MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2019
NEWSPAPER OF MAF SOUTH AFRICA
REACHING THE ISOLATED
FLYING FOR CHRIST Only 3% of pilots globally are women, that is about 4000 out of 130 000 pilots worldwide. MAF Mareeba is currently training a female trainee pilot to fly for Christ. Page | 09 AGE IS NO BARRIER An 80-year-old Spanish Sister and an 89-year-old Canadian sister are on the mission field in Uganda and making a difference daily whether it be visiting inmates, educating women or hosting AA classes. Page | 10 SAFETY AND SHELTER AT LAST The principle of ‘women in a safe space’ is fundamental to the work of an organisation we support at the Rhino Refugee Camp in Uganda. Mark Liprini, MAF SA Pilot flew a team to see the good work. Page | 12
“How wonderful it is to be able to do this work and be the hands and feet of Jesus in PNG and see the difference MAF aircraft make in people’s lives as we wait for His return.” Judith Dupuis MAF Pilot
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
CURRENT VACANCIES MISSION PILOT Liberia Don’t miss out this opportunity, contact us now. Visit www.mafsa.co.za
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
02
COMMUNITY NEWS SA
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201- 3228 so u th servi c e rd
title: client:
b u rli n gto n , o n L 7N 3H8
date:
w w w. c o mp assc reati ve. c a
d e s i g n e r (s):
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mi ssi o n Avi at i o n Fello w sh i p Ju n e 2012
MAF is an international Christian organisation whose mission is to fly light aircraft, and to use other technologies to bring help, hope and healing to people in some of the world’s poorest communities. Every four minutes an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world to assist missions, churches, aid and development agencies, and other local groups to transform lives and share the love of God.
FROM THE CEO
IES
It is a great joy to bring you the women’s edition of our editorial, encouraging the women of our day to heed the voice of God in their lives. You will read that approximately only 3% of women are airline pilots worldwide. Tali’s story on page 9, a young female pilot in training, is a wonderful example of submission to the Father’s will, and a great encouragement to those who are called to the mission field of MAF. On page 4 the blessing of teamwork is on display, when married couple and pilots, Michael and Judith Dupuis, take to flight to rescue a man attacked by a wild pig.
Jaso n Bo u w man
THE MAF HIKE FOR FLIGHT
building structures, opening shops and praying for their husbands.
DRAKENSBERG Congratulations to our hikers for raising over R45 000 for the work of MAF! Let us rejoice and give thanks to God for His protection and provision.
No one is too young, or too old in God’s Kingdom. It is a powerful reminder that we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29). How wonderful it is to be called by our loving Father, who takes care of every detail to enable us to walk out our purpose. If you feel called to work for MAF, be encouraged to open the conversation.
If you would like to take part in our annual Hike for Flight, please email us at fundraising@mafsa.co.za or call the office on 011 659 2880. HFF 2020
Maxine Holman CEO of MAF SA
We love the story on page 11 featuring two women aged 80 and 89 who are still bravely walking in their Godordained lane. And in a refugee camp (page 12), women of all ages are
23 - 27 APRIL 2020
NJUSUTHI DRAKENSBERG
I WANT TO KEEP MAF PLANES FLYING TO TRANSFORM LIVES By enrolling in our frequent flyer programmes, you can have monthly gifts automatically deducted from your account, saving MAF administrative costs, and sending more of your donation to where it can make the most difference!
First and Last Name
R100
R250
R500 R1000 R2500
Other: Postal Address
Yes, I would like the donation amount circled above to be a monthly gift. I want to help offset rising costs by having my montly support automatically increased by 3% each January.
Bank: Branch & code:
Email address
Mobile Number
Date Signed (mm/yy)
R1500 REGISTRATION R3000 FUNDRAISING TARGET
FIRST CLASS OPTION FREQUENT FLYER
Account number: I want to receive MAF news:
Signature
maf@mafsa.co.za www.mafsa.co.za PO Box 1288, Lanseria, 1748
MAF SOUTH AFRICA Block 816/3 Hammets Crossing Office Park, 2 Selbourne Road, Fourways PO Box 1288, Lanseria, 1748 T 011 659 2880 | E maf@mafsa.co.za NPO 006-942
BANKING DETAILS Mission Aviation Fellowship Standard Bank Greenstone Branch code: 016342 Account No: 020044615
VOL. 2, NO. 3, WOMEN’S EDITION 2019. MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP Design/Editor: Gabriella Szabo Printer: Insights Publishing Mission Aviation Fellowship is the official newspaper of MAF SA Articles may be printed with acknowledgment. If you no longer wish to receive MAF news, please advise us at maf@mafsa.co.za Front cover: Courtesy LuAnne Cadd.
PLEASE NOTE When donating to a missionary family, reference the missionary families’ surname as well as your name and surname. Please don’t post cash, the envelopes are often tampered with.
GET INVOLVED! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
FOLLOW MAFSA ON
C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 2 0 1 - 3 2 2 8 south se r vi ce r d
title: client:
b ur l i ng ton, on L 7 N 3 H8
date:
www. com p a sscr e a ti ve . ca
d e s i g n e r (s):
www.mafsa.co.za
M A F L O G O W I TH TA G - CM Y K M i ssi on Avi a t i on F e l l owshi p June 2 0 1 2 Ja son Bouwm a n
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201-3228 south service rd
title: client:
burlington, on L7N 3H8
date:
www.compasscreative.ca
d e s i g n e r (s):
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
COMMUNITY NEWS SA
03
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mission Aviat ion Fellowship June 2012 Jason Bouwman
SERVE WITH US AND LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN
CRITICAL POSITIONS
CRITICAL POSITIONS
CRITICAL POSITIONS
Base Manager and Pilot Kenya
Experienced Mission Pilot Liberia
Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Uganda
This position requires a highly motivated individual with energy and initiative. You will be living and serving among the isolated communities of northern Kenya. You will hold a CPL licence with a minimum of 500 flight hours including 300 PIC.
The candidate will have a minimum 1000 flight hours including 500 hours PIC. Must have potential to fly C208 aircraft. Essential: ICAO Commercial Pilots License with instrument rating
ICAO Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence is required. Our aircraft land on some of the most challenging terrain you can imagine. We operate mainly Single Engine Turbine and Single Engine Piston aircraft.
VISIT WWW.MAFSA.CO.ZA OR CONTACT RECRUITMENT@MAFSA.CO.ZA TO ENQUIRE
YOU’RE INVITED
Venue
We would like to thank you for making it possible for MAF planes and families to bring the love of God to people in isolated places
QUESTION & ANSWER BOX We would like to invite you to ask the questions you may have about MAF and we will anonymously post the answer in the next edition. Email maf@mafsa.co.za subject line: MAF Question How many passengers did we fly in a day in 2018? Collectively, we flew around 430 passengers a day - enough to fill a Boeing 747.
Bake your best cake. The winner will win a surprise gift.
ENTRY R30 Entry fee RSVP 1st AUGUST Email: admin@mafsa. co.za 011 659 2880
?
BOARDING PASS
Date SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
Come, celebrate with the MAF Community for what the Lord has done. There will be a Kodiak Aircraft, a presentation from missionaries, Steve and Camilla Eatwell about their time in PNG, and more.
Bring your friends & family, and enjoy a time of rest and fellowship.
-25.693951, 27.783139
Time 10 AM - 12:30 PM
THE FLY IN FAMILY FUN DAY
--- Tea and cake provided ----
AVIATORS PARADISE, R512, BRITS,
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
04
MEDEVACS
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201- 3228 so u th servi c e rd
title: client:
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mi ssi o n Avi at i o n Fello w sh i p
Pilots, Michael and Judith Dupuis were enjoying some quiet reflection on Good Friday when a phone call from Flight Operations Manager Brad Venter interrupted them. A medical evacuation flight was needed for a man who had been brutally attacked by a wild pig. The following are the morning’s events told by Judith. b u rli n gto n , o n L 7N 3H8
date:
w w w. c o mp assc reati ve. c a
d e s i g n e r (s):
Ju n e 2012
Jaso n Bo u w man
MEDEVAC MISSION STORY AND PHOTOS BY JUDITH AND MIKE DUPUIS
WORKING AS A TEAM
Michael and Judith were brought together through flying and faith. Married on May 6, 2006, they have committed to serving the Lord together, as husband and wife according to His purpose.
Our flight this day was a rare opportunity to sit alongside each other serving His purpose. While Michael completed his preflight inspection and arranged for the Cessna Caravan to be refuelled I grabbed a few different “medevac care-bags” supplied and prepared by MAF-PNG wives’ support ministry and threw them into the plane’s cargo pod. As the aircraft seemed to leap into the air with extra resolve, we climbed into the unusually clear blue skies hoping that the wind would cooperate at the very short, one-way airstrip where we were heading at maximum speed. As we took to the skies and saw the glorious scenery that is usually shrouded in cloud, we recognised this was another of God’s blessings we could experience together as a couple. Navigating a track of 337’ from Mt Hagen it took a mere 20 minutes before we were aiming for the earliest touchdown point at Megau’s very short 420 m steep runway. The aerodrome chart cautions the rising terrain of 8% upslope giving the visual illusion of being too high. On the ground the aircraft rapidly decelerated with the assistance of reverse thrust and the steep upslope. “My” captain landed skillfully and uneventfully. From our cockpit window, we could see many people gathered near the top of the airstrip where there is a crude parking area just large enough for the MAF Caravan.
OUR PATIENT Top: Michael and Judith. Megau’s very short airstrip. Michael preprares paperwork. • Judith checks the fuel. • Right: The people Dusin, PNG. • • •
Our patient was sitting on the grass among family and obviously suffering in silence. One could only imagine the excruciating pain he was experiencing as we could see several large gashes in his side, thighs, lower leg and foot. The need for care was well beyond
the capabilities of the basic medical aid-post that had been built only a few months ago. Even with bandaging, Maku was still bleeding from the attack the day before. Within minutes, we had our 20-year-old patient in the aircraft along with his wasman (helper). Outside of the major hospitals in the capital city of Port Moresby, smaller hospitals and clinics are not able to feed, bathe and offer much more than standard medical treatment. When a person goes to a hospital, usually someone will accompany them to take care of food and other basic needs. Our patient’s wasman was his uncle.
Overflying the lush, dense bush below, one could not help but consider the impossibility of our young patient travelling the 30 km to the Kompiam Hospital with his severely injured foot and open wounds. Maku would have had to be carried along narrow trails through dense jungle, up and down steep mountain passes and across countless streams and rivers in deep valleys. Shortly after arriving in Kompiam, our patient was carried, piggy-back style to the ambulance that was waiting to drive the short distance to the hospital.
After the patient got off the aeroplane I noticed a blood stain on the floor where Maku had been sitting. It reminded me of the blood shed by Christ on Good Friday some 2000 years ago. For a moment I imagined the difficulty of Christ’s walk to the cross, whipped and beaten.
Jesus probably would have struggled to walk.
THE GOSPEL Praise God the story didn’t end there. Three days later, the only begotten Son was resurrected from the dead, proving His divinity. The Bible tells the story in Luke 24 of how two disciples, walking on the road to Emmaus that same day, did not recognise the resurrected Jesus. Later, only after Jesus broke bread, were their eyes opened to the truth. He lived! My thoughts drift back to verses from Luke 24:33-40, “They [the two disciples] got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.‘ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you. Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.‘ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.“ The wounds of Jesus’ hands and feet were proof to the disciples that Jesus, the Christ, was indeed resurrected and alive. We completed the short flight to Mt Hagen. Our flying day ended and we resumed our Good Friday holiday at home, but my heart felt full and at peace. Maku would receive the medical attention he needed. How wonderful it is to be able to do this work and be the hands and feet of Jesus in PNG and see the difference MAF aircraft make in people’s lives as we wait for His return.
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201-3228 south service rd
title: client:
burlington, on L7N 3H8
date:
www.compasscreative.ca
d e s i g n e r (s):
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
FUELLED BY PRAYER
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mission Aviat ion Fellowship June 2012 Jason Bouwman
FUELLED BY PRAYER MAF SOUTH AFRICA WINTER 2019
05
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
06
FUELLED BY PRAYER
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C
title:
201- 3228 so u th servi c e rd
client:
b u rli n gto n , o n L 7N 3H8
date:
w w w. c o mp assc reati ve. c a
d e s i g n e r (s):
PRAY FOR OUR MISSIONARIES Families from South Africa are working in third-world countries across the globe, to bring the love of Christ to the isolated.
I LOVE YOU WITH MY LIFE
BRAD & MICHELLE VENTER | PNG | Pray for the safety of the Venters as there have been some incidents of crime. Pray that Michelle would continue to be a blessing and support to the ladies in the team and to the women they minister to.
MARK & LORRAINE LIPRINI | DISASTER RESPONSE Mark recently had a knee operation. Please pray for healing and for Mark to regain full mobility in his knee. Pray for peace to reign as he rests and for a blessing over the whole family during this season that they are in.
I walked past a dad dropping his son off at school the other day. As he watched his son run through the gates, he shouted in a deep, eastern-European accent “I love you with my life!” There was no hesitation, no hint of embarrassment – just pure, uninhibited love for his son. I’ve seen him a couple of times since. This morning I saw him grab his son’s hands, bending down and looking him square in the face he told him “I love you more than life itself.” What a beautiful picture of fatherhood! This man never allows his son to walk away without him knowing that he is loved. And if he forgets to say it, he unashamedly shouts it from the rooftops! Imagine the confidence with which this boy walks into school, head held high, knowing that his father loves him. This boy will never, in a million years, doubt his dad’s love for him. And so it is with God. He sends us off into our day speaking those words over us: “I love you with my life”. He catches up with us throughout each day, sending blessings:
TOBIAS MEYER | SOUTH SUDAN Thankfully the unrest in South Sudan has not affected our missionaries. Please continue to pray for stability in this region. Praise God that South Sudan has been exempted from paying landing and taking off fees for the next five years.
GRANT & EMILY STRUGNELL | LESOTHO Pray for the Strugnell’s as they go through another cold Lesotho winter and for them to be able to juggle the many responsibilities they both have in their individual jobs. Pray for Emily as she drives to the children’s home, most times alone, for protection on the roads and for travelling mercies.
KIRSTEIN & AMELIA COMBRINK | TANZANIA Praise God for a home assignment that went well. They are back in Tanzania and settling back into their busy schedules. Pray for protection over Kirstein as he flies a lot and pray that he would be the light to the many people that he ministers to when he transports them. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25 NIV My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways. Proverbs 23:26 NIV For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. Proverbs 9:11 NIV
• • •
A word of encouragement? “I love you with my life” A financial breakthrough? “I love you with my life” A beautiful sunset? “I love you with my life”
He walks with us through trials, comforts us in loss, and celebrates with us in times of rejoicing – all the while speaking those words over us, “I love you with my life”. If we can learn to see God’s love for us in all things, then we will hear this mantra throughout each day. Whispered, shouted, maybe even sung – “I love you with my life”. Listen out for it today. How does it change the way you walk? “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 Written by Emily Davies, Editor & Writer at MAF International in Ashford, UK.
PRAYER NOTES
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mi ssi o n Avi at i o n Fello w sh i p Ju n e 2012 Jaso n Bo u w man
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201-3228 south service rd
title: client:
burlington, on L7N 3H8
date:
www.compasscreative.ca
d e s i g n e r (s):
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
FUELLED BY PRAYER
07
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mission Aviat ion Fellowship June 2012 Jason Bouwman
PRAY FOR OUR PROGRAMMES MAF serves in several countries around the world with the vision of taking Christ’s love into the most remote places on earth. MOZAMBIQUE
Continue praying for recovery in Mozambique following Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Kenneth.
TANZANIA
Paise God that He has a perfect plan for all the Masaai that we meet and get to share the good news of the Gospel with.
MONGOLIA
Many of their staff are traveling for their annual leave over the coming months. Lift up all MAF teams who are short-staffed.
CRMF
Thank God for the work of CRMF in providing basic computer training to local people. *Restricted Access Countries
CHAD
Pray for the engineering team in Chad as they prepare to carry out inspections on the aircraft.
KENYA
The Kenya team are down to two pilots, pray for wisdom in booking flights and serving our customers.
RAC
Pray for staff to feel encouraged and hopeful that what they are doing will produce great fruit.
MAREEBA
Pray that qualified applicants will come forward for the role of MAFI Maintenance Training Manager based in Mareeba.
SOUTH SUDAN
Praise God that South Sudan has been exempted from paying landing and taking-off fees for the next five years.
ARNHEM LAND
MAF partners with local church leaders to facilitate Christian rallies across the Yolngu homelands. Pray for impact.
UGANDA
Give thanks for the logistics team and pray that the outstanding NGO renewals are granted quickly.
MADAGASCAR
Pray for the people of Benama, Madagascar, as they recently received a visit from the Madagascar Medical Safari.
PNG
MYANMAR
Pray for the PNG team and the wife of a fellow missionary who died recently in a hiking accident.
Pray for our partner in Myanmar, Health & Hope, who are rolling out a new education programme in Lailenpi.
DRC
SOUTH AFRICA
Pray for the ebola outbreak in the DRC which has now been declared by WHO as a public health emergency.
Praise God that we have been able to arrange the placement of a Hangar Construction Supervisor for Liberia.
PRAYER NOTES
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
08
FUELLED BY PRAYER
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201- 3228 so u th servi c e rd
title: client:
b u rli n gto n , o n L 7N 3H8
date:
w w w. c o mp assc reati ve. c a
d e s i g n e r (s):
Be part of something bigger and transform lives. It is true, working with MAF is an adventure. www.mafsa.co.za
This is Mel Laird, an MAF pilot based in Armhem Land. She took pride in wearing her special pink epaulettes in support of raising breast cancer awareness.
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mi ssi o n Avi at i o n Fello w sh i p Ju n e 2012 Jaso n Bo u w man
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
VOL.2 NO.3 2019
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
RECRUITMENT
09
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21 NIV
C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201-3228 south service rd
title:
client:
burlington, on L7N 3H8
date:
www.compasscreative.ca
d e s i g n e r (s):
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK
Mission Aviat ion Fellowship June 2012
Jason Bouwman
There is a specific calling on the life of an MAF pilot. We often read about the beauitful journey of a pilot’s life on the mission field, but rarely do we read about the journey to the mission field. As you read Tali’s story below, consider whether you are called to reach the isolated.
FLYING FOR CHRIST
STORY BY KATHERINE WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY DIVYAN AHIMAZ
“
Only 3% of pilots globally are women, that is about 4000 out of 130 000 pilots worldwide.
It has been nearly fifty years since the first woman became a commercial pilot. But as you have read, the numbers are still very low. MAF Mareeba, a flight training centre in Australia, is training a female pilot, Tali Grace. Her story is one of great encouragement for those who are interested in joining MAF.
weighty presence of God during worship telling her to give her dream away”. Then about a month after that, Tali had a dream and it was all about flying and it falling apart and everything was gone. She had the overwhelming feeling that God was telling her to give up on her dream. So, in obedience, she did.
Tali’s story began with her grandad’s stories of working for Wycliffe in Papua New Guinea (PNG) many years ago. He loved flying and had a healthy respect for pilots. Her dad then took her to visit PNG in 2008, which was the first time she had flown in a small aircraft. Tali sat next to the pilot and found the experience exhilarating. This, she feels, is where the seeds of becoming a pilot were planted.
She ended up teaching in Cambodia and Myanmar. She made incredible connections, and ended up in the Chin State, which she had been told was impossible to reach. It took over took over ten hours of treacherous roads.
In her 12th year of school MAF brochures were handed out and informed the class all about a camp they were running in Melbourne, for people interested in becoming a pilot with MAF. This was the final piece of the puzzle for Tali. That dream was kept alive for eight years before she applied to MAF. She had joined a gliding club in the meantime and found that not only did she love flying, but she also loved learning about “the invisible air that kept you aloft”. In 2016 she applied to MAF but found that it wasn’t the right time. Her dream had stalled. At this time, she had two significant experiences in her life that greatly affected her. The first of which was that she felt “the
After a year went by, MAF made a routine call to check in with Tali. Had God changed his direction for her? She prayed, asking God what His will was for her. She began to feel that her “dream had to die for God to resurrect it as His”. She realised at that point that her life was truly God’s and not her own, and He would use it for good. So from there, she took up flying again, which believe it or not was more frightening for her than the decision to give up flying.
”
gave her the door to walk through. She is passionate about letting people know, “God has something for you that He would love you to pursue.” She feels that God is worth dying for and in turn worth living for. As for the future, she feels it is in Myanmar, a country she is passionate about, and where MAF is beginning to develop a programme. Her parting words to me were that she feels God is saying to her – I dare you in life! And she feels that this means she should dream big and that she can achieve anything.
Tali explains, “What if God took it away from me again?” He certainly didn’t, and the result was that within six weeks or so she had raised $25,000 and she was on her way to the • Mareeba Training Centre. To this day she says that she “still doesn’t understand how”. • People’s generosity astounded her. God
Right: Tali Grace and other MAF student pilots from the Mareeba Training Centre Left: Mel Laird, MAF Pilot
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
10
LIFE IN A PROGRAMME
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
VOL.2 NO.3 2019
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14 NIV C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201- 3228 so u th servi c e rd
title:
client:
b u rli n gto n , o n L 7N 3H8
date:
w w w. c o mp assc reati ve. c a
d e s i g n e r (s):
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mi ssi o n Avi at i o n Fello w sh i p Ju n e 2012
Jaso n Bo u w man
Jill Vine reports on her experience with two ladies who MAF have supported over the years. The 80-year-old Spanish Sister and 89-year-old Canadian Sister are on the mission field and making a difference daily.
AGE IS NO BARRIER STORY AND PHOTOS BY JILL VINE
STILL BEARING FRUIT How could I have known that a day following an 80-year-old Spanish Sister and an 89-year-old Canadian sister would etch powerful memories in my mind that would stay with me for life? These two women, alongside their team of other formidable Catholic sisters, are loving the Karamojong one soul at a time, whether through their women’s rural group, or by visiting murderers and thieves in the local prison or offering training at their Home-Based Care Centre.
THE GREAT LOVE OF GOD After one day of being driven by either Sister Paulina (80) or by Sister Margie (89) to see what one of their regular days looks like, I left awe-inspired and thankful that MAF has some part to play in supporting the work of Sacred Hearts in Moroto, Uganda. Sacred Hearts was first introduced to me by Sister Mary, when I learned she had been urgently flown by MAF back to Kampala for medical treatment. In May last year she had suddenly become paralysed and was unable to walk due to a compressed prolapsed disc. After Sister Mary’s recovery, she kindly invited us to visit Sacred Heart’s
work in Karamoja. The sisters welcomed us so warmly.
Sister Paulina took my hand and said, “You coming here, from so far away means a great deal to us. It shows us your great love.” We started by visiting their growing Women’s Rural Group, a protype I’ve seen many times before in the settlements, throughout South Sudan and elsewhere with other partners that MAF fly. The group started in 2000 and has been having a knock-on effect in the community ever since. “We searched villages looking for widows and vulnerable women and started teaching crafts, reading and writing, tailoring and hygiene”, says Sister Paulina. Now the group has grown to 150 women and provides accountability, support, education and solidarity against problems like domestic violence and alcoholism in the community. Sister Paulina added with bright eyes, “And now they have gone on to be the ones that teach and evangelise. We have a saying ‘One woman alone cannot change anything but a group together can change everything’.”
We were also introduced to Sacred Heart’s “Home Based Care” led by Sister Mary, where women with AIDS are trained to do tailoring and other cottage industries. The testimonies that poured out from AIDS survivors were very moving. One after the other shared how their lives have been turned around through Sacred Hearts’ steady intervention. Sister Mary shared what she loves the most about her work, “I love seeing these women happy. Just to hear their stories, and then we know where we can begin to help them. I love the creativity of my work being able to give them hope and also counselling.”
VISITING PRISONERS Margie kindly agreed to take me to the local prison with her to visit some of the inmates. The colour-code was quite simple. Those in orange were serving ten-years plus for crimes like murder or other serious crimes, and those in yellow, under ten-years. As we entered the locked gate and were suddenly surrounded by prisoners dressed in yellow and orange shirts, I was quite in awe of the way these three sisters, all over the age of 70, strode across the open prison courtyard, without any concern over not being accompanied by a guard. The prisoners seem to cherish and know these
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
VOL.2 NO.3 2019 C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201-3228 south service rd
title: client:
burlington, on L7N 3H8
date:
www.compasscreative.ca
d e s i g n e r (s):
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
LIFE IN A PROGRAMME
11
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mission Aviat ion Fellowship June 2012 Jason Bouwman
sisters who are committed to visit them week after week. Sister Margie hopped up and spoke to the men and then introduced me and asked if I would speak to them. I knew whatever I was going to say, it would be brief. Who am I to speak to a group like this when I know nothing of their stories or hardships, many probably innocent after being falsely accused. “In the Bible Jesus tells us to visit those who are in prison…I think He said that because you’re important to Him.” After the translation the men gave a cheer, which may have been customary, but whatever it was, it felt awesome to have had a glimpse into the joy the sisters encounter in the work they do with these men. I later found out that Sister Margie is constantly telling this same message to the prisoners regularly. “Every week, every chance I get, especially in reflecting together on the Gospel, I tell them how much God loves them, no matter what they have done.” Sister Margie is holding Alcoholic Anonymous classes for the prisoners. She shared about one prisoner who was distressed because his daughter had done well at school but didn’t have the means to continue.
The sisters rushed over to the school and persuaded them to give the daughter a bursary. “The joy of the prisoner was touching. He is still in the Alcoholics Anonymous group and determined never to touch alcohol again. He killed someone in a fight while drunk, which is why he is in prison. Many in prison are there for crimes committed while drunk, and that is why I feel a good AA training may help them to stay sober and avoid violent crimes.”
really enjoyed your interest “ We in what we are trying to do here, which is not much, but done with trust that God can do what He wants with it. Paulina and I have always had a great admiration for the MAF pilots (who the Karamojong call Lokuwam meaning the one who rides with the wind), all of whom are courageous in carrying out their mission, often a lonely and risky one. May God bless all of you, all over the world.
Sister Margie and Sister Paulina have been in Karamoja since the ‘60s and ‘70s. Our group wished we could stay longer with these amazing women who have such a treasuretrove of stories to tell. We’re hoping to enable sisters like Margie, Paulina and Mary to fly more regularly. The sisters have had a long history with MAF, knowing that the planes will fly in medicines needed and fly them out if they urgently need it.
Thank you for helping us to reach the missionaries that are serving in isolated regions of the world.
Sister Margie
”
Top: A joyful woman from the Karamojong village. • Left: Sister Paulina (80) and Sister Margie (89), and the growing women’s rural group. •
CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22 C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51
12
WORLD NEWS
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP
VOL.2 NO.3 2019
SAFETY AND SHELTER AT LAST
C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C
title:
201- 3228 so u th servi c e rd
client:
b u rli n gto n , o n L 7N 3H8
date:
w w w. c o mp assc reati ve. c a
d e s i g n e r (s):
MAF LOGO 2012 - CMYK Mi ssi o n Avi at i o n Fello w sh i p Ju n e 2012 Jaso n Bo u w man
STORY BY RICHARD CHAMBERS PHOTOS BY REBECCA WALKER
REBUILDING Countless South Sudanese women are victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) but are – understandably – unwilling to speak about their experiences. Add to this the fact that many of them are also unable to read or write and it becomes apparent that DRC faces an uphill struggle to help female refugees rebuild their lives. The Livelihood Protection Shelter is an open-sided structure that provides a safe space where women can meet, twice a week, and begin the slow healing process. It’s a first step on a long road to physical, mental and spiritual rehabilitation. It’s a place that the women physically built with their own hands.
FEMALE INDEPENDENCE This simple act of creating something new helps enormously in rebuilding self-esteem. DRC provides raw materials that can be turned into goods and services – fabrics for painting, beads for jewellery and hairdresser dummies for braiding.
of rehabilitation. But the need is great for a more robust shelter with secure storage, a wider variety of materials, basic furniture and a training centre for mentors and counsellors.
encouraged to spread the message of non-violence to others, challenging cultural practices and reporting incidents. In 2019, it is hoped that the number of male trainees will double to 180.
“GOD” EXAMPLES
REBIRTH OF A NATION
Regina Saima is married with eight children. In 2016, she fled her house in Yei when the town became overrun by another outbreak of civil war. The family left their country to find sanctuary in Rhino camp when the meagre “food” available in the South Sudanese bush ran out.
Enterprise grants are available in Rhino camp, so DRC assists people in constructing viable business cases to secure potentially life-changing funds. Certified nurse Awule Richard, another former Yei resident, now owns a kiosksized shop selling Red Cross approved medicines. Next door, he has a treatment bed and a few surgical instruments – stethoscope, syringes, tongs and a microscope. These few tools make it possible for him to perform basic diagnoses before referring patients to the Red Cross for more complex procedures.
Regina experienced SGBV largely due to her husband’s alcohol misuse. However, meeting so many other wives and mothers in the camp with similar stories to tell – and solutions to recommend – eventually enabled her to confront her husband. He is now a Christian and regularly accompanies Regina to church! “My husband listened to me because my friends at the safe space gave me ’God’ examples of how to talk to him about his actions,” she confides. “I also feel I’m a better person because of what we’ve been through.”
The sale of decorated bedsheets, bangles and handbags enables women to make sufficient money to keep them independent from the type of men who would seek to PART OF THE SOLUTION dominate them. The grip of SGBV on a community is linked directly to men’s ability Men are responsible for more than 97% of to “buy” women who have no income of SGBV incidents. their own. If the movement to end this misery is to triumph, the level of male engagement will Leaving a violent husband or partner is be crucial. practically impossible if he is the one in sole control of the money. In addition to basic craft work, counselling is available for DRC identifies positive male role models and recruits them to train in those who are ready to speak about their experiences, thereby beginning the process SGBV prevention. These men are then
Regina’s daughter owns a similar kiosk providing groceries, sweets and bottled drinks. Teenagers like her are at the forefront of this grassroots rebirth of a country crippled by in-fighting. One day, her generation will return to South Sudan with a practical, peaceful alternative to the destruction of the past and present. The number of these shops is increasing, further investment opportunities are available, and a local economy is starting to grow. This is one way in which DRC is helping refugees move from an existence controlled by food aid to lives with a degree of self-determination. It’s a huge task but one that MAF is proud to be a partner in. •
Top: The structure built by the women where they meet.
