June - August 2008

The magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship

Supporting the front-line teams in

Uganda
pages 6-7

the new missionary mule page 8

satellite

surGery page 12

What is MAF?

ission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation whose mission is to fly light aircraft in developing countries so that people in remote areas can receive the help they need. Since 1946, our planes have been speeding the spread of the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ by word and deed, in places of deepest human need. Isolated places where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline. Every three minutes, an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world. These flights enable crucial work by many development and aid agencies, missions, local churches and other national groups. Medical care, adequate food, clean water and Christian hope are reaching countless thousands of men, women and children. Normally, passengers contribute a highlysubsidised fare towards the true cost. The balance that makes flights possible comes as gifts from people concerned that others should have a better life spiritually and physically. In the UK, MAF is a registered charity funded by voluntary gifts which help finance MAFs operational work and support services. Please use the enclosed response form and envelope for your donation to this ministry. MAFs work is vital. Lives depend on it.

Chief Executives COMMENT

Thank you! Thank you wholeheartedly for supporting MAF and partnering us in the work we do. You will have seen that, with this issue of MAF News, we have enclosed a report of just some of what has been achieved in 2007. But none of that would have been possible without the generous support and prayers of Supporters like you. Last year was again a time during which God demonstrated His goodness in the work of both our regular flying and special projects. We saw the delivery of a second aircraft for Madagascar, and the release of funds which enabled the completion of several much-needed projects in the Asia Pacific region. Thank you for your faithfulness in all the ways you support us; your faithfulness travels across the nations bringing health, hope and healing to those who, without the arrival of an MAF aircraft, would go unreached and untouched by the love of God. I am confident that because of your faithfulness, you will be blessed; Proverbs 28:20 says, A faithful man shall abound with blessings. (KJV) Knowing that God answers prayer, we are again planning a Day of Prayer this year. It is set for Sunday 5 October. Please do put this date in your diary, and join staff and Supporters across the UK as we pray for the worldwide work of MAF. This day also gives us a wonderful opportunity to share with others locally all that MAF is doing throughout the developing world. I know you will be encouraged as you read of all you are involved with through your faithful partnership with MAF. Together we are making a difference in so many of the worlds most isolated places.

Violence after voting

by Bernard Terlouw, MAF Country Director, Kenya
Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent UK CT20 2TN Telephone: 0845 850 9505 Email: supporter.relations@maf-uk.org
Registered Charity Number, England and Wales: 1064598

Scottish Office Challenge House, 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD Telephone: 0845 850 9505 Email: scottish.office@maf-uk.org
Registered Charity Number, Scotland: SC039107

Website: www.maf-uk.org Chief Executive, MAF UK: Ruth Whitaker MAF News team Editor: Andy Prescott Research: Kate Allen Writers: Kate Allen, David Hall Photographers: Alan Duncan, Andy Forman, Richard Hanson, Paul Joynson-Hicks, Layton Thompson Design: Adamart Purchasing: Mark Stanton Art Direction: Richard Bellamy
Printed by John Blackburn Ltd Bible references are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated MAF UK June August 2008 mzrg9

With the President from one people group and the chief opposition leader from another, declared results of Kenyas election brought conflict
watched the television. The disputed President was being sworn in. And then suddenly, four words darted across the screen. Violence erupting in Kibera. My heart sank. Kibera is a Nairobi slum. I looked out of my window. Huge clouds of smoke were already rising. So as 2008 dawned, I went to the airport early. Many Kenyan staff couldnt return after travelling to home areas to vote. I faced an endless stream of emergency calls. A number of people were seriously wounded. Others wailed, We are chased by people we think want to kill us. This is a country where tourists come to

watch lions. Where the people are so hospitable. Now they were killing each other. Two of our pilots were quickly airborne. I answered the phone. We are a mission organisation. If you need help, well try to get you help.

By His grace

In the first 2 days we evacuated 75 Kenyans from Eldoret, Kisumu, Kitale and Homa Bay. As staff filtered back, many of them were despairing. One lady had lost her home. We gathered around the tearoom television, watching the deadly drama unfold. All our Nairobi staff are Christians. But all were seriously affected by the tension. With thanks to Jesus our Lord, by His grace we stood together in fellowship. No fights broke out among us. A nervous woman phoned. Im not safe. I am told to leave with my three-year-old girl. Please, please help! I studied the map, identifying an airstrip. My heart leapt! We hadnt flown there for years, but next day we were to evacuate people from there with space available! I cried: Thank You,

Lord. You do care. Its such an adventure to serve You! One of our guards, a Kisii, had to attend a funeral, travelling through areas dominated by other groups. But then I found him room on an aircraft. Edward was overcome, never thinking a guard would ever fly! I heard Jesus words: Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.

Pray too that God will give grace to those who have killed others, that they calm down. And pray that people start seeing that they have to live with each other for the future, that God will open their eyes. Often we wondered if peace would return. We wanted our lovely country back.

Pray for Kenya

With fresh flare-ups as January closed, we flew a whole day to and from the Rift Valley, rescuing 50 Kenyans from a horrible fate. The first 40 days saw 508 passengers on emergency flights. Throughout, most of us were very, very tired. As well as an MAF director, I am also a pastor. I was concerned as news reports extolled the triumph of witchcraft. Thats because witchdoctors were called in, then credited with many people returning goods they had stolen from shops. Black magic still exists. Its different from Harry Potter its so real. Thats what Christians have to stop. Prayer is a weapon.

Bernard with Edward

2 MAF News June August 2008

June August 2008 MAF News 3

Mike and Jo Riley

Ben and Anne Sibthorpe

Chad facts
1990
Greg and Jill Vine

President Hissene Habre is removed from power when rebels led by Idriss Dby defeat his army A transitional government is established with Dby as interim President Idriss Dby wins Chads first multi-party presidential election The Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad leads ongoing armed rebellion against the government Thousands of Sudanese refugees arrive in Chad to escape fighting in Darfur, western Sudan Hundreds of people are killed when rebels seeking to oust President Dby battle government forces on the outskirts of the capital MAF wives and children return to their home countries for several months and operations continue with a skeleton staff

1993 1996 1998-2001 JanuaryFebruary 2004 April 2006

sudden evacuation
T
As rebel troops surrounded Chads capital in February, MAF staff were forced to flee the country leaving behind almost everything they possessed
he news wasnt good. Anti-government rebels had again crossed the border from Sudan into Chad and were marching on the capital NDjamna. Staff at our base knew that evacuation might well be essential. With the situation looking bleak, they packed bags and spent a night away from the relative comfort of their homes sleeping in the MAF hangar, poised to flee. Their night was disturbed by the noise of a Chadian Army helicopter gunship making repeated forays and, in the early hours, by French Air Force Mirage fighters arriving and departing. By mid-morning, the tension seemed to have eased. So the team returned to their homes, only to be called out again within hours as one of the Chadian staff rushed in, advising them to evacuate immediately.

Scary drive

Grabbing whatever items they could, the fugitives returned to their cars and made their tortuous return to the airport. The four-mile drive bypassing the presidential palace seemed to take forever, pilot Mark Liprini recounts vividly. Heavily-armed soldiers were everywhere. Blockades were going up. Things were unbelievably scary, admits Mark. Within the hour, MAFs Cessna Caravan was cruising at 10,000ft across the border and above the Cameroon countryside on the 90-minute flight to Garoua and safety. Three exhausted families were sleeping, chatting or merely staring into space. Mark continues: By early next day, with intense fighting around NDjamna Airport, there was not much more we could do. We flew further south to Douala. Resting there, the shock started to set in. Realisation that everything most people possessed in the world now was what they were wearing and the few items in their bags. Yet despite all this, the Lords presence and comfort kept the team in good spirits and a sense of calm was present.

Mike Riley, our Country Director in Chad, returned to Plymouth with his wife Jo five days after their hurried evacuation. Only the previous week, we were all having a conversation in Chad about how well things were going, Mike recalls. We had seen amazing developments in our operation, morale was high, and we were all excited about the future.

Loving friends

Precious cargo

All that changed with the news the rebels were advancing. I dont think that I will ever forget the emotion of driving through NDjamna with my most precious cargo my family on board. We had to race round roadblocks and werent sure if we could get to the safety of the plane. The children, Abi and Hannah, were blissfully unaware in the back, calling out, Hey, slow down Daddy, youre driving too fast! Back in Plymouth, Jo is thankful for the way their local church has housed them ironically, in the home she and Mike rented from a church member before moving to Chad and set about getting clothing and personal necessities. We arrived with very few clothes and nowhere to live. We do need prayer at this time. We have to normalise life as much as possible. In fact at six years old, Abis new school in Plymouth is her fifth.

Greg and Jill Vine and their daughters, Esther, Ariela and Zoe, also returned to the UK and were accommodated among loving friends and family in Bristol. During the high-speed evacuation, like everyone else they had to leave many items behind them. We managed to grab the hard drive from the computer and five of my favourite pieces of piano music from my lifes collection, Jill reflects. We had to leave my cello, Gregs guitar, all our books, kitchenware, shoes and clothing, and Gregs flight case. Mark Liprini and aircraft maintenance engineer Garth Moffatt with his wife Claire remained in Cameroon for several days, evacuating a number of people before they returned to their homes in South Africa, leaving the Caravan aircraft in Kenya to be maintained. Chief Engineer Ben Sibthorpe and his family were still in the UK following the birth of baby Estelle. In March, Mike and Greg returned to Chad on a visit to assess the situation, and plan for a resumption of MAFs operations when feasible. Please pray for all those evacuated, as they seek to come to terms with both their hectic dash and their losses.

May 2006 January-June 2006 January 2007 May 2007

President Dby is declared the winner of presidential elections but the main opposition parties boycott the poll Thousands of refugees flee from eastern areas as Arab Janjaweed militia from Sudans Darfur region penetrate deeper into Chad Due to insecurity, many MAF staff are relocated temporarily to other countries. Operations continue with a reduced skeleton staff The Chadian and Sudanese governments agree to stop conflict spilling across their borders, but fears of violence remain Following several months of calm and increased stability, MAF families return to NDjamma bringing the team up to full capacity

September 2007 October 2007

The UN Security Council sanctions a European Union peacekeeping force to enter Chad to protect civilians from violence in the east An emergency is declared along the eastern border as a French charity attempts to airlift a group of orphans to Europe in what is seen as an attempt to smuggle children Six French aid workers are convicted of child-trafficking and are repatriated to serve eight-year sentences at home The European Union approves a peacekeeping force for Chad to protect refugees from the violence spilling over from Darfur Rebels launch an attack on the streets of NDjamma, attempting to overthrow President Deby. MAF families evacuate
June August 2008 MAF News 5

December 2007 January 2008 February 2008

4 MAF News June August 2008

Displaced but no longer despairing

As our planes support frontline teams, traumatised people receive practical support as well as hope for tomorrow
esperate refugees fled their villages in northern Uganda. The year was 2002. The government ordered people to move to special camps to protect them from the feared rebel group the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Patongo was one of those camps for internally displaced people and 87,000 gathered there. There was no clean water or sanitation. Unable to leave, the refugees were unable to farm either, so there were severe shortages of food. Typical of the many camps in the warstricken north, Patongo was too small and greatly under serviced.

who suffer trauma from recent years. Today, Medair works in the regions of Patongo, Adilang, Lapono, Lukole and also sometimes in Omot. First priority is establishing clean water sources and sanitation. Last year saw nine boreholes drilled. But Medair teams tackle psychosocial problems too. In September last year, their staff organised 48 individual counselling sessions with orphans, with former child soldiers, and also with children who are themselves heads of families. Now, with a fragile ceasefire between the government and the LRA, some of the people are starting to move out of the crowded camps. Yet many dont go all the way back home where they own land, but stop at new sites part-way home. From the air, cultivated fields can now be seen. But they are not growing enough food for a whole year.

Experts from Medair now drill smaller boreholes more like ones in villages. They use community action to encourage hygiene, and target families headed by a child. On the outskirts of Patongo, Moodege camp was one of the worst hit when floods ravaged Uganda last year. Its 70 households had nowhere to go when a foot of water swamped the camp. All that Matida Okulu could do as the water subsided was to put straw on the ground. Flies were everywhere. But Medair staff arrived with supplies provided by UNICEF, and then distributed tarpaulin sheets to cover hut floors, and a bag containing a water can, cups, plates, utensils, household items and blankets. In many places, youngsters must carry a chair to school if they want to sit down. Parents are encouraged to provide essentials, but most cannot afford it. Thats why notebooks, pencils, sports kits and even teachers materials have to be provided. boys, and we need more classroom space. Apwa himself fled with his family during the attack, escaping to Lira. He returned to Omot two years ago, managing to reopen the school last year. When Kadega Charles of Medair visited, the head teacher told him they had been finding bullets in the school yard. Kadega took immediate action to bring a team and clear any unexploded devices. Although the camps are becoming less crowded, Medair still relies heavily on our aircraft for support. Thank God for all who bring help to those who have suffered. One flight from Kampala carried nine passengers from five nationalities. The fighting might well be over, but life will not return to normal for thousands without that extra support. Praise the Lord that a peace deal is being forged between the LRA and the Ugandan government. Pray that this will result in lasting peace.
Kadega Charles

Adjusted emphasis

Airstrip opened

Fraser Bell from Nottingham, then Country Director for Medair in Uganda, recalls: When we started working at Patongo, we had to start from scratch. Because of the extreme isolation, Fraser soon started to dream about aircraft. With considerable local effort and input from MAF, Patongo airstrip was opened in June 2005. And it has made a tremendous difference to tens of thousands of people
Matida Okulu

Michelle, Medairs Director at Patongo, comments: I dont know whether people will ever return to their original homes. Psychologically, life in the camp has really affected them. They are more interested in living near other people instead of in the isolation of Michelle village life. As the population starts to shift, so does Medairs emphasis. Weve increased our community participation, explains Michelle.

Ammunition removed

A school in Omot was burned by the LRA in 2002, and two classrooms left roofless. With 1,000 students between primary grades one and seven, only upper classes can be accommodated. Teacher Owesi Jacob, who escaped the attack, stresses: Our prayer is that if the roof could be rehabilitated then the whole school could be here. Head teacher Apwa Jobs Justin points out: We need more teachers. I have no office, there is no toilet for the staff or the

6 MAF News June August 2008

the new missionary mule

I
A new-style plane has been designed specifically with mission in mind
t started in 1985. A meeting between MAF pilot David L Voetmann and aircraft designer Tom Hamilton began the process of producing a brand new specialist mission aircraft, one of which is due to join the MAF fleet this autumn. As the pilot outlined difficulties faced in remote regions where each airstrip poses a different set of problems, the designer accepted the challenge. The result is the Kodiak 100, developed by Quest Aircraft Company of Idaho, USA. Described as a mountain rocket, it is an aircraft uniquely designed to overcome many obstacles of flying in a mission situation. For MAF, it promises so much more than the Cessna 206, long the backbone at the smaller end of the fleet. ation. And in the utility version, facilities are also easily juggled from passenger to cargo to half-and-half. Doors open exceptionally wide to enable patients on stretchers to be boarded easily, and there is a ready supply of spare parts. The 750-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine is able to pull the aircraft along at a 180-knot cruising speed. Landing is at 60 knots. Load is up to nine passengers. The plane carries up to 320 gallons of fuel so it can fly up to 1,200 nautical miles before refuelling. The Kodiak can also take off on a really short runway needing less than required by the Cessna 206. And a display on the aircraft panel shows the pilot a real-time image of surrounding terrain, enabling the plane to be guided easily around heavy storms. Denny Hoekstra has become MAFs expert on the new aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered in October for Denny Hoekstra use in Indonesia. We are anticipating our Caravan pilots will transition to the Kodiak 100 very easily, Denny affirms. for 4,000 hours between engine overhauls. With the ability to carry about 68% more cargo weight than the Cessna 206, the Kodiak promises to increase significantly the amount of medical, food or disaster relief delivered in one flight. In the next 10 years, MAF intends to replace 20 of its Cessna 206s with Kodiak 100s. And in the next 4 years, 13 aircraft should be purchased including 8 for Indonesia, 2 for service in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 1 for our new operation expected in Nepal. As I investigate fresh countries where MAF could operate, Im convinced the Kodiak really is our answer for a turbinepowered aircraft in the most difficult and remote areas of the world, enthuses longserving Max Gove. David Voetmann, now 73, became a missionary after hearing of the death of pilot Nate Saint and others massacred by Waorani (Auca) people in Ecuador. He became an MAF pilot and engineer, flying for 25 years in Africa. I believe this plane will be the next generations missionary mule, he asserts.

Feature comparison

Cessna 206 6 414kg 125nm/hr 618nm 88 gallons 5 91p 448

KODIAK 100 10 697kg 185nm/hr 1,233nm 320 gallons 2 88p 258

Figures are correct at time of going to press

Seating capacity, including pilot Useful load, after pilot and fuel for 500 nautical miles Maximum cruising speed at 10,000 feet Maximum flight distance at 10,000 feet Fuel capacity (useable) Fuel cost per gallon (estimated average worldwide cost) Operating cost per nautical mile Cost to deliver 408kg cargo based on 500nm trip (assumes maximum load for both aircraft)

Short runway advantage

Pointed cowling maximises the Kodiaks take-off thrust, and the 4-blade 96-inch propeller contributes to the same goal while having a 19-inch clearance to allow taxiing on rough terrain. Its restricted wingspan permits turning in the tight confines of a small airstrip, and its discontinuous leading edge helps control the aircraft dramatically on slow approaches. Versatility is built in. The landing gear is easily removed for conversion to float oper-

Reliable fuel supply

One of the major features of the new plane is its use of jet fuel. That is far more readily available than the avgas needed by the Cessna 206. The Kodiak can also operate
June August 2008 MAF News 9

8 MAF News June August 2008

an exciting new adventure

Department of Immigration, but Russell managed to get agreement that he was in order to continue. Such a service is really vital to the smooth running of smaller missions. Hospital. And pictures of the Easter scene painted by the youngsters are being used in a Swahili magazine published by a Danish mission.

Childrens recognition

Constant reminder

Gale-force change
B
For six years, Russell Gale has been watching things change in Dar es Salaam many of those changes coming under his own guidance
ase and Logistics Manager for MAF, Russell is the man to whom many in Tanzania go for help when they hit a brick wall. With his team of national staff, he is at the forefront of helping missions and aid agencies, whether with regular or emergency flights, assisting with immigration matters, or buying vehicles and computers. Like his wife Maggi and their daughters, Phoebe (7) and Lois (5), he enjoys life in Africa. While studying ceramic art at Cardiff, Maggi felt called to be a missionary. So she then trained as a primary school teacher. Now she teaches art at a primary school and secondary schools with children of 30 different nationalities. The couple is rarely away from work. Even the weekly business breakfast that Russell helped to start mainly for mission leaders is an opportunity for them to share new ideas, discuss problems, and introduce others to MAFs services. At one such gettogether, he was shocked when the British High Commissioner told him, In the UK, we spend 5 billion on DVDs every year. That is the total budget the Tanzanian government spends in a year. Russell has a reputation for being in the right place at the right time. While discussing immigration problems, he met with the brother of the countrys President and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs to help resolve these issues. Working on behalf of agencies operating in Tanzania is a very positive experience. I provide support just like the different parts of the movement in a Swiss watch. I see that as how the body of Christ works. If one part is not working, it stops or runs badly. Having grown up in several countries one of which was neighbouring Kenya Russell finds his many experiences valuable, including his years working in the coaching industry. His work in making visa applications for other organisations was questioned by the

Russell is constantly looking for other organisations that could benefit from MAFs vital flying service. A flight for International Rescue Committee was the first time that the agency had used MAF. Our aircraft delivered 900kg of its medical supplies to Kibondo along with its country director and an ambassador. Whether booking flights with MAF or through British Airways for other organisations, obtaining or fixing computers, Russell knows that he is doing Gods work. While Phoebe and Lois both enjoy local schools, Maggi appreciates bringing an artistic ethos to the children she teaches. Ten children have had their pictures of African animals framed. They will hang in the childrens ward of Ocean Road Cancer

Maggi tries to build community spirit in the city with a weekly Bible study group, mums and toddlers, and other events at their house. One of the most exciting things, Maggi recounts, is that, through our house girl, our garden boy Juma has become a Christian. Loiss health has been problematic, but it is now improving. That comes as an encouragement that they really are in the right place. Russell points out that a school friend he knew in 1972 in Malaysia now lives just 500 yards away. Thats not only a reminder of his past Russell lived for nine years in Malaysia, six in Kenya and then three in Australia but a constant reminder of how Gods plans often contain unusual twists and turns.

Clockwork reliability

Are you a Finance Manager? Would you like to work in Australia or perhaps Papua New Guinea (PNG)? Are you up for a challenge? Russell Gales role in MAF, featured alongside, is not the only vital support function in our worldwide work. PNG is our most diverse operation. Throughout this mountainous country, large communities are without any road access. People depend on our aircraft and the tiny bush airstrips to meet their need for medical workers and schoolteachers, as well as to carry out local produce as their only means of income. We need somebody to serve in PNG to provide accounting and financial management skills in this truly unique environment. The position involves management and supervision of local staff, as well as liaising with auditors and bankers, and sharing in the local MAF senior management team. Janet Busk, who recently filled in for the role, says, I loved it! But it is really full on. In addition, we are seeking someone suitable to work in Cairns, Australia, to undertake accounting support for several of our smaller operations. These include Bangladesh, Cambodia and East Timor, as well as a mission aviation training base in northern Australia. If you are qualified and experienced in accounting, and feel that God may be leading you into a new adventure, Heather Faulkner please contact Recruitment Co-ordinator Heather Faulkner Recruitment Co-ordinator Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue FOLKESTONE CT20 2TN Email: heather.faulkner@maf-uk.org Telephone: 0845 850 9505
June August 2008 MAF News 11

10 MAF News June August 2008

From left to right: Abraham, Cindy, Charity, Divinah, Titus

news
IN BRIEF
Business brains Pilot Chad Tilley flew several American Christian businessmen to Dumki in southern Bangladesh, the area most affected by cyclone Sidr. Most villagers had lost their homes and fishing and farming businesses. The group met with local leaders and families to get them back on their feet practically. Work included helping re-establish businesses and finding other ways to earn a living. Long march After pilot Derek Moores flew three team members from Christian Family Network to an airstrip in southern Sudan, they started on a 16-hour walk! Thats what it takes to reach a village where they have established a church among formerly-unreached people. Elsewhere, they encountered an army commander who, two months earlier, was unable to sleep. He saw a man come to him, say he was Jesus, and explain the Gospel. The commander became a Christian and was delighted to receive a Bible in his own language. Health hopes ADRA is planning to start up a child survival project with provision of healthcare in Madagascar. Josh Plett flew Director Peter Delhove, two of his staff, a representative from USAID, and Ministry of Health personnel from Antananarivo to Marolambo, Sahakevo and Mahanoro. At each destination, the team conducted a survey of local health needs. Church planting Pilot Derek Moores flew Cush4Christ missionaries Vincent and Julie Ward and their two sons back to Malwalkon, southern Sudan, together with muchneeded supplies. Based in Wanyjok village, Vincent and Julie are dependent on our flights, particularly during the rainy season when the roads become impassable. Cush4Christ is facilitating church planting in Aweil district. Its work with communities aims to bring about holistic transformation through the local church. Medical mission Partnering with HoverAid, our team in Madagascar is helping to establish medical outreach to the remote village of Ankavandra. The community there has given land for HoverAid to build a base to serve people right along the Manambolo River. Our team plans to build an airstrip closer to the village. After an initial survey, Country Director Jakob Adolf reports, I have seldom seen a village welcome us with open arms like the people from Ankavandra.
June August 2008 MAF News 13

Charity with new born Dut

satellite surgery
G
As people seek medical help, those offering it may take advice by phone
iggling baby Dut is every mothers ideal child thanks to the work of Safe Harbor International Relief in southern Sudan. Brought to the clinic at Nyinbuli when two days old crying incessantly, Dut was

Moses before treatment

Moses today

also premature by two months. Because he was so tiny, he was starving, as he was not able to suck. Charity Lanman, a missionary nurse, and her team managed to tube-feed Dut for five weeks while working on his reflexes to enable him to feed himself. When Dut and his 18-year-old mother came back later, Charity recalls: He had gained so much weight and was the happiest baby. He would bounce up and down all day giggling a huge encouragement. He wouldnt be alive if God hadnt provided the way for our being here. Two American missionaries Charity and Cindy work in the north-west of the Bahr El Ghazal region, less than 100 miles from Darfur. So they encounter Darfur refugees as they serve an area of at least 7,000 people.

pair runs is a two-day cycle ride from the hospital at Aweil. But that is inaccessible from May to September during the wet season. Then, they are totally isolated except for our flights. Without the support of MAF, we could not do what we are doing, insists Charity. As a meningitis epidemic struck Sudan, the small clinic treated 200 patients. Then heavy rain brought flooding and 1,500 patients with malaria arrived. Other cases need major surgery. The missionaries perform this, often after sending photographs by Internet to specialist doctors and surgeons who advise them on procedures. Sometimes, they get real-time advice using a satellite phone.

his mother came to the local church. During the two years weve been in Nyinbuli, the Lord has allowed us to be a part of situations that say Its only God, Charity testifies. Many times, we learned as we were doing. Mary is no exception. Mary came with her right breast almost hanging off with gangrene. She had an operation on a wooden bench under a tree. I was the one doing the cutting to remove rotting flesh but it took the entire team, recounts Charity. After 26 days, her wound was relatively small, infection free, and closing. We praise God that He allowed us to be here for Mary and many like her.

running discipleship classes. They have sent three people away for training in both laboratory and primary healthcare. It is our desire and prayer that we can work ourselves out of a job as we raise up the community to serve themselves, explains Charity. During last year, the clinic treated 230 meningitis patients and 2,441 for malaria, with an overall monthly average of 729 patients.

Vision and volunteers

Deliveries and discipleship

Moses and Mary

Meningitis and malaria

Cindy with baby Dut

Apart from occasional volunteer medical experts, their team is Abraham, a pastor from Sudan, Titus, a clinical officer from Uganda, and Divinah from Kenya, acting as pharmacist. Even though Charity studied nursing for a year in India and Cindy is an emergency medical technician, there is no qualified doctor. The primary healthcare centre that the

After witchdoctors had failed to help him, three-year-old Moses arrived in such a bad condition that the team believed that he was dead. But he was only unconscious, suffering from both severe meningitis and cerebral malaria. Doctors in the USA told them he would probably not make it or if he did, he would have brain damage. But following round-the-clock care and constant prayer, Moses regained consciousness seven days later. Soon, he was walking and talking just like any normal boy. And

Our Caravans make the regular journey in two days. Its a 6-hour flight from Nairobi with 2 refuelling stops. However, when conditions on Nyinbuli airstrip allow the PC12 to land, it can make the return journey in a single day. One MAF flight delivered bicycles, and metal cupboards for storing medicines, as well as food. We flew in an American team to build a toilet, a shelter for bricks for a permanent building, and other construction jobs. They helped with medical work and tidied up after the meningitis outbreak. The missionaries work with the church,

Then, over the next ten years, they want to establish a permanent hospital, build a training centre, encourage local Christians, develop education in primary healthcare, provide host homes for orphans, set up schools, and plant more churches. It is a huge challenge. But the Safe Harbor team faces it with the knowledge that MAFs aircraft services are in support, helping ensure a regular supply of equipment, medication and as God provides volunteer and permanent staff. I want to thank you, MAF Supporters, for making the work we do here possible, Charity writes. Thank you for believing in the calling the Lord has put on our lives. Thank you for the huge part that you play in ministry to the people of Nyinbuli. May the Lord richly bless you.

12 MAF News June August 2008

Andrew and Les

Kate Allen

Cambodias life-saver
D
Children in remote parts of Cambodia owe their health to a 57-year-old doctor whom it is our privilege to fly
avid Beyda is a critical care doctor, administrator and teacher in Phoenix Childrens Hospital, USA. He first travelled to Cambodia in 1979, spending six months as Paediatric Director at the Khao I Dang refugee camp on the ThailandCambodia border. While there, he helped youngsters who had escaped Pol Pot and Vietnamese atrocities. In 2004, he established Medical Mercy when Mission of Mercy approached him to evaluate the medical needs of children in its care. David led teams of up to 12 experts to isolated areas of the country, offering nutritional support, control of infectious diseases and preventative medicine. Today, he is responsible for Medical Mercys work in 22 countries, which has treated 40,000 children. A qualified pilot himself, David finds our services indispensable. Without MAF, many people would be without the care and the support that they need. To ensure that children remain healthy after treatment, the mission also cares for their families. In a typical 5-day visit we will see about 2,200 patients, 1,500 of whom are children and 700 are adults, David explains. He has devised the Healthcare Worker Programme in order to train teachers and counsellors to assess the healthcare status of children, make diagnoses and begin initial treatment. Seven-year-old Pepe came to Davids first

clinic in Cambodia. She had a high fever, and was having extreme difficulty breathing. We saw that she would die within several hours if we did not intervene. We quickly inserted an intravenous drip, starting her on aggressive antibiotics, gave her oxygen and observed her for 48 hours. In the middle of the village, the team controlled her overwhelming infection and pneumonia and watched her slowly get better. She made a dramatic recovery. Now she is healthy and happy. For Davids latest trip to five villages in Battambang area of Cambodia, we flew his team from Phnom Penh. In 8 days, the team treated 2,000 patients in an after-church clinic on the Sunday and in 5 village schools. And while the medical team was at work, other volunteers were building playground equipment for the church. David is described by Dr Wayne Goodall, President of Mission of Mercy, as a man who is literally driven to help children. What motivates this unique physician is a child that would not make it without him.

Kate Allen came to work with MAF in our Folkestone office in 1999. Since 2001, she has led our News and Media team, developing our capability to ensure Supporters have good-quality news of overseas ministry on the pages of MAF News and in our other communications. During the last seven years, Kate has visited many of the countries in which we operate. From Mongolia to Sudan, from Bangladesh to Tanzania, she has gathered news, stories and photographs. And from Aceh which is on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, she reported on our critical relief work in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Kates gift for vivid portrayal of all that she has seen and experienced has made so many poignant scenes come alive.

Kate left MAF in early April ahead of her marriage to Chris Bryant later that month. Chris expects to begin a course at the London School of Theology in October with a view to church leadership, while Kate hopes to work in central London. We express our warmest appreciation to Kate for the vital role she has played, and we wish both her and Chris every happiness together as they seek the Lords plans for where they will serve Him in the long term. Thank you, Kate.

Valuable Volunteers

Andrew Cunningham had been speaking of his experiences as a child in Africa at our annual Volunteers Day in Scotland. His life had been saved when an MAF aircraft took him for urgent medical help in Ethiopia. During a break, a voice whispered in And without exception, we were both very impressed by their stature, spirituality, professionalism and commitment. Indeed, they were the reason that we became MAF Supporters and found our hearts drawn to its work. Our work for Monkton Combe School often took us to East Africa, where the school has strong and long-standing links. We remember one occasion at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, when we happened to find ourselves watching an MAF plane taking off. We had tears in our eyes as we reflected on its small size yet strategic role in such a needy region. So it is not surprising that our hearts have drawn us to remember MAF in our Wills and we would like to encourage anyone reading this article to consider doing the same! MAF praises God for 237,952 received as legacies in the first quarter of 2008. If you would like to know more about remembering MAF in your Will, please call our Legacy Co-ordinator Miriam Wheeler on Miriam 0845 850 9505 or email her at miriam.wheeler@maf-uk.org
June August 2008 MAF News 15

Andrews ear: I was the pilot who flew you to hospital! The voice was that of now-retired Les Brown. I was thrilled that God had arranged for me to meet the pilot who had rescued me, recalls Andrew, now an MAF Trustee. On occasions, God lets us see some of the effects of our teamwork for Him, Andrew muses. In teams, people are concerned about the part each member plays in achieving common objectives. Would you consider joining the MAF Volunteer team? We are looking for people who can help raise the profile of MAF right where they are. You might lead a prayer group, ensure your local church is kept informed about our work and needs, or speak to wider groups. Some Volunteers make greetings cards in aid of MAF. Any ability is welcome. To help you decide if this is for you, phone Allyson Edwards on 0845 Allyson 850 9505 or email her at allyson.edwards@maf-uk.org

MY RESPONSE
I want to help bring Gods compassion to needy people
I enclose my gift of for use where most needed
PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS

Mr, Mrs, Miss, Rev, Dr, Christian name and surname

David and medical team

Tears in our eyes

by Michael and Dawn Cuthbertson

Neither of us knows much about planes or is technically minded, so leaving a legacy to Mission Aviation Fellowship might, at first sight, seem rather a strange thing to do! Our interest stems from our roles as headmaster and wife at Monkton Combe School until 2005. Part of the mission of the school is to provide a Christian education for children of missionaries. A number of MAF parents sent their children to the school in our time there.

Address

Postcode Please tell me how I can best give to MAF on a regular basis
Registered Charity Number, England and Wales: 1064598 Registered Charity Number, Scotland: SC039107

Pepe receiving treatment

David with pilot Emil Kndig

14 MAF News June August 2008

Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue FOLKESTONE CT20 2TN 29 Canal Street GLASGOW G4 0AD
FSF mzrg2

God showed me
I repented all my sins I did in the past. I believed in God with my heart, I filled with joy. I am thankful God showed me true way. I thought I would go to hell because of all my sins. I was relieved so much after I understood how much Jesus suffered for me. I did lots of sins in my life. Now I believe God forgave me, crucified on the cross, shed His blood for me. Three testimonies following three days of Bible teaching when the Millennium Messenger flew a team from Ulaanbaatar Baptist Church to western Mongolia.