A youth team visits RedTribe in Loita Hills, Kenya
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Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things — Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
It’s very easy to get caught up in the here and now and the cares of today, and lose our heavenly perspective.
When coming to God in prayer, it’s imperative that we direct our eyes and hearts heavenwards. When we hear that 1 billion people live in isolation and more than 80% of these are extremely poor, it can feel overwhelming. The need can appear too great.
It's at times like this when I think of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just 5 loaves and 2 fish. The need was great and what they had in their hands was clearly not enough — a mere drop in the ocean, as it were.
‘As evening approached, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
‘Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
‘“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
‘“Bring them here to me,” He said. And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
‘They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over’ (Matthew 14:15-20, NIV). Jesus was enough!
The above account reminds us that all we need to do is bring what we have to Jesus, fix our eyes on Him and look heavenwards. The God of abundance and ‘immeasurably more’ is at work.
In this diary, the Scriptures on each page recall the mindset from which we’re to pray and remind us that the God we serve is a miracle-working God!
Celebrating 80 years of MAF reminds us that God has always provided and has never let us down. This edition of the prayer diary provides a couple of pages that reflect on the importance of prayer to MAF. We also include an ‘Audacious Prayers’ page, sharing some really big faith prayer requests for the coming year. We hope you enjoy partnering with us in prayer.
God bless you richly
Jess Soames
Prayer Communications Leader
LESOTHO
TUESDAY 1 The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small, mountainous country located within South Africa. Though beautiful, this small African nation is crippled by poverty, famine and HIV/ AIDS. Pray for MAF as we labour to carry the love of Christ to those living without life’s basics
WEDNESDAY 2 After many years of direct management by MAF, the Lesotho Flying Pastors has become an independent organisation called Lesotho Mountain Discipleship. Thanks to your prayers and support, MAF flights have enabled the work to grow from a small group of pastors who occasionally visited remote areas to disciple-makers who minister for years in various locations. Please pray for the continued growth of this work and for us as we continue to assist these pastors
THURSDAY 3 Nearly 300,000 people living in the country’s remote mountainous regions depend on the Lesotho Flying Doctor Service (LFDS) teams that serve at three health outposts and five district hospitals on a weekly basis. They rely on MAF to transport them to these incredibly hard-to-reach locations. Please continue to pray for the vital work that the partnership between MAF and LFDS enables
FRIDAY 4 The isolated village of Kuebunyane sits at a dizzying 2,293 metres above sea level. To reach it from the closest clinic, nurses would have to drive for four hours before spending another four hours trekking across a deep valley. Give thanks that an MAF plane can safely transport those seeking to reach communities like Kuebunyane in about 30 minutes
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us — Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
SATURDAY 5 Joe Adams is currently Interim Country Director for MAF in Lesotho. Joe along with his wife Karen and two children Grace and Timothy has been on home assignment, spending some time back in the USA. Please pray for the Adams family as they settle back into life in Lesotho.
206
MAIN MAF’s Cessna
serves isolated communities across Lesotho
SOUTH SUDAN
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus — Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
APRIL
SUNDAY 6 Praise God for our South Sudan programme and its 52 staff and 7 light aircraft. Pray for our personnel as they continue helping the nation’s churches to be salt and light, giving thanks that — despite the country’s warring factions — people remain open to the Gospel. May our operation there, which began in 1950, see increasing fruit and blessing, even when there’s unrest.
MONDAY 7 Uphold Josefin Brandström, our Interim Country Director, asking for wisdom and guidance as the construction of a new compound gets underway. Pray too for the timely completion of this important project. May the new homes for our staff prove to be places of peace, safety and abundant blessing.
TUESDAY 8 Remember our Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations workshops, which have been run in more than ten communities. Pray that the healing of traumatised lives will continue, leading to a harvest of righteousness, peace and forgiveness between those who currently mistrust one another. As God reconciled us to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18), let us, too, be agents of reconciliation
WEDNESDAY 9 Please continue to pray for more teachers to serve in South Sudan. Having people to teach our missionary children is essential if the youngsters are to attain a good standard of education and our adult staff are to continue serving overseas.
THURSDAY 10 Today, give thanks for In Deed and Truth Ministries’ mission hospital. Their staff treat thousands of women and children each year. Without our flights, their life-saving work wouldn’t be possible. As we uphold our partner, let’s pray for the spiritual and physical transformation of everyone their personnel encounter.
FRIDAY 11 One of our first flights to the new airstrip in Naliel was for Seeking the Lost Mission. Mark Keter, the Christian NGO’s founder, later said, ‘The new airstrip will help us as missionaries. The flight took only 45 minutes compared to the 12 hours it would take to drive.
Praise God for MAF!’ Pray for God’s continued blessing as Mark and his colleagues reach remote areas with the Gospel, plant churches and run a school for 250 students.
SATURDAY 12 The election originally planned for December last year is now scheduled for next year. Pray that South Sudanese throughout the country will exhibit peace and patience despite this setback, and that the government there will lead with humility, wisdom and righteousness.
MIDDLE A Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations workshop in Maridi
ABOVE Mark and Lorna Keter from Seeking the Lost Mission at Naliel
TOP Josefin Brandström, Interim Country Director
LATIN AMERICA
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full — John 10:10 (NIV)
SUNDAY 20 Praise God for Easter Sunday, a celebration of resurrection life and spiritual new beginnings! May the Lord bless everyone who reads this diary, as well as all those seeking to share our glorious risen Lord with the peoples of Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico and Suriname.
MONDAY 21 Pray for the people in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, whose livelihoods were destroyed during the floods last year. Pilot Victor Scarparo says, ‘The aerial view was devastating. We saw submerged neighbourhoods and collapsed lives, with the importance of our air mission becoming clear.’ As we give thanks that MAF affiliate Asas de Socorro delivered more than 1,000kg of life-saving aid to flooded communities, let’s uphold all those recovering from the devastation. May our pilots and planes always be ready whenever disaster strikes and people need help
MAIN MAF's Cessna 206 at a remote airstrip in Mexico in 2017
RIGHT Carrying out an engine replacement on one of the three aircraft serving in Ecuador
TUESDAY 22 MAF began operating in Latin America in 1946, with Betty Greene piloting its inaugural flight to Mexico. Flights by MAF affiliate Alas de Socorro de Mexico are mainly dedicated to serving the community, supporting the Church, and evangelism. Give thanks that the mountainous area south-west of Oaxaca that was originally resistant to the Gospel now has a small group of believers in almost every village we assist
WEDNESDAY 23 Uphold
Country Director Andy Bijkerk, who’s responsible for 26 personnel at MAF’s affiliate in Suriname. The team give thanks for Pilot Marc Ketelaar, whose appointment has taken some of the pressure off our programme.
THURSDAY 24 Having left our original base in Port-au-Prince due to insecurity, please pray for the smooth running of our Haiti programme from Pignon. Pray too for strength and endurance as we seek to resume operations, hire additional staff and reassess existing airstrips.
FRIDAY 25 Remember Ecuador Programme Director Jose Arce in your prayers. He oversees a team of 20 national staff and 2 international families. With crime and insecurity in Ecuador having increased in recent years, please pray for the protection of our personnel, partners and the people we serve
SATURDAY 26 Today, let’s pray for the completion of the work being done on the house built by MAF pilot and martyr Nate Saint in Ecuador. May the existence of Nate’s former home in Shell Mera and his inspiring story of love and sacrifice encourage many others to accept God’s call to mission.
THE MAF PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your peace, protection and provision.
We pray that MAF will always have:
One purpose –the glory of God
One pathway –the will of God
One passion –the love of God.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
STUART KING (1922-2020) MAF CO-FOUNDER
‘Having people who pray for me every day is mindblowing and truly humbling. It has been the biggest encouragement over my 16 years working for MAF.’
FIONA STEVENSON , TECHNICAL ACCOUNTANT
SUNDAY 4 Praise God for the many faithful men, women and children who’ve prayed for and financially supported our overseas staff for the last 80 years. Pray that our supporter base will increase and flourish, with many more praying for overseas mission.
MONDAY 5 Pray for the thousands of supporters across the world who partner with us in prayer. May they — and you — know God’s smile over them as you pray for the isolated and the vulnerable.
TUESDAY 6 Stuart King’s and Jack Hemmings’ initial survey flight ended abruptly in Africa, when the Gemini aircraft they were flying crashed. It was through prayer and a sense that God was calling them to trust Him that enabled the two MAF pioneers to continue. Let’s pray today that we’ll continue to follow God’s call and remain steadfast, whatever challenges come our way.
‘We thank God for the quick answers to prayer and we thank you for the answers that have come as we have persisted in prayer. I’ve often thought about those two Cessna 180s. The first took two years of persistent prayer and work to obtain. The second came in a flash.’
EXTRACT FROM HOPE HAS WINGS BY STUART KING (FAR LEFT)
WEDNESDAY 7 Pray that we will learn to be persistent in our prayers and not give up when things don’t change immediately. May we have faith like the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8.
THURSDAY 8 Pray that we remember to be fully reliant on God and not lean on our own understanding whenever we encounter problems or challenges
FRIDAY 9 Pray that the MAF leadership team across the world will continue to lead with courage, humility and integrity.
SATURDAY 10 ‘Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain’ (Psalm 127:1, ESV). Pray that MAF will stay true to the vision God has given, and that He will continue to build MAF according to His blueprint
MAF OPERATIONS WORLDWIDE
ASIA-PACIFIC AMERICAS AFRICA
1. Brazil*
Ecuador
Guatemala*
Haiti
Mexico*
Suriname*
Angola
Chad
Democratic Republic of Congo
Guinea
Kenya
Lesotho
SUPPORT OFFICES
Liberia
Madagascar
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
24. MAF Canada Support Office and Training Centre
25. MAF International Support Office and Training Centre
26. MAF US Support Office and Training Centre
19. Arnhem Land 20. Kalimantan
21. Papua 22. Papua New Guinea 23. Timor-Leste
Mozambique
‘What a thrill to actually be doing the work for which we had hoped, prayed and planned.’
BETTY GREENE (1920-1997), MAF PILOT
WEDNESDAY 14 Give thanks for the glorious opportunity we have to partner with God in serving. What an honour it is to be trusted with this work!
THURSDAY 15 Pray that we remain a thankful people, and that when we see breakthroughs and answers to prayer, we will always remember to give the glory to God first and foremost
FRIDAY 16 ‘MAF is the result of hard, lonely and devoted work by people whose strong faith has kept them going in the sorts of adversity which snuffs out most human endeavour, providing humanitarian service for some of the least fortunate people of the world’ (Hope Has Wings). Pray that God will enable all who work for MAF to remain faithful and that, even in the face of adversity, their faith will prove to be an immovable anchor.
SATURDAY 17 As we look to the future and the next huge milestone of 100 years, pray that God enlarges MAF’s reach so even more remote and isolated communities can receive help, hope and healing.
LEFT
ABOVE Betty
MAIN One of MAF's Cessna Caravans under the stars in South Sudan
Emil and Margrit Kündig
Greene flew this plane — a Cessna 180D — which was used in the search for Michael Rockefeller
MADAGASCAR
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need — Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
SUNDAY 25 Praise God for Logistics Officer Tahianjanahary Fiadanantsoa Kajaibe who joined our Madagascar programme shortly before Christmas last year. Uphold all our greatly valued staff members and give thanks for their dedication and hard work.
MONDAY 26 Pray for all those affected by limited access to water. We remain committed to finding sustainable ways to support communities without proper access to clean water; transporting water and helping organisations provide wells and boreholes.
TUESDAY 27 Pray for those serving with us in Madagascar as they help bridge the gap between remote communities and essential services. Because about 60% of the population lives in rural regions with poor road conditions, our flights provide the Malagasy people with transport, food and medical supplies
MAIN Sahakevo, a rural village in Madagascar
RIGHT A young lad meets Pilot Patrick Keller (right) before flying to receive medical treatment
WEDNESDAY 28 Please pray for partnerships between MAF and organisations like HoverAid, which work together to bring life-saving medical treatment to people in remote and isolated areas
THURSDAY 29 Today is International Day of UN Peacemakers, so do pray for all those who dedicate their lives to fostering peace and unity in challenging regions. Please uphold our Madagascar programme as our personnel bring God's love to communities which are hard to access. Pray too for God’s protection over our pilots and staff as they carry medical supplies and bring peace to many.
FRIDAY 30 Please pray for those in western Madagascar who, whenever people get sick, seek help and healing from those following witchcraft. Pray too for our flights for missionary families who share the Gospel with remote communities. A village chief, who originally followed traditional beliefs but now wants to know more about
his newfound faith in Jesus, gives thanks for the visits MAF provides. When he gathered his family together, it wasn’t to tell them about ancient customs, but so they could hear the Gospel. Pray for hearts and minds to remain open and that the community will soon receive God’s Word.
SATURDAY 31 Pray for the continuation of our partnerships with organisations like Mercy Ships. Thanks to our plane, a young boy can now dream of a future without pain after a short flight enabled him to reach Mercy Ships' medics.
TIMOR-LESTE
Honour the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with new wine — Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
SUNDAY 1 Praise God for Ping Domtta, who has been appointed as the new MAF Country Director for Timor-Leste. He leads a team of nine, with more staff planning to join our programme later this year. Pray too for the team during this time of change
MONDAY 2 In the UK, this week is recognised as Volunteers’ Week. Let’s give thanks for all of MAF’s volunteers and pray for them as they support our mission. If you’d like to find out more about how you can volunteer for MAF, please visit www.maf-uk.org/mafvolunteers
TUESDAY 3 Today, let’s pray for staff such as Domingus Mala Falo who dutifully prepares and cleans our Timor-Leste aircraft each morning. It takes more than pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers to keep our programmes running. Ask the Lord to bless all our staff, no matter what role they play in His work
WEDNESDAY 4 ‘The MAF flight was very helpful for us and saved my son’s life during this tough situation when there seemed to be no hope for us,’ says Mr Tilman. Give thanks that, after overcoming a severe fever in hospital, nine-month-old baby Narcisio and his parents were able to fly home after MAF's medical emergency airlift.
THURSDAY 5 Many people in Timor-Leste have never been on a plane before. MAF has been holding Flying For All workshops around the country to help reduce people’s fear of flying. The presentations enable people to discuss aviation and, for those who have never flown before, provides them with an opportunity to experience a short flight. Please pray for more opportunities to hold these events and that people’s fears will be allayed.
FRIDAY 6 There are no dentists on Atauro Island, so residents can find themselves tormented by toothache for years. The only way to get help is to make an unpredictable sea crossing to the capital Dili. Fortunately, we were able to fly a German dentist to Atauro to treat patients during a three-day clinic. Please pray for a permanent solution so that people can receive dental care whenever they need it
SATURDAY 7 Lift up Communications Officer Lobitos Alves, who provides us with stories we can share with our supporters. Pray that many of MAF’s beneficiaries will feel empowered by having their voices heard through the stories he writes
TOP TO BOTTOM
Domingus Mala Falo cleaning a GA8 Airvan / Baby Narcisio and his parents
Two mothers after their first flight / MAF Communications Officer Lobitos Alves
KENYA
SUNDAY 8 Praise God for Pentecost! As Acts 1:8 reminds us, the disciples were told, ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ The daily needs and challenges of the places MAF serves can sometimes feel overwhelming, so please join us in giving thanks for the Holy Spirit, who enables our staff to shine Christ’s light in the darkest situations.
MONDAY 9 Pray for the collaborative work of AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya and MAF. We are working together to deliver physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support to children who would otherwise be beyond the reach of the vital holistic care these safaris offer
TUESDAY 10 Kenya is located within the Greater Horn of Africa — a region that’s highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Pray for communities like Pakase, Shompole and Letoi that live with the constant threat of flooding from nearby rivers.
WEDNESDAY 11 Pray for the work of RedTribe, which seeks to see the Maasai communities free from poverty and disease. The Christian NGO relies on MAF’s essential services to save its staff up to eight hours of gruelling overland travel, reducing the journey from Nairobi to the Loita Hills to just 35 minutes
THURSDAY 12 In 2024, thanks to your faithful prayers and support, our Kenya programme transported 1,811 passengers and carried more than 11,000kg of potentially life transforming cargo. Join us in believing that God will provide the resources for us to far exceed this figure in 2025.
FRIDAY 13 The unreached people of the world are often unreached for a reason they are hard to get to! Pray for the work of Christ is The Answer Ministries (CITAM). We regularly fly staff so they can reach those living in northern Kenya’s remote communities. CITAM uses both veterinary work and medical clinics to serve and share their faith with the nomadic people there.
SATURDAY 14 Despite Kenya being one of the more developed countries in East Africa, the unequal distribution of resources and investment means that, in the north of the country, many isolated people remain in desperate need — both spiritually and physically. This includes many refugees in the Kakuma and Dadaab camps. Pray for the provision of staff and resources as MAF seeks to bring positive change, along with hope for a brighter future
MAIN More than 350 households lived in Pakase, but all were washed away by a torrent
LEFT CITAM staff bring health and faith together in remote villages
ABOVE MAF and RedTribe partnering together to reach the Maasai people
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings
— Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
RECRUITMENT
JUNE
SUNDAY 22 Praise God for His faithfulness in always providing staff for MAF — sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Pray that we will trust Him for all our staffing needs and that He will inspire the right people to consider serving with MAF.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit — Romans 15:13 (NIV)
MONDAY 23 Pray for creativity and innovation in finding and recruiting dedicated new staff. Ask for God’s guidance in exploring new ways to connect with people in the UK. May He raise up the Christ-centred individuals we need, from pilots to aircraft maintenance engineers, support staff and teachers
TUESDAY 24 Pray for those currently at the final stages before beginning work with MAF. Ask God to help them navigate priorities and information, juggle multiple responsibilities, and attain clarity concerning their calling. Pray too for patience, wisdom and clear communication so that the best way forward can be discerned. May our candidates be well prepared and confident in their calling to serve with MAF overseas.
WEDNESDAY 25 Pray for God’s provision in filling critical roles such as country directors, teachers and engineers. Ask Him to call and equip individuals with the skills, passion and faith needed for these vital roles, enabling us to continue our mission effectively
THURSDAY 26 Pray for a successful year of recruitment events hosted by MAF to connect with potential candidates. Uphold Ben Renshaw, our Talent Acquisition Officer, asking for fruitful conversations and meaningful connections with new enquirers. Pray that these relationships will grow and inspire individuals to serve with MAF in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
FRIDAY 27 Pray for our trainees and training programmes, particularly the Engineer Training Scheme. Ask God to raise up more candidates for this vital programme and to sustain and encourage those already in training. Pray for endurance, wisdom and the strength to persevere — trusting that God will help the trainees to grow in knowledge and skill as they prepare to serve Him in remote and challenging areas.
SATURDAY 28 Ask God to multiply the impact of every recruitment contact we make, just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. Pray that, as the team works with each enquirer, we can nurture and grow these connections so that we have a great pool of potential candidates from which to fish. Ask for wisdom, patience and discernment as we guide each person towards their unique calling with MAF. If you’d like to find out more about serving with MAF, please visit www.maf-uk.org/mafcareers
SUNDAY 29 Praise God for the ways He is drawing people towards service overseas. Give thanks for the impact these people are having around the world in various MAF programmes. Thanks to them, countless individuals have encountered Christ’s love.
MONDAY 30 MAF in the UK’s staff recruitment goal is to send eight people overseas each year. Because many of the roles are so specialist, this is a real faith goal. In practice, this would work out at four already suitably qualified and experienced staff, two graduates from the Future Pilot Programme and two graduates from our Engineer Training Scheme. Our God is able!
On the second Friday of each month, a prayer devotional drops into the inbox of many MAF supporters.
We are so thankful to each and every person who prays for MAF. This resource is something we create to give back, in the hope that you feel inspired and perhaps even challenged a little in your daily walk with the Lord. It’s less a request for prayer and more a thought to read and reflect on.
If you would like to receive the prayer devotion each month, please scan the QR code or visit www.maf-uk.org/devotions
