PRAYER BRIEFING
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2024
Find out more about our people, planes and remote places at www.maf.org.nz
JANUARY 1 - 8 MONDAY, JAN 1
SATURDAY, JAN 6
McINTOSH, Colin & Rosemary. MAFI Maintenance Support Specialist–Turbine Aircraft, NZ based. MAF is planning to introduce one of the Amphibian Cessna Caravans into the Papua New Guinea programme this year. Please pray for Gordon Otten who is managing this project and his team of staff involved in bringing this project to a successful completion.
MAF INTERNATIONAL. Pray the MAFI finance vacancies in Arnhem Land and PNG. Pray that the right applicants would come forward and for wisdom for the recruitment team.
TUESDAY, JAN 2 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Pray for the work of the women’s shelter we partner with in Arnhem Land, where we evacuate domestic violence victims. Pray for continued effectiveness and for all of the people that we evacuate.
THURSDAY, JAN 4 HUNT, Benji & Jess; Elliott. Maintenance Operations Supervisor, PNG. Please pray for the team here in PNG as a new year starts. Please pray for strength, energy, and refreshment as we look ahead to what this year will hold.
WEDNESDAY, JAN 3 BREWER, Renee. Pilot, PNG. I am excited to have my younger sister visiting me in PNG at the moment. Please thank God that I am able to have her here and show her the impact of MAF flights. I continue to be supervised by supervisory instructors who are ‘checking’ me into different airstrips and areas around PNG. Please pray for good learning experiences and that I would feel ready to fly solo in PNG as my time of supervisory experience comes closer to the end.
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SUNDAY, JAN 7 WOODWARD, Vaughan & Rosemary. Executive Officer and Director, Global Disaster Response & HR Advisor, Cairns. We thank the Lord for His care and many blessings in our lives and that of our family over the last year. We look forward with anticipation for all that 2024 holds as we serve Him.
FRIDAY, JAN 5
MONDAY, JAN 8
ORCHARD, Karl & Helene; Ayla and Thea. Candidate. As we step in obedience to God’s calling as new MAF candidates there are many personal logistics to work through in the next six months including selling our house. Please pray for our family as we go through this process. Pray for us as our family of four fly to Melbourne today for a week of Transition Training. Pray that it is a fun time away and that we all learn heaps.
HITCHINS, Nick & Ruth; Benji, Samuel and Eddie. Pilot and Country Director, Timor-Leste. Pray for safe and efficient travel as we visit a variety of locations round NZ from Northland to Canterbury and for good interactions with all the churches and groups we meet during Home Assignment. Pray for Benji as he explores future university options and makes plans to move to Australia - leaving home for the first time.
www.maf.org.nz
JANUARY 9 - 16 FRIDAY, JAN 12
TUESDAY, JAN 9 DIXON, Grant & Sharon. Aircraft Engineer & Member Care, Mareeba. International funding for humanitarian aid in South Sudan has dropped significantly for 2024. Pray for the people affected, and the organisations trying to help. Pray that it will increase so that the people needing care will receive it.
WEDNESDAY, JAN 10 MAF NEW ZEALAND. Please pray for the staff as they start the year again. Pray for fresh ideas, lots of energy, and wisdom on how to increase the reach of MAF.
THURSDAY, JAN 11 INGHAM, Bridget. Pilot, PNG. I will soon be travelling to Mareeba for two weeks of instrument rating refresher training. I’m looking forward to being back in my old stomping ground! Pray that the trip and training goes well.
VINCENT, Fiona. Finance Manager, Asia-Pacific Region, (NZ based). Give praise for the partnership that MAF has with Pioneers in Arnhem Land. The Yolngu are responding to the work of the Holy Spirit in their land. Yolngu are initiating their own outreaches, Bible studies, discipleship groups, and evangelising at funerals. MAF and Pioneers staff have the privilege of assisting where needed, including flights to remote communities for baptisms.
SATURDAY, JAN 13 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Praise God for our partnership with Partners in Health in Liberia. Pray that God will bless their work enabling access to healthcare.
SUNDAY, JAN 14 POUND, Jonathan & Michele; Abby, Daniel, Joseph, and Benjamin. Pilot, South Sudan. Please join with us as we praise the Lord for bringing us to South Sudan to serve with MAF for two years. Thank Him for our good health during this time, and pray that we will be good ambassadors for Him during our upcoming home assignment, and the next two years back in South Sudan!
www.maf.org.nz
MONDAY, JAN 15 MILES, Doug & Yvonne. Interim Country Director, PNG. Following Yvonne’s successful cataract surgery, she will be accompanying Doug today when they return to PNG for the first of three six-week tours until the end of June. During this time Doug will continue to cover the role of Country Director. Please pray for God’s provision of a new Country Director and energy for everyone involved in keeping the programme running in the meantime.
TUESDAY, JAN 16 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Praise the Lord that MAF-US staff were able to ferry PK-MEE to Tarakan, Indonesia after the 1,436 nautical mile, 10-hour flight from Sentani. The plane will be prepared for service in Tarakan.
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JANUARY 17 - 25
WEDNESDAY, JAN 17 HARDING, Bill & Angela. International Development Director & People Care Manager, NZ based. Praise the Lord for a great Christmas break together in Nelson with family and friends. Pray for us as we settle into a new year and establish a good work routine. Angela has found it challenging having to work so many evenings to fit in with time zones around the world, so please pray we make time for rest and relaxation too.
FRIDAY, JAN 19
TUESDAY, JAN 23
MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for partners like ZOA in Uganda who are providing training and resources, such as irrigation equipment, for farming in some of the toughest environments.
MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for a new hangar roof that was installed at the base in Arnhem Land before the wet season.
SATURDAY, JAN 20 SPROUL, Phil & Tania. Director of Technical Operations, Cairns. Please pray for a productive month as we have many tasks to complete before heading to New Zealand for Home Assignment next month.
SUNDAY, JAN 21 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Please pray for more pilots to be called to mission to serve in MAFI programmes.
WEDNESDAY, JAN 24 FOX, Mark & Philippa. CEO MAF NZ. Praise God that Philippa continues to be in good health and that we were able to be together as a family for Christmas.
THURSDAY, JAN 25
THURSDAY, JAN 18 HASTIE, Kerry & Marie, Jesse, and Ethan. Quality and Safety Manager, Mareeba. Please pray for the salvation of Kerry’s mum who has terminal cancer. Pray for us as we tentatively start to prepare for returning to New Zealand at the end of the year.
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MONDAY, JAN 22 MACDONALD, Andrew. Pilot, South Sudan. Praise that we completed the year, it has been very busy the last few months, using lots of energy. Please pray for continued effectiveness in our work as we start this new year.
www.maf.org.nz
CAMPBELL, Andrew & Sharon. Maintenance Controller, PNG. Ephraim Kukyiwa has been a big help in the Maintenance Control department as an assistant. He has departed in order to take up a position as an Engineer for Air Traffic Control in Port Moresby. Pray that he shines as he serves in his new job pray also for the next Maintenance Control assistant who replaces him.
JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 3 FRIDAY, JAN 26
THURSDAY, FEB 1
MAF NEW ZEALAND. We are going to Festival One which starts today. Please pray for great connections and a wonderful time for everyone involved. If you are at Festival One, come and say hi!
INGHAM, Bridget. Pilot, PNG. This month I will be undertaking the MAF instrument flight rules standardisation course. This will mean I’ll be allowed to fly through clouds rather than having to find a way around them. From what I’ve heard from other pilots, the course can be quite intense! Pray that it all goes well.
MONDAY, JAN 29
SATURDAY, JAN 27 VAN DER MERWE, Cobus & Tronel; Isaac, Jana, and Karlien. Candidate. Please pray that the Lord will protect us and keep us safe during all our travelling. Praise God for the time that we had at Transition Training earlier this month. Please pray that the children will have a wonderful time of rest after a year of very hard work doing home schooling.
WATSON, Jonny & Glenys; Katie, Alana, Danielle, and Lucy. Pilot, PNG. Please continue pray for God to call teachers (especially at High School level) to fill a critical need at the mission school our children attend near Goroka, PNG, Numonohi Christian Academy, for the school year beginning in August 2024.
TUESDAY, JAN 30 MACRAE, Leigh & Inneke; Cameron, Levi, Mikaela. Residential House Managers, PNG. Praise God for another semester that has gone well and has had his protection and blessing. Please pray everyone comes back to the hostel refreshed and ready for the next semester.
FRIDAY, FEB 2 HITCHINS, Nick & Ruth; Benji, Samuel and Eddie. Pilot and Country Director, Timor-Leste. Praise God for the time of refreshment and rest for us all as we were on Home Assignment. Give thanks for our team in Timor-Leste as they continued the vital work and explored new opportunities as they filled in for us in our usual roles.
SATURDAY, FEB 3 WEDNESDAY, JAN 31 SUNDAY, JAN 28 NICHOLLS, Kevin & Angela. Regional Quality Manager, NZ based. Praise that the initial stages of the introduction of the new Quality and Safety database has gone well. Please pray that it will be effective.
MAF INTERNATIONAL. Pray for security and protection for staff and property in Papua New Guinea, particularly in Port Moresby and Goroka.
www.maf.org.nz
MAF INTERNATIONAL. Two thirds of the population in South Sudan are facing crisis levels of hunger. Pray for those implementing longterm solutions to reduce hunger.
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FEBRUARY 4 - 12 SUNDAY, FEB 4
TUESDAY, FEB 6
FRIDAY, FEB 9
HARDING, Bill & Angela. International Development Director & People Care Manager, NZ based. Angela is traveling to attend Orientation with new MAF International Staff members which is being held in South Africa (several attendees are coming from southern Africa). Orientation is an opportunity for Angela to get to know staff, introduce the People Care function and get Care Plans in place for each of our new staff members. Pray for safe travels for all presenters and attendees and that the time together is beneficial for all.
WOODWARD, Vaughan & Rosemary; Ryan. Executive Officer and Director, Global Disaster Response & HR Advisor, Cairns. Pray for all the new MAF staff as they attend Orientation Training Course starting today and running until the 9th. Please continue to remember them in prayer as they then make the move to serve in new locations around the MAF world.
MAF NEW ZEALAND. There is a Board Meeting today for MAF NZ. Please pray for wisdom and great conversations as the board members look to the year ahead.
MONDAY, FEB 5 ORCHARD, Karl & Helene; Ayla and Thea. Candidate. Please pray for us as we complete our Ministry Partnership Training and as we start support raising. Pray that we will see God’s hand moving, preparing the way for us. Please pray that our house sells fast and for wisdom and wise stewardship in finding a house to buy as we look for a modest rental to stay in the market.
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WEDNESDAY, FEB 7 SPROUL, Phil & Tania. Director of Technical Operations, Cairns. We are currently in NZ for Home Assignment! Please pray for a wonderful time as we look forward to meeting many of you and sharing the stories of MAF that bring help hope and healing. Please pray for the operations teams in MAF programmes around the world. Thank God for their hard work and willingness to work for His Glory. Please pray for continued energy and ability.
THURSDAY, FEB 8 NICHOLLS, Kevin & Angela. Regional Quality Manager, NZ based. Pray that God will draw people to Him at the Alpha course Kevin and Angela are starting in mid-February. Pray that as we continue with the introduction of the new Quality and Safety database, that it will continue to help improve safety and reliability of the MAF ministry.
www.maf.org.nz
SATURDAY, FEB 10 VAN DER MERWE, Cobus & Tronel; Isaac, Jana, and Karlien. Candidate. Please pray for us as we travel to the Orientation Course in South Africa, that it will be a great time of fellowship and learning. Please pray for the children who are staying with friends for the time that we are in South Africa. Please pray for us as we organise everything before heading to PNG.
SUNDAY, FEB 11 MACDONALD, Andrew. Pilot, South Sudan. Praise God for a restful Christmas and new year’s break for the team. Pray that we will be given enough energy for this year ahead.
MONDAY, FEB 12 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for technological advances that allow more sustainable solutions to be installed in the Kagamuga compound in Papua New Guinea.
FEBRUARY 13 - 21 TUESDAY, FEB 13 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for new collaboration projects among MAFI resourcing groups. Pray for good communication and unity.
MONDAY FEB 19 FRIDAY, FEB 16
WEDNESDAY, FEB 14 VINCENT, Fiona. Finance Manager, Asia-Pacific Region, (NZ based). The Arnhem Land programme had a number of staff depart during the later part of 2023 leaving a few key positions vacant. Please pray with us that the right people will apply and be appointed to fill the roles. Please also pray for existing staff who have additional workloads in the meantime to cover the gaps.
THURSDAY, FEB 15 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for our MAF children and for our next generations who will be a force for change. Please pray for the protection and care for their hearts and minds and they grow in physical and spiritual strength and maturity.
BREWER, Renee. Pilot, PNG. The training to fly with MAF in PNG is extensive and it has been a long time since I have been alone in the cockpit. As the possibility of me flying solo gets closer, please pray I would have the confidence and the skills required to fly safely here in PNG. Please thank God for being my comfort and strength through this very long process!
SATURDAY, FEB 17 HASTIE, Kerry & Marie, Jesse, and Ethan. Quality and Safety Manager, Mareeba. Pray for Ethan as he settles into accommodation and first year at university in University of Queensland in Brisbane. Pray for Jesse as he enters his last year of high school.
SUNDAY, FEB 18 MAF NEW ZEALAND. Pray for our MAF Open Day happening today at the Kendon-Strong Centre at 1pm. (Mark your calendars to join us if you read this in advance.) It’s a chance for people to hear about MAF’s work, see our centre and plane, and meet our staff. Pray that the event is a great success.
www.maf.org.nz
POUND, Jonathan & Michele; Abby, Daniel, Joseph, and Benjamin. Pilot, South Sudan. Praise the Lord for a fully booked Home Assignment with many speaking engagements! Please pray for safe and trouble-free travel from South Sudan to NZ, and also for safe travel around NZ during this busy time. Please pray that God will empower us to speak His message, for a great time renewing relationships, and that God’s will be done regarding uptake of prayer warriors and supporters.
TUESDAY, FEB 20 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for the ground operations crews and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our programmes going.
WEDNESDAY, FEB 21 FOX, Mark & Philippa. CEO MAF NZ. February is the beginning of a busy promotional period (through to Easter) for MAF. Pray that we will have fine weather as we take the aircraft to the lower South Island for numerous events. Pray for good contacts to be made and a welcoming reception.
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FEBRUARY 22 - 29 THURSDAY, FEB 22
SUNDAY, FEB 25
THURSDAY, FEB 29
CAMPBELL, Andrew & Sharon. Maintenance Controller, PNG. Please pray for progress on Sharon’s application for Permanent Residency, which would allow her to have flexibility in responding to requests to do medical work. Pray also for Sharon’s application to be able to do Pilot Medicals which would be very beneficial for MAF and other Mission organisations in PNG.
MILES, Doug & Yvonne. Interim Country Director, PNG. Please pray for a smooth transition as we go through the process of combining of MAF Technologies with MAF Papua New Guinea.
WATSON, Jonny & Glenys; Katie, Alana, Danielle, and Lucy. Pilot, PNG. Give thanks that pilots can provide access to written and audio bibles and other Christian literature to remote communities through the Bible Box Ministry, please pray that this might continue to be used by God to grow His kingdom in PNG. Please pray for wisdom for the MAF PNG leadership, and for key vacancies to be filled, including a new Country Director.
MONDAY, FEB 26 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Please pray for our recruitment efforts for the current open roles in MAF worldwide. Pray that God would orchestrate the right people for the right roles.
FRIDAY, FEB 23 McINTOSH, Colin & Rosemary. MAFI Maintenance Support Specialist–Turbine Aircraft, NZ based. The beginning of the school year is a busy time of the year for some MAF programmes as the school students and teachers return from their summer break. Please pray for safety and endurance for all the MAF staff during this time as they work hard to meet this increased demand for the services of MAF.
SATURDAY, FEB 24 HUNT, Benji & Jess; Elliott. Maintenance Operations Supervisor, PNG. Praise God for the planes that He has provided the PNG programme with. Please pray for ability for Benji and the rest of the maintenance team to keep them running to fulfill the purpose that God has for them.
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SAVE THE DATE MAF Open Day TUESDAY, FEB 27 MACRAE, Leigh & Inneke; Cameron, Levi, Mikaela. Residential House Managers, PNG. Pray for all of the activities of the students living with us. Please Pray that there are no injuries in sports or other ways. Thank God for His constant and continuous provision.
WEDNESDAY, FEB 28 MAF INTERNATIONAL. Give thanks for the answer to prayer for more pilots in MAF Kenya who will share the flight load. The programme functioned with one pilot for quite a while.
www.maf.org.nz
18th February 1:00pm-4:00pm Kendon-Strong MAF Centre, Tauranga More information to come. SCAN THE QR CODE TO SUPPORT OUR STAFF