PRAYER DIARY JUL–SEP 2022
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COVER Reading the new Tennet translation of the Bible that MAF delivered in South Sudan Linda & Fritz Fankhauser RIGHT Time to worship — praising God at Ialibu, in Papua New Guinea (PNG) LuAnne Cadd
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! — Psalm 150:6 (ESV)
A
s I write this introduction to the Prayer Diary, ‘All that Lives Forever is Love’ by Steffany Gretzinger plays in the background. I recently lost a friend after a brief illness. She was in her thirties, was married with three young children, and hadn’t long qualified as a teacher. The news of her passing was like a punch to the stomach. I still can’t make sense of it. She was so loved. So kind and compassionate. She had worked really hard to become a teacher. She had dreams and plans for her family. And she loved Jesus with all her heart. This might not be what you’d expect from an introduction to a theme based on worship. However, as I lament the devastating reality for my friend’s family and the wider community, I reflect on a life that, though short, was one of complete worship. It’s easy to think that worship is for the ‘holy’ moments — the parts of our life such as church gatherings, small groups, or when we’re listening to devotional music. But worship isn’t about the songs we sing on a Sunday — it’s a lifestyle. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines lifestyle as ‘the typical way of life of an individual, group or culture.’ 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, ‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ Worship looks like a life that lays itself down for the sake of others. It’s a life that considers the cost and is willing to do whatever it takes to serve those less fortunate. A worshipful life is one that reflects the light and hope of Jesus to everyone around us, day after day. It can be easy to praise God when all is going well, but is far harder when your heart is breaking. But worship isn’t all about praise songs. Nor is it a denial of the brokenness that surrounds us. Many of the Psalms reflect the psalmists’ sadness and struggles. They journey with us through our questions and heartache, leading us into the arms of a Father whose heart also breaks. My friend made such an impact on the lives of those she encountered during her short stay on earth. She served, she loved beyond measure, and she shone a light into the dark places and the broken souls of children and families to whom life hadn’t always been kind. She leaves an incredible legacy. And she inspires me so much to keep going, and to make each day count. So here I am, Lord, in the midst of my lament, saying, ‘Here I am to worship, whatever that looks like. May all I do be for Your glory.’
Victoria Fagg Prayer Communications Leader, MAF UK 2 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
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OUR JOYOUS GOD
JULY
Because Your love is better than life, I will praise You. I will praise You as long as I live. I will lift up my hands in prayer to Your name — Psalm 63:3-4 (NCV) FRIDAY 1 MAF UK has seen an encouraging response to our new Future Pilot and Engineer Trainee Schemes. Pray for those currently studying and preparing to serve with MAF. May their joy be complete. By doing so, they help our work to continue far into the future. SATURDAY 2 Joyful faces are a common sight for MAF pilots landing in remote communities throughout the world. Our planes bring physical help and spiritual sustenance, carrying the joy of the Lord through our faith-filled staff and showing the love of Jesus in action. Praise God that He has enabled MAF to be an instrument of joy.
MAIN A warm welcome for Pilot Ryan Cole when he recently delivered mosquito nets in PNG Mandy Glass INSET Engineers are essential to our work. MAF Aircraft Maintenance Engineer John Hermanus dismantles an aircraft engine at the Timor-Leste hangar Lobitos Alves JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 3
GOD OUR ENABLER SUNDAY 3 Praise God for MAF’s family of supporters — men and women whose devotion to our mission over eight decades has expressed itself through countless prayers and numerous gifts. You bless us every day with your love. MONDAY 4 Please pray for the success of the ‘Time in Their Shoes’ fundraising initiative we launched in March. May it inspire many more people to organise a short walk to raise funds for our flights. Without MAF’s planes, people in remote areas would have to trek for hours to reach a hospital or attend school. TUESDAY 5 In September, MAF supporter Nigel Downing will be swimming the Strait of Bonifacio, a stretch between the southern coast of Corsica and northern Sardinia, to raise funds for MAF. Pray that Nigel’s swim goes well and that more people will use their talents to raise money for MAF. WEDNESDAY 6 Matthew 7:7 says, ‘Ask and it will be given to you.’ 4 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
JULY
Praise the Lord that we can plan many months in advance because of our faithful supporters, whose boundless generosity provides us with regular gifts. THURSDAY 7 Give thanks for the 432 MAF volunteers who work so hard to raise awareness of our work throughout the developing world. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on them, and that the people with whom they engage will be inspired to find out more about MAF.
You, LORD, are my God! I will praise You for doing the wonderful things You had planned and promised since ancient times — Isaiah 25:1 (CEV)
FRIDAY 8 Pray for the wider work of the schools which partner with MAF Youth through the use of the educational materials we provide. May children, staff and parents be drawn closer to the living God as they learn about MAF’s dedication to sharing the Gospel worldwide. SATURDAY 9 Please take a moment to remember in prayer the magnificent supporters who are no longer with us. One in ten MAF flights takes place because a huge number of brothers and sisters choose to make a generous gift to us in their Will.
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MAIN Flights like this in PNG are made possible by gifts in Wills Annelie Edsmyr ABOVE Nigel Downing will be swimming one of the greatest challenges for open water swimmers in September
GOD OUR PROVIDER
JULY
The LORD is great and is highly praised; His greatness is unsearchable — Psalm 145:3 (CSB)
SUNDAY 10 Praise God for the wonderful provision that is the MATC International Flying School. Based in the Netherlands, the school equips its candidates with the high-level skills needed to be an MAF pilot. Please pray for the small team, led by Marco Koffeman, who was an MAF pilot for 15 years, and for all the pilots training there. MONDAY 11 Uphold Alana Sebit Owot, who uses MAF flights in South Sudan to reach remote communities. He helps his people provide for themselves by showing them how to mill their own maize. Pray that God will provide the farmers with a good harvest. TUESDAY 12 It has been just over a year now since we transported 120 Bibles to Chad’s Dar Sila region. Please pray that everyone who has received a copy of God’s Word in their own language will grow in faith. WEDNESDAY 13 We are grateful for the wonderful aircraft the Lord provides for us. In PNG, our Cessna 208 plane P2-MAI has passed 1,000 hours of flying! That’s a lot of hours serving our brothers and sisters in PNG. Please pray for all the MAF aircraft maintenance engineers who keep our aircraft flying. THURSDAY 14 Our team in Liberia is busy flying through the wet season. Pray that God will provide safe, trouble-free flights, and bless all who travel with us.
MAIN Aerial view of Sarbo aitrstrip, Liberia Dave Forney TOP Alana Sebit Owot from the International Fertilizer Development Center, South Sudan Jenny Davies ABOVE The Sant family arriving in PNG
FRIDAY 15 The Lord has led several new staff to MAF over the last few years, but there is still a need for more personnel. Please pray that more aircraft maintenance engineers and pilots will feel God’s call to serve. SATURDAY 16 We are grateful for Dom Sant and his family who joined our PNG team earlier this year. Dom is serving as Programme Safety Manager and Technical Skills Specialist. It’s their first year with MAF, so please pray for them as they get used to life overseas. JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 5
The prayer points on this page relate to a story featured in Flying for Life, page 13.
LIBERIA
JULY
(We hope this will help inform your prayers for MAF and those we serve.)
How great You are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like You. We have never even heard of another God like You! — 2 Samuel 7:22 (NLT) SUNDAY 17 Praise God for the dedication of the team from Effort Baptist Church in the USA. They have brought healthcare and education to Liberia’s rural areas for the last 19 years through their partnership with Effort Church Liberia and Lott Carey Missions. Pray that, with the help of our flights, they will be able to continue their mission for many years to come. M O N D AY 1 8 L i b e r i a h a s significantly fewer doctors than the World Health Organisation recommends, with only 1 doctor per 15,000 patients. Please intercede for a nation whose healthcare system was mostly destroyed during its civil war, and pray that many more people will train as doctors. Pray too for the success of MAF medevacs. TUESDAY 19 Give thanks that we can save people like Nurse Amy Beyer many hours of unnecessary travel. Our planes enable our partners to arrive refreshed so they can spend more of their valuable time treating those who need help. 6 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
WEDNESDAY 20 Less than 7% of the roads outside the capital Monrovia are paved. Pray that infrastructure improves in Liberia, so its remote regions will become more safely accessible by road. Pray for safety in the air, as well as for those forced to drive overland on the country's unstable roads. THURSDAY 21 O n e o f t h e many things our aircraft do is deliver supplies to hospitals and clinics. Pray that those who seek treatment in Liberia’s medical missions will experience God’s healing. Ask God to ensure that the doctors and nurses have enough medical supplies to treat those who need medical attention. FRIDAY 22 ‘I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy’ (Psalm 140:12). Liberia is ranked 175 out of 189 on the UN’s Human Development Index, making it one of the poorest countries in the world. Pray that, with the help of our planes, those living in extreme poverty will know the Lord’s intervention so that daily life ceases to be such a struggle.
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SATURDAY 23 Next time you make a car journey, give thanks that the UK’s roads are well maintained and that you don’t need to worry about packing a winch and shovel to ensure you reach your destination safely. Pray for safety for all those driving on Liberia’s roads today.
MAIN It’s not uncommon for vehicles to get stuck or stranded overnight Katie Machell TOP A winch and a shovel are essential tools when driving by road in Liberia Katie Machell ABOVE Delivering essential medical supplies to Harper, Liberia Dave Forney
Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise — Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
GOD OUR HEALER
JULY
SUNDAY 24 Praise God for the MAF medevacs carried out in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Our flights save the lives of ill and injured people in isolated areas, and enable vulnerable newborns and mothers with birth complications to receive help. Pray that everyone we airlift recovers well. MONDAY 25 Earlier this year, COVID-19 made its presence felt in Arnhem Land. Pray that God will heal those who have been affected, for high survival rates among vulnerable communities, and that MAF flights will continue bringing medical assistance. TUESDAY 26 The healing which God provides isn’t always physical. In South Sudan, Peace Canal attempts to broker peace and prevent intercommunal violence. Other MAF partners treat those suffering from trauma, displacement or bereavement. Pray that, whatever their traumatic experiences, the Lord will reveal Himself as their Healer. WEDNESDAY 27 Pray for our monthly South Maasai medical safari in Tanzania. Some children and pregnant women walk up to 20 miles to reach the clinics that enable youngsters to be vaccinated against measles and diphtheria. THURSDAY 28 Coronavirus affects families through the death of loved ones, the loss of livelihoods caused by lockdown, and the exhausting effects of long COVID. It also impacted our ability to fly in a number of our programmes during 2020 and 2021 due to challenges such as travel restrictions, availability of staff and a lower uptake of flights where NGO staff were slower to return to the field. Pray that the One who ‘took up our infirmities and bore our diseases’ (Matthew 8:17) enables us to bring healing and relief.
MAIN Doctors volunteer their time to conduct cleft lip surgery at Juba Teaching Hospital, South Sudan Thorkild Jørgensen TOP A medevac in Lesotho of a twomonth-old baby who was struggling to breathe Joe Adams ABOVE It’s time to get weighed at a baby clinic in remote Tanzania Raymond Mussa Kasoga
FRIDAY 29 MAF planes and God’s healing power enable Samaritan’s Purse to transform the lives of people needing cleft lip surgery in South Sudan. Pray that He’ll be glorified through the lips of those who have been healed. SATURDAY 30 Give thanks for MAF flights which allow NGOs to provide eye care in remote locations. Earlier this year, we flew a medical team to Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, where they performed 200 cataract operations in 4 days. Pray that, when their sight is restored, many will look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 7
UGANDA
JULY / AUGUST
SUNDAY 31 Praise God for MAF Uganda’s 35 years of service in a country which is now the hub for all our East Africa operations. His countless blessings continue to shine a light in the darkness of superstition, poverty and illness.
of locusts. Every day, millions of Ugandans don’t have enough food to enable their bodies to remain healthy. Please pray for MAF flights which take food supplies to where they are needed most.
MONDAY 1 About 20 years ago, terrorists from the Lord’s Resistance Army displaced 2 million Ugandans who fled from their communities to avoid murder, rape and the forced recruitment of child soldiers. Pray for those who were uprooted as they rebuild their lives — both physically and psychologically.
THURSDAY 4 The country has been struggling to contain the HIV/AIDS epidemic since the mid-1980s. Ask God to bring healing to everyone affected by HIV/AIDS.
TUESDAY 2 MAF aircraft regularly fly staff from various NGOs to Uganda's vast refugee camps. Give thanks that an MAF flight from Kajjansi to the northern refugee settlements takes only 90-minutes, rather than an entire day by car. WEDNESDAY 3 Please uphold the men, women and children suffering from malnourishment in a land that’s routinely ravaged by global warming and swarms
FRIDAY 5 Pray that MAF partners in Uganda such as Restoration Gateway will make an even greater medical impact on lives blighted by preventable diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea. Pray for babies, who are particularly vulnerable, with 42 out of 1,000 dying before their first birthday. SATURDAY 6 Please take the beautiful people of Uganda to your heart. Pray that the government’s long-held vision for transformation will come to fruition and uphold MAF’s role in helping this to occur.
Bless the LORD, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name — Psalm 103:1 (NASB)
MAIN MAF Uganda's Cessna 206 Stationair Ping Domtta INSET Country Director Ruth Jack Dave Forney ABOVE South Sudanese refugees rebuilding their lives at Rhino refugee camp Rebecca Walker TOP LEFT Jesus Film Ministries regularly visits the people of the remote Ssese Islands Rebecca Walker TOP RIGHT Restoration Gateway: home to more than 100 orphans, 2 schools and 1 hospital Mark & Kelly Hewes
The prayer points on these pages relate to a story featured in Flying for Life, pages 8-9. (We hope this will help inform your prayers for MAF and those we serve.) 8 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
www.maf-uk.org
SUNDAY 7 Praise God that Uganda has granted sanctuary to millions of refugees from neighbouring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Pray for the unity of the enormous national and international efforts necessary to support the settlements at the vast Bidi Bidi, Imvepi and Rhino refugee camps that MAF serves. MONDAY 8 Thank the Lord for the patient commitment of MAF partner ZOA . Their expertise ensures that farmers benefit from solar-powered irrigation pumps. Give thanks too for the local technicians who now have the skills and resources to maintain them. TUESDAY 9 Please pray for the safety of our pilots and partners who often travel the length of the country to serve the refugee camps. Although MAF passengers fly far above the badly maintained roads to avoid threats of ambush, our pilots pray for their safety before every flight. WEDNESDAY 10 MAF planes fly Christian organisations such as Far Reaching Ministries, Hope and Grace International, The Lutheran World Federation and Jesus Film Ministries to help spread the Gospel. May God bless the work of their hands as they bring Jesus’ love to villages and communities that haven’t yet met Him. THURSDAY 11 Praise God for the office, hangar and airfield at our Kajjansi base. Its purpose-built training centre, which includes a flight simulator, enhances our ability to equip pilots for long-term service. FRIDAY 12 Country Director Ruth Jack and her husband Duncan arrived in Uganda earlier this year. Please keep Ruth in your prayers as she follows God’s guidance — ably assisted by her experienced MAF team — in leading our programme into a future ripe with possibilities. SATURDAY 13 Please pray for the engineering staff at Kajjansi who often work on MAF aircraft across eastern Africa. Ask God to hone their incredible skills so our light aircraft will continue being maintained to the highest international standards.
JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 9
AUGUST
GOD OUR COMFORTER To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever! — Revelation 5:13 (NIV) SUNDAY 14 Praise God that we are forming relationships with new partners in PNG — enabling our aircraft to reach even more isolated communities. Earlier this year, hundreds of people in Indagen and the surrounding areas were able to see a doctor for the first time in years. MONDAY 15 MAF partner Tutapona provides specialist trauma rehabilitation programmes for refugees in northern Uganda. Please pray for the children and young people recovering from the traumatic experiences that have forced them to leave their home countries. TUESDAY 16 Give thanks for the speed with which MAF aircraft are able to medevac ill and injured patients to hospital in times of desperate need. May God bring comfort to remote and isolated areas in the knowledge that MAF is always there to help. WEDNESDAY 17 Many of the regions we serve lack even rudimentary healthcare, especially for those living with a disability. Those affected suffer both the pain of treatable conditions that have been left unattended and the stigma of disability. Pray that God will protect these dear ones from social exclusion. THURSDAY 18 MAF has been distributing gift boxes of Bibles and soap to hospitals, schools, orphanages and prisons across rural PNG. Pray that the recipients of these boxes will come to know how much God loves them, and experience His comfort. FRIDAY 19 We are grateful to our generous supporters who enable us to invest in new equipment to improve our service. Give thanks for the new winch system in Arnhem Land which will allow patients to be transferred to our aircraft more comfortably. SATURDAY 20 In some countries, the ongoing disruption of travel arrangements from COVID-19 continues to be felt by MAF families. Pray for smooth journeys and improved logistics. 10 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
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MAIN Testing the new equipment in Arnhem Land Hannah-Rose Simmonds TOP People waiting to be seen by medical professionals during the Morobe Clinic Patrol at Indagen, PNG Simon Ganal ABOVE Pilot Markus Bischoff secures a patient with a broken leg so he can travel comfortably and safely Arjan Paas
OUR CREATOR GOD
AUGUST
For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen — Romans 11:36 (NLT) SUNDAY 21 Praise God for the diversity of His creation, from subSaharan Africa to the jungles of PNG and the Australian outback. MAF serves people regardless of colour, language or religion to take His Word to the ends of the earth. Pray that everyone we serve will experience His presence. MONDAY 22 MAF serves remote and isolated areas that have contributed least to climate change and yet are most at risk from damage done to the environment. Lift up the communities that are already living with the consequences of global warming and pray that those in authority will have the ability to make positive changes. TUESDAY 23 MAF is actively working to find ways we can limit our impact on God's creation. Pray for insight, discernment, wisdom and vision, and for the development of new technologies such as sustainable fuel being developed in Norway.
WEDNESDAY 24 Thanks to MAF flights, many mothers and babies who would have died in childbirth are alive and healthy. Pray for the pilots being called to perform emergency medevacs, and for the doctors and nurses caring for the mothers and their ‘new creations’. THURSDAY 25 God created us all with unique personalities, skills and abilities. Pray today for the people He enables to fly or fix planes, manage teams, lead, write, or respond to MAF’s recruitment needs worldwide. Pray too for God to show you if there’s anyone you know who could serve with MAF.
FRIDAY 26 God, the Creator of all things, has blessed us and given us the authority to be co-creators with Him. He created MAF more than 75 years ago — an organisation that’s transformed so many lives. What is He calling you to create? Pray He’ll reveal your creative role and that MAF supporters, partners and personnel will discover theirs. SATURDAY 27 MAF’s vision is ‘to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ.’ It is a creative act. Today, MAF planes fly hundreds of hours to carry Christ’s love by word, deed and prayer. We may never know the outcome of all these flights, but we can pray for God’s will to be done, and trust that He hears our petitions.
MAIN The MAF pilots who serve in PNG Annelie Edsmyr LEFT Twin boys who needed an urgent medevac. The babies weren't feeding properly and their mother was in septic shock Sally Lloyd
JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 11
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER
GOD OUR REDEEMER
SUNDAY 28 Praise God for evangelist Sam Tsapwe as he continues to screen the Jesus film throughout Uganda, flown by MAF. May the Lord, who came to rescue us from our sin, grant eyes to see and ears to hear as Sam’s team reaches out to the unloved and unreached in areas that were originally inaccessible.
I will thank the LORD with all my heart; I will declare all Your wondrous works — Psalm 9:1 (CSB)
MONDAY 29 This year marks 100 years of the Gospel reaching Maridi, South Sudan. As the local people celebrate this incredible milestone, may the Church receive a fresh vision for serving Christ and seeing others swept into His Kingdom. Pray that God’s redemptive power will be powerfully at work. TUESDAY 30 When Madagascar suffered its worst drought in decades, we enabled a local Baptist church to distribute food to 2,500 people. Pray that, by preaching the Gospel in word and deed, holistic initiatives such as these will enable physical and spiritual hunger to be satisfied. WEDNESDAY 31 Last year, we flew three Congolese missionaries to an unreached settlement in the Ituri rainforest. Twenty-five people became Christians. Please join these precious believers in praying that their request for a church to be established in Kango in the DRC will be answered. THURSDAY 1 MAF personnel have identified several particularly isolated areas in Madagascar that have a very small Christian presence. Pray that God will lead us to partners with a vision for sharing the Gospel in places that are spiritually barren. FRIDAY 2 Pray for the protection and success of MAF partners Africa Inland Mission and African Inland Church as they seek to establish God’s Kingdom in South Sudan. A number of our missionary partners face significant levels of spiritual oppression in Eastern Equatoria. SATURDAY 3 Thanks to MAF flights, Pastor Solofo and his team can now reach prisoners in areas of Madagascar that were originally inaccessible. The pastor says he is seeing transformation wherever he goes. Pray that prisoners will continue to have living encounters with their redeemer God, that criminal activity will decrease, and prison conditions improve. 12 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
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MAIN Aerial view of Marolambo airstrip in Madagascar Mark & Kelly Hewes TOP Evangelist Sam Tsapwe greeting children at Bukasa airstrip, Uganda Mark & Kelly Hewes ABOVE Pastor Solofo can now visit prisoners in isolated areas, thanks to MAF flights Patrick Keller
MERCIFUL GOD
SEPTEMBER
I will praise the LORD God with a song and a thankful heart — Psalm 69:30 (CEV) SUNDAY 4 Praise God for the mercy He shows to those who are suffering. Our merciful God provides healing, comfort and the alleviation of pain, fear, misery and distress. Lift up our work as we seek to reach the far-flung places of the globe with God’s wondrous love. M O N D AY 5 ‘ B e k i n d a n d compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you’ (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). Pray for the leaders of rival tribes and groups in the regions where MAF flies. May they experience God’s mercy as they realise the terrible cost of unforgiveness and seek reconciliation with nearby tribes. TUESDAY 6 Many communities in PNG’s Highlands believe that sickness is caused by sanguma — sorcery. Pray that many in these remote villages will put their faith in our merciful God rather than living in fear of witchcraft and superstition. MAF planes help combat this by transporting missionaries, evangelists and copies of God’s Word.
WEDNESDAY 7 The economic pressures of COVID-19 have driven prices up by more than 40% in South Sudan, pushing a further 800,000 people into humanitarian need. Many are desperate to find enough food to eat each day. Pray that hunger will be alleviated, food will be plentiful, and God’s favour will be over their land. Pray for MAF flights bringing in food for those who are hungry and distressed. Lord, have mercy! T H U R S D AY 8 W e r e a d i n Scripture that mercy is a gift given to us by God. Pray for the work of MAF partners around the world as they distribute Bibles to remote and isolated communities. Pray that they will receive God’s precious gift with joy and that it will feed souls and transform hearts and minds.
MAIN Aerial view near Kimatong, South Sudan
F R I D AY 9 T h e a u t h o r i t i e s in Guinea recently gave us permission to begin setting up our newest programme there. Pray for God’s guiding hand over our team as they extend His mercy to those around them. Pray too that MAF flights will soon bring God’s love to this African nation. SATURDAY 10 Pray for Mercy Corps, whose staff MAF regularly flies across eastern Africa. They work to connect communities to the resources and opportunities they need to build strong, stable livelihoods.
Sam Johnston
LEFT Emil Kündig receives the Convention d'établissement from the government of Guinea, which means MAF can now operate as an international NGO within the country RIGHT The suitcase of Bibles flown to Kapoeta, South Sudan, for e3 Partners
Alistair Youren JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 13
KENYA
SEPTEMBER
The prayer points on this page relate to a story featured in Flying for Life, page 11. (We hope this will help inform your prayers for MAF and those we serve.)
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth — Psalm 34:1 (ESV) SUNDAY 11 Praise God that new funding has been found so that MAF eye safaris have been able to resume after a 12-year hiatus, enabling many more Kenyans to have their eyesight restored. MONDAY 12 Give thanks for the work of our partners Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and The Fred Hollows Foundation. Please pray for those who spend time away from their families so our lifetransforming eye safaris can take place. TUESDAY 13 According to CBM, 80% of blindness in Kenya is preventable and curable. Pray that those who cannot see will experience God’s healing through CBM’s MAF-enabled eye safaris. WEDNESDAY 14 Praise the Lord for Pilot and Country Director Ryan Cuthel’s passion and dedication to the people of Kenya. Pray that God will bless Ryan and his family and provide many opportunities for them to share the love of Christ with those around them.
14 Prayer Diary JUL-SEP 2022
THURSDAY 15 Thanks to MAF, the journey from Nairobi to Marsabit takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes, saving travellers a gruelling 8-hour car journey. Praise God that help, hope and healing continues to reach this remote and isolated area, situated on an extinct volcano in the middle of the desert. FRIDAY 16 ‘Eye health in some of these places is terrible,’ says Ryan Cuthel. ‘Some communities move around a lot and live in smoky huts — lighting fires where they sleep and cook.’ Living in these conditions can cause eyesight to deteriorate. Consider how challenging it must be to carry out your daily tasks without being able to see — giving thanks that MAF is able to help those who suffer from eye problems. SATURDAY 17 MAF Kenya hopes to expand its eye safaris over the next three to five years to cover counties such as Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Tana River and Wajir. Pray that the vision to see even more people h e a le d f ro m b li n d n e ss will become a reality.
www.maf-uk.org
MAIN MAF Kenya Country Director Ryan Cuthel LuAnne Cadd TOP Marsabit airstrip
LuAnne Cadd
ABOVE LogLogo, a small village in northern Kenya Mark & Kelly Hewes
A GOD WHO CALLS
SEPTEMBER
Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise — Philippians 4:8 (CEV)
A Grand Caravan and MAF Uganda Chief Engineer Kees Barendse
Dave Forney
SUNDAY 18 Praise God for the members of staff serving in our offices here in the UK. Pray they will know that the work they do behind the scenes makes a real difference to those living in isolation overseas. MONDAY 19 MAF has an ongoing need for a range of roles to be filled in its programmes worldwide. Pray that anyone who is considering overseas service won’t be hindered by fear, but will hold fast to the One who calls and is faithful. TUESDAY 20 Parents serving overseas can worry about their children. Pray for confidence in our heavenly Father’s care, and for strong and meaningful friendships for the children. WEDNESDAY 21 Today is the International Day of Peace. Please pray for individuals, communities and nations to be restored to a right relationship with God. THURSDAY 22 To live and work overseas is an amazing privilege. It brings many blessings, as well as challenges, so please pray for the health and safety of our staff. FRIDAY 23 Pray for our first trainee on the Future Pilot Programme — James Gullett — who began his studies at the beginning of the year. SATURDAY 24 Pray for staff overseas who have children and elderly parents back in the UK. The distance has been felt more acutely during the last two years. Pray for peace and good internet connections. SUNDAY 25 We are continually encouraged by the generosity and prayers of our supporters. Praise God for each and every one who makes this ministry possible. MONDAY 26 Please uphold the Brown, Kempsell, Machell, Swanson and Vine families who have returned home to the UK after years of faithful service. Pray that they adjust well into life in their home country. TUESDAY 27 Pray for the New Tribes School in PNG, the Heritage International School in Uganda, and the Juba Christian Academy in South Sudan, which are currently short-staffed. This affects MAF personnel because the number of children the schools can accept is limited. WEDNESDAY 28 Pray for the recruitment events coming up in London, Manchester and Belfast. Pray they will be well attended, and that many who come along will enquire about overseas service. THURSDAY 29 MAF programmes throughout the world hold retreats where staff take time out to enjoy being together and to hear from God. Pray that these times will be meaningful and restorative. FRIDAY 30 Pray that we will have strong applicants for the next intake to our Engineer Training Scheme here in the UK, which begins early next year. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please direct them to www.maf-uk.org/engineer-training JUL-SEP 2022 | Prayer Diary 15
We are seeking committed Christians to serve as aircraft maintenance engineers, experienced pilots, managers, as well as teachers, accountants, IT technicians and other roles. Whether you've just started thinking about serving overseas or you’ve had mission on your mind for a while — we'd love to meet you!
Come and find out more about what it’s like to serve with MAF: Saturday 1 October 2022 — London Croydon Aerodrome Hotel Saturday 29 October 2022 — The Monastery Manchester Saturday 12 November 2022 — Belfast Bible College
Events are FREE and will run from 10am to 3pm. For more information, please email hr@maf-uk.org or visit www.maf-uk.org/enquirer Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested!
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