June 2010

The quarterly magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship

Long after the storm 8

Flying for life

Rice reversal

14

BANGLADESH: A request for help

Flying for life

We have a request for a medical emergency flight. The gentleman is downstairs. He needs our help. Chad Tilley, Country Director for MAF in Bangladesh and Chief Pilot of our amphibious plane, recalls one particular flight that had a personal impact on him:

he was to call his relatives and tell them to get red flags to fly when they saw the aircraft overhead.

Searching in circles

t was our day off and our family was just hanging out in the house. A member of staff ran up and started knocking on our door. The man downstairs was a major in the Bangladesh army. He explained, A member of my family has just had a baby boy and he is dying. I have seen your hangar from across

the field, and it says on it Flying for Life. I have seen that you are here to help people in the country. Can you help me? I asked where the baby lived. He pulled out a map and said, I havent visited my home in about 10 to 15 years, but its on this river. I told him we would work out the co-ordinates, and

So we took off with the major on board and flew south. We got over this big river network at 500ft. As I looked out, with rivers stretching in every direction, I had a bad feeling that we were never going to find the baby. We circled over one location, then another and another. I silently prayed, God, please help us to find this child. About then, as I turned and banked the aircraft, we looked down and saw red flags waving. The majors mobile started ringing and he exclaimed, They can see us, its them down there! We landed and pulled into the riverbank. Literally thousands of people came out from the village. I could see the family coming with the baby in their arms. And, as the boat came alongside the aircraft, the mother handed me

her baby. I stood there with this boy in my arms and realised what trust she had in us. She had given me her most precious treasure on earth. What a witness to all those people that here, as a foreigner, she was giving him to me!

Far left: The whole village looked on Centre: Preparing to board the plane Below: Chad Tilley Bottom: The MAF hangar at Dhaka

Showing Gods love

We flew the mother and baby to Dhaka, where they were taken to hospital. The major visited us a week later, thanking MAF for saving this babys life. As I thought more about the experience, I began to pray that God would use it. Just our act of being there in good times and bad, living life with these people, helping them when they need help I believe God uses that to show His love and His compassion and His kindness. That day, we didnt have to say anything. People know that we are Christians serving in a Muslim country. We fly a red and white plane. And we are there, able to help in their time of need.

I silently prayed, God, please help us to find this child

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June 2010 Flying for Life 3

HAITI: Real-life stories

Hope after the earthquake struck

Where does one begin following a disaster on the magnitude of Haitis earthquake in January?

Holy Spirit was really speaking to Noah and that his prayers were for a specific reason.

Seek his face always

edia coverage included criticism of the delay in getting aid to the people. But how can effective organisation and execution of such a monumental task be instant when a countrys infrastructure lies smashed to pieces, its people broken? The accounts that follow are from our staff

and partners in Haiti and from others. They are testimony to how each one of us has a different part to play, together making a big impact. Through these reports runs a thread of hope. Glimpses of a sovereign God at work, present in the midst of the suffering.

(Psalm 105:4 niv) Dave Carwell, MAF pilot/mechanic, shares: Friday 12 February, one month after the earthquake, people are calling for businesses to close for prayer and fasting. Thats a truly beautiful response. Also of significance, the town of Jacmel has cancelled its famous Mardi Gras celebrations for this year. The mayor has granted an evangelical church the same space to conduct revival meetings. Wow! In the midst of all of this, God is at work.

The Most High God is sovereign

In step with the Spirit

(Galatians 5:25 niv) The prayers of seven-year-old Noah are recalled by MAF pilot/mechanic John Munsell: Noah had been praying for us since we spoke at his Bible club last fall, specifically that God would protect us from disasters. So much so that his mom was trying to steer his prayers toward more practical things. She felt he was rather obsessed with that whole idea. Two days before the earthquake, he prayed about what his mother asked but then went right back to keeping us safe from some big things. Mom soon found out that the

(Daniel 5:21 niv) MAF pilot Will White writes: This morning, MAF had been scheduled to take a team of doctors to Pignon but, the night before, someone called and cancelled the flight. The doctors showed up about 9am and I told them they would have to wait until after a previously scheduled flight. I left to fly over to the island of La Gonave. When we arrived, Dan Irvine, Area Director of Global Partners, the mission arm of the Wesleyan Church, said he had a nine-year-old girl Meka whose feet had both been crushed in the earthquake. The hospital on the island had done all they could and they needed to find an orthopaedic doctor in Port-au-Prince to carry out surgery. According to Dan, her feet looked like ground beef and, if infection set in, it would be fatal. I agreed to wait for Meka to show up at the plane.

Knowing of the huge strain on the field hospitals in Port-au-Prince, I was not hopeful of the young girl finding an orthopaedic unit to perform surgery. I started to think about the doctors who were waiting for me back in Port-au-Prince. I was sure they had said they were orthopaedic surgeons. When we arrived, I taxied to my parking place and all of the doctors were standing right next to the plane with their supplies. In no time, the team was examining Meka and making plans to take her directly to Pignon hospital. We removed Meka from the plane to refuel, and they were then able to start an intravenous drip. I flew three doctors, the girl and her mother to Pignon. It was so exciting to see how God worked the events of the day to bring these two groups together. I was humbled to be a part of it. (2 Samuel 21:14 niv) Ginger Muchmore, who serves with Lemuel Ministries, shares this moving story: Last week, Manis Dilus went to the maka, a large hole for catching rainwater being dug by a group of about 15 men. They were hard at work, doing the entire thing by hand. When he came back he said, Ginger, this waterhole is going to be the most important thing we do. It will serve the entire community, but we need to pray. I only have food for the workers for the rest of this week. Around 1pm, we suddenly heard the sound of an aircraft. I went outside to discover the Kodiak making a circle overhead. Soon, pilots Jason and Harry were on the ground with a

Far left: Survivors at the clinic in Port-au-Prince Above left: Unloading supplies at Anse Rouge Below left: Christians praying, praising and singing in the streets Above: Meka boards the plane

God answered prayer

Dave Carwell

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June 2010 Flying for Life 5

HAITI: Real-life stories

MAFs unique role

MAF excels in providing practical solutions in developing countries. After the earthquake in Haiti, we provided transport for patients and personnel, food, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, water treatment systems and medical equipment; warehousing and distribution of supplies; logistics, co-ordination and communication services for numerous partner organisations.

huge surprise for us buckets for filtering water and tons of food. The very next day the Kodiak came back with more food. A third time the plane returned. The blessing they brought was food, water and medical supplies. As each of the men who were digging the maka gathered to get their bucket and food, Manis told them that we never asked the plane to come and, in fact, had no idea that Jason had these supplies. Before Manis could go on, one of the men exclaimed, Manis, God has sent a blessing! Manis was able to share how God cared about this maka and each of them personally. The food will enable the work to go on for several more weeks. For years, we have expressed to you our deep thanks for our Haiti MAF pilots. But they have gone above and beyond during this present crisis.

is working through you all in Haiti. Please continue spreading the Word through all you do, and know that you have prayer partners in my wife Shannon and me.

She did what she could

(Mark 14:8 niv) So many people have responded to the Haiti disaster through prayer, gifts, practical action, delivery of help, and encouragement to those

involved on the ground. All are important; all contribute to the whole response; all express love to the people of Haiti. From Christ, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16 niv) While we often dont understand the details of Gods sovereign plan, and can struggle with the suffering we see, we are called to trust in

Him with our whole heart and not to lean on our own understanding. He has shown us what is good and what He requires of us: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 niv) Together and as individuals, may we continue to do just that. Further details of how MAF has assisted in response to the Haiti disaster are available at www.maf-uk.org/haitiearthquake

Look after orphans

(James 1:27 niv) MAF pilot Harry Berghuis reports: Today we did a further flight for Danita Estrella, who owns an orphanage in the north at Ouanaminthe. Churches are asking her to take children brought to them who now have no place to go. Some of these kids are badly injured and cannot make a nine-hour road trip, so she asked MAF if we could fly some of the most seriously injured children to her orphanage. The other day, we flew a child in a complete body cast and another who had a broken upper leg that was hurting immensely. Today, she had more kids who needed to go by air.

They were all encouraged

Facts and figures
Our disaster response flights within Haiti: 283 flight hours 606 flights (landings) 935 passengers 104 tons of cargo 34,620 flight miles

(Acts 27:36 niv) Boeing 707 pilot Johnny Kearns, who was flying doctors to and from Port-au-Prince and delivering vital medical supplies, emailed MAF Disaster Response Manager John Woodberry: Dont know if you remember me, but I was a captain on the B707 in Port-au Prince today. You have no idea what a blessing it was to see the MAF staff there this week. I know that it sounds funny, but my spirit leapt as I talked to pilot Will White yesterday. I know the Lord

Main: Kodiak delivers relief supplies to La Gonave Right: Receiving medical treatment in Port-au-Prince Centre: Unloading supplies at Port-au-Prince Far right: Danita Estrella with orphaned survivors

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God

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June 2010 Flying for Life 7

BANGLADESH: Rebuilding lives and livelihoods

Long after the storm

Story Stephanie Gidney Photos Richard Hanson

Country facts
Population Capital Area Languages Religions Currency Life expectancy GDP per capita Literacy 156,050,883 Dhaka 55,598 sq miles Bangla (Bengali), English Muslim, Hindu Taka 60 years US $1,600 48%

The effects of cyclone Sidr in November 2007 are still felt in southern Bangladesh today, where post-disaster rehabilitation work is ongoing

Source: CIA World Factbook, 2009

E
350 households are benefiting from the agricultural part of the programme
Twin programmes
In Barguna district in southern Bangladesh, ACF and local organisation SANGRAM are carrying out post-disaster rehabilitation work funded by the European Commission and the Spanish government. This work consists of a food security programme and a shelter programme. The food security programme involves boat-building and agriculture, and identified 17 villages affected by cyclone Sidr where its full support was required. Of these, nine villages are benefiting from the boat project, four from the agricultural part of the programme, and four more from both elements.

arly morning, and I journey south. With mist over rice paddies and palms silhouetted against the newly-risen sun, the view is simply stunning as we bump along the dirt road. I am to visit the collaborative work of Action Contre la Faim (ACF, Action Against Hunger) and Sangathita Gramunnyan Karmoshuchee (SANGRAM, Integrated Village Development Programme). We arrive at Babugonj Bazaar in Padma village. Standing on the riverbank are four impressive fishing boats under construction. Industrious sounds of hard work echo around rhythmic banging of hammers, the workers becoming dwarfed by the growing vessels.

Sirak Weldemicael of ACF explains: All our fishermen are highly vulnerable. They either lost their boats during the cyclone season in 2007 or they dont have any equipment.

Building boats

Due to the size of seaworthy boats and the limited technical capacity of the fishermen, contractors are building the vessels. The construction takes place within villages, so that beneficiaries themselves are involved in consultation and design. This kind of construction needs to be very closely monitored, Sirak points out. If there is something wrong, it means that the fishing boats will not work properly and would put

beneficiaries at risk. So, two technical experts monitor quality. Each of the 35ft boats supports 10 fishing households. Much smaller, and the boats would not be economically viable. ACF also provides anchors, a 100kg fishing net and life jackets. Younus Mia from Patakata has worked as a fisherman for 25 years. Sidr destroyed both his small boats. He shares: I am very happy to have been selected as a beneficiary and come every day for boat monitoring.

Homestead gardens

Visiting two years after the cyclone, it strikes me how long it takes to recover fully from such a disaster.

Observing the agricultural programme of ACFs and SANGRAMs work requires a short trip by motorbike. We zip along dusty tracks, dodging pedestrians as well as the occasional farm cart. I meet Anwara Begum, an elderly lady from Patakata village. She received a goat, along with seeds for summer vegetables: kangkong, Indian spinach, yardlong bean, ash gourd and okra. Anwara was also given a watering can, a spade and a fencing net to protect plants from the hungry goat! Sirak explains further, We work with very vulnerable people on the only land they have. Inside their homestead, we try to help them develop a vegetable garden. Local vegetables

Far left: Fishing boats under construction Left: Anwara Begum tends her vegetables Top: Younus Mia Above: Sirak Weldemicael

Productive goats
Of 329 goats distributed so far (target 350), 80 had already given birth to a total of 160 kids. Black Bengal goats originate from this area of Bangladesh, so they are well suited to the environment. Milking goats are selected from the market to ensure that they are fertile but not pregnant, so they can be vaccinated and quarantined for ten days before distribution to selected households. The beneficiaries receive training, including the use of available resources as feed to avoid buying additional supplies. The goats also provide milk for households, meat and a source of income when traded.

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June 2010 Flying for Life 9

BANGLADESH: Rebuilding lives and livelihoods

Above: Anwara Begum waters her crop Right: Wood is brought to the building site Below: Joakadom in her new home with Javier

New homes
It takes two four-person teams to build a core shelter measuring 13ft 2in x 11ft 6in and 8ft 4in high. A qualified mason, two unskilled labourers and a household member take two days to build the foundations. Then a qualified carpenter, two unskilled labourers and the household member create the crossbeam structure and install the corrugated iron roof, taking four days. Once the core shelter is established, a family can extend it according to its needs, adding verandas, lean-tos and upper storeys. Latrines have also been built where homesteads lacked sanitary facilities.

are used what is new is the planting system and the fencing. Just like Anwaras family, each household receives vegetable seeds, tools and a female Black Bengal goat. Animal dung is used as fertiliser. Maturing at different times of year, as one vegetable harvest ends, another comes into season. Together, there is the potential for continuous produce throughout a six-month period. Anwara has never grown vegetables before. I am very happy with my first harvest, she shares. But now she has planted five different varieties of winter vegetable: bottle gourd, country bean, red amaranth, radish, and spinach.

Enduring the storm

Mosammoukadija has lived in Patakata for six years. She gives a vivid and moving account of her experience when cyclone Sidr struck. There were six households here. At first, we stayed in the house. When we saw the storm was too big, we transferred to the road. When we saw the sea coming, we went to another house. In that time, many trees had fallen over the road, so we went for shelter in another house. We were 12 people altogether. We attached hand-to-hand. Nobody died because we stayed with each other. The water came fast. It was a terrifying experience. If we had stayed a few minutes longer, nobody would

have survived. We had to decide between the water or staying. Sometimes, someone drank too much water, but finally we were all safe and nobody was lost. Mosammoukadija is pleased with her new type of house. Its stronger structure makes her feel safer. As a family of six, they extended its core shelter, using the cross design they had learnt.

also, they can do it right after the very first moment. Indeed, following cyclone Sidr, our Cessna amphibious plane was the first civilian aircraft to respond to people in need. Initial flights took aid agency staff to the worst hit areas to assess the damage and plan the most effective response.

Left: Mosammoukadija Above: Monitoring boat construction

Most vulnerable

Time is gold!

Permanent shelters

Working together, ACF and SANGRAM also run a shelter programme, Building Back Better. This helps beneficiary families in their transition from an inadequate post-cyclone shelter, such as a tent, to secure and adequate permanent shelters. We use construction materials from the local area, explains Javier of ACF, but we implement new techniques and we explain to the people how this works. They are involved in all the construction process learning by doing. This includes training both male and female beneficiaries as well as the essential carpenters. ACF and SANGRAM have assisted 920 of the most vulnerable families by repairing homes or building new ones, working to the technical recommendations for storm and flood resistance.

Javier tells me, We are in the last step of the project and we are now able to identify who are the most vulnerable, especially widows and elderly people without the capacity to complete the shelters. We are giving them extra support to complete the work. Being very elderly, Joakadom qualified for extra support. She has lived in the area for many years so long she doesnt know quite how many. Joakadom lost her home during cyclone Sidr. To make her new shelter more accessible, it has a ramp as well as steps. Joakadom feels her home is a big improvement, and says: I havent seen this type of house before, and feel better and very happy.

Fast assessment

So, just what difference is our aircraft making for ACF and SANGRAM? In Javiers opinion, MAF is most valuable for its emergency response capability. During an emergency, the first step is the initial assessment. So for MAF, I think one of the goals is to have the capacity to fly and to do the first assessment, see where the main damage is and the most affected areas. And

Javier and Sirak have both flown frequently with MAF, as Barguna district is an especially isolated area. Javier vividly describes the only alternative: First, we would take a car to Barisal, a three-hour drive. Its quite risky to travel by car in Bangladesh as there are a big number of fatalities. Then, we would take a launch and spend all night on the river, 9pm to 8am, when we arrive in Dhaka. Just to get out from the Dhaka port area by car is a frustrating two or three hours. So all this is a lot of hours and we always arrive in Dhaka too tired to work properly. Even the boat is quite risky. In winter, there is a lot of fog in the morning. They do not use high technology. The rivers are very risky flash floods and a lot of currents. It is not really very safe. Instead, as Sirak points out, By MAF, from Dhaka to Barguna is 45 minutes, and then you are in your office doing your work. And Javier concludes, Time is gold! We have objectives; we have to get things done on time. To prolong all the timing is a waste. MAF really helps us to be efficient and the plane is much safer than other methods of transportation.

145,385 houses in the Barguna district were damaged by Sidr

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June 2010 Flying for Life 11

SUDAN: Over 60 years of service

The real heroes of Sudan

MAF began operating in Sudan during 1950. With the 60th anniversary this year, co-founder Stuart King reflects on heroes past and present

P
Stuart King

eople often say to me, MAF does such wonderful work! When I last went to Africa, I was told: We really do appreciate the MAF folk; they do so much for us. MAF staff are certainly special. Many have sacrificed to serve God. We praise Him for the people He has sent us.

Partners

Sacrifice

MAF does such wonderful work

I think of those who are in Juba today. John and Kristina Tipper are real groundbreakers. Setting up and building our new base in 2006, they lived in just one room while renovating a house, establishing relationships, facing the unknown in a fragile environment and then overseeing the operation. Stefan and Christine Hageneier are the first MAF pair to come to Juba with children. It has not been easy for either couple times of insecurity, great unknowns and limited healthcare. Everything takes so much longer. These are challenging times, but they are there in spite of all because they know it is Gods call and He would grant them strength to complete the task. Along with the wider team, they give much.

And what about all those missionaries, aid workers and development experts we serve and fly? In 60 years, I have seen so many amazing people. Then there are the Sudanese nationals who have sacrificed so greatly. Maker Manyang, working with Aid Sudan, is one among many. One of the former Lost Boys, he walked thousands of miles, avoiding starvation, danger and death, before reaching Kenya and eventually gaining an education in the USA. Today, he has left the affluence of America and is back in Sudan ministering to his people, teaching them about God and training others to share the Gospel. However, none of these would really claim to be heroes.

Martyrs

In 1951, I lived with Don and Lyda McClure in Akobo, where much of MAFs work began. Outstanding as missionaries, they were always pressing on to new projects and into unreached areas in Sudan. In 1997, well past retirement age and then in Ethiopia, Dons amazing life met an abrupt end. One dark night, he was shot killed by the very people he had come to serve. Today, those same people revere his grave. Don was a martyr. He and his wife were heroes. In past years, I have stood by graves of missionaries and their children who died in remote and inaccessible areas. Heroes all. But who are the greatest heroes? They are still those nationals whom we seek to help. The Sudanese people have faced trials of many kinds, but their resilience has always impressed me. It is a privilege to serve them. I remember Gideon, a Sudanese pastor among the Dinka people. Falsely accused of assisting rebel soldiers, he was shot and his body thrown into the Nile, along with four church elders. Martyred for their faith.

Hundreds of other nationals have faced torture and death. Many still face the same fate, refusing to deny their Lord. They have had to stay, even when all the foreign workers had to leave. Surely these are the greatest heroes!

Will you pray?

This is a crucial year for the people of Sudan. After several delays, the first countrywide presidential and parliamentary elections were held in April. Sudan is entering a new era. In this last year before the referendum of 2011, when the south will vote on its future whether independence from the north or a united Sudan it is vital that peace holds. With decades of war having brought so much destruction and death, the years of peace have begun to bring improvements in healthcare, infrastructure and education.

But the future of southern Sudan remains uncertain. Pockets of insecurity arise and tribal violence becomes more prevalent. No one knows what this year holds. But we serve a great God, a God of peace and justice. Looking back on 60 years since MAF first opened a base in Sudan, our hearts cry out for its many suffering people. Will you join us in praying for lasting peace in a country that has known so much bloodshed and heartache? Will you stand with the Sudanese people for their nation? Will you pray for justice and transformation? To find out more and keep updated with news of Sudan and how you can pray, please see our special Sudan entries in the Prayer Diary accompanying this magazine and keep checking www.maf-uk.org/prayforsudan on our website.

Above left: Healthcare in southern Sudan Above top: John Tipper Above centre: Don McClure Above: Stefan Hageneier

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June 2010 Flying for Life 13

GoDS FAITHFULNESS

MAF UK NEWS

Constant change
I once heard someone say that the only constant in their life was change. We live in a world where change is happening all around us. It is both inevitable and necessary for progression and growth. Yet, when natural disasters occur, rains cease or war breaks out, peoples lives are changed instantly with devastating consequences. The lives of millions in Haiti will never be the same. The earthquake respected neither people nor property, resulting in a nation desperately in need of emergency aid and Gods love. As I consider how MAF is enabling hope to be restored, buildings to be built, hurt people to receive medicine and lonely people love, I remember the faithfulness of God, and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 nkjv) Throughout the developing world, so many people live in continuous need of help and care. To them MAF remains dedicated to help bring about lasting change that will result in health and hope, peace and provision. In this first edition of Flying for Life, I hope you will be inspired as you read of the committed work your generous support enables. Your ongoing prayers and your financial support are vital and very much appreciated thank you!

Capturing the dynamic

Flying for Life. Three words longassociated with MAF. And by far the most popular new title suggested for our magazine among those who took part in research on MAF News last year. This new title captures the dynamic of our life-saving air ministry. But that research among Supporters told us this was just one of a number of changes we should make. The magazine has moved to a more contemporary design, while seeking to maintain the balance and quality of content which Supporters identified as particularly important. We have heeded requests for more consistent captioning of our pictures and we will include more maps and statistics where appropriate. Responses have also helped us to understand more about the content that readers wish to see in future issues of Flying for Life. And you will be very pleased to hear that this new magazine is costing less to produce. What is more, it is printed on a sustainable paper produced from a managed forest. We continue to give praise to God that so many Supporters use the Prayer Diary on a regular basis. This also has been adapted in line with the new design of the magazine. I hope you enjoyed reading this first issue, and I would very much like to receive your comments. Please write to me at the Folkestone address at the bottom of this page or you can email me at editor@maf-uk.org During our research, one Supporter we spoke to remarked, Ive never left the UK, but I travel around the world with MAF News. It is my hope that you too will fly the world in the pages of Flying for Life and continue to be inspired by news of the impact of our ministry. Andy Prescott Editor, Flying for Life

Rice reversal
As pilots Michael Duncalfe and Irwin Hodder shut down the engines of the Twin Otter and left the aircraft, the gathering crowd at Duranmin placed garlands of flowers around their necks, presenting them with bananas, corn and pawpaws. The reason for their excitement? Rice! Just minutes earlier, supplies had been loaded into the Twin Otter at Telefomin together with a rice-milling machine and 13 passengers prior to the flight to Duranmin. Ten minutes by air saves two or three whole days of hard walking over the rugged terrain that separates the two communities. And now, on the short airstrip tucked up at the end of a narrow valley beside a small river, the aircraft was engulfed in a traditional welcome. People wearing bilas their decorative dress of leaves, flowers and feathers waved spears and bows and arrows. John Kalan, who is Telefomin Project Co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Livestock Division and his team joined Michael and Irwin on the flight. He has been developing agricultural projects with communities. Duranmin and other communities have never had the chance to earn money. But even in remote Papua New Guinea, cash is needed for medicines, school fees, or to supplement a diet of mostly local vegetables and fruits. Today, growing and exporting rice means economic development. For at Duranmin, growing rice is

proving very successful. Johns team used this visit to give people further instruction on growing methods and using the milling machine. Preparing for the return flight to Telefomin, 1,300kg of local rice for sale was loaded into the aircraft in bags previously used to import Australian rice. A double benefit cash for people in Duranmin, local rice for Telefomin. Along with the rice, two ladies who needed medical attention boarded the plane. Community development and healthcare go hand in hand.

Unforgettable but rewarding

by Peter Weston
In 1981, my physiotherapist wife Ann and I joined four other British doctors to work alongside Tanzanian medical staff in the new government hospital at Mbeya in the south-western corner of the country. We were fortunate to be able to fly with Mbeyas resident MAF pilot Vern Bell to some of the distant mission and government hospitals. Navigation at that time was by map and compass. These flights extended our range of work from Lake Malawi in the south to Lake Tanganyika and the Ugandan border some 400 miles to the north. Travelling by plane rather than Land Rover on rough roads allowed me time to carry out minor operations locally, as well as to select patients who required the more sophisticated surgical and rehabilitative facilities available in Mbeya. Many were children who had been paralysed by polio, acquired bone infections, or suffered severe burns. On several occasions, we returned with

Pioneers and produce

During the 1970s, there was a very big response to the Gospel in the Telefomin region as pioneering missionaries and evangelists went to isolated communities. At Duranmin, they established a Bible college to train pastors from surrounding remote areas. Its still functioning today. The cost of sending out all of those missionaries and evangelists over 30 years ago, aboard MAF aircraft as well as on foot, was raised by the sale of food in stores owned by the mission and church in Telefomin town itself. All the goods these pioneers needed including imported rice were flown to them by our planes. Now rice grown locally is being flown in the opposite direction back to Telefomin. And cash from its sale will return to Duranmin. However, the project still relies on MAF planes.

hunters who had been mauled by wild animals such as crocodiles! After rehabilitation in the small centre in the hills near Mbeya, some of these youngsters were flown home by Vern Bell on one of his routine flights to mission stations in the area. The work was hard, but endlessly rewarding. The stoicism of our patients was humbling, and led us to be ever mindful of the hand of the Almighty working alongside us. Now we have seen MAFs splendid new Kodiak plane! It is clear that the range of the organisations operations and its technology are expanding to meet the ever-increasing needs of our neighbours in Africa and elsewhere in the world. So the need for predictable financial support is also increasing. I urge you, therefore, to join Ann and me in leaving a legacy to support MAFs splendid work long into the future. A gift to MAF in your Will is a unique way for you to continue helping save and transform lives in the future. To learn more about remembering MAF in this way, call our Legacy Co-ordinator Miriam Wheeler on 0845 850 9505 or email miriam.wheeler@maf-uk.org

My response
I want to help MAF bring Gods care and compassion to needy people
I enclose my gift of for use where most needed
PleaSe uSe BloCK CaPitalS

Ruth Whitaker Chief Executive, MAF UK

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

Address

This is MAF
Mission Aviation Fellowship is a worldwide Christian organisation operating over 125 light aircraft in more than 30 countries. Around 280 flights every day transport patients, relief teams, medical supplies and Christian workers in the worlds remotest regions and places of deepest human need. Places where flying is not a luxury but a lifeline. Normally, passengers contribute a highly-subsidised fare towards the true cost. The balance comes 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.
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

Postcode 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

Flying for Life Editor: Andy Prescott Printer: Headley Brothers Ltd Ashford, Kent Printed on sustainable paper produced from a managed forest
MAF UK June 2010 ffla

Please send me the free legacy DVD Lifeline beyond your lifetime
Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)

Website: www.maf-uk.org

Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue FOLKESTONE CT20 2TN 29 Canal Street GLASGOW G4 0AD
FSF ffla2

14 Flying for Life June 2010

Brush with death

five-hour walk to his remote fishing spot in Papua New Guinea almost cost Seiye his life. When a death adder bit his leg, he killed the snake but he knew the deadly threat. God, if you want me to die, Ill die. If you want to save me, save me, he prayed as he struggled home and collapsed unconscious. Far from medical help, a friend radioed Dr Mike Parsa. MAF pilot Matt Painter flew the doctor to the rescue. Seiye was barely breathing as Mike administered antivenin, then accompanied the patient to Rumginae hospital where Seiye made a complete recovery.