Flying for Life - April 2016

Flying for Life APRIL 2016

The magazine

of MAF New Zealand

AVIATION How aviation and technology transform isolated communities

TECHNOLOGY The Story of Our Logo

Leaving a Legacy

MAFNZ’s Recruitment Retreat

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7

13

Welcome to the first “Flying for Life” magazine of 2016.

A one-year “update” on MAFNZ’s Cessna 206

The year is off to a “massive” start in New Zealand.

So far, in just the first four months of 2016, we have held a weekend Board Retreat, a weekend Recruitment Retreat (see page 13), represented MAF at the 3-day Festival One event, been on a road trip to the South Island to do two “Touch and Go” events and flown our colours at the Wanaka air show (“Warbirds over Wanaka”). We have farewelled Tessa McGeorge and welcomed Olivia Monk. We are developing a long term plan to make sure our work is even more effective in the years to come.

This magazine looks at how technology has developed into an important part the work of MAF does around the world.

MAF has always been at the forefront of new technologies. In fact, the use of aircraft in missions was a breakthrough at the time!

But change is sometimes hard and brings an emotional response (just look at the debates around New Zealand adopting a new flag!)

When MAF developed the new logo (pages 4-5) I’m sure there were some who wanted to keep the old one. But look how effective and widely recognised around the world the new logo has become!

On arrival at Ardmore airport in South Auckland, the aircraft was dedicated to the Lord for service in a special ceremony. Even at this event, the plane proved its worth as new contacts were made and relationships established.

Touch and Go events The Cessna has been at four “Touch and Go” events so far; Tauranga, Hamilton, Invercargill and Dunedin, with more planned. Many pastors, church and missions leaders have been introduced to MAF by going on a short flight in the aircraft followed by hearing a 20 minute presentation by Mark Fox on the history and role of MAF in missions.

Recruitment Retreat At the Recruitment Retreat in February the Cessna was flown by many of the potential new recruits, giving them a chance to get some hands-on experience flying a “real, operational MAF plane” (full story on page 13).

ZK-MAF: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW OUR CESSNA? 12,500

Speed (Knots)

120

Nautical Miles flown

1,500,000

Festival One

KM/NM

1.852

Km's flown

2,778,000

Earth Circumference

40,075 Km's

Times Around Earth

69

It “starred” at Festival One at the end of January. The first challenge was getting the plane on site, which involved flying into Hamilton airport, putting the plane on a truck and driving to its position at the Festival site.

Flying for Life is the official magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship NZ. Articles may be reprinted with acknowledgment.

April 2016

involved constructing a stretcher and carrying a team member onto the plane while others weighed boxes of “medical equipment” and supplies and packed them into the pod of the aircraft. All of this generated a lot of interest.

Hours flying

Operating more than 135 light aircraft, MAF flies into 2,500 remote destinations, transporting essential medical care, food and water supplies, relief teams and church workers enabling physical and spiritual care to reach countless thousands of people cut off due to formidable geographical barriers, natural disasters and political unrest.

Flying for Life

The Cessna being loaded onto a truck.

The Cessna has appeared at two air-shows; Omaka (near Blenheim in the South Island) and “Warbirds Over Wanaka” in March this year.

A great deal of interest was generated in the work of MAF as people stopped by to see the plane and hear its story.

MAF is an international Christian aviation organisation serving around 30 developing countries to reach people living in some of the world’s most isolated communities.

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During the Festival we ran a “Challenge” to engage the young people and provide some understanding of what it means to fly for MAF. Participants formed teams of five to complete a timed event which

Dedication

Airshows

But the truth is all organisations need to adopt new technologies or risk falling by the way side.

CRMF has had to adapt to keep up with social, church and technology changes in PNG (see page 12).

O

ne year ago, in March 2015, MAFNZ’s Cessna 206 was flown from Cairns, Australia to New Zealand on an arduous 3-day “ferry flight”. Many of you prayed and gave to see the aircraft come to New Zealand. Since then it has made a tremendous difference to the work of MAFNZ.

www.maf.org.nz

MAF New Zealand

Prayer Map

PO Box 76502 Manukau City, Auckland 2241

“Prayer Map” is a FREE bimonthly publication of MAF New Zealand.

Phone: 0800 87 85 88 Email: info@maf.org.nz Web: www.maf.org.nz Editor: Tim Houghton Layout: Tim Houghton Printing: Roe Printing

To subscribe to either our print or email version, phone us toll free: 0800 87 85 88 or email: info@maf.org.nz

For our latest news or to give a gift, please visit www.maf.org.nz or call us (toll free) 0800 87 85 88

Nothing New Under the Sun

The first photo shows Frank Carter with the yellow VH-MFI in Banz, PNG in 1965. The second photo, taken 50 years later, shows Frank once more holding a Cessna 206 by the tail—at the Touch and Go event in Tauranga.

You may think this is the development of MAF’s first “flying car”...in fact the photo shows a car leading the way as the Cessna aircraft is being transported by truck at Festival One site.

Photos supplied by Frank Carter

Advance notice of short term overseas trip to see MAF’s work first hand.

Many of you have prayed for and sponsored the work of MAF for years but have never had the opportunity to go and see the work for yourself. Now, for the first time, MAFNZ is offering the chance to go and visit the ministry of MAF in two key locations.

Later in the year it is hoped that Mark Fox (MAFNZ CEO) will lead a 10 day trip to Arnhem Land and PNG to meet the pilots and ground staff and see the positive impact that MAF programmes are having in these communities.

If you are interested and would like to find out more—or to find out how to apply—contact the Office directly.

Maximum number of 6 places available. Costs and dates on request as they become available.

Reasonable level of fitness required.

Bill and Robyn Woodward have had a long association with MAF and Bill is Chairman of the Board. In their “retirement” they have felt led to work with MAF in a voluntary capacity. Their long-term goal is to help grow the sponsorship base for our overseas staff and their families. To help prepare their presentations for churches in New Zealand (and make sure they have current information) they will be taking an exploratory trip to both Arnhem Land and PNG later in the year.

They will also help establish and support four prayer groups in Auckland. Anyone with an interest in hosting/being part of a local prayer group should contact our office..

These entries into the MAFNZ Art Competition got missed when we first ran the competition—so we made up by promising to show them in the next magazine (and sending along some prizes to the three children!) We were impressed by both the effort and originality shown in the artwork.

Top left, in clockwise order: Selau Ifopo (age 11) holds her painting of a float plane landing on water.

Painting by Peia Ifopo, age 9, who was inspired by a photo on a MAF calendar of a plane flying over the bush in PNG with the tiny airstrip down below. It is a collage done with lots of bits of fabric and wool, and pine cone pieces for the village huts!

Penina Ifopo (age 5) did this expressive drawing of a MAF plane taking off.

Photos supplied by Rebecca Ifopo

Close up of the painting by Selau (with cotton wool for the spray of water!)

www.maf.org.nz

April 2016

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The Story of Our Logo From the beginning, the organisations known around the world as MAF have shared a common name and mission.

However, until recently we have not shared a common logo.

T

he large number and variations of logos sometimes resulted in “identity confusion”, which complicated the sharing of resources and diluted the value of the MAF brand. In response, representatives from the MAF Global Family groups—aided by a Christian design firm—worked together to develop a logo symbolic of our unity and common purpose.

positions MAF as a leading professional organisation that is poised for the future.

tention and gives energy and life to the identity.

Research indicated that there is great value and brand equity in the MAF name. It was essential, as we rolled out our new identity, to clearly identify the name “MAF”.

GRAY

Throughout scripture, God communicates with His people through symbols.

Whether it’s baptism, the snake on a stick in Numbers 21, the bread and the cup, or the cross, God uses symbols to powerfully convey ideas. Symbols can move people deeply, be they on a banner, a business card or the tail of a plane.

They can be a rallying point and inspire respect.

The integrated icon of the dove is bold, clear and simple. The dove is a traditional Christian symbol and has been used as a key element of the graphic identity in some parts of the organisation in previous years.

Mission Aviation Fellowship’s new logo uses elements and symbolism reflective of its mission. By incorporating familiar colours and a symbol—the dove—historically associated with MAF in some areas of the world, and its connotation with both the Holy Spirit and flight, the transition from previous emblems to the new one should be easily accomplished.

The process was a long and thorough one. The MAF Global Family Steering Group is pleased and grateful that we achieved not only agreement among the MAF Global Family, but a sense of excitement about our new logo.

It is a symbol we can all be proud of, and watch as it is used in the many ways to support the ministry of MAF around the world, bringing glory to our Lord!

Rationale Our new logo design centres around the themes of Aviation, Technology and the Spirit of Christian Love. Its overall look

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The uppercase letters are highly visible and legible while the rounded forms soften the mark and make it more friendly.

Solid line weights reflect confidence, steadfastness, and professionalism.

The dove then, is an appropriate element providing a tie to the rich history of the organisation, even as the look evolves to better reflect what MAF has become and where it is going.

Gray is most often used to communicate authority, corporate mentality, humility, practicality, respect, somberness and stableness. The gray element in our logo also adds variety and visual interest.

Significance The three colours were drawn from the different colour palettes that existed within the organisation in the past and brings them together in a cohesive, balanced combination. They were chosen for both their functionality, aesthetics and meaning.

Colour brings a vitality to this logo and also respects the diversity of MAF groups worldwide.

A swoosh indicates activity and forward motion.

Finally, the bold shapes and bold colours are arresting, simple and sophisticated yet without pretension.

Photos by Tim Houghton

BLUE Blue is typically used to describe healthy, stable, confident, conservative, fiscally responsible organisations—it stands for “established”, and “trustworthy”. It is used extensively in government, medical and fortune 500 company logos. Think blue chip.

RED Red reflects action, adventure, aggression, blood, danger, drive, energy, excitement, love, passion, strength and vigour. Red demands attention and calls others to action. This particular red is warm and vibrant which demands at-

www.maf.org.nz

A good logo has to work at many different sizes and situations; on a business card, a letter, a website, on the side of a plane and on signs 15 metres above the ground on the side of a hangar.

Our new logo (above) replaces several existing logos/marks, effectively unifying the MAF groups worldwide under one visual identity. The result is a striking, appealing graphic recognisable and legible from a distance. It is iconic, unique and memorable. It embodies a professional, credible, active, diverse and highly capable organisation.

Too many logos can easily result in “identity confusion”

The “Bible and wings” logo used formerly by MAF throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Recognised by many over the years, it still needed to have an upgrade.

MAF Canada

MAF New Zealand

MAF United states

MAF Australia

Another MAF United states

www.maf.org.nz

MAF PNG

April 2016

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MAF & Mäpuru Christian School “MAF’s service is central to the functioning of our tiny town and school community. All our school resources, including our teachers, arrive via MAF”

Photos, left to right: 1: Students clear the airstrip ready for MAF to land. 2: Jackie Nuluwidi, James Burkiyalawuy, Roslyn Malnumba and Rebecca Gamadala graduate with Education Support certificates. 3: Students paint the airstrip tyres. 4: MAF transports all our camping gear, including whiteboards, on a school community excursion.

All photos supplied by Mäpuru Christian School.

“Over the past 4½ years MAF has provided an incredible service to Mäpuru Christian School as the people of Mäpuru and NT Christian Schools embarked on starting this new independent school. Realistically, MAF is one of our essential partners, enabling us to achieve our school Vision of “Independent lives of dignity on our sacred ancestral estates as God intended” Linda Miller (Principal)

MAF’s service is central to the functioning of our tiny town and school community. All our school resources arrive via MAF including our teachers, eager to start each new year with our beautiful, excited students. The much awaited mail bags full of books, pencil cases and letters with those all important driving licences and bank cards all arrive with the dedicated MAF staff, who have bent double trying to squeeze boxes of apples and oranges, new teachers’ luggage and just EVERYTHING into the underbelly holds.

Recently MAF supported us to achieve a mammoth school excursion, involving our students and extended school community, to trace the journey of their Djambarrpuyŋu ancestors across NE Arnhem Land. This was highly successful in embedding a strong purpose for continuing education and the importance of literacy for our students and school community.

The ever important professional development opportunities that MAF supports us to realise can be encapsulated in the joy in the entire school community’s response to four

Mäpuru Christian School is located in the very remote area of north east Arnhem Land and is embedded in the Mäpuru community.

There is a strong sense of team work between Balanda (non-indigenous) and Yolŋu staff at the school.

It has up to 58 enthusiastic students, ranging from Preschool to Year 10.

Yolŋu teachers receiving their certificates in Education Support. MAF provides the transport for the Adult Education team so our staff can continue their academic learning and also transported family to the graduation ceremony so we can all celebrate these great achievements together.

The measure of the esteem that MAF is held in can be seen when Mäpuru residents and students all worked together with Transforming Skills NT to make much needed improvements to the airstrip drainage in 2011. This was the first upgrade since the airstrip was cleared with hand tools fours decades ago.

From the bottom of our hearts Mäpuru Christian School gives thanks to MAF for being our partners and supporting the ongoing achievement of our school’s vision.

Left: Linda Miller (Teaching Principal) with Roslyn Malngumba (Yolngu Teacher). Working in partnership as part of a team is very important to everyone at Mäpuru.

BEQUESTS The power of a legacy­–to impact generations to come!

G

rowing up in New Zealand, Murray Kendon became a Christian when he was 16 years old. He soon had a passion to share the truth of life in Christ and became a dedicated speaker. When war loomed heavy on the horizon, Murray was called up to train as a pilot.

He later wrote down his thoughts: “How come thousands of planes can be found to kill and destroy, and only a handful to spread God’s amazing offer of free forgiveness and eternal life in glory?”

Out of this vision God birthed Mission Aviation Fellowship.

Almost 70 years after he fanned the dream of MAF into reality, the founder of Mission Aviation Fellowship took his earthly rest.

Why leave a legacy to MAF? The MAF ministry has been in place for almost 70 years. We are a deeplyrooted and well-established organisation, meaning your legacy is in safe and reputable hands.

Our top priority is the careful and prudent use of funds. We only allocate money to areas and programmes where we can achieve the most impact.

It is estimated that the ministry of MAF delivers transformational support to over 1 million of the world’s poorest and most isolated people each year.

Your Will is personal and we respect your privacy.

If you choose to tell us, we will keep your decision confidential. Your gift will be used carefully and effectively so that

One in ten MAF flights are made possible by gifts in Wills! it can change and transform as many lives as possible. You have the absolute right to change your mind at any time.

How to leave a Will The first step should always be to see your Solicitor or a Trustee company who will advise on how best to prepare your Will. Fees for the service when charged, are usually quite low.

You will need to include the full name of MAF—”Mission Aviation Fellowship of NZ, Inc.” and our Charity Number: CC36076.

But the wonderful thing about Murray’s story is that it doesn’t end there. Murray left a legacy that continues long after he himself moved on. Each day literally thousands of lives are impacted and changed.

One in ten MAF flights are made possible by gifts in Wills.

By remembering MAF in your Will, you can provide a “lifeline beyond your lifetime” to those who really need it. Your legacy is a promise of a better life to the isolated people who MAF serve every day.

Why prepare a Will?

Everyone over the age of 18 should have a Will and keep it updated with any change of circumstances (e.g. marriage or children). A Will is easy to prepare and ensures that the people and things that matter most to you are taken care of if something happens to you. A Will sets out your wishes so nothing is left to chance. Importantly, you can also name guardians to look after your children.

What happens if you don’t have a Will?

If you die without a Will your loved ones won’t know what your intentions are.

The law will determine how your estate is divided and how your loved ones are looked after—this could be very different to what you want.

Photo by Dave Forney

www.maf.org.nz

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“

AVIATION & Even if we were to go back just ten years...

HF Radio

An older technology but still useful, HF radios are installed and maintained in many small isolated communities throughout PNG. The HF radio means that villages in the most remote parts of PNG are able to contact MAF and provide vital airstrip information, as well as organise flights and urgent medical evacuations.

WIFI Bible The WIFIBible is a little box that transmits an open wireless signal, which anyone with a wireless mobile phone, tablet or laptop can connect to and download biblical resources from for free. The small but powerful box contains Bibles (including audio ones), movies (including the Jesus film), Christian songs and Apps in 9 different Tokples languages – over 12GB of Good News!

The WIFIBible is installed on many buses in PNG. Passengers can access the resources while traveling to their destinations!

Wifi stickers on buses let passengers know they can download resources.

MicroSD Cards MicroSD Cards (suitable for Mobile devices): Preloaded with Gospel presentations, audio Bibles, imagery and testimonies.

We exist in a day and age when something the size of 1cm wide x 1.5cm long can contain countless amounts of resource material. Information is now available at ones finger tips!

Solar light kits CRMF is the distributor of Fosera Solar lights.

Powered by the sun, they provide families in PNG with light—without any monthly power bills! They contain high efficiency LED lights and a USB port for charging phones. They are ideal for remote people as they are simple to install, small and low cost.

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www.maf.org.nz

The Wo Techno in M

TECHNOLOGY

...people would see a huge change between MAF ministry then and now

Information and photos supplied by Peter Higham.

The v2tracker v2track is an operational system that has been around for a while, tracking in real time an aircraft’s movements (more on page 11).

Android Tablets Preloaded with gospel presentations, sermons, audio Bibles, imagery, testimonies and much more (see page 10 for full details).

”

Solar Powered MP3 Players Preloaded with portions of Yolŋu Matha audio scripture, English Bibles and gospel music.

Solar powered MP3 players are a great device for those who don’t have mobile phones.

People can listen through either headphones or external speakers.

orld of ology MAF

A SMS system A SMS system has been set up that allows mobile users to subscribe to weekly Scriptures. This system has provided a means of spreading God’s Word right into the hands of the people. (People can join and leave the subscription service at anytime).

The Electronic Flight Bag (EFB ) While not a physical part of the plane, its use helps pilots immensely by replacing the need to carry paper. Left: Pilot Matt Alcorn submits his flight plan via EFB (full story on page 10).

www.maf.org.nz

April 2016

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How New Technolgies are Impacting Arnhem Land.

Peter Higham (Technology Services) MAF is in a privileged position in Arnhem Land because through invitation by the Yolŋu (Aboriginal) over 40 years ago, we are able to provide a vital aviation service and at the same time proclaim the Word of God. In a world where technology has such a prominent place in people’s lives, most cannot do without their mobile devices.

This is becoming true for the Yolŋu of Arnhem Land, where technology has firmly taken its place. Smartphones and Tablets are becoming a way of community and bush life.

The devices are not just used for phone calls but for listening to music, taking photos and sharing files.

To help achieve better Christian growth and maturity, MAF has identified a need to get Christian digital material and resources into the hands of local Aboriginal believers. Many have embraced the use of mobile technology (phones and tablets) and MAF is looking to maximise this opportunity.

We have been working hard researching and finding appropriate tablet devices and obtaining the Gospel resources and tools to load onto them. Funding has been secured to allow us to subsidise tablets so that they are affordable for the Yolŋu people.

The Electronic Flight Bag (EFB )

One of the most recent changes is the Electronic Flight Bag. Whilst not a physical part of the plane, its use changes procedures and help pilots immensely! Simply put it does away with the paper side of flying and replaces the need to carry paper charts, manuals and airstrip diagrams. All of this will be at the fingertips working from an iPad. MAF is working towards the goal that passenger manifests and all other paperwork will all be electronically inputted into the EFB and ultimately transferred from there into the MAF Wingman records. The flight plan can be entered into the iPad by the pilot, giving them an estimated arrival time, fuel needed, the best height to fly according to winds as well as the actual flight path needed. It also has the capability to submit SAR (Search and Rescue) flight notification times for each flight, a mandatory requirement.

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www.maf.org.nz

So what fits onto an Electronic Tablet?

In Arnhem Land each tablet is preloaded with culturally relevant Apps, Gospel music, sermons, evangelistic media, Bibles, dictionaries and more (see chart below). In other words, each tablet is “gold” to those who receive them!

A vast collection of resources in the following Yolŋu languages: Djambarrpuyngu, Gumatj, Gupapuyngu and Kunwinjku.

(GRN) The New Testament in Djambarrpuyngu.

A basic Bible dictionary.

A Bible for kids: 15 interactive stories for children.

A variety of tools for Bible Study (commentaries, books, and devotionals).

Portions of the Old and New Testaments in Gumatj (the local Aboriginal language).

Other versions of the Bible in English.

Mike Quebec Romeo, one of the first MAF aircraft fitted with the v2tracker.

The v2tracker The v2track is an operational system that has been around for a while, tracking in real time an aircraft’s movements and vital for anyone monitoring the operations of aircraft.

Mike Quebec Romeo (MQR - photo above) came to Arnhem Land in November 2014 and was one of the first to have the actual unit fitted.

Every MAF aircraft in Arnhem Land now has a dedicated v2track tracking unit installed so that the feed is more direct and gives an instant picture.

Now Operations staff can look at the map and see: • Where MQR is.

• How long before it reaches the destination.

• Who is flying the plane.

• What height its at.

• How fast its going.

It is also used to see if a pilot is about to take off or if he has just landed—which is very useful when the passenger wants to know where the plane is!

The unit also helps provides instant emergency alerting if required, providing assurance to pilots that in the unlikely event of an emergency key people im-

mediately are notified and can act.

Equally important, the v2track can also provide the history of a fleet or specific aircraft over a nominated date range showing the where and when of the period’s operations. This is very helpful for statistics and projections.

One of the issues when a plane is flying is the ability to keep in contact with the pilot. A mobile phone is not effective when the plane is in flight—and on the ground there are many homeland communities that do not have mobile coverage. In addition the radios used are subject to a great deal of interference from atmospherics and have limited range. Add to that engine noise and you have a situation where communication is a challenge. v2track overcomes many of these problems. While they are in flight pilots can either be messaged to mobile phones or directly to the EFB being carried. The pilots can then read the text and either reply if suitable, or wait and contact the base once they have landed. Because the unit uses Satellite communication it can receive and send even when on the ground in a remote part of the area.

Peter Higham (Technology Services)

Technology has some very specific benefits–and challenges–in resourcing indigenous cultures.

Michael Butler Challenge 1: Arnhem Land is sparsely populated for its size—around 100,000 sq. kms with a population of approximately 17,000 people. This makes the lines of communication very thin and stretched at times—so a better way had to be found to keep the Word of God in front of the people.

Challenge 2: there were few Bibles in the Homeland communities—and even if there were, often there was noone able to read them.

Challenge 3: Nor is the written word the complete solution...

...the Yolŋu culture is not a written culture. Like many indigenous cultures it is handed down orally and through their art. When there is a strong oral tradition the written word loses much of its effectiveness. The focus, then, is to get the Word of God before people in a way that they can interact with and gain benefit from it.

There have been two basic premises to meeting these challenges; first an understanding that MAF have limited resources in order to meet discipleship needs, and secondly that some of the best answers are using what is already available rather than re-inventing the whole process.

Photo by Peter Higham

When most of us think of “high tech” we think of sterile technology labs or hip Silicon Valley software companies like Google or Apple. But in MAF high technology often takes place at a grass roots level, sitting on the dusty ground in a remote community. This is where the technology is most needed and valued, by people who would otherwise be cut off from the training and resources needed to help them.

www.maf.org.nz

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How Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship has adapted to a rapidly changing world.

Story by Michael Wakefield, General Manager of Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship, based in PNG.

I

n the early 1950s as missionaries cut trails into remote jungles in PNG and MAF were beginning flying operations across the vast remote countryside, it became obvious that a way for the missionaries and the MAF pilots to communicate was desperately needed. Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship (CRMF) entered PNG to answer this need, putting the first radio on our network in 1957. Since then, HF (High Frequency) radio has been the sole communications lifeline for many remotely located missionaries, churches, schools and health centres.

Later CRMF became involved in electrical work, short audio recordings for Christian radio broadcasting and various other ‘technically related’ support activities that would help spread the gospel in PNG.

Since the 1990s...

There has been a global rise in technology, and with that CRMF introduced a computer department, started selling satellite phones, and developed internet email via HF radio. In more recent years our services to the church and community have grown to include Satellite internet support and computer networking.

Over the last seven years I have observed the following: Technology worldwide continues to change at an increasing rate. Therefore there is a continuing need for CRMF to interact with technology and help the Church of PNG come to terms with this rapid change.

Western missionary numbers in PNG (and particularly in the remote areas) continue to decline and today the churches of PNG are mainly run by local people. For us this means two things: often they require help in the area of technology—and the sources of funding that they once had access to have been reduced.

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The introduction of a new mobile phone company in 2006 had a massive effect on communications, even reaching many remote locations that once relied only on HF radio. Although many still rely on HF radio, in reality it is not as crucial for all remote people as it once was.

Missionary needs have also changed.

Where once HF radio was the only contact with the outside world, most now use the internet­—and access it through their mobile phone. Where once CRMF was their only source of technical supplies and advice, now many people get both from overseas.

With rising western trends and a young population, the old ways of “doing mission” need to be re-evaluated.

This is especially in the cities, where social media (such as Facebook and SMS) influence young people heavily.

These changes mean we have to adapt as we continue to evaluate new technologies. Without a doubt there is still a need for our traditional HF radio communications and technical advice, however this service is now more valued by the national church than missionaries.

We started the Learning Technologies ministry at the end of 2010 to research current and new technologies and find what is useful to the church.

Most of these technologies are not developed by CRMF, they just require someone to rediscover them, understand them, and then help the churches understand how they can use them.

We believe this is staying true to CRMF’s calling of “serving the Church and community through radio communication and technical services”, by staying relevant to the needs of the Church today.

www.maf.org.nz

Michael Wakefield

MAF and CRMF have partnered together for decades. Michael Wakefield describes the relationship between the two.

Since about 1956 CRMF and MAF have worked very closely, yet were separate organisations. We shared the same support office in Melbourne and our ministries intertwined naturally on the field. In November 2009 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to come into the MAFI family. We are now a separate but equal programme of MAFI, like MAF Arnhem Land or MAF PNG. MAFI Technology Services is a name that came into existence a couple of years ago to describe the technology side of MAF’s ministry. So MAF has two “streams” of ministry—aviation and technology—but both fit inside the same vision and purpose; to see isolated communities transformed.

In actual fact, Technology Services currently consists of CRMF and MAF Arnhem Land. We are trying to spread it across the MAF world to help enrich the transformational work of MAF. Our goal is that every time a plane goes into a remote place, we do more than just fly cargo or people, but have a bigger ministry impact by using available technologies.

MAFNZ’s first-ever

Recruitment Retreat

Over the weekend of 19-21 February, MAFNZ held its first ever Recruitment Retreat in Tauranga.

Photo by Tim Houghton

Tessa leads a workshop (Photo by Tim Houghton)

T

he brainchild of Tessa McGeorge (Recruitment Manager), who realized that there would be many benefits in bringing together everyone who had expressed an interest in MAF to have all their questions answered.

The Retreat presented a realistic picture of both the rewards and challenges of serving in a developing nation, to balance the sometimes “romantic” view of missions. A wide range of presentations explained many aspects of working with MAF. There were also times of prayer for people’s calling and vision.

Among the highlights was having Godfrey and Glen Sim and Ian and Jan McBride share about life in Papua New Guinea and Arnhem Land respectively.

Their insights into the cultural and emotional challenges involved in living and working in a radically different culture were helpful for those praying about going overseas with MAF. On Saturday evening a series of video interviews was shown in which overseas staff talked about both the “awesome” and the challenging aspects of working overseas.

After watching these videos everyone was in a much better position to make informed decisions about joining MAF— based on information direct from the field.

Eight couples attended, some with their babies, so everyone who would be affected by a decision to join MAF was included in the weekend.

Many conversations, many new contacts, more young people with dreams of flight and service. The Lord knows what will come of it all in the future.

Ian McBride It also gave participants the opportunity to connect with others on their journey to joining MAF so they now had friends to encourage them along the way.

The MAFNZ Cessna 206 was in Tauranga over the weekend and the pilots in the group had a chance to fly with the Chief Pilot, who mentored them to develop their skills.

The Retreat was a huge success. Attendees reported that it provided a great deal of practical information in a short amount of time. And the fellowship and food were great too!

Ways you can be a part of MAF PRAYER GROUPS

CHURCH REPS

FUND RAISE

MAFNZ is keen to see Prayer Groups established throughout New Zealand, lifting up our staff and programmes in prayer. Most Prayer Groups meet once a month and we provide resources.

MAFNZ would like to find Church Reps who can “fly the flag” of MAF in their local church, put out promotional material as it becomes available and represent us at their church’s missions events. The most important “qualifications” are to be passionate about MAF and our work and be a good communicator. We will provide guidance and resources.

Support MAF by enjoying yourself!

Go to our website to order your NEW 2016/ 2017 Entertainment™ Books from us, and 20% of the proceeds contribute towards our fund raising!

We currently have four Prayer Groups (Hamilton, Tauranga, Central Auckland and Christchurch). If you would like to join one—or find out about starting one in your town, please contact us.

Available in the traditional book form or as a Digital Membership on your smartphone, you get $20,000 worth of valuable offers valid through to 1 June 2017!

www.maf.org.nz

April 2016

Flying for Life

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Maud’s Return Flight One of MAF’s key roles is getting missionaries in and out of hard-toreach places. For Maud Kells MAF did both, with amazing results.

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n Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, MAF had the honour of flying Maud Kells back to the village of Mulita, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she had been the victim of a shooting attack in January 2015. Less than a year after the medical evacuation flight that saved her life, she returned to a joyful celebration.

Hundreds of people gathered at the small grass airstrip to greet Maud as she stepped off the plane. A brass band played while the crowd waved and cheered her arrival.

After exchanging greetings with local village and church leaders, Maud and MAF pilot Dave Jacobsson were escorted through the village in a parade of celebration, ending with singing, dancing, and preaching in Maud’s honour.

“The whole community was there,” Dave said. “I think we got a slice of the appreciation, the love, and the concern that the people had for her, and the joy of having her back again.”

After the ceremony, Maud returned to the airstrip to help unload the plane full of medical supplies and gifts she

brought with her to Mulita. “I brought quite a lot of stuff out from home...baby clothes, supplies…literally, everything under the sun.”

Maud, age 75, is a WEC International missionary who has served in the DRC since 1968. Her work in Mulita includes helping to build a primary school and hospital, training staff, and teaching at the local Bible school.

But she’s not finished yet. On this trip to Mulita, Maud is hoping to finish work on a nursery that she started building before the shooting.

On the night of 4 January, 2015, Maud was summoned from her house in Mulita to the hospital. When she returned home, she was confronted by two masked bandits, one of whom pointed a gun at her. Not realizing it was real, Maud reached to grab the weapon, and was shot in the chest. “I yelled at the top of my voice, but nobody came to help me,” she said.

Eventually help did come, and Maud’s condition was stabilized. However, there was no means of communication available in Mulita. Someone had to travel through the night to the nearest town, 30 miles away. The next morning, MAF

received a call requesting a medical evacuation flight for Maud. “We were really upset when we heard that she was shot” MAF pilot Jon Cadd said. “The whole team just jumped into action.”

MAF staff quickly contacted local doctors and rearranged the day’s flight schedule, A few hours later, Jon landed in Mulita with medical personnel onboard and was able to evacuate Maud to MAF’s base in Nyankunde.

“All during the years, I could never have continued the work at Mulita without MAF. I couldn’t have done any of it.”

After receiving treatment in the Nyankunde mission hospital, Maud spent a week recuperating in the home of Jon and Cher Cadd. “So much of the healing process was really MAF caring for me, loving me, and just being so kind and so hospitable,” she said.

Photos and story by Mark & Kelly Hewes.

“I probably wouldn’t have survived if it hadn’t been for MAF”

After the welcoming ceremony, 75 year old Maud returned to the airstrip to help pilot Dave Jacobsson unload the plane full of medical supplies and gifts she brought with her.

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Flying for Life

April 2016

www.maf.org.nz

Hundreds of people gathered at the small grass airstrip to greet Maud as she stepped off the plane. A brass band played while the crowd waved and cheered her arrival.

Farewell to Trevor Strong One of the founders of MAF dies

Trevor was posted into No 7 Pathfinder Squadron of Bomber Command. Initially, Trevor flew Wellingtons, then Stirlings and finally, on bombing operations, Lancasters.

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t is with both sadness and joy that we report the passing of Trevor Strong, one of the founding members of MAF on Monday, 8 February. Joy because we know Trevor has been received into heaven after a lifetime dedicated to following Jesus and making Him known. Having lived for 101 years, his funeral was held on Friday 12 February.

Born in Waihi on 29 November, 1914, Trevor grew up in Helensville, where his father was a railway engine driver and the town's mayor.

At age 28, at the start of the war, he joined the RNZAF and learned to fly at Wigram.

Trevor flew 44 Pathfinder sorties before being shot down on 25 August, 1944.

After interrogation, he was sent to a POW camp near the Baltic Sea, where 9000 British and American airmen were imprisoned. He was a POW for 9 months, escaped and was recaptured, then finally freed.

A key moment for Trevor, during his many sorties as a RAFNZ pilot during World War II, took place while he was flying towards his target area over enemy territory. As tracers came up all around him Trevor quietly gave a promise to God; if he got out alive he would use his influence in some form of Christian mission work.

After Trevor was “de-mobbed” at war’s end he joined forces with fellow Kiwi and combat pilot Murray Kendon to propose using aircraft to aid in mission work. After all the destruction they had witnessed during the war, they shared a vision of using light aircraft to help God’s

work for positive ends.

Trevor and Murray spent about a year travelling around the UK making the cause of MAF known and some English Christian airmen became very interested.

Together, they managed to purchase a Miles Gemini aircraft, which after dedication, was used to make the first MAF survey flight into Africa.

Trevor returned to NZ in 1946 to get married and start raising awareness of the fledgling “MAF” here in Aotearoa.

He set up a MAF prayer and support committee, and in 1947 he took on the role of New Zealand's first chairman, on what later became the MAF NZ Board.

Trevor’s wife Joan died 19 years ago.

Together they raised four children, and a number of foster children. Trevor also leaves behind a legacy of 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Trevor’s medals included the Distinguished Flying Cross for valour, presented at Buckingham Palace in 2005 as part of the sixtieth anniversary of D-Day, and the Legion of Honour, France’s highest military honour, for the courage and sacrifice shown in his role in the D-Day landings.

a full and current description of all these positions go to our website. “Critical” positions CURRENT For reflect the urgency of finding staff in order to keep programmes running and planes flying.

VACANCIES ENGINEERS

MANAGERS Country Director, PNG (Critical) Finance Manager, PNG (Critical) IT Manager, PNG (Critical) IT Manager, South Sudan HR Manager, PNG Chief Engineer, Bangladesh (Critical) Quality & Safety Manager, Kenya Area IT Manager, (various locations)

Experienced Aircraft Engineers (8; various) (Critical) Deputy Director of Maintenance, South Sudan Avionics Engineers, (2; various locations) Maintenance Controller, Cairns

PILOTS Mission Pilots, (8; various locations) (Critical) Mission Pilots, (7; various locations) Senior Flight Instructor, Mareeba

Deputy Programme Manager/Operations Director, PNG

OTHER ROLES OPERATIONS Operations Manager, (2; various locations) (Critical) Flight Programming Coordinator, PNG Deputy Operations Manager, Arnhem Land

IT Short Term Roles, MAF I Technology Services Representative, Arnhem Land Home School Support Teacher, Arnhem Land Stores Manager, Arnhem Land

Ground Operations Manager, South Sudan

www.maf.org.nz

April 2016

Flying for Life

15

Faces

& Places

Tessa McGeorge left us on 24 February to pursue full-time study at University.

It was the end of an era, with her sister Emma now overseas with MAF. Tessa started as a volunteer in the Manukau office before beginning to work part-time in November 2011. Soon Tessa became an essential member of staff, helping recruit many new staff and guiding them through the Application process. Interestingly, even after hearing stories about PNG for years, Tessa found a recent trip to see the work there “eye opening”. Thanks for everything, Tessa!

Olivia Monk replaces Tessa as the Recruitment Manager. She is fitting into her new part-time role very well and “finding her feet”. It has always been a dream of Olivia’s to combine her faith with her passion for HR. She wholeheartedly believes that people are the most important asset an organisation has and is passionate about working to promote this. Olivia is excited to work for MAF to identify the right missionary staff and then help those families abroad as needed to successfully be part of a global movement and a symbol of hope.

Godfrey Sim takes up the role of Church and Community Liaison Manager. This new role will see Godfrey working more closely with local leaders from a range of church, mission, community and government organisations. Godfrey and his wife Glen will build “intentional partnerships” that will enable MAF’s flying programme to have greater focus in the areas of “Spiritual and Physical Transformation” in isolated communities across the areas of MAF’s footprint in PNG.

Chris De’Ath has been made Programme Manager in Arnhem Land. As such, he will oversee the operation of the programme, reporting directly to the Regional Director. His responsibilities will include leading the Senior Management Team (Chief Pilot, Chief Engineer, Ops Manager, Programme Accountant and Ministry Coordinator). Day to day activities will consist of leading and inspiring the team, developing and reviewing the programme, ensuring effective customer communication and relationship, efficient use of resources and monitoring the budget.

“Aviation has been on my mind and in my heart since I was 7 years old watching the “Flying Doctors” on TV,” says Mel Laird, MAFNZ’s most recent recruit. Mel is currently preparing to head off to South Sudan as a pilot. One day she came across a book on MAF, and since then has been focused on flying for them.

She continues, “to be able to use my skills in aviation to get out and help those in need in our world, both physically and spiritually. What better way to live life than to be the hands and feet of Christ wherever I go?”

The MAF PNG International (expat) Conference took place in March 2016, at Ukarumpa, PNG—115 people in total attended, 12 of whom were Kiwis. This annual event is an opportunity to take a break, be encouraged by a guest speaker and enjoy fellowship and fun with fellow missionaries. It’s also a place to relax a little from the daily stresses of life in PNG. John Benn, the guest speaker, came from South Africa. There were talks, worship, games, fellowship, prayer, dancing and laughter. Photo (right) by Michael Duncalfe.

David and Kimberley Caradus have resigned from MAF and will be returning to New Zealand shortly. David was introduced to MAF through a short term mission trip to Papua New Guinea in 2006 and felt called to serve MAF as a pilot after he finished his aviation training in 2010. He and Kimberley worked in Arnhem Land, serving the Aboriginal communities there through Aviation and Technology from 2014-2016. Upon their return they will continue to serve the Lord where they are most needed. We would like to express deep thanks for their years with MAF.