Flying for Life Summer 2019

Flying for Life Summer 2019

The quarterly magazine of MAF

6 Papua New Guinea 11 Kenya To God be the glory!

Words from the heart

UK news

Life-saver

Carriers of the fire Rejoice and give thanks for another blessed year for MAF! It is my pleasure to bring you our 2018 Review, outlining how your prayers and gifts brought the love of God to more than 1,000 of the poorest areas on earth last year (page 8).

God’s immense provision through our supporters has helped MAF blossom over the decades into a faithful service enabling the work of 2,000 faith and aid organisations.

In the book of Acts we read, ‘You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.’ That is our mission – to take practical help, spiritual hope and physical healing to remote communities in great need.

This issue will also take you from the headline immediacy of Ebola in central Africa (page 3) to the story of how a legendary Dragon Rapide aircraft brought together a former MAF passenger and a current supporter (page 4).

And, as Pentecost approaches, we report from Papua New Guinea where the power of the Holy Spirit is at work in hospitals and prisons (page 6). Missionary Lois Semanison is ‘carrying the fire’ to men who are becoming freed spiritually, despite physical captivity.

Praise God, we are still ‘flying for life’ – to the ends of the earth.

In January, we wrote to some of you about an emergency flight in extreme weather conditions. Your response was truly heartfelt!

Several of you contacted us to give thanks to God for the skill and courage of MAF Pilot Paul Woodington in flying to the rescue of a badly burnt teenager.

In more than one case, you also admitted to shedding a few tears.

So I’m delighted to tell you we have received this news from Paul: ‘Just before Christmas, after earthquakes sent shockwaves across the Highlands, I flew urgent disaster relief cargo to Busilmin.

‘Shortly after I landed, bad weather came in very quickly, making further flight impossible.

I walked for 30 minutes through the jungle to a village where the local pastor gave me overnight refuge.

‘In a mud hut – alongside local villagers – I ate greens harvested from alongside the river. It was there I met the mother of the young man I’d flown to hospital six months earlier.

‘She told me her son was doing well and recovering from his severe injuries, having received several skin grafts at the hospital.

As a thank-you, she cooked me a locally caught fish.’

For all the prayers and gifts you make towards ‘happy endings’ like these, we send our warmest thanks. God bless you!

Richard Chambers Editor, Flying for Life

Ruth Whitaker Chief Executive, MAF UK

2 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

This issue's front cover illustrates our work with Samaritan's Purse in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

DRC: pray for Ebola victims

Vanquishing the virus Story Gary Clayton Photos MAF US and John Woodberry

When Ebola resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year, MAF’s planes and partners sprang into action

I

t begins with high fever, fatigue, malaise and weakness, reddened eyes, joint and muscle ache, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Other symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears, gums, nose and internal organs.

When a new outbreak of deadly Ebola was declared in North Kivu Province in the DRC last summer, MAF staff transported vaccines, medical personnel, supplies and sanitation equipment to affected areas.

From 7 August until January 2019, we conducted 24 Ebola-related flights, carrying 99 passengers and more than 7 tonnes of cargo.

MAF’s Eastern DRC Country Director Jon Cadd explains, ‘MAF has been responding to Ebola outbreaks for many years and has a wealth of experience in this area. We have an Ebola Pathogen Management Plan we follow to protect staff and minimise the risk of transmitting the virus.

‘We use strict protocols for handling patient samples that we deliver for testing and clean our aircraft to keep staff and passengers safe.’

Due to the vast distances involved in reaching remote villages, the challenging jungle terrain and the ever-present danger of violence and unrest, overland travel is extremely difficult.

MAF flights provide the quickest, safest and most efficient way to deliver supplies and personnel to communities affected

by Ebola.

The World Health Organization (WHO), along with several other medical groups, is battling the virus. WHO says the number of people who’ve died in this, the ninth outbreak of Ebola in the DRC since the disease’s discovery in 1976, had exceeded 800 by Easter 2019.

Apart from offering logistics support and humanitarian flights, MAF has been working hard with a variety of NGOs and agencies to co-ordinate efforts to vanquish the virus. These include the World Food Programme Logistics Cluster, DRC Ministry of Health, WHO, Samaritan's Purse and the UN. Please join us in praying for an end to Ebola in Africa – upholding those who have lost loved ones or are currently suffering from this dreaded disease.

Main In six months, MAF delivered more than seven tonnes of cargo in the DRC Top To maximise efficiency, our team works with a wide variety of agencies Above Hand sanitiser is an effective way of preventing the spread of Ebola

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 3

WORLDWIDE: pray for supporters

Enter the Dragon Partnership Manager Simon Dunsmore talks to a flying ‘ace’ whose love of aircraft led him to MAF Photos MAF archive and Olly Nunn

L

ast year’s issues of Flying for Life revisited the early days of MAF and the first Pathfinder survey flight which ended in disaster.

In the wake of the Miles Gemini aircraft’s crash during the first survey of 1948, finding a replacement became MAF’s urgent focus. To meet the Sudan government’s specifications, it needed to be a twin-engined plane as well as having the ability to serve people in the most remote parts of the country.

Birth of a legend

Main A De Havilland Dragon Rapide – 'Now that is an aeroplane!'

Above Philip Meeson Top right Jean Munn – Dragon pilot Right Stuart King and Jack Hemmings with MAF's Dragon – 1948 Far right Philip and Jean with 'their' Dragon – 2019

In his book Hope Has Wings, Stuart King explains how a Dragon found its way into MAF folklore.

‘There weren’t too many twin-engined planes we could afford without spending more than the insurance settlement from the Gemini.

The only one of reasonable size was the veteran De Havilland Dragon Rapide.

'Made of wood, fabric and metal, their slender dragonfly-like wings were braced with innumerable struts and wires. Their performance was adequate for the relatively flat, low-lying regions of the Sudan.’

Seven decades later, on a cold, windy spring morning, I find myself at the Shuttleworth Collection in Biggleswade. This small airfield, nestled in green fields, is a world away from the arid plains of the Sudan.

4 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

Yet it’s here that the legend of the – Dragon continues to weave itself through MAF’s story.

I’ve come here to meet one of our regular supporters – something of a legend himself, within the commercial aviation industry.

Philip Meeson is Founder and Executive Chairman of the holiday airline Jet2.com.

Growing up as the son of an RAF mechanic, he spent his childhood building model aircraft, looking up at the sky and longing to fly.

At 17, he learnt to fly on an RAF scholarship and joined up two years later to fly the Jet Provost trainer, before training to fly twinengined aircraft.

On leaving the RAF in the 1970s, Philip started his own aerobatics team and became British Aerobatics Champion five times!

Not content with just flying, Philip then bought the Channel Express Group airline.

'Now that is an aeroplane!'

Today, Jet2.com employs 1,200 pilots, 2,400 cabin crew and – not unlike MAF – flies more than 100 aircraft. For anyone planning to visit Lanzarote, Malaga or Madeira this summer, there’s a very good chance they’ll be travelling on one of Philip’s aircraft.

And, while his pilot’s licence has lapsed, Philip still sits ‘up front’ on the occasional flight when space allows. Such is his love of aircraft and airlines, he’s even been known to lend a

helping hand with loading baggage!

As Philip and I stroll around the famous Shuttleworth Collection of vintage aircraft, escorted by its Chief Mechanic Jean Munn, a transformation occurs. Walking into the last hangar, Philip’s face lights up with excitement and pride.

We’re looking at a beautifully maintained Dragon Rapide – gleaming in its silver, white and maroon British European Airways livery.

Since laying eyes on his first Rapide whilst learning to fly at Sywell Aerodrome, Philip’s had a love-at-first-sight affair with this aircraft.

‘I can remember looking at that Rapide and thinking now that is an aeroplane,’ he beams.

‘I vowed back then that, one day, I would own one.’

because treatment just wouldn’t arrive in time.

‘It’s simply a wonderful thing that you’re doing around the world and I’m incredibly proud to support it.’

Then, Jean tells me that he also has a strong emotional connection with MAF. But his amazing story – and that of his mum and dad – will have to wait until the next issue of Flying for Life!

A proud supporter It’s not only the elegant lines of this classic aircraft which hold a special place in Philip’s heart. As we discuss the Rapide and its links to MAF, he’s quick to express his immense enthusiasm for MAF’s work – highlighting our Bangladesh programme.

‘Your aeroplanes are a lifeline for people in need of medical operations. You fly doctors and nurses to where they are most needed, so they can avoid boat journeys that take so much longer. If MAF didn’t exist, kids could lose their eyesight or die from all sorts of diseases

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 5

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: pray for patients and prisoners

To God be the glory!

Story Gary Clayton Photos Mandy Glass, Hudson Higlett, Sally Lloyd and Lois Semanison

Thanks to a missionary couple seconded to MAF, the lives of people in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are being transformed

W

Main A child receives an illustrated Bible in his own language of Tok Pisin Above Neal and Lois Semanison Top right Lois' prison ministry has resulted in lives being completely transformed Bottom right When she can, Lois provides crutches for patients

6 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

hen baby Lazarus was born, he died and had to be resuscitated three times – which helps explain his name.

A little later, Lois Semanison was sharing the Gospel with patients in a hospital ward and saw Lazarus, who was ill, being tended by his mum. Lois prayed for him and little Lazarus got better.

The precious child is now two years old and comes to Lois’ weekly children’s group with his brothers.

Interlink Ministries missionaries Neal and Lois Semanison have been serving in PNG since 2012. ‘On loan’ to MAF, Neal works in our engineering department and is currently creating a training curriculum for MAF’s aircraft maintenance engineers.

Lois, a social worker, serves the local community.

Up to 17 children meet in Lois’ house every Friday where she shares Bible stories, songs, crafts and food. She leads devotions with the compound guards each morning and cooks them meals.

‘She glows!’

On Mondays, Lois visits the hospital – often with her friend Lillian, a PNG national.

Their first stop is usually the special care nursery, where they read Scripture, pray with the mothers and sometimes give out onesies, soap, tracts and bananas.

‘Some time ago,’ recalls Lois, ‘we visited a patient in the female ward who needed surgery. Next to her was another woman who, along with seven others, was going to have a hysterectomy.’ Lois spoke to the woman, then prayed for her.

One day, as Lois was leaving the hospital, the lady approached her at the gate and said that – the same day Lois prayed for her – she’d confessed her sins, forgiven everyone who’d ever wronged her, and become a Christian.

‘She is the only one who survived the operation,’ says Lois. ‘I see her from time to time when I shop at the market. She glows!

God did something miraculous in her life.’

Hospital witness When she can, Lois provides crutches for those who need them. One recipient had been in a car crash. Another, a pastor, had fallen down a cliff and been hospitalised for five months. Lois gave him some crutches bought for him by another missionary.

PAPUA Bismarck Sea

Mount Hagen

P A P U A

N E W

G U I N E A

Port Moresby

Coral Sea Indian Ocean

200 miles

AUSTRALIA

Key to maps

— Capital city /

— MAF base — Location

The pastor says he believes God allowed the accident to occur so that he could witness to fellow patients.

During the school holidays, Anderson (10) and Tiger (6) join Lois’ outreach team, and love handing out cards and pictures made by the kids who come to her house on Fridays.

On one occasion, she met a man who, covered in bandages, was waiting for an X-ray. Now a Christian, he said Lois had once visited him in prison and given him toothpaste.

On 4 July 2018, Tiger, who often accompanies Lois to the prison and hospital with his grandmother, gave his heart to Jesus.

Still small voice ‘The prisoners,’ grins Lois, ‘like Tiger a lot.

Sometimes the kids sing for the prisoners and help give out Bibles and tracts. I even asked Tiger to pray. His voice is very soft, but it is touching to see him involved.

‘While sharing Scriptures with the inmates, I explain how Jesus took our sin and shame, so we can know God's forgiveness.

'Two prisoners recently prayed with us to receive salvation.'

The 50-70 prisoners live in cages with only a hole for a toilet, no blankets, beds or a steady supply of water.

Because many only have the clothes they came in, Lois tries to provide them with blankets, soap, clothes, Bibles, tracts, reading glasses and food – little acts of kindness that can have eternal significance.

Free indeed!

‘It’s a joy to have former prisoners stop me in town and tell me I visited them while they were incarcerated,’ smiles Lois.

‘Some have surrendered themselves to Jesus and their whole lives have turned around. It makes me feel like dancing in praise to the Lord! God is amazing, His Word changes people!’

Take the next step Do you want to be part of something bigger?

There are many opportunities to work with MAF and change the world. We are praying for more people who can take up roles similar to those of Neal and Lois.

If you feel called to become an MAF engineer in our Africa or Asia-Pacific regions, we want to talk to you today! However, we also need mission-hearted men and women for roles in IT, aviation support operations, financial management and communications.

And – always – pilots!

For more information, please phone the HR team on 01303 850950 or email hr@maf-uk.org Thank you.

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 7

UK news: pray for funds

Highlights from 2018 MAF UK Chief Executive Ruth Whitaker gives thanks for the MAF family’s commitment to Christ

Last year saw us serve some 2,000 partner organisations worldwide (page 3)

We flew Bible translators in places such as Kenya (page 11)

MAF aircraft continue to serve refugees in places like Uganda (page 12)

8 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

The inspiration behind MAF was simple – to provide vital support to those living in remote, isolated locations This took wing seven decades ago with a survey flight to East Africa which, ultimately, transformed a vision of post-war peace into a glorious reality. Since that first expedition, countless stories bear witness that God kept His promise to the adventurous young men and women He called to mission.

MAF aircraft play a crucial part in the mighty effort to feed, clothe and shelter the growing refugee population in countries like Uganda. And they remain essential in spreading the Good News by flying pastors, evangelists and Bible translators in places such as Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar and Tanzania (pictured below).

In 2018, MAF planes brought education to Arnhem Land, healthcare to Bangladesh, sent emergency medical flights to sick and injured people in Timor-Leste and provided support for those suffering from various forms of disability in South Sudan.

Our fleet also provided a timely response to natural disasters occurring in countries such as Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Indonesia (pictured on page 9).

Thanks to your commitment to our life-enhancing, life-affirming work, 2018 saw us serve some 2,000 partner organisations by enabling them to access 1,400 of the poorest and most inaccessible areas on earth.

It was also the year our wonderful supporters helped us buy an additional Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft for South Sudan. And they made a very significant contribution towards the cost of renewing MAF’s PNG fleet, enabling us to serve remote communities ever more effectively.

We are grateful for our colleagues and fellow workers – including the 27 UK missionary staff and their families whose commitment to Christ enabled us to bring help, hope and healing to thousands throughout 2018.

Thank you for keeping them so close to your hearts and being a vital part of the MAF family.

Infrastructure developments 3.6% Flights and other services 41.8% Aircraft 11.1% Overseas staff costs 10.1% Cost of raising funds (before support costs) 13.6%

2018 financial summary Support costs 8.4%

Governance costs 0.2%

2019 projects 7.9% The purpose of this summary is toDesignated presentforsimply and concisely the sources Designated for 2020 projects 3.3% and uses of funds during the year. The charts are based on information contained in MAF UK 2018 accounts, ended 31 December 2018 and approved by the Board of Trustees on 2 May 2019.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Gareth Mitchell, Chair of Trustees, MAF UK

Individuals 46.8% Legacies 36.7% ExpenditureChurches £15,389,000 5.5% Expenditure £15,389,000

Governments 1.4%

Governments 1.4% Infrastructure developments 3.6% Trusts 7.5% Flights and other services 41.8% Companies 1.3% Aircraft 11.1% Other 0.4% Overseas staff costs 10.1% Investment income 0.4% Cost of raising funds (before support costs) 13.6%

Trusts 7.5%

Support costs 8.4%

Companies 1.3%

Governance costs 0.2%

Other 0.4%

Designated for 2019 projects 7.9%

Investment income 0.4%

Designated for 2020 projects 3.3%

Income £15,389,000 Individuals 46.8% Legacies 36.7% Churches 5.5%

We praise God for the following provision during 2018 of: • More than £15 million of income, including £5.5 million in legacy gifts • Two new staff families who went overseas • More than 56,000 flights • Over 870 requests for MAF Week of Prayer packs • More than 157,000 passengers and 6,000 tonnes of freight delivered • Around 1,000 presentations given by volunteers at churches and events

Thank you for your legacy!

We are so thankful to all those who have chosen to remember MAF with a gift in their Will. Each legacy makes an eternal difference in people’s lives.

To find out more about supporting MAF in this way, please phone our Legacy Manager Miriam Wheeler on 01303 851958, or email miriam.wheeler@maf-uk.org

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 9

UK NEWS: pray for world mission

Called to pray Story Victoria Fagg Photos Kelly and Mark Hewes, Rebekah Somandin and Layton Thompson

Prayer Communications Leader Victoria Fagg invites you to join in MAF’s global week of prayer, from 3-10 November

A

Main Israel Neale followed his calling to fly in Arnhem Land Above The head of a village in Kalimantan, Borneo, served

by MAF Right MAF's global week of prayer is a great opportunity to support world mission

t MAF, prayer has been – and always will be – at the very core of all we do and all we are. For nearly 75 years, our faithful supporters have ‘held up the arms’ of every missionary and MAF staff member by praying faithfully for our partners and those we serve.

There is an undeniable, unknowable, invisible mystery to the power of prayer that is easy to underestimate. It is through prayer that we experience the power and victory of Christ.

It is for this reason that, each year, we facilitate a week of prayer with a global reach to unite the MAF family. How beautiful it is when God’s people unite together!

This year’s theme is 'Called': ‘being one body and one spirit, … all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny. For the Lord God is one, and so are we, for we share in one faith, one baptism, and one Father. And He is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all!’ (Ephesians 4:4-6 TPT) We are all called to be His official representatives here on earth. Some find themselves overseas on the mission field.

Others serve their local church and community.

There will be those who respond to the call to stand in the gap.

10 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

However, each and every one of us is called to pray.

From 3-10 November, Sunday to Sunday, we're holding our global week of prayer. I invite you to join us in this great opportunity to unite in intercession for world mission.

Prayer packs will be available from September. They will contain a special prayer diary, a short film, children’s resources and so much more.

They’re a fabulous resource to help present MAF’s life-changing work to your church, and inform your own prayer times. These packs really do have something for everyone!

Order yours by phoning 01303 852819 or visiting www.maf-uk.org/weekofprayer Thank you so much for praying with us and for us!

KENYA: pray for Bible translators

Words from the heart It’s taken more than a century, but the vision of Africa Inland Mission (AIM) to bring the Gospel to a remote community has stood the tests of Story Kari Peters Photos Melvin Peters time and faith

I

n 1907, two AIM missionaries journeyed on foot into northern Kenya to make contact with the Rendille and Samburu people.

However, it wasn't until 1960 – when restrictions on spreading the Gospel were lifted – that a new generation of missionaries began working with them.

In her seminal doctoral thesis on the Rendille, Anne Beaman described their environment as ‘one of the most forbidding human habitats in all of East Africa in terms of heat, climatic aridity and the scarcity of water.’

Today, numbering around 65,000, the Rendille occupy more than 5,000 square miles of arid semi-desert. Traditionally a pastoralist people, their culture still centres on livestock such as goats, sheep, donkeys and camels.

In 1981, AIM missionaries Nick and Lynne Swanepoel began helping the Rendille translate the Bible into their

mother tongue. Back then, the first step was to create an alphabet from scratch as Rendille wasn’t a written language!

On 18 August 2018, people from around the world gathered in Korr to celebrate the completion of this immense project. Three of MAF’s airplanes were involved in bringing people to and from the town, and MAF had the honour of flying in the newly printed copies of the New Testament to be distributed at the celebrations.

‘During the last few years of the work, I was living the UK,’ Nick explains. ‘But, I was able to keep in touch with Rendille translators Joshua and Laban.

‘On the day of the celebration I had an emotional overdose at the realisation of this project and the power of God’s Word to communicate with all people. This New Testament speaks to the Rendille in their heart language – very soon, work on the Old Testament will start!’

‘We cannot thank MAF enough for their partnership in this journey of so many years,’ enthused Pastor David Gargule of the Rendille church.

Main MAF Pilot Melvin Peters and his Rendille passengers on a joyful day!

Below Nick Swanepoel at the momentous celebration in Korr

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 11

UGANDA: pray for restoration

Safe at last The principle of a ‘safe space’ for women is fundamental to the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). In Rhino Camp, northern Uganda, they are putting it into practice with remarkable results

C

Top Awule Richard Above Regina Saima fled Yei during the civil war

12 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

ountless South Sudanese women are victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) but are, understandably, unwilling to speak openly about their experiences. Many are also unable to read or write, so DRC personnel face an uphill struggle to help female refugees rebuild their lives.

The Livelihood Protection Shelter is an open-sided structure which provides a safe space where women can meet, twice a week, to begin the slow healing process.

It’s a first step on a long road to physical, mental and spiritual recovery.

The women built the Shelter with their own hands.

women who have no income of their own.

Leaving a violent husband or partner is practically impossible if he has sole control of the money.

The sale of decorated bedsheets, bangles and handbags enables women to make enough money to keep them independent from the type of men who seek to dominate them.

In addition to craft work, counselling is available for those ready to speak about their experiences – the first step in the process 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.

Female independence

‘God’ examples

This simple act of creating something new helps enormously in rebuilding selfesteem. DRC also provides raw materials which are turned into goods and services – fabrics for painting, beads for jewellery and hairdresser dummies for braiding.

The grip of SGBV on a community is linked directly to men’s ability to ‘buy’

Regina Saima is married with eight children.

In 2016, when her home town of Yei was overrun by the civil war, she and her family fled to the bush. The meagre ‘food’ available there soon ran out and her family had to seek sanctuary in a foreign country.

Regina's husband frequently abused her when under the influence of alcohol.

Story Richard Chambers Photos Rebecca Walker

However, meeting many more wives and mothers at Rhino Camp with similar stories to tell – and solutions to recommend – enabled Regina 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 am a better person because of what we’ve been through.’

Part of the solution

Men are responsible for more than 97% of SGBV incidents. For this misery to end, changing men's attitudes to women is crucial.

DRC identifies positive male role models and recruits them to train in SGBV prevention. They are encouraged to spread the message of non-violence to other men, challenging cultural practices and reporting incidents.

This year, it’s hoped the number of male trainees will double to 180.

Rebirth of a nation

In addition to this systematic rehabilitation programme, small-scale economic rebirth has begun. Enterprise grants are available at Rhino Camp and 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, there’s a treatment bed and some surgical instruments – stethoscope, syringes, tongs and a microscope.

These few precious tools enable Awule to perform basic diagnoses before referring patients to the Red Cross for more complex procedures.

The number of these shops is increasing. With further investment opportunities now available, a local economy is starting to grow. These enterprise grants are a major boost for refugees trying to move from an existence controlled by aid to lives with a far greater SOUTH SUDAN

degree of self-determination.

Regina’s daughter owns a similar kiosk providing groceries, sweets and bottled drinks. Teenagers like her stand at the forefront of this grass-roots rebirth of a country crippled by constant infighting.

One day, her generation will return to South Sudan with a practical, peaceful alternative to the destruction of the past and present.

It’s a huge task, but one in which MAF is very proud to play a part.

Main The camp's safe space always draws a crowd Below Regina's daughter is at the forefront of her community's rebirth Below Regina's daughter is at the forefront of her community's rebirth

Adjumani Rhino Camp DRC

U G A N D A

Kampala

KENYA Lake Victoria

50 miles

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 13

UK news

MAF’s events team – Cabin Crew – is on the road this summer, bringing its famous Rescue Challenge to events around the UK Updated for 2019, the Challenge will give teams greater opportunities to test their rescue skills through a series of hands-on activities – including ‘landing’ a plane using our much-loved simulator.

We’ve already attended Big Church Day Out in May, but it’s not too late for you to join in the fun at:

The Gathering – Swindon 21-23 June

Cedarwood Festival – County Durham 5-7 July

Creation Fest – Cornwall 3-9 August

Greenbelt – Kettering 23-26 August

If you live nearby, why not bring your friends along for a great day out where you can all get a taste of what it’s like to serve with MAF?

We are also very pleased to announce that MAF is the main sponsor for the brand new Cedarwood Festival – you can buy tickets at www.cedarwoodfestival.com

Come and join us – we look forward to seeing you!

This is Mission Aviation Fellowship Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation operating 27 programmes in developing countries to reach the world’s forgotten people – those living out of sight, out of mind and out of hope. With land access denied by inaccessible terrain – due to natural disaster, war or economic crisis – thousands of communities are completely isolated. Operating around 131 light aircraft, MAF’s pilots fly into more than 1,400 remote destinations. Whether landing in deserts or jungles, on lakes, rivers, tracks or roads, MAF planes transport essential medical care, food, water, relief teams and church workers to those in desperate need. Each flight carries practical help, spiritual hope and physical healing to thousands of men, women and children for whom flying is not a luxury but a lifeline. MAF is flying for life.

14 Flying for Life Summer 2019 www.maf-uk.org

MAF UK Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone Kent CT20 2TQ 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD FREEPOST ADM4164, PORTRUSH BT56 8ZY Dept AA1818, PO Box 4214, FREEPOST Dublin 2 T 01303 852819 E supporter.relations@maf-uk.org W www.maf-uk.org Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107) ® Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915

Flying for Life Editor: Richard Chambers Email: editor@maf-uk.org Copy Editor: Gary Clayton Designer: Oak Creative Printer: Fretwell Print and Design Ltd Printed on sustainable paper produced from a managed forest © MAF UK Summer 2019 ffmv It costs us no more than 65p to produce and send you this magazine and prayer diary

A lifelong love of planes Hilary Underwood recently set up a Wings of Hope tribute fund in memory of her late father, John ‘My lovely and amazing Dad was a huge supporter of MAF,’ Hilary shares.

‘He taught me to share the Kingdom as often as I could.’

Alan Devereux Former Chair of Trustees passed away on 31 January We give thanks for the life and contribution of former Chair of Trustees Alan Devereux. Always keen to bring people together, a mark of his chairmanship was his gentle encouragement of the Trustees, Chief Executive and senior leadership team.

An active Chairman, Alan visited several of our teams in the programmes to experience MAF first-hand. He reached out to MAF groups worldwide to share his vision of integration, becoming one of MAF International’s architects.

Alan’s friendly manner and quiet persistence played a key role in encouraging the MAF family to begin this exciting, new chapter.

In 2006, MAF International was formed and he joined the new Board, serving as Chair until 2010.

Prior to MAF, Alan’s successful career in business included heading the Scottish Tourist Board and Scottish Ambulance Service, for which he was awarded a CBE. However, he regarded his contribution to MAF as his greatest honour and achievement.

Alan said MAF gave him the perfect combination of three passions – engineering, mission and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Active in his local church and devoted to his wife Betty, his family and his dogs, Alan loved MAF and he loved his Lord. We give thanks for his passionate commitment to the MAF family.

Remember someone special

Born in 1946, John grew up in Wymington, Northamptonshire, with a passion for planes, trains and automobiles. He married Celia in 1969 and they had two children Steve and Hilary.

He fulfilled his love of planes by working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). A worldwide centre of aeronautical excellence, the RAE helped develop both Concorde and the Harrier ‘jump jet’, and was of vital importance during the Falklands War. John discovered MAF when a friend from church became a missionary in Uganda. During his retirement, John and Celia took responsibility for their church’s ‘Retireds’ group – bringing MAF speakers to meetings and encouraging members to raise funds.

Having suffered from a very rare neurological disease for many months, John went to be with the Lord on 9 October 2017. More than 250 people came to his funeral and gave generously to MAF – the charity they knew was so dear to him.

‘Along with Dad’s love for planes,’ says Hilary, ‘was a bigger love for people, and an even bigger love for Jesus! Dad touched so many people’s lives – I think his love for MAF came from his servant heart.'

To honour John's memory, Hilary and her mum have set up a special Wings of Hope tribute fund with a regular gift. As Hilary says, 'A Wings of Hope tribute fund is such a wonderful way to fire hope into the hurting hearts of those who’ve lost someone precious to them.’

Perhaps you would also be interested in setting up a Wings of Hope tribute fund in memory of a loved one. The money given will bring hope to those living in extreme isolation – a cause close to your loved one’s heart.

Left A 'lovely and amazing' Dad and his daughter Hilary – both passionate MAF supporters Below John and Celia Underwood

To receive a free Wings of Hope tribute fund pack, phone Nathaniel Fothergill on 01303 851958 or email nathaniel.fothergill@maf-uk.org

Summer 2019 Flying for Life 15

The MAF Global Week of Prayer November 2019 To receive a free Global Week of Prayer pack for you or your church, please fill in the enclosed form, phone our Supporter Relations team on 01303 852819, email supporter.relations@maf-uk.org, or visit www.maf-uk.org/weekofprayer

Partner us in prayer www.maf-uk.org/weekofprayer