Flying for Life March 2011 Magazine

March 2011

The quarterly magazine of Mission Aviation Fellowship

MAF in mission 2 Serving refugees

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Multiple ministries

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GLOBAL MISSION: South Africa

Shaping Christian mission In October last year, Chief Executive of MAF UK Ruth Whitaker attended the third Lausanne Congress for world evangelisation in Cape Town, South Africa. She considers the implications for MAF, reviewing the past and looking to the future Story Ruth Whitaker Photos (c) 2010 Lausanne Movement. All rights reserved

T Congress theme: ‘God in Christ, reconciling the world to himself’ (2 Corinthians 5:19)

he first Lausanne Congress, held in 1974, was an important milestone in shaping Christian mission as we know it today.

Preceding decades had seen a division between proclaiming the Gospel and social action. In the USA, emphasis on the ‘Social Gospel’ had developed, with a strong focus on social improvement and development. The evangelical Church, regarding the focus on social development as a reduction of the Gospel, frequently responded by exclusively focusing on the goals of individual people, in repentance and faith, responding to God. At the first Lausanne Congress, largely sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the two positions converged.

Many of the 2,700 church delegates were from developing countries and knew first hand the significance of social concern for poor people.

An important outcome of the conference was the drafting of the Lausanne Covenant by a committee led by John Stott. It affirmed the

2 Flying for Life March 2011 www.maf-uk.org

biblical emphasis of proclamation evangelism while stressing the importance of Christian social action. This effectively established a relationship between the two, and a return to the more holistic approach that was practised by earlier evangelicals.

Third Lausanne Congress

I was pleased to accept an invitation to attend the third Lausanne Congress, especially as we consider the long-term development of MAF’s role in world mission.

Significantly, the Congress was held in South Africa, a nation in which healing and reconciliation from a divided and hurtful past has been dramatically demonstrated. Every region of the world was represented. To hear worship songs and prayers in many, many languages was so exciting – and to remember that our mighty God understands them all!

Discussion focused on those issues seen as the greatest challenges to the Gospel, and to Gospel application in the context of the world

today – a broken world in which HIV/AIDS, fatherlessness, suffering and high levels of people movement are commonplace. Two themes in particular struck me: the majority world church and also the importance of discipleship.

Majority world church

With the rapid expansion of Christianity in developing countries, the numeric ‘centre of gravity’ of the world’s Christian population has shifted to what is commonly called the Global South. This geographical shift of the majority of the world church has strategic implications for mission organisations with a predominantly western model.

Our flights already support the work of indigenous churches, Christian workers and evangelists reaching out to their own people – their ability and effectiveness to come alongside their countrymen unhampered by cultural differences. I believe that there will be an ongoing need for MAF, but the way we

provide support may change, expand and further develop.

Lausanne Congress

Importance of discipleship

The mission: to strengthen, inspire and equip the whole Church to take the whole Gospel to the whole world.

Discussion focused on issues seen as the greatest challenges to the Gospel.

To learn more about the Lausanne Movement and the three Congresses, visit www.lausanne.org

The final command Jesus gave was to go and make disciples of all nations – it wasn’t to go and make converts. What are the implications of this distinction?

In the Greek world, a disciple would learn, study and pass on the sayings and teachings of the master. Thus, the disciple would become increasingly devoted to the master and the master’s teachings. Jesus wants disciples!

Taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth doesn’t stop once the Gospel message has been proclaimed. To ensure that disciples are made of all nations, ongoing mentoring of Christians and churches is essential, thus enabling development, maturing of faith and its outworking in life. Discipleship is also essential in keeping even mature Christians in the centre of God’s path for them – not drifting off course when challenges are

Areas served by MAF MAF operations worldwide

March 2011 Flying for Life 3

GLOBAL MISSION: MAF’s ongoing role

5,000 made a commitment to Jesus Christ that day.

We continue to fly in Tanzania in support of evangelism, but today many more of our passengers are Tanzanians reaching out to their fellow countrymen in the Name of Jesus. The importance of our long-term commitment in supporting their ministry is highlighted by a recent account I received concerning the first baptisms among Maasai people at Engorika North.

Long-term investment encountered, nor becoming apathetic and lukewarm in faith.

MAF in mission

At the heart of the Gospel is the compelling desire to relieve human suffering both in this life and in eternity for, without the saving news of Jesus Christ, it is a future of eternal suffering.

Writing to the Romans, Paul talks of fully proclaiming the Gospel in what he had said and in what he had done. The Gospel involves both words and actions. MAF seeks to take compassionate care to meet physical and spiritual needs; to take the love of God and the Good News to people lost, isolated and inaccessible.

Proclamation in Tanzania

‘It takes six hours climbing like goats to get there’

During 1960, MAF was privileged to fly Billy Graham and his team 6,000 miles within East Africa as part of his Africa Crusade, which is sometimes called ‘African Safari for Souls’.

At Moshi, Tanzania, 35,000 people attended just one of the meetings. The message that was preached there was ‘God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.’ Some

‘African Safari for Souls’ The enclosed sheet from 51 years ago depicts MAF’s involvement in Billy Graham’s momentous tour.

4 Flying for Life March 2011 www.maf-uk.org

An airstrip was opened at Engorika North in November 1989. It sits on the top of a high escarpment where the wind whips up dust and rarely ceases, yet provides some relief in what would otherwise be unbearable heat.

Since then, nearly every month MAF has flown Maasai evangelists from Malambo to Engorika North. They preach the Gospel and they teach about the Christian way of life, including Bible stories and subjects such as Christian marriage and the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Daniel Meiyan, a Maasai himself, shares: ‘There is no road to Engorika for a car.

It takes six hours climbing like goats to get there.’ By plane, it’s just a five-minute flight from Malambo.

First baptisms

In June last year, men, women and children gathered under a tree within the thorny boundaries of a boma (village enclosure), with dust blowing all around. After more than 20 years of work by the evangelists, the first 40 people were baptised at Engorika North: five families – husbands, wives and children – and other adults.

That day, our Cessna 206 transported ten Malambo evangelists to Engorika for the

occasion, along with Pastor Daniel. During the service, the pastor recognised the evangelists’ commitment: ‘They are the ones who come regularly; the ones that serve the people day and night in evangelism.’

Leading the celebrations was a choir from Piaya, who had travelled on foot earlier in the week to be present. They sang songs that had been composed locally. These included, ‘We used to worship trees and mountains, but now we worship God through Jesus. Ask for forgiveness under Jesus’ feet. Look up to the cross to be cleaned of sin.’ Another song was based on the parable of the Lost Sheep.

Water is in very short supply in Engorika.

The baptisms were by sprinkling water, as there was no source to enable baptism by immersion.

‘When I saw people come to follow Jesus, I was very happy,’ Pastor Daniel said. ‘I could see the work was not in vain. God is working in people’s hearts. I was full of joy.’ Later, he added, ‘I’m very happy that you will tell about it, so that many people can be involved.’

Elisha, who leads the evangelistic work from Malambo, shares: ‘What the team does in three days with MAF’s help would take six to seven months without the plane.’

Looking to the future As God enables, MAF will continue to take Christian workers into remote places like Engorika North to share the Gospel, to disciple new converts and to teach, train and support believers.

While our mission remains the same as when MAF began over 60 years ago, our methods must be adaptable to keep pace with an ever-changing world. God in Christ is reconciling the world to Himself. It is MAF’s privilege to come alongside His Church and assist in the physical and spiritual outworking of that, taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth so that many more become and remain disciples of Jesus Christ.

Please pray As we consider the role of MAF in world evangelisation and the changing face of world mission and its implications, please pray that MAF will know how to serve the ‘majority church’ as they reach out to their countrymen

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The ultimate goal is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. May we declare the Gospel with boldness and humility

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Ruth Whitaker Chief Executive, MAF UK

At the end of his letter to the Ephesians, several times Paul urges, ‘pray’.

May we be praying people, acknowledging our dependence on the Lord, and be ready to serve Him as He leads.

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Far left: Cessna 185 aircraft in northern Tanzania Left: Pastor Daniel baptising Maasai Christians Main: Elisha’s brother Japhet preaching at Engorika North Top: The choir from Piaya Above left: MAF plane amid the Maasai

March 2011 Flying for Life 5

KENYA: Serving refugees from Somalia

No longer blighted by blindness Jesus applied Isaiah’s words to Himself: ‘He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind.’ (Luke 4:18, NIV) Story Derek Reeh Photos Fran Derocher

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Derek Reeh

adaab refugee camp in eastern Kenya is close to the border with Somalia.

It is home to 300,000 people – mostly Somali refugees.

For many years, the specialist eye team from Kikuyu Hospital in Nairobi has flown there with MAF to carry out sight-restoring surgery for its impoverished inhabitants. Due to the world financial crisis, the primary donor for these ‘eye safaris’ was unable to fund this aspect of the hospital’s work during last year.

MAF provides Christian love to poor people in remote and inaccessible parts of the world.

We in Kenya could not stand by and witness the loss of such a powerful and life-changing ministry. Early in 2010, MAF found resources to fund one such safari. However, it seemed unlikely that we would be able to afford more of these flights.

6 Flying for Life March 2011 www.maf-uk.org

Generous gift

Paul Rees was a dear friend of mine, and an enthusiastic supporter of my ministry as a pilot with MAF. He died unexpectedly last September at the age of 57. He was a doctor, as is his wife Cheryl.

Instead of flowers at Paul’s funeral, the family asked for donations to MAF. This generous gift has enabled the funding of a further eye safari which took place in October 2010.

The gospels describe many scenes where Jesus is surrounded by crowds – often hopeful sick people who have heard of His miraculous healings. Such scenes greet us as we arrive on a Monday morning at Dadaab Hospital. There are hundreds of blind people lining the fence surrounding the building where the medical

team will work. A path is cleared for the doctor and nurses through the pressing crowd.

Three theatre nurses start setting up the operating theatre in one room. Meanwhile, in another room, the doctor and a clinical nurse assess the first batch of patients.

Everywhere, blind people are being led; sometimes several are walking in a line – the first accompanied by a carer, those following holding on to the clothes of the person ahead.

Watching them, you are overwhelmed with compassion. While all have individual stories, what really strikes you is the sheer scale – hundreds of people whose lives have been blighted by blindness and who are dependent on others for survival.

Relentless work

By the end of the day, more than 300 patients have been assessed and categorised. The fortunate majority has disorders that can be cured by surgery under local anaesthetic – these will be treated during this safari.

A few have ailments that will benefit from surgery but require general anaesthetic, so appointments will be made for them to be treated in Nairobi. About 10% have conditions that will not respond to surgery – often older people with glaucoma where the optic nerve

Instead of flowers

has been irreparably damaged.

The operating theatre has two tables side by side about three metres apart. On one, the surgeon is operating assisted by a nurse; on the other, the next patient is being prepared.

Having completed the procedure on one patient, the surgeon turns to the adjoining table, changes gloves, reads the notes and, with a new set of instruments, starts the next operation. The work is relentless – everybody in the team knows their role and they can perform up to seven operations each hour.

Transformed lives

At Dadaab, if you are unable to see, there are no social services, no guide dogs. You have no independence. You aren’t ‘visually impaired’ – you are blind. And then an MAF aircraft arrives with a surgical team. Suddenly, your life is transformed. You can participate in the world; your life – and that of your family – dramatically changes for the better.

It is a fitting tribute to Paul Rees, a man who devoted his career to caring for those who are sick, that his death has enabled restored sight for more than 200 people – people imprisoned by their blindness but now set free.

Flowers at a funeral will not last for long. But, as the family of the late Paul Rees demonstrated, there is a way to create a more lasting tribute. A gift to Mission Aviation Fellowship in memory of a loved one can have a lasting impact, helping to save and transform lives. It can give life, joy and hope a chance to grow.

To help you learn more about supporting MAF in this way, we can send you a leaflet and cards to put with your Will that indicate your wishes. Please email juliettec@maf-uk.org or call 0845 850 9505

They can perform up to seven operations each hour Main: Preliminary assessment Left: Sight-restoring surgery Below left: One of many patients receives their sight Below right: CBM team flown in by MAF

March 2011 Flying for Life 7

BANGLADESH: Very special aircraft

A different world Stephanie Gidney reports from Bangladesh – a country with more than 164 million people squeezed into 55,598 square miles. One third of the area of the country is under water throughout the year. The remainder is, in essence, swampland with little rock – just smooth, silky mud saturated in water Photos Richard Hanson

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join an MAF flight to the north-east of Bangladesh, landing near Itna. Being in the lowest part of the country, the scene here is of a ‘waterscape’ rather than a landscape. It is a truly surreal experience, as if caught between reality and a mirage.

Vast expanses of grey water reflect and merge with the grey sky, with no visibly clear separation. Threads of land bisect bodies of

water. The occasional hut or human form adds the only detail to my first impressions of monochrome monotony.

Incredibly, people live here – and all is not quiet, nor still. Boats of all sizes move along the main waterway, a waterway that is only discernible from the surrounding water because of the traffic.

Transferring from the amphibious plane to a motorboat, we zip off into a grey lagoon and eventually reach a tiny island, which would take only a few minutes to walk around. We alight on a small ‘beach’ where local women are smoking grain over fires.

A precarious existence

A few yards from the shore, we ascend a low embankment, rising only a couple of metres above the water level, to a small hamlet.

Little makeshift homes are densely packed side by side – a poor equivalent of terraced houses crammed together – housing as many people as possible within very limited space.

The single-storey homes have at most two tiny rooms. Into these, whole families, their livestock and their few belongings squeeze to 8 Flying for Life March 2011 www.maf-uk.org

shelter from the elements.

The vulnerability of this small community is blatantly obvious. A rise in water level of just one or two metres would swamp their homes, and there is no higher ground if they need to flee.

Chad Tilley, Country Director for MAF in Bangladesh, shares: ‘During the four years that I’ve been here, I think the water level has already been rising. In areas that are normally dry, water is sticking around for a lot longer through the year.’

A positive attitude

Despite the challenges, all is not lost when the water rises! There is positivity about the rural people of Bangladesh, adapting and identifying the opportunities that come with change.

When the water recedes, people use the land for farming crops such as rice or jute. But when the water rises, they stake off the area, enclose it with nets and farm fish instead.

As for their homes, some simply lift their dwellings up on poles when the water rises.

Others literally move house. Chad bears witness: ‘I have seen people dismantle their

small house and put it up on a boat – the roof between two boats, the walls, chairs and stuff underneath – basically creating a mobile home. So we have nomads in the most densely populated country in the world!’

These people move every year, back and forth, dependent on when the waters go up and down – a rise of no more than two metres.

A perfect fit

Visually, the north-east of the country looks very different to the delta area of the south, yet surface water is dominant in both. Now, factor in the monsoon season which lasts for seven to eight months of the year and the very heavy rains associated with violent cyclones over the following two months.

That’s why, in a country where water is the primary feature, MAF’s amphibious aircraft is so well suited to serve numerous supportive organisations and, ultimately, the people of Bangladesh.

Our amphibious Caravan is little different to land-based aircraft while in flight. But landing on water is just the beginning of whole new challenges faced by our pilots…

Bangladesh facts 2,700 people per square mile

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More than 164 million people

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4,970 miles of rivers

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30% of the country under water

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MAF’s amphibious Caravan requires 1,000 metres for landing

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800 potential landing areas

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There are no prepared seaplane docks. When researching a new landing site, the team flies over and checks it out. They must identify a nice, straight shoreline where the pilots can dock.

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BANGLADESH: Very special aircraft

Bobbing about on the river Stephanie Gidney continues her report from Bangladesh, explaining the need for a twoperson flight crew on all flights Photos Richard Hanson

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ircling over our landing area, Chad and Raju discuss the conditions.

They assess the direction of the current, whether the tide is in or out and the position of numerous little fishing boats and nets. Upon landing, floating plants, bamboo branches and palm logs rush by. The plane taxis in behind boats and anchors just off the riverbank.

It is impossible to arrive unnoticed. People appear, running along the bank or across narrow, raised pathways between rice paddies.

There’s great excitement!

Highly charged

Previous page: Waterscape bisected by thread of land Main: The Cessna amphibious Caravan anchored on the river bank Below right: Women smoke grain over fires Below: Boys jostle for position Far right: Small boats everywhere

At times, there are hundreds of onlookers – wanting to see, wanting to touch, wanting to climb on. Children, knee-deep in mud or water, wade towards the plane, some falling fully-clothed into the river. Boys jostle for prime positions nearest the aircraft. At times, the crowd is very intimidating.

In contrast is the crew’s responsibility to manage the plane on the water, with so many people on the bank and in boats. The atmosphere is highly charged, with both crew members out on the plane’s floats shouting commands to adventurous boys and curious fishermen.

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Both reactions are understandable, as the crew protects this precious asset while the novelty for the people hints at the isolation their environment imposes.

Heavy boat

Chad explains: ‘Unlike a land-based aircraft, once you are on the water you are in a ‘boat’ – but a boat that is not as manoeuvrable as a real boat. You always have to have the aircraft in a position to overcome the wind, current, different conditions on the shoreline, people and real boats. As pilot, you have to make sure you put the aircraft in a safe position so you can manage all these conditions.

‘Because the aircraft is very big and heavy, we have a second member of the flight crew who helps with handling the aircraft on the water. It works very well.’

Always vigilant

Emil Kündig, who serves as our second pilot in Bangladesh, shares, ‘On a land aeroplane, once you reach the runway, you are on the ground.

But with a floatplane, you are not settled until you have it secured to the river bank.

‘We have our checklist – wind, current, obstacles, length and mooring place. It’s not just parking, it’s also how will you get away

from there. The wind might be such that you can’t even turn your aircraft around, so how will you take off?

‘The best situation is if you reverse on to the beach so the back of the two floats is on sand. Then you can just go straight out.’

There is no opportunity for the crew to visit the work of organisations they fly. Once moored, they need to remain vigilant. With the tides, the circumstances are fluid – all of a sudden, they could be sitting with floats on the ground, unable to move the aircraft. And of course, there are the crowds to manage – often the most difficult part.

Access everywhere

Despite the demands of the job, both Chad and Emil are passionate about the amphibious plane and its value in serving the people of Bangladesh.

‘It’s an amazing tool for this type of environment,’ states Chad, ‘and is one of the reasons why I think MAF is so valuable in the country. There are people who are trying to address a lot of the issues and needs here.

‘With our aircraft, virtually all the country is accessible. We’re able to fly to all these different places and help facilitate the work of all these people. That’s a great responsibility we’ve been given and a great opportunity for

us to be able to help’.

And Emil concludes, ‘Because of the amphibious aircraft, the opportunities are enormous. In Cambodia, we had around 12 airstrips that we always went to. Here in Bangladesh, where water is everywhere, there are endless opportunities.’

March 2011 Flying for Life 11

ANGOLA: Multiple ministries on a farm

Sowing seeds and reaping a harvest A basic clinic on a farm compound is just one activity of a missionary couple in Angola Story Emma Stewart Photos Layton Thompson

I Main: Manushu being comforted by his aunt Above right: The Foster family Far right top: The MAF plane at Tchincombe Far right bottom: Making furniture at the sawmill

t’s hot and dusty at Tchincombe Farm in the late afternoon. Manushu is sick.

His parents carry him to the farm clinic. It’s locked. But a farm foreman radios Stirling Foster who is on his way to the airstrip to catch the MAF plane to Lubango.

Stirling turns his vehicle round and returns to the clinic.

Eight-year-old Manushu is lying cradled in his aunt’s arms. He is convulsing and foaming at the mouth. Stirling immediately diagnoses malaria. As there is no way of giving the boy intravenous treatment, the best alternative is crushed Mefloquine tablets mixed with water. It will work quickly. Stirling sets about crushing tablets while Manushu’s dad fetches water.

12 Flying for Life March 2011 www.maf-uk.org

The cloudy liquid has to be spoon-fed and forced down Manushu, who is wriggling with convulsions. By nightfall, he has settled and is beginning to make a full recovery.

Big vision

In rural Angola where healthcare is dire, the Tchincombe clinic, though basic, is providing a much-needed medical service for people like Manushu. It’s the only clinic for 70 miles and, given the remoteness and poor condition of roads, it takes up to six hours to reach more comprehensive care.

The 54-acre farm is the ministry of SIM missionaries Stirling and Donna Foster. Their vision is big – and God is fulfilling it.

More valuable than money

Part of the legendary Foster family, third generation missionary Stirling followed in his father’s footsteps and his father before that by coming to serve in Africa. Stirling grew up in Angola, returning in 1988 after training in animal husbandry in the USA. At the time, the government was offering land to people who would develop and work it for agricultural production. A few years later, Stirling married and brought Donna, a vet, back with him.

Twofold project

Their project at Tchincombe is twofold. On one hand, it is about agriculture and training people to give them skills (lost or never gained because of war) in food production, animal husbandry, carpentry and mechanics. On the other hand, it is also about evangelism. The Mungambwe people group of south-western Angola is largely unreached, and is yet to have the Bible translated.

Donna, who provides consultations at the clinic, also runs a ladies’ Bible study group. A primary school provides basic education for children and opens another door to evangelism.

Paulo came to work on the farm as a young man. It was here that he began hearing about God and gave his life to Christ. He is just one of many who can testify to the transformation God has brought to them and their families,

many of whom don’t yet know the Lord.

Today, Paulo is one of the three foremen through whom Stirling runs the farm, and has responsibility for the sawmill where young people are learning to make furniture.

Often, simple health problems, which can easily be treated, are left too long. Then by the time people get medical help, it is too late. But now, completion of an airstrip on the farm last year means the MAF aircraft can bring doctors on regular visits to provide a higher level of medical care.

Herdsmen at Tchincombe are each given charge of 75 cattle. They learn about animal breeding and are helped to develop valuable skills. They are also able to milk the cows, providing a source of nutrition for their families and others on the farm. Some 10% of the calves each year are then sold at a relatively nominal price back to the workers.

This bonus gives them an incentive to be responsible and to behave in a constructive way.

But those who tend to get drunk and leave their herd regularly will not qualify for one of the calves.

Whereas those who have a good work record and haven’t gone off for long periods will qualify.

In this culture, cattle, which are needed for marriage permission, are much more valuable than money. The opportunity to create their own herd brings a major advantage to the lives of the herdsmen.

Gospel influence

When Stirling and Donna first came, there was no church among the Mungambwe people. But now there is an active Christian community, a church on the farm compound and a church in the neighbouring town with its own pastor. Twenty years after their initial vision, they are seeing the beginnings of further outreach and evangelism.

Today, almost 300 people live on the farm, but it serves a wider community of several thousand. The older generation has noticed the influence of the Gospel among the young.

It is part of the vision of the farm to raise Godly men and women who will take the Gospel to their country, and use the skills they have acquired to bring change in a nation that is ravaged by war.

March 2011 Flying for Life 13

ECUADOR: Completed Scriptures

Eternal echoes in the Amazon Story Shaun Oliver

‘I Largest people group Shuar means ‘people’ in their own language. Thought to number 100,000, they form the largest community that MAF serves in Ecuador.

With a lengthy history of survival and defence against outsiders, the Shuar have long had a reputation as headhunters.

Elsa, our secretary in Ecuador, was originally from Makuma and was thrilled to return ‘home’ to witness the dedication of the Bible in her language.

t brought Scripture alive as never before!’

So testified Daniel Chu, explaining how emotional he felt reading God’s Word in his ‘heart language’. Daniel was involved in Bible translation into Shuar from the very beginning, 30 years ago, amid dense Amazon rainforests in Ecuador.

Now, Shuar people are celebrating the complete Scriptures in their language.

Bibles were presented in Makuma village during a ceremony arranged by Shuar churches.

Our Chief Pilot Chad Irwin was there. ‘I could feel God’s presence in a unique way as I watched those around me open the Scriptures in their own language. It still gives me goose bumps even as I write this. God’s Word is so powerful.’

Former Avant missionaries Frank and Marie Drown, with 37 years’ service, attended the ceremony. Marie exclaims, ‘We were thrilled to hear Shuar church leaders and Bible translators as they read and explained passages from God’s Word, then dramatically presented the newly-arrived Bibles.’

Overcoming steep jungle terrain, river rapids and deep mud, our aircraft were crucial

from the beginning, flying translation assistants from remote outposts to the Makuma translation centre every month.

Finally, they carried the newly-printed Scriptures to Shuar communities.

Chad flew long-term missionaries Eldon and Phyllis Yoder to isolated settlements to present Bibles, explain how to use them and point out key differences from the Spanish translation. People were surprised to see the book they knew before as Genesis is now Nánkammari – Shuar for ‘Beginnings’.

Avant missionaries Jim and Norma Hedlund worked on the translation for more than 30 years. ‘That’s a long time,’ writes Chad.

‘Helping to finish a project that has been the life work of many people, and one in which hundreds of others have had a part, is truly a blessing!’

Jim, Norma and Daniel shared how MAF’s service with Bible translators was vital, calling the MAF team ‘accidental translators’. And that includes our Supporters.

But the glory belongs to God who, through ordinary people, is transforming headhunting warriors into warriors for Christ.

Mission Aviation Fellowship is a worldwide Christian organisation operating over 125 light aircraft in more than 30 countries. Around 280 flights every day transport patients, relief teams, medical supplies and Christian workers in the world’s remotest regions and places of deepest human need. Places where flying is not a luxury but a lifeline.

Normally, passengers contribute a highly-subsidised fare towards the true cost. The balance comes from people concerned that others should have a better life spiritually and physically.

In the UK, MAF is a registered charity funded by voluntary gifts which help finance MAF’s operational work and support services.

This is MAF

14 Flying for Life March 2011 www.maf-uk.org

UK NEWS

Marathon man Ever wanted to run a marathon or take part in another sponsored event and in doing so support MAF? In October 2010, Michel Gerard ran the classic Athens marathon. Last year was the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, making it special for the 12,000 runners in this gruelling race, one of the most difficult marathon routes.

Many months of training saw Michel completing the marathon and raising £1,100 for MAF. He shares: ‘If you put your mind to it with determination and motivation, you can do anything! It was tough, though.’

Michel used the fundraising site www.justgiving.com in order to raise sponsorship. Setting up a fundraising page is simple – an easy way for your friends to give and for you to promote your cause. There’s a similar service at www.virginmoneygiving.com Let our Supporter Relations Team know of any sponsored event in which you are involved. They can supply MAF T-shirts for running events.

Milestones benefit MAF Retired Methodist minister and MAF Cornwall Area Representative Rev Paddy Kyle and his wife Ann celebrated their Golden Wedding on 1 October last year. They were married in Bahrain 50 years ago when Paddy was serving in the Gulf country with the RAF. To mark their special anniversary, the couple arranged a thanksgiving celebration at Bude Golf Club.

Paddy and Ann had insisted there were to be no presents given to them,

but those who were present were invited to make a gift to MAF. Through the generosity of their family and friends, more than £1,200 was received, and this means that Paddy’s and Ann’s happiness will be shared with people in some of the most impoverished parts of the world where MAF operates.

Meanwhile in Dublin, MAF benefited by a further £800 as Supporter Jean Giff celebrated her 80th birthday. Jean organised a tea party at a local hotel for around 30 old friends. But she told them not to give her cards or gifts. Instead, she made a colourful box in which they could place a gift for MAF, and arranged for our Dublin Area Representative Adrian Jones to present our work. Then she prayed for a good result.

Ann and Paddy Kyle

Her wish fulfilled Catherine Shearer, a remarkable lady, went to be with her Lord in March 2009.

A wonderful, thoughtful person, she enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Born into a godly home, while a child Cathie learnt from her parents what love in action is, as they were involved in caring for homeless and destitute men.

She felt the Lord’s call to special needs teaching, becoming headmistress

of a pre-assessment centre in Glasgow’s east end. Cathie loved the children, and it was obvious the feeling was mutual.

At King’s Park Church, Glasgow, she was an elder, Pathfinder leader, junior Boys’ Brigade officer and, after her retirement, pastoral assistant. Cathie was awarded an MBE for service to the community.

Cathie first heard of MAF through Keswick and her church. But it was her friendship with an MAF pilot that cemented her interest. She eventually became an Area Rep in Glasgow – though deteriorating health sadly prevented her serving more than nine months.

She wished any money that she left to be used in the Lord’s work, and this included making provision for MAF. She enriched others’ lives while alive, and her gift is enriching isolated people now she is gone. This was her wish.

We thank God for legacies totalling £926,205 in the second half of 2010. A gift to MAF in your Will is a special way of saving and transforming lives in the future. To learn more about supporting MAF in this way, contact our Legacy Co-ordinator on 0845 850 9505 or email juliettec@maf-uk.org

My response I want to help MAF bring God’s care and compassion to needy people I enclose my gift of £ for use where most needed Please use Block Capitals

Mr, Mrs, Miss, Rev, Dr, Christian name and surname

Address

Postcode Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone CT20 2TN 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD FREEPOST ADM4164, PORTRUSH BT56 8ZY Dept AA1818, PO Box 4214, FREEPOST Dublin 2 Telephone: 0845 850 9505 Email: supporter.relations@maf-uk.org Website: www.maf-uk.org Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)

Flying for Life Email: editor@maf-uk.org Printer: Headley Brothers Ltd Ashford, Kent Printed on sustainable paper produced from a managed forest ©MAF UK March 2011 ffld

lease tell me how I can support an P MAF missionary worker Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)

Mission Aviation Fellowship Castle Hill Avenue FOLKESTONE CT20 2TN 29 Canal Street GLASGOW G4 0AD FSF ffld2

Wait a little longer!

M

aria was an orphan in Ecuador with an undiagnosed sickness. Pilot Kevin Borror was to fly her to hospital, providing an adult would accompany her there. Landing at the airstrip, Kevin spotted Maria – but alone. Not knowing she was seriously ill, Kevin ‘sensed the Lord was telling me to wait a little longer.’ Finally, one of Maria’s extended family agreed to go with her. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed kidney failure. They did not think that she would last the night. But Maria survived! Today, following a kidney transplant in the USA, Maria is a happy, healthy, 13-yearold adopted girl. Kevin’s patience proved vital.

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