FlightWatch - 2023, Volume 2

FLIGHTWATCH

None of the stories you are about to read would be possible without the support of people like you. It is our pleasure to show how you are making it possible for the gospel to transform the lives of isolated people around the world.

Your prayers, your gifts, and your time are key to MAF’s ministry. Thank you for sharing the love of Jesus at the ends of the earth!

Every gift you send, every prayer you offer for MAF, helps change lives through aviation. We enjoy hearing from you! Please send comments and questions to maf-us@maf.org.

Tracey Werre, Director of Marketing

Brad Hoaglun, Managing Editor

Micki Blair, Production Manager

Katie Moen, Production Assistant

Stephanie Greenlee, Designer

Natalie Holsten, and Jennifer Wolf, Writers/Resourcing

MAF maintains the highest standards of financial accountability and public disclosure to donors and the U.S. government. MAF is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) as well as other organizations. A list of all organizations can be found at maf.org/accountability

Mission Aviation Fellowship

PO Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653-0047

1-208-498-0800

1-800-FLYS-MAF (359-7623)

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

“Bibles” and “Band-Aids” were two words that came to mind as I strolled through a remote village in Papua, Indonesia, a number of years ago. I was with a missionary friend, and he was telling me about the day’s activity, which would include coaching several of the village men on their teaching ability before they were sent out as evangelists.

As I looked around, I noticed some of these men sported neatly applied bandages. It struck me that sometimes in MAF we get to see amazing things happen, like God’s Word being translated and delivered to a people group. Other times, MAF airplanes fly more ordinary items, like boxes of noodles, salt, medicine, and Band-Aids.

All of these things matter to the ones receiving them, and I love that Bibles and Band-Aids both lie at the heart of MAF’s mission to follow Jesus’ example in bringing spiritual and physical transformation to isolated people.

This edition of FlightWatch features stories of how MAF is serving people’s core needs while also having an effect spiritually. You will read about how the MAF floatplane supports the work of missionaries in the southern coastal area of Papua who are bringing the gospel to the Asmat people, while also helping meet medical and educational needs.

You will also learn about Rumah Singgah, MAF’s hospital house in Kalimantan, Indonesia, that provides a place of respite and spiritual encouragement for medevac patients and their families from remote villages.

Both stories show how the collective efforts of many people—local employees, ministry partners, and international staff—demonstrate the body of Christ at work.

You are a part of that body as well! Thank you for partnering with us in this good work to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ.

Serving together,

David Holsten President and CEO

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

—Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Front Cover: The MAF floatplane arrives in Asmat in Papua, Indonesia. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo.

The storms of life were many last year in the countries MAF serves, but we continued to see God’s faithfulness everywhere we looked. Thanks to your partnership, MAF brought gospel awareness to isolated people. Many heard of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice and came to know their Savior. Lifesaving medicines were delivered to remote areas. Children were educated in village schools. Teachers, doctors, and nurses blessed hard-to-reach communities … and so much more.

Thank you for helping MAF fly for life … abundant life. We’re grateful for your partnership in this kingdom work.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

—John 10:10 (ESV)

MAF added classes at three IDP (internally displaced people) camps in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, so women can learn to read and write in Swahili.

Photo by Anna Samuelson. In Papua, Indonesia, Pastor Konoko was in critical condition when MAF flew him to Sentani for treatment at the hospital there.

Photo by Patrick Just. MAF flew 1,400 lbs. of material, including 2,000 feet of tubing for a clean-water project in Dagai, Papua, Indonesia. Photo by Alex Ludvicek.

God’s Boat

Your support is enabling the light of Christ to reach a dark place on the south coast of Papua

By Jennifer Wolf

Can you please come to the south coast?”

This was the request of Pastor Simson, who had gone to great lengths to seek out missionaries interested in serving the swampy south coast of Papua, Indonesia.

Through a series of providential connections, God led him to Sam and Kari*, a missionary couple living in Sentani at the time.

“He just showed up on our doorstep one day and said, ‘Every single Sunday I preach the gospel from the pulpit and the people go home and worship demons. I want to help my people know who Jesus is. I want to help my people be free from fear of spirits. But I’m failing to do that because we don’t have a Bible that makes sense in the Asmat language,’” said Sam.

God had already placed it in Sam and Kari’s hearts to minister on the south coast. Now they had an official invitation from Simson.

Knowing that MAF flights would support living in such a remote place, Sam and Kari began serving the Asmat area seven years ago. The community warmly welcomed them and helped them build a house, by hand. Sam and Kari are raising their three children here— now twelve, ten, and four years old.

Two Boats

“The only airplane on the island that can bring us in and out to our location is the MAF floatplane. The ground here is so swampy and muddy that essentially an airstrip is not possible,” said Sam.

Sam described the spiritual needs here as “enormous.”

“Church for them is like a shirt. It’s something you put on,” he added. “It’s not a heart change. It’s not a deep understanding of who God is.”

Main: The MAF floatplane supports mission work in the swampy south coast of

Papua, Indonesia. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Left: Sam and Kari with their children during a visit to Bali, Indonesia.

Since the Asmat people travel by boat, Sam uses boat illustrations to explain God’s redemption versus those who are separated from God and under wrath.

Unfortunately, Sam says the majority of the Asmat people are in “Adam’s boat.”

There is a young group of believers who are in “God’s boat,” which is how Sam describes those who’ve been redeemed and hidden with Christ Jesus (Col. 3:3). But it’s hard for them to grow spiritually since they don’t have God’s Word in their southern Asmat dialect.

Sam and Kari desire to see a mature Asmat church that’s alive and growing, that has the Word of God, that’s discipling its own people for the next generation.

Today, Simson and other church leaders are working alongside Sam and Kari to translate portions of Genesis and Exodus. Then they’ll tackle Mark and Luke. They’re also leading literacy classes, which have just started.

One Airplane

The MAF floatplane is the only one in all of Papua, and it’s critical to Sam and Kari’s mission.

“The fact that the floatplane can land right on the river, pick us up in case of emergency, and take us directly to a hospital ... That is a really key thing,” said Sam.

The other option is a four-hour boat ride on the ocean to the nearest airstrip. And that’s not even possible in certain seasons. When the wind kicks up, massive waves cause boats to capsize.

“When you think about a snakebite or a compound fracture … four hours is a lifetime. We

Top: The boardwalks in Asmat range from three- to eight-feet high. Living along a tidal river means that water flows in and then out, twice a day—and leaves behind deep mud in its wake. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo.

Bottom Left: In Asmat, Pastor Simson, left, and Ernes, right, welcome Dr. Atik, who works with the seven Siloam Clinics in remote areas of Papua. Photo by Jack Gandy. Middle: From left, Ernes, Simson, and Sam translate a portion of Exodus. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Right: “After five flights in two days, the Asmat crew is in and ready to do ministry work. In this picture you see people caring for the spiritual needs, medical needs, and educational needs.” Quote and photo by Jack Gandy.

“The fact that the floatplane can land right on the river, pick us up in case of emergency, and take us directly to a hospital ... That is a really key thing.”

- Sam

couldn’t be here without the organization flying us in,” added Sam. “It would be almost impossible for us to function and be here.”

MAF medical evacuations have saved the lives of Asmat villagers. The medevacs are vital, but they’re a last-ditch effort.

A new Siloam Clinic opened here last summer, which will help with day-to-day health and treat minor illnesses and injuries before they become a problem.

“The clinic here is going to allow the entire village to be healthy, to move towards wholeness, to move towards health,” said Sam. “Malaria and parasite prevention, vaccination—these are the things that keep people alive and functioning well.”

MAF brought in a generator, a chainsaw, nails, tools, medicines, and other supplies so the new clinic and school could be built and opened in time for the school year. Finally, MAF flew in the team of teachers, nurses, and a doctor.

God’s Blessings

When he reflects on the new school and clinic, Jack Gandy, the MAF floatplane pilot who did all of those flights says, “No one in the U.S. knows that the Asmat people even exist. But the Lord knows about them and He cares for them.”

Now, the Asmat children are receiving an education. The people will lead healthier lives. And, most importantly, hearts will change when they come aboard “God’s boat.”

As more missionaries—including families with children—are called to take the light of Christ to the swampy areas of Papua, they too will depend on MAF.

“Without the MAF floatplane, it would just be so impractical that it wouldn’t work,” said Jack. “The floatplane opens up so many doors that would be closed otherwise. It opens up the whole south coast of Papua to the gospel.”

Top: An MAF floatplane has been serving the south coast of Papua for the past 50 years. The current one, PK-MAG, is a Cessna Caravan—the only floatplane in all of Papua, and the only one in all of MAF. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Bottom Left: PK-MAG arrives in Asmat with fresh fruit and veggies, frozen meat, and other supplies for the missionaries. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Middle: “From no school to educating the next generation in less than two months. Buckle up!” Jack said in a post to his teammates last June when he heard the news about the school and clinic coming to Asmat. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Right: Asmat villagers fill the waiting room of the Siloam clinic. Photo by Sam.

“The floatplane opens up so many doors that would be closed otherwise. It opens up the whole south coast of Papua to the gospel.” - Jack

HOUSE OF HOPE

MAF serves medevac patients and families through hospitality ministry

By Natalie Holsten

Novianty was wasting away, unable to eat and plagued by constant nausea and vomiting.

Her condition was critical when she was flown by MAF airplane from her remote village to the city of Tarakan in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Doctors at Tarakan’s regional hospital tried to treat her stomach and kidney issues. But after several weeks, she was told there was nothing more they could do for her, and they discharged her.

Novianty and her husband, Ben, moved to Rumah Singgah, MAF’s hospital house in Tarakan, until she was strong enough to travel home. Through tears she recalled how hopeless she felt in the face of the doctor’s grim prognosis.

A Home Away from Home

Rumah Singgah was established in 2013 after MAF staff saw the difficulties medevac patients faced when coming to an unfamiliar place for treatment.

Patients often arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. If they don’t know anyone locally, they face the daunting task of navigating the medical system alone.

MAF pilot Jeremy Toews speaks with a medevac patient and her husband after landing in Tarakan, where a regional hospital is located. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo.

MAF’s Rumah Singgah

Established in 2013

MAF transported 217 medevac patients in 2022

54 of those had family members staying at the Rumah Singgah

Population of North Kalimantan province:

Approx. 700,000

Family members or caregivers typically accompany the patient, and they have nowhere to sleep other than the hospital floor.

Rumah Singgah offers help to patients and their families in tangible ways—from providing a clean and safe place to stay, to assisting with paperwork, to helping family members with logistics if a loved one passes away.

Mince, wife of longtime MAF employee Nelson, is a fixture at the Rumah Singgah. She’s from a remote village herself and understands how much the hospital house ministry means to the people who come here. She loves helping patients and keeping the house clean and organized.

Other MAF staff pitch in and help, including MAF kids, who sometimes play with children of patients, and decorate the house for Christmas. MAF staff attend and help lead a monthly time of worship at Rumah

“Thank you for helping us serve people here at Rumah Singgah, and helping us continue to serve in the future,” -shared Rumah Singgah worker Mince.

Singgah.

Above left: MAF’s hospital house, Rumah Singgah, is located near the regional hospital in Tarakan, Indonesia. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Above right: A medevac patient is offloaded in Tarakan, where he will be taken to a regional hospital for care.

Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Right bottom: Novianty, healed and ready to head home, with her husband Ben, at the MAF Rumah Singgah. “I’m so thankful for the ministry of MAF!” she shared. Photo by Bob M. Lopulalang.

“Every time we have a service like that, it’s such a blessing to the patients and families who are here. It encourages all of us,” shared Mince.

Healing and Hope

Rumah Singgah chaplain Bob M. Lopulalang also ministers to the patients and caregivers.

Novainty was one of the first patients Bob met. He saw her regularly for counseling and prayer. Slowly, Novianty gained strength, which Bob attributes to God’s healing power.

“I know it was the Lord who was at work on her behalf,” he recalled.

After three months she was healthy and headed back to her home village, full of gratitude for God’s healing and for those who helped her.

“MAF helped us so much,” Novianty said. “For those of us who are from the interior of Kalimantan, it can be hard to find a place to stay while getting treatment at the hospital. But praise the Lord, there’s a house here, prepared by MAF, and we’re very thankful.

“But it’s not just the place to stay. There’s a chaplain who comes and serves and prays with us and gives us guidance. And that strengthens us.”

After returning to her home village, Novianty resumed her work as a midwife. She recently accompanied a young patient on a medevac flight, coming full circle from patient to helper.

For Kalimantan program director Jeremy Toews, flying someone like Novianty home to her family is one of the most satisfying aspects of the ministry.

He adds, “While it thrills me to know that they have received care for their physical health, the deepest source of my joy in this ministry is in knowing that their lives have been touched by the love of Christ and they will never be the same.”

Above left: Men in the village of Long Padi carry a medevac patient to the MAF airplane. The man was injured while caring for his water buffalo herd. Photo by Lemuel Malabuyo. Above right: MAF kids help decorate the Rumah Singgah for Christmas each year. “It is a neat place for even the children to come and be able to serve and minister and encourage the people that come in,” MAF staff Jodie Toews said. Photo by Jodie Toews. Bottom right: Once a month, MAF staff meet with patients and their family members at the Rumah Singgah for a worship service. Photo by Jeremy Toews.

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT

JOHN AND JOANN MUNSELL

After joining MAF in 1996, John and JoAnn were assigned to Haiti. They lived in Port-au-Prince for over 22 years, raising their family while John served as a pilot/mechanic. JoAnn ministered in a start-up Teen Challenge program.

In 2020, the Munsells transitioned to MAF headquarters, where John prepares aircraft for overseas service. He collaborates with other mechanics on technical issues and, on occasion, travels to MAF bases overseas to help out. JoAnn continues to mentor girls through Teen Challenge in Nampa, Idaho.

“When we served overseas we were confident that the people at HQ were always ready to help us when issues arose. Now, I am able to serve others overseas and use my experience to keep our aircraft safely flying and serving isolated people,” said John.

John and JoAnn need people like you to support their work by becoming prayer and financial partners! To learn more about the Munsells or to join their team, visit maf.org/munsell.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Please continue to fervently pray for Ryan Koher and the two South African men who were wrongfully imprisoned in Mozambique and seek to be cleared of all accusations.

• Lift up the Haiti team as operations in the country were suspended April 1 due to security concerns. They are exploring options for returning to Haiti where families can remain intact and have a higher level of security.

• Pray for the restart of MAF in Ecuador. This program has been operated by affiliate Alas de

Socorro since 2009 and is now being reintegrated into the ministry of MAF-US. We are excited about the opportunity to work alongside of our Ecuadorian brothers and sisters in a new way.

• Remember the Asmat and other people in the south coast of Papua, who need to know the lifechanging love of Christ.

• Lift up the patients who stay at MAF’s Rumah Singgah hospital house in Kalimantan, that they would heal physically and spiritually.

As of press time, a court ruling has given MAF pilot Ryan Koher a provisional release from a high security prison in Mozambique. He remains in the country for the conclusion of the investigation and final ruling by the court.

He was arrested on November 4, along with two men from South Africa who had brought in supplies for an orphanage in the northern part of the country. MAF, known as Ambassador Aviation in Mozambique, had flown supplies to this orphanage many times before. Following a routine check of the cargo, police believed it was going to be used to help violent insurgents who had been terrorizing the northern region.

Please pray that the investigation by the prosecutor will show they are not “supporting terrorism” as alleged. Also pray for Ryan’s wife, Annabel, and their two children during this ordeal. Updates about the case can be found at https://maf.org/press/.

UPDATE ON RYAN RETURN TO BELAKA

In the November 2022 issue of FlightWatch, we wrote about how the Hati MAF (“Heart of MAF”) ministry in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, was exploring outreach opportunities in the village of Long Belaka, where ministry leaders saw a deep need for the impact of the gospel. Recently, MAF teacher Steve Bilimek, his wife, Lindsay, and their three children, made a trip to Long Belaka with a Hati MAF team. Doctors and nurses ran a clinic, other team members held a children’s program, and many villagers responded to an evangelistic message. “It was a blessing for our family to be a part of this,” Lindsay shared. “Please continue to pray for the people of Belaka, that they will choose Jesus in the everyday.”

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