Flying For Life - September 2018

CREATING A PATHWAY

for Mission-Ready Pilots

| SEPTEMBER 2018

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FIRST FLIGHT TO NORU IN TWELVE YEARS

08 OUR GLOBAL IMPACT 12 FLYING HEALTHCARE TO WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST FOR OUR LATEST NEWS OR TO DONATE, VISIT MAF.ORG.NZ OR CALL US (TOLL-FREE) 0800 87 85 88

A Family

Story by Connie Lou Aebischer, edited by Tim Houghton Photos by Godfrey Sim

REMEMBERS JOHN HARVERSON WAS A MAF PILOT BASED IN PNG. JOHN, HIS WIFE JOAN AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN, WERE FROM CHRISTCHURCH IN NEW ZEALAND AND JOHN HAD BEEN PREPARING FOR YEARS TO JOIN MAF AS PILOT/ENGINEER. On the morning of 23 June 1967, John took off from his home base of Wewak, and flew to Telefomin, where he picked up two Baptist Bible College students before heading for Olsobip. Radio contact was lost along the way and they were never heard from again. A massive search followed for weeks over rugged terrain, but nothing was ever found of the plane or passengers.

Fifty years later family members in New Zealand felt a growing sense that they wanted to do something to honour John. They contacted Mark Fox, MAF New Zealand’s CEO, to ask if he could help arrange a memorial service. As discussion took place, the vision grew. There was a real sense that is was past time to set up a permanent memorial, not only for John, but for all of the MAF pilots lost while serving God and the people of PNG with Mission Aviation Fellowship.

As the project developed, a number of New Zealanders made significant contributions.

Doug Miles, acting

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When the five family members (John’s widow, son, daughter, brother and grandson) returned to PNG, they brought with them a plaque of remembrance. The day before the memorial service, John Harverson’s son and grandson were flown over the area where John’s plane was believed to have gone missing. It was a sombre day, a day of reflection.

The memorial service took place on 22 June. The plaque brought by the family was

Grandson Jonathan, son Peter, John’s widow Joan, brother Godfrey and daughter Ruth beside the monument.

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Country Director, coordinated the venture. Gordan Bland, in his role as Property & Projects Manager, and his team set about designing and building the memorial. Mark Fox arranged the service and coordinated with the family as they prepared to fly to PNG.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Mark Fox speaking at the memorial

mounted on a beautiful rock monument, capped with a propeller.

A plaque listing the names of all the pilots lost while serving with MAF in PNG was also placed on the monument.

MAF Staff, missionaries and extended families gathered for the event.

Words of remembrance and of hope were shared

by Country Director Todd Aebischer, Mark Fox, Godfrey Sim (who, as a young boy remembered the massive search) and members of the family. Hugs and tears followed as each person connected with the words spoken.

Pastor Denis Awanim, President of the Min Baptist Union, shared the great impact on the local Min community after losing the plane— and how many young people took up the call to pursue Bible College and to carry on the mission of those who had died while pursuing their dream.

The “highlands rain” came down as umbrellas were passed around, but the spirits of those present were not dampened. As the service closed many shared their connection with other pilots who had been lost and tears and healing mingled with the raindrops that fell. The monument will be a place of remembrance for years to come.

The plaque brought by the family from New Zealand.

Photo taken at Anguganak a few days before John disappeared near Olsobip.

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CREATING A PATHWAY

for Mission-Ready Pilots

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| FLYING FOR LIFE MAGAZINE |

SEPTEMBER 2018

IN THIRTY COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD MAF IS DELIVERING HEALTH, HOPE AND HEALING TO ISOLATED COMMUNITIES. BUT TO KEEP OUR FLEET OF 130 AIRCRAFT FLYING, WE NEED PILOTS! At the same time, it takes someone special to be a MAF pilot! Due to the variety of situations they face, their technical skills have to be of the highest standard. But more than this, they need to be able to combine strong decision-making and relationship-building skills with a positive approach to getting the job done. They are also on the front line of sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom to the isolated communities we serve.

We at MAF New Zealand know very well that getting to the mission field often seems like a formidable process for potential pilots.

We also recognise that they, like everyone who applies to join MAF, come with their own life experiences, levels of training and aviation knowledge. In other words, they are all different! One programme does not usually “fit” everyone.

We want to stand alongside them, to encourage, assist and inspire them in their journey towards MAF!

In response to this, MAF NZ has developed MAFTRACK, an individually tailored pathway towards a potential career with MAF. Following an initial assessment to identify what further training and personal development is necessary, a MAFTRACK is created, which will include a combination of aviation and technical training, cross cultural and missions exposure, spiritual development and personal growth. It will also involve partnering with other organisations, including their local church, to purposely develop the practical skills they need.

For individuals with no flight training—but 100% enthusiasm and commitment to tracking towards MAF—the focus will be on mentoring to keep the vision alive. Let’s take “Will” as an example. Will has wanted to be a MAF pilot since he was 11 years old. Now 19, he recently finished High School and wants help in figuring out the best way forward in pursuing of his dream of flying for MAF. Applying to join the MAFTRACK will provide Will with one-on-one,

regular mentoring and assist him with making the best choices for him in terms of Bible College, Flight Training and overseas missions experience.

For those who are further along the path and first step would be a Flight Assessment before going on to complete the rest of the qualifications required for a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL). “Sarah” is 23. She believes God is calling her to use her aviation skills for His Kingdom.

Again, applying for a MAFTRACK will help Sarah stay focused and working towards her goal. MAFTRACK will develop a support network around her where her experiences and challenges are processed, relationships are formed and encouragement is given.

Anyone passionate about using their skill in aviation for His Kingdom— and ready to put a plan into place to achieve their goals—is invited to contact us about applying for MAFTRACK. Visit our website for full details. Applying for MAFTRACK does not guarantee that you will one day fly for MAF. maf.org.nz

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Photo by LuAnne Cadd

Giving Women a Voice Story by Rick Velvin

THE MEETING WAS BEING HELD IN THE CHURCH AT MUSULA, A SMALL COMMUNITY IN THE PNG LOWLANDS VERY CLOSE TO THE EPICENTRE OF THE FEBRUARY EARTHQUAKES.

Photo by Rick Velvin

World Vision International (WVI) had chartered MAF to fly four of their staff members there to spend four hours on the ground talking and listening to the people. Their goal was to gather information on Musula and the surrounding villages. This assessment would help them design future water, sanitation, health and education projects for the area, greatly assisting

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with the earthquake recovery and community development.

The four WVI staff called out the names of various village representatives, allocating them to groups for discussion and questions. All men. The women sat in a corner at the back of the church. Several were quite vocal and I gathered from their gestures and tone of voice they were telling or reminding the men what to say.

I was sitting at the side of the church observing the process. The people were engaged, very focused and motivated. The World Vision staff wrote pages of notes, the locals speaking and writing out thoughts and ideas. One of the pastors sat next to me. Part of our conversation went like this: “The groups are all men, do you think that the women want to join in?“ “Yes, but their names weren’t called.“ “Oh, do the women have different, good ideas? Would the men want them to join in and contribute?“ “Yes, but they’re not asked”.

“Some of the men are writing things on paper, perhaps the women could do the same?“

SEPTEMBER 2018

Silence. The kind of silence that goes with a new thought and processing an idea that leads to action.

I wasn’t aware of when the pastor got up and walked out, but later I noticed many of the women had also left. Around 2 o’clock, as things were wrapping up, the women returned and one of them passed two or three pages of suggestions to a WVI staff member, who acknowledged the women’s paper and added it to the other contributions for later reference.

Nice one!

As we walked back to the aircraft the light drizzle turned into rain and we were soaked. Normally it would be good to leave the heat of the lowlands and climb above the clouds to the cooler air for the one-hour flight to Mt Hagen. But with no heater in the aircraft and wet clothes it was cold. But that didn’t matter, it had been a great day! Women had been given a voice!

Thanks, World Vision, for your commitment to the people of Musula. Your projects will be a huge blessing to everyone.

First Flight

to Eleven Eleven Noru in Twelve Years Story and photos by Glenys Watson and Richie Axon

In 2007 a landing on an unexpectedly wet airstrip in Noru resulted in a damaged aircraft.

After that, and because the airstrip was being kept in a very marginal condition, the Flight Operations Manager at the time decided to keep it closed.

In June this year, reports came in that the airstrip was in good condition. MAF Flight Operations Manager Brad Venter received requests for MAF to reopen it for operations.

Telefomin-based Twin Otter Captain Richie Axon explained, “When the weather cleared MAF pilot Glenys Watson and I were able to plan a flight there. We would only carry a light load to give us some extra margin for the unknown condition of the airstrip. My first impression as we flew over the airstrip was how good it looked. After a careful inspection of the surface I was satisfied that it was safe for us to land.”

“We spent about 30 minutes walking the airstrip,“ Richie adds, “inspecting

the surface and drains on either side, accompanied by a crowd the whole way. Overall, the airstrip was in good condition and I pointed out to the community what areas needed continued effort.

Glenys continued, “Later the community sat down while two leaders gave speeches thanking us for coming. Over the twelve years the airstrip has been closed, many had left their coffee trees untended as it was extremely difficult to get their coffee out. Now they will be inspired to look after their coffee gardens again. Richie explained to the people that God had not forgotten them, reminded them of the importance of keeping their airstrip in good condition and shared with them the vision and purpose of MAF. Glenys added, “Over the next couple of weeks we returned twice, delivering store goods and flying out coffee and peanuts. We also took a full load of teachers on their way to a convention!”

The “Mama Bird”, P2-MFT, at the parking bay at Noru. The Twin Otter is a twin-engine turboprop and has 21 seats. Important to show—we are after all an aviation ministry!

Flying over the valley in which Noru airstrip (seen in the distance) lies.

FOLLOWING THE FIRST FLIGHT TO NORU IN 12 YEARS, MAF PNG RECEIVED THIS LETTER OF APPRECIATION. It was an emotional moment that Wednesday afternoon 13 June, 2018 as flights to Noru resumed again. Most of our children under the age of 12 had never seen the “Mama Bird” P2 MFT before. As the “big bird” glided gracefully to land on our airstrip laughter, smiles, shouts and dances of joy could be seen and heard everywhere! Some stood silent with tears rolling down their cheeks. When the “Mama Bird” took off again we watched until it flew out of sight. MAF truly cares and is sharing God’s Love. Flying for Life at its best!

Thank you!

VITUS AND HELEN GENAI

Glenys Watson, from Hamilton, standing next to the Noru MAF Agent who proudly presents the first load-manifest for the return flight.

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Our Glob

Here’s a snapshot of MAF’s global impact in a year. Beh communities transformed. This work can only happen be

130+

1,300+

AIRCRAFT

STAFF MEMBERS

30+

1,500

COUNTRIES

DESTINATIONS

Here are just a few of the hundreds of mission agencies, churches and NGOs MAF enables to get to where they need to be each year.

MISSION AVIATION 8

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SEPTEMBER 2018

bal Impact

hind each of these numbers are stories of lives changed and ecause people like you all across New Zealand partner with us!

65,000

1400

FLIGHTS

ORGANISATIONS

5.6

39,000

MILLION KGS FREIGHT

HOURS FLOWN

Blue dots = operating locations/programmes Countries in red = supporting countries Yellow dot = Mareeba flight training and heavy maintenance facility. *Please note: this information is accurate as of December 2017. The countries MAF flies in and our operation locations will change over time.

N FELLOWSHIP maf.org.nz

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Bringing the

WORLD to the VILLAGE AS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR HIS VILLAGE, NAWI WENT HOME WITH RACHEL IN HIS LUGGAGE. R.A.C.H.E.L. STANDS FOR “REMOTE AREA COMMUNITY HOTSPOT FOR EDUCATION AND LEARNING”.

Story by Mandy Glass, edited by Tim Houghton Photos by Nawi Mabo HERE IS JUST A TINY GLIMPSE OF THE ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON RACHEL:

A group of women gather around the RACHEL server watching online content.

Nawi Mabo is MAF PNG’s Ground Operations Training Coordinator.

When he was taking his annual Christmas leave he wanted to do much more than just relax. He wanted to introduce RACHEL to his home region in the remote communities of South Western PNG. Nawi started a campaign to source funds, and $2,690 from the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust of New Zealand enabled him to purchase three RACHEL servers.

Via Facebook, he further announced his project and was able to purchase the tablets people needed to access the content from the servers.

RACHEL is an “offline server”—that means people can use the device without the need for the internet.

It is packed with educational and learning sites suitable for use in schools, community or health centres worldwide where there is limited or no internet access.

Then Nawi, together with his wife and children, travelled by banana boat and over terrible roads, to

RACHEL can accommodate between 20-50 simultaneous users, has 300GB of preloaded content, a 5-hour battery life and extended WiFi range. The information on the server is pre-installed and can be accessed through smartphones and tablets.

• Wikipedia for Schools: 6000 articles, 26 million words and 50,000 images.

• Peacebuilding Resources: a collection of resources that address issues that arise in conflict zones.

• Interactive World Map: an interactive and searchable world map which allows students to browse the world from the global to the local.

• Core Knowledge: comprehensive, contentrich learning materials with student readers, teacher guides and activity books.

• Power-typing: full lessons and exercises to learn and practice touch-typing.

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Nawi travels through terrible roads and by banana boat to get to the village.

• Mustard Seed Books: high quality books in English for beginner readers.

• Fantastic Phonics: a complete 16-week intensive reading programme for schools and families, with 60 printable stories, multimedia and videos.

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deliver RACHEL to three villages.

In isolated communities like these, with few resources and little or no internet connection, one RACHEL server can bring the world to those who need it most.

SEPTEMBER 2018

• KA-Lite: thousands of videos and exercises on all levels and every type of math, science, biology, physics, chemistry, macroeconomics, finance and capital markets, entrepreneurship, health and medicine, electrical engineering.

MAF HELPED FACILITATE WORKSHOPS AT WHICH 37 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM 14 TRIBES WERE TAUGHT HOW TO RECONCILE WITH THEIR ENEMIES AND HEAL FROM THEIR TRAUMAS. Story by Thorkild Jørgensen Photos by Thomas Titus and Thorkild Jørgensen

Restoration and Reconciliation in South Sudan The Maridi Youth Christian Association (MYCA) empowers youth by encouraging them to be involved in church activities, arranging sports to help them engage with young people from other tribes and teaching them how to deal with the challenges of culture and conflict.

On 28 June a MAF shuttle took off from Juba airport carrying two workshop teachers and three members of MYCA. Among them was Thomas Titus, founder of MYCA and one of MAF South Sudan’s Ground Operations staff. MAF pilot Sam Johnston from New Zealand was involved in transporting the team to the workshops and Corina de Waal, the wife of MAF South Sudan’s Programme Manager, led the workshops, assisted by Nyakuma, a young woman from the north.

The people of South Sudan, both young and old, are all in some state of trauma because of decades of civil war and cultural conflicts. Many have issues due to traumas that have never been dealt with, and they are filled with anger, hatred and despair.

MYCA, based in Maridi, southwest of Juba, arranges monthly activities for the youth of Maridi and its surrounding counties. At Easter MYCA held an open-air event for training youth in their roles regarding church, community, peace building, career and risk behaviour (drinking, sex and fighting) based on the Bible and utilizing the experiences of church members.

This led to a realisation that the youth were traumatised from the civil war and that some youth groups were joining rebel groups or were forced to retaliate when pastoral communities let their cattle graze in other’s crops.

MYCA then organised a five-day Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Workshop. In collaboration with the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECS) they invited young people from Maridi and Ibba dioceses who were active in the church.

Thirty-two youth from Maridi and 15 from the neighbouring counties came.

Only eight of them were girls.

Past hurts were written on notes and nailed to the cross. Outside all the notes were burnt while the group gathered around and prayed for healing and forgiveness.

The MYCA team and MAF New Zealand pilot Sam Johnston meet before take-off at Maridi airfield.

Out of the ashes something beautiful grows, symbolised by the flower petals.

Corina said enthusiastically, “Fourteen different tribes or communities were represented at the workshop and at first it was very difficult for them to open up and talk about their wounds. We taught them about repentance and forgiveness by giving them a new revelation of God’s heart.

We went on to discuss how the relationship between God and creation was broken—and how all our wounds come from this brokenness. They were then encouraged to stop talking negatively about other tribes.

On the last day the groups stood facing each other and repented for what they had done and said. Then they celebrated each other’s differences by singing and performing the songs and stories of their respective tribes.”

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Flying Healthcare to Where It’s Needed Most Story by Dr Varghese Philip, Godfrey Sim and Mandy Glass Photos by LuAnne Cadd

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SEPTEMBER 2018

MAF HAS BEEN SERVING REMOTE COMMUNITIES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA FOR THE PAST 67 YEARS. WE ARE NOW EXPANDING OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE TO COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE LIMITED OR NO ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE, WHICH OFTEN RESULTS IN HIGHER RATES OF MORTALITY, INCREASED DISEASE, LOST PRODUCTIVITY AND A BLIGHTED FUTURE. MAF PNG has already launched two projects this year focused on delivering health care to West Sepik and Enga (see map). Initiated by Dr Varghese Philip (MAF PNG’s Strategic Development Manager) and Godfrey Sim (Church and Community Liaison Manager), they are having a great transformational impact.

One of MAF PNG’s three key strategic goals is to increase our effectiveness through “intentional and strategic partnerships”. To accomplish the goals of HARC, MAF will partner with hospitals, church agencies, World Vision, Australian Doctors International (ADI) and the Provincial Government and Health

Authority. MAF’s partner Rural Airstrip Agency’s ability to maintain and restore airstrips in Western Province will create perfect synergy to help this project succeed.

The initial 18-month “pilot” phase will start in January 2019. Funds have already been provided for a new Cessna 208 Caravan. If the HARC initiative performs well and effectively during the 18 months of the pilot project, the plan is for a second Cessna 208 Caravan, along with more funding, to be gifted.

Since MAF has an existing base at Rumginae/Kiunga, the HARC project office and staff housing will be constructed at Kiunga.

A third project called HARC (Health Access for Rural Communities) will support Primary Health Care in the Western Province (see map). Rather than patients having to make the long and arduous trip to a hospital, the proposal is for highly skilled medical teams to visit the remote locations.

Each team will consist of a physician, a dentist/dental assistant, a nurse/community health worker, an optometrist and a community liaison person/communicator. Two such core teams will be created to increase coverage across the province. Each team will fly to different airstrips every week and set up camps for two to three days.

They will conduct dental clinics, antenatal checks, identify high-risk pregnancies, conduct immunisation and basic lab tests. The teams will also promote oral health, health education and awareness of social issues. In addition, medevacs will be organised for patients needing emergency care.

A Cessna 208 Caravan like the one gifted to MAF PNG

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CHANGE THE ENDING “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”—CS Lewis

CHANGE THE ENDING IS A MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP GLOBAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN THAT WILL BE LAUNCHED ON 9 SEPTEMBER AND RUN FOR TWO WEEKS UNTIL 21 SEPTEMBER. The campaign is based on two premises: First, many young people today want to be change-makers. They want to be involved in something bigger than themselves. They are aware of the major issues faced by society and how so many stories around the world don’t end well and want to do something about it. Many

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are passionate about both helping change the world and changing personally—by walking away from greed, apathy and consumerism.

Second, the way people today communicate has changed. The goal of Change the Ending is to create a social media movement that engages with people and creates momentum.

The plan is to “go big” globally over the two-week period, with every Resourcing Group getting involved so that together we “trend” on social media.

The focus is squarely on reaching new people who don’t yet know about MAF’s worldwide ministry. Change The Ending is about getting the younger generations “in through the door” so we can connect with them.

The starting point is the issues and causes that concern young people today (clean water, poverty, isolation,

SEPTEMBER 2018

violence). The campaign asks: what if isolation meant your baby couldn’t get medical help? Your children couldn’t get an education? A simple illness resulted in death? Social issues couldn’t be addressed? Pastors and church leaders couldn’t get to your community?

It then invites people to imagine what a different ending might look like.

Finally Change the Ending introduces the idea, just as originally envisioned by Murray Kendon back in 1945, that aircraft can make a significant difference and that access (via aviation) is a key answer to overcoming isolation.

Head to the MAF NZ website or follow us on Facebook to see how, together, we can Change the Ending!

Campaign graphic for Change the Ending

Bringing Joy–with Soccer Balls!

Story and photo by Ryan Cameron

Recently I was gifted some money by the Association of Anglican Women (AAW), one of the local church groups in New Zealand who sponsor me. I used the money–and previous donations from the AAW–for two things; to buy soccer balls for the local children and food for people in need. The children here love to play soccer and will play it all day.

Unfortunately they often don’t have a ball and have to make one out of rags or just kick around a plastic bottle. It brought them so much joy

to have a proper soccer ball! These children have probably never been given anything to play with before and were a little uncertain how to react, but then played with the new soccer ball the whole time I was there. Their mother was very thankful. With the money I was also able to buy books of coupons, which I have handed out to people on the street so they could go to a local restaurant and exchange them for a meal. A meal in South Sudan costs about 50 cents.

Ready for An Adventure?

Are you over 18 years old and ready for a “Gap” experience? Wondering what it’s like to work for MAF? MAF International’s Mission Experience Placement (MEP) scheme provides an opportunity to experience life in an overseas MAF programme–and to explore whether God is calling you into longer-term Christian mission work.

Since 1951, MAF’s operations in Papua New Guinea have provided essential air transport to isolated communities located in some of the most rugged terrain in the world. Today, MAF is the longest

Ryan handing over a new soccer ball to some children at a remote community.

serving aviation operator in PNG. We serve local communities, local church groups, missionaries, NGOs, development and relief agencies and government departments who are working to change the lives of those living in remote areas.

Aside from helping you understand MAF’s mandate and what it’s like to be part of a MAF programme, a 6-12 month MEP will enhance your academic knowledge with relevant work assignments that will help you prepare for a potential career in missions.

MAF PNG OFFERS PLACEMENTS IN: Business Administration. Assisting and supporting the day-to-day operations of the office, including general duties and special projects.

Human Resources. Supporting the HR department (requires you to bring your HR expertise and provide assistance in a variety of areas).

Information Technology (IT).

Assisting the IT Team with training, trouble-shooting, help desk operations and special projects.

Videography and editing. Working with the Communications Team to gather, shoot and edit stories.

Construction. Assisting with maintenance, building projects and construction.

Vehicle Maintenance. Providing tender loving care for our MAF vehicles and machinery with general maintenance and repairs.

Hospitality and other Support Services.

Providing hospitality, assistance, rostering, coordination of airport pickups, shopping, and housing allocations.

Contact us for full details. These placements are self-funded.

MAF pilot Luke Newell distributes from a Bible box in PNG.

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WELCOME,

NEW CANDIDATES! Bridget Ingham God first placed the desire to be a pilot in my heart when I was 11 years old. I grew up in a Christian family and eagerly pursued the abilities God has blessed me with, particularly in the areas of mathematics and science. I completed a PhD in physics in 2005 and spent two years working overseas in the UK and the USA as a research scientist before returning to New Zealand to continue my scientific career. During my undergraduate study I gained my Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).

In early 2016 God got my attention through a series of circumstances and reminded me of the dream to be a pilot. When I looked into what it would take to become a MAF pilot, God showed me how the different parts of my life–my abilities, opportunities and experiences–all fitted together and that this had been His plan for me all along. The rest, as they say, is history.

Prabhu and Christina Pothula Prabhu grew up as an only child in a Christian family in a small village in South India. He had been interested in flying from a young age, but never thought his dream would become a reality. When he was 17 years old God made a way for him to start aviation training. During the next five years of training Prabhu knew that he wanted to use flying to serve God. Once he had achieved his Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) he explored what he could do for God with his new qualification and discovered MAF. By 2015 Prabhu had started flying for MAF in Arnhem Land.

Christina grew up in a Christian family and started training at Eastwest Bible College in July 2016 with the vision of serving with MAF once she graduated in July 2018.

Prabhu met Christina while on holiday in New Zealand and they got married in December 2017. They hope to go back to Arnhem Land where Prabhu was previously based, and continue to serve God with MAF there. Prabhu will use his background in aviation and together they will establish relationships and witness to people in remote communities.

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

MAF New Zealand PO Box 76502 Manukau City, Auckland 2241 PHONE 0800 87 85 88 EMAIL info@maf.org.nz WEB maf.org.nz EDITOR Tim Houghton LAYOUT & DESIGN WindsorCreative PRINTING Roe Print Services