for them to return home.

TUESDAY 13 ‘Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me’ (Revelation 3:20, GNT). Pray that those who hear these words through the ministry of Maasai evangelist Elisha Moita will open their hearts to the Lord.

WEDNESDAY 14 Be still and consider a community that MAF serves where ‘home’ may be a place of violence or danger, rather than a haven of safety and peace. In the DRC, we recently flew women who'd been victims of violence and attacks from the local militia. Pray that an increasing number of vulnerable people will be helped as MAF enables its partners to reach isolated and neglected areas.

THURSDAY 15 Pray for MAF staff at home and abroad who have faced uncertainty and upheaval in terms of accommodation. Pray for God's grace so they can focus on serving in the area where He has placed them.

FRIDAY 16 At the end of 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota swept through Central America. Today, let’s pray with faith that the relief flights organised by MAF’s Disaster Response Team carrying medics, supplies and medicine — including malaria drugs — will have left a lasting glimpse of God's love with those whose homes have been destroyed.

SATURDAY 17 Give thanks for where you live and consider how you might show hospitality to those around you. 1 Peter 4:9 says: ‘Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay’ (NLT). How might it be possible to extend the gift of hospitality, even at a distance?

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory Colossians 1:27 (NIV)

MAIN As of November 2020, the UN reported more than 1.4 million refugees in Uganda INSET Many lost their homes in Central America after hurricanes Eta and Iota struck in November 2020 PHOTO MARK AND KELLY HEWES

APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 5

HOPE FOR THE HARD-TO-REACH SUNDAY 18 Praise God for MAF’s delivery of food to a Haitian village after staff from a Christian mission were ambushed while trying to deliver supplies overland. In many areas where road travel is dangerous, MAF is often the only way people can receive life’s necessities.

MONDAY 19 Ask God for the unbelieving spouses of believers in Tlhanyaku, Lesotho, to receive Christ and put Him at the centre of their marriages. Although many there believe that Jesus is only for women, let’s pray for God to soften the hearts of those who — whether spiritually or physically — appear far off.

TUESDAY 20 Give thanks that the presidential elections held at the end of last year in Guinea — where MAF is establishing a new programme — were largely peaceful. 1 Timothy 2:2 tells us to pray for those in authority, so let’s intercede for the leaders of the nations in which MAF serves, along with the people who, through poverty or geography, are far-removed from the political process.

WEDNESDAY 21 Today, be still and consider what it means for those who were once far away to have been brought near by the blood of Christ. What does it mean to be ‘far off’ (Acts 2:39, Ephesians 2:13-17, Revelation 5:9) and ‘separated from Christ’ (Ephesians 2:12)? And how does God call people, however hard to reach, to Himself?

THURSDAY 22 Pray that our team will settle well following the restructure of our Arnhem Land programme. MAF planes in this remote territory enable isolated Yolŋu believers to reach hard-to-access homelands safely.

FRIDAY 23 Pray in faith for the safety of MAF pilots, partners and personnel. Due to the nature of the remote regions we serve, many of the airstrips we use can be extremely challenging.

SATURDAY 24 Uphold the Bible study groups established by MAF partner Lesotho Flying Pastors (LFP). Thanks to our help, a mountain-based LFP couple visits villages daily to lead Bible studies and encourage believers. Closer to home, if you’d like to join like-minded UK Christians who pray specifically for MAF, contact allyson.edwards@maf-uk.org 6 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people Ephesians 1:18 (CEV)

PHOTO ERIC FAGERLAND

APRIL / MAY

SUNDAY 25 Praise God for MAF flights in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region which transport doctors and dentists to inaccessible areas. Without our aircraft, the health needs of many cannot be met.

MONDAY 26 According to the UN, at least nine aid workers were killed in South Sudan during 2020. Pray that humanitarian workers and missionaries will be kept safe, particularly in remote areas plagued by bandits, conflict and political insecurity.

Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the One who made the promises is reliable Hebrews 10:23 (CEB)

TUESDAY 27 God’s Word has power! It is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Give thanks for the 40 students in Papua New Guinea (PNG) who received copies of the Bible from an MAF plane. Neither distance nor inaccessible terrain can prevent God’s Word from taking wing!

WEDNESDAY 28 Last year, MAF partners struggled to reach refugee camps in northern Uganda when heavy rainfall made the roads impassable. Pray for all those who are cut off when the rains come. In the stillness, consider anyone around you who might also be feeling isolated. Is there anything you can do to help them?

THURSDAY 29 Give thanks for our eastern Democratic Republic of Congo team. Last year, they held a conference in Bunia that encouraged Congolese missionaries to reach out to their fellow countrymen. Despite the family pressures or geographical barriers that make it hard for people to be reached, pray that many hear God’s message and believe.

FRIDAY 30 Be bold and pray in faith that God will provide more pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers. The demand for our services is great and, unless we have people to fly and maintain our planes, those separated from the outside world won’t receive the necessities they need.

SATURDAY 1 Last year, we delivered Bibles to Papua’s Yali people. Due to their remote location, this formally cannibalistic tribe lived without hope — hating and being hated (Titus 3:3).

Thanks to missionaries flown in by MAF, there’s now a thriving Yali church. Encouraged by these apparently unlikely recipients of God’s grace, bring to mind someone you think can’t be reached, and pray that they will be!

MAIN MAF helps people in Haiti travel safely, without fear for their security TOP LEFT Lesotho Flying Pastors minister to the remote Basotho people BOTTOM LEFT In August 2020, MAF flew 1,160 Bibles, plus 1,400 children's story Bibles, to the Yali ABOVE MAF helped NGO partners on the ground in Kasese, Uganda after the flooding in 2020 APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 7

PHOTO LACEY WEST / DANITA'S CHILDREN

MAF partner Danita's Children works in Haiti, delivering the Plumpy'Nut food supplement to reduce malnutrition

HOPE FOR THE HUNGRY

MAY

SUNDAY 2 Praise God that MAF partners such as Tearfund and Medair deliver highly nutritious food to those affected by poor harvests, famine and food insecurity — particularly children and young people.

MONDAY 3 One of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is to achieve ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030. However, according to the World Food Programme, ‘135 million suffer from acute hunger largely due to man-made conflicts, climate change and economic downturns. The COVID-19 pandemic could now double that number.’ Pray that MAF will help its partners bring sustainable solutions to food insecurity, fairer distribution of resources, and improvements to poor agricultural practices.

TUESDAY 4 Isaiah 58:7 tells us, ‘Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help’ (NLT).

Pray that MAF flights continuing to bring food and shelter to some of the world’s most vulnerable people will be used to full effect by those who are able to make the greatest impact.

WEDNESDAY 5 Next time you share Communion, whether in person with others or ‘virtually’ online, remember those for whom finding enough food for themselves and their families is a daily struggle. Pray that Jesus will send help to people in remote locations, as well as those living closer to home.

The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love Psalm 147:11 (NIV)

THURSDAY 6 In Arnhem Land, the availability of fresh produce remains a challenge. Pray for MAF’s team as it supports initiatives in Yolŋu homelands aimed at addressing this problem.

FRIDAY 7 Jesus said, ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled’ (Matthew 5:6, NIV). Have faith that everyone who seeks Christ will be satisfied — whether their hunger is physical or spiritual.

SATURDAY 8 MAF flights help the hungry in remote communities. However, we can also help those on our own doorstep who find themselves without enough to eat. Why not donate to your local food bank, volunteer, or point those who need food to their GP, local vicar or social services?

8 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

ABOVE Emergency beans and rice packets were distributed to families affected by hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020

PHOTO KATIE MACHELL

HOPE FOR WHOLENESS SUNDAY 9 Praise God that MAF helps some 2,000 partner organisations to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those they seek to serve.

MONDAY 10 MAF partner Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM), a big Pentecostal church in Nairobi, initially had to build two churches with a strict boundary divide, because of clan conflict.

CITAM staff slowly taught the Gospel of peace and unity in both churches before bringing them together to worship. Give thanks for the peacemakers at CITAM. Pray that reconciliation will continue among the Rendille tribe in northern Kenya.

MAY

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth Job 5:16 (NKJV)

TUESDAY 11 ‘He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds’ (Psalm 147:3, NIV). Pray that those who benefit from MAF medevacs will be healed emotionally, as well as physically, from the trauma they’ve suffered. Give thanks that our pilots pray openly for the passengers on their planes.

WEDNESDAY 12 Take some time today to go outside and enjoy God’s creation. Our freedoms have been restricted recently and may have given us a small taste of what it’s like to live in isolation, or in places where curfews are sometimes necessary. Thank God for the freedoms we usually enjoy and pray that MAF will continue to reach those who are oppressed or who are cut off from the outside world.

THURSDAY 13 Pray for unity and a sense of being ‘one body’ for the MAF UK team and those serving throughout the world. Pray that God will protect and keep them, enabling our staff to minister to others and help restore them to wholeness.

FRIDAY 14 Today, let’s pray with faith for MAF partner Tutapona.

May the work they do with children whose lives have been torn apart by conflict in South Sudan bring freedom and wholeness to each one.

SATURDAY 15 ACRA, MAF’s partner in Chad, works on community projects which are vital in maintaining peace and good relationships between different groups of people. Think about a relationship in your own life which is broken. Can you be the first to make a small step towards reconciliation? You might be surprised at how the other person responds to your change of approach.

MAIN Phil Henderson, praying for his passengers before take-off TOP Am Timan from the air, on a flight for ACRA in Chad ABOVE The Episcopal Church of South Sudan runs workshops for young people who have been in conflict with other tribes, teaching God's love and forgiveness APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 9

HOPE FOR HEALTH SUNDAY 16 Praise God that the Madagascar Medical Safari flights began again when lockdown restrictions lifted. Pilot Ryan Unger brought a team from HoverAid to Ampasinambo to run a one-week clinic.

MONDAY 17 In October 2020, MAF Arnhem Land Pilot Anton Zhang flew a Yolŋu lady facing pregnancy complications from her remote homeland to Gove Airport, where an ambulance took her to hospital. Ask the Lord to surround all pregnant mothers experiencing difficulty with His peace.

TUESDAY 18 Just as David sang in Psalm 30:2, thank the Lord for His almighty healing power: ‘Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me.’ Pray today for the MAF Timor-Leste team, which partners with the Ministry of Health to perform more than 250 medevacs a year.

WEDNESDAY 19 Today, let’s pray this prayer, ‘Lord, we ask You to calm the minds of those MAF serves and those serving with MAF. Let the fact that You are with us through the storms of life be tangible to those who need assurance today.'

THURSDAY 20 MAF is committed to keeping pilots and personnel safe when working. In PNG, our aircraft maintenance team ensures that the planes are safe, and Kambowa Kukyuwa, our Occupational Health and Safety Officer, ensures there are emergency first aid kits for MAF vehicles. Pray for the ongoing safety of all MAF staff.

FRIDAY 21 In South Sudan, the welfare of children who can’t go to school has declined since lockdown began. Children’s NGOs report an increase in pregnancies, gender-based violence, child marriage and fears that many of the girls will never return to school. Pray in faith that something can be done to protect these precious children.

SATURDAY 22 Face masks save lives and are an essential part of flying for our pilots and office-based staff during this season.

Pray that all the safety protocols MAF has put in place will be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Remember to wear your mask, so you can also play your part.

TOP Anton Zhang's aircraft at Gove Airport after his medevac flight ABOVE Kambowa Kukyuwa showing Luke Dokminiok the MAF vehicle safety and first aid kits BELOW HoverAid team at Ampasinambo airstrip

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT)

PHOTO RYAN UNGER

10 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

MAY

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word Psalm 119:114 (NIV)

SUNDAY 23 Praise God for Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ followers and apostles. Give thanks too that we have a God who dwells with us on earth in the person of the Holy Spirit. Though our bodies age and wither, eternity awaits!

MONDAY 24 Last year, MAF Uganda Pilot Andrew Parker flew women from the jungles of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Panzi Hospital for restorative surgery after suffering violence. Ask Jesus to restore dignity to these women and help them recover from their trauma.

TUESDAY 25 These past 12 months have been exhausting for many of us, physically and emotionally. Remember that Jesus invites us to commune with Him when we feel this way, saying, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Pray that everyone in the MAF family will cast all their cares on Him. WEDNESDAY 26 Be still, and praise God for every box of medical cargo that MAF carries daily. Without our flights, vaccinations would perish in the heat, and much needed equipment wouldn’t reach remote hospitals.

THURSDAY 27 Last year, the MAF Technology Services team in PNG helped raise awareness of African Swine Fever (ASF) via their radio. Farmers, meat factories and communities that make a living out of animals suffer economically when ASF affects their pigs. Pray that awareness of the disease will help curb its spread.

TOP Crisis Accommodation Gove ABOVE Pilot Andrew Parker unloading essential COVID-19 test kits to Panzi Hospital, DRC BELOW Five hundred African Swine Fever awareness posters were distributed during workshops

FRIDAY 28 MAF Arnhem Land has developed a partnership with Crisis Accommodation Gove (CAG), which provides women with a safe haven after suffering domestic abuse and helps them obtain employment. Pray in faith that domestic violence will come to an end, and services like CAG will no longer be needed.

SATURDAY 29 If you have a first aid box or a packet of plasters at home, why not write out one of the prayers above and tape it to the box? Next time you reach for your medical kit, read the note, and pray again for those who are suffering.

APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 11

PHOTO MARK AND KELLY HEWES

HOPE FOR HEAVEN

MAY / JUNE

SUNDAY 30 Praise God for MAF partner Pastor Sam Tsapwe [pictured above] who is spreading the hope of heaven to inhabitants of the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria in Uganda. A team of five pastors encourages and resources the church there to help spread the Gospel.

MONDAY 31 MAF pilots always take a moment before each journey to pray for the flight. The trip can also become an opportunity to share their testimony. Pray for many such conversations with people who don’t know Christ.

TUESDAY 1 Pray with us today that, in the words of Matthew 6:10, God’s Kingdom will come, and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven — wherever MAF aircraft land.

WEDNESDAY 2 Attending a Christian conference gives people time to be still and listen to God. Pray for members of churches in Arnhem Land, such as the Gondarra family, whom MAF is able to fly to events that provide encouragement, fellowship and prayer.

THURSDAY 3 Since 2008, MAF in PNG has provided ministry teams to churches. The teams consist of MAF staff who volunteer to take part in evangelism to support local Christians. Pray for everyone, from cleaners to the Country Director, as they share the Good News.

FRIDAY 4 The Jesus film is being shown throughout the world, with MAF flying teams to remote communities in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region so people can see the movie. Pray in faith that those who watch the film will accept God’s message.

SATURDAY 5 MAF pilots in Tanzania carry Swahili translations of John’s Gospel in their cockpit to hand out to the Maasai people they encounter. Pray that the words of John will convict the Maasai and bring them into a relationship with Jesus, the source of all hope.

12 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

You will rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry Job 11:18 (CEV)

ABOVE The Jesus film is shown to an isolated community in Lesotho BELOW The Gondarra family flying with MAF Pilot Tim Vallance-Webb to South Goulburn Island, Arnhem Land

HOPE FOR EQUALITY

JUNE

SUNDAY 6 Praise God for the progress being made around the world to highlight the importance of equality. Pray that MAF will model acceptance, fairness and justice in its work, and in the communities we serve, as an example of Jesus’ attitude.

MONDAY 7 In Timor-Leste, MAF provides flights for the Ministry for Social Solidarity and Inclusion, and the Secretariat of State for Equality and Inclusion, as part of an eight-year programme to end violence against women and children. Pray for fruit to come from this endeavour.

TUESDAY 8 Read Luke 10:25-37 and 19:1-10. Use the parable and Jesus’ encounter to guide your prayers. MAF is called to serve others regardless of their ethnicity, religion or social standing. Pray for opportunities to bring hope to those who are different from us.

WEDNESDAY 9 Take a moment to think about the many ways that people are not considered equal. Skin colour, gender, religion, class. Pray that MAF and its partners will demonstrate that we are all equally loved by God, for His glory.

THURSDAY 10 Equality is not the same as uniformity. MAF staff are all different and their diversity is a great strength. Pray for the 1,000 or so people working for MAF today — a vibrant mixture of national and international staff all working together to bring help, hope and healing to the developing nations of the world.

FRIDAY 11 Our programme in PNG employs staff from some 12 different countries. Pray a prayer of faith today that any bias or misconception that stands in the way of MAF’s work flourishing will be cast aside in Jesus’ name.

SATURDAY 12 Please read our latest issue of Flying for Life, or visit our website or social media pages. Ask God to show you an area of inequality that He wants you to pray about. Pray in the context of MAF’s work, the worldwide Church, and your own personal journey.

‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him’ Lamentations 3:24 (ESV)

MAIN The Nabilan Program is an eight-year partnership between the governments of Australia and Timor-Leste to end violence against women and children INSET MAF PNG's engineering team

APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 13

PHOTO CHAUNDRA EAGAR

Cheryl Kowalski (left) helps plant seeds of hope for Uganda's street children

HOPE FOR THE CHILDREN

JUNE

SUNDAY 13 Praise God for MAF Youth, which tells young people in the UK about the work of MAF and the love of Jesus. Pray that these precious youngsters will be encouraged in their faith, and might even be inspired to join MAF in the future.

MONDAY 14 For the last two years, MAF has helped Year 8 and 9 students travel on a school exchange between Nhulunbuy Christian College and Gäwa Christian School in Arnhem Land. Pray that the shared experiences help the children build a richer understanding of their different cultures.

TUESDAY 15 Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 18:3, NIV). As you meditate on this Scripture, pray that many of the remote and isolated people served by MAF will come to Him with childlike trust and adoration.

WEDNESDAY 16 Pray for the children of MAF’s international staff. Be still and think about how the Bible teaches us to place a value on people of all ages. What can we learn from children in the Bible about listening to God, resilience, love and forgiveness?

Consider reading the stories of Joseph, Moses and Samuel.

THURSDAY 17 Pray for Jo Crotty as she leads the education support for MAF children in the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Mount Hagen in PNG, Jo’s work provides support and encouragement as the children do their schooling in a very different environment to the UK.

May Your constant love be with us, LORD, as we put our hope in You Psalm 33:22 (GNT)

FRIDAY 18 Pray in faith for the hundreds of children living in refugee camps in Uganda and South Sudan, where MAF has programmes. Pray against fear, hunger and illness, and pray for hope, friendship and safety as they grow.

SATURDAY 19 There are about 15,000 street children in Kampala, Uganda. Emmanuel Children’s Outreach, where MAF’s Cheryl Kowalski volunteers, offers a safe place for the children to receive food, care, fun games, and Christian teaching. Why not send a message of hope to the children? Email us at supporter.relations@maf-uk.org or write to us, and we’ll pass the messages on.

14 Prayer Diary | APR-JUN 2021

www.maf-uk.org

ABOVE MAF Arnhem Land supports partnership between two Christian schools bridging two cultures in Australia's Northern Territory — indigenous (Yolŋu) and non-indigenous (Balanda)

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

JUNE

SUNDAY 20 This Father’s Day, we remember orphans in the countries where MAF serves — children who have lost their mothers and fathers because of conflict, disease or poverty. Praise you, Lord, that You are the ‘Father to the fatherless’ (Psalm 68:5) and care deeply about their future.

MONDAY 21 MAF is expanding into Guinea. Ask God to bless the work of Emil and Margrit Kündig who’ve been setting up this programme from scratch during the pandemic! Pray that MAF will successfully serve the people living there in the months and years ahead.

TUESDAY 22 Despite the challenges of coronavirus, God is still in control. ‘For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). Pray for God’s wisdom for MAF International CEO Dave Fyock, as he leads the Resourcing Groups and Norm Baker, as he leads MAF International's operations.

WEDNESDAY 23 Aviation has been hit hard by the pandemic, resulting in fewer MAF flights. Thank God that He has blessed MAF throughout. Let’s quieten our hearts and pray that flying levels in 2021 will exceed expectations!

THURSDAY 24 Thank God for the MAF team in Liberia. The new aircraft hangar, offices and stores are finally finished, thanks to their tireless teamwork. Pray that these new facilities will transform our work in western Africa and serve even more people more effectively.

FRIDAY 25 MAF Mareeba is expanding. Two hangars, a flight school and trainee accommodation will be built in the next four years, enabling MAF to serve Arnhem Land, PNG, Timor-Leste and Bangladesh more efficiently. Our God is faithful, Amen!

SATURDAY 26 MAF recently launched its Engineer Training Scheme. Recruiting experienced aviation staff who are Christians is hard, so we’re growing our own! If you know someone who might be interested in a career in aviation engineering, please direct them to our website www.maf-uk.org/engineer-training SUNDAY 27 Praise God for the construction of Lailenpi Airstrip in Myanmar. People will no longer have to travel for three days by road to reach their nearest hospital — in future, it will take just 55 minutes by air. Saving time saves lives.

MONDAY 28 Since MAF’s rural airstrip review in PNG, most have re-opened. Our airstrips are gateways to the world’s remotest communities, but they need to be maintained for safety. Pray that local people will understand the importance of this and look after their runways.

I wait [patiently] for the LORD, my soul [expectantly] waits, and in His word do I hope Psalm 130:5 (AMP)

TUESDAY 29 Life can feel overwhelming, but God will never forsake us. Just as MAF’s founders had a huge task ahead, we know that, ‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 1:6, NIV).

WEDNESDAY 30 In tough times, as well as good times, God has blessed MAF with faithful supporters like you. Spend time reflecting on how God has blessed you in your life and know that, as a loving Father, He will continue to bless you and MAF.

ABOVE Lailenpi airstrip in Myanmar will hugely benefit the local communities of Chin State

The new hangar in Liberia is complete PHOTO JURG VAN DYK

APR-JUN 2021 | Prayer Diary 15

If ever there was a dangerous prayer, this would be it, ‘Lord of the harvest, send workers into your harvest field’. It is challenging because it invites us to consider our personal situation and whether the Lord might be calling us to go. The call to work cross-culturally overseas isn't for everyone, but each of us should at some stage ask, ‘Lord what do you want me to do?’

Like many mission organisations, MAF struggles with the scope of the need and the lack of sufficient workers needed to maintain and expand our ministry. Although some might consider that the need for MAF's services is diminishing, the opposite is true.

The barriers of poor infrastructure, distance, war, poverty and natural disaster remain, as does the need for spiritual and physical transformation.

We currently have a consistent, ongoing need for licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, experienced managers, and — as always — pilots.

To explore service with MAF, please visit

www.maf-uk.org/jobs

Alternatively, please phone us on 01303 852819 If you, or someone you know, is possibly interested in training as an aircraft engineer with a view to serving overseas with MAF, you might like to check out our new Engineer Training Scheme at www.maf-uk.org/engineer-training

MAF UK Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2TQ Scotland Office Challenge House, 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD T 01303 852819 E supporter.relations@maf-uk.org

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