Prayer Diary (July-September 2021)

PRAYER DIARY JUL–SEP 2021

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FUELLED BY LOVE And do everything in love — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)

T

he Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8). Rather than it being just one of His attributes, God’s very nature is love. His love can rewrite a person’s story. It interrupts the old state of being and introduces a new one. This is true of my life, and no doubt it resonates with you, too.

As followers of Jesus, we live every day in the light of undeserved mercy and unearned grace, given because of His selfless sacrifice. Fuelled by such love, how can our natural response not be to dedicate our whole lives to Him? Rather than a good idea or a feeling, Jesus longs for His love to be the foundation of all we think, do and feel. His love in us motivates us to good works (Ephesians 2:10) — the result of our relationship with Him and of our being in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I love how the Message version of Matthew 25:36-40 illustrates the power of love in action: ‘“I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me...”

'Then the King will say… “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me — you did it to me.”’

Wow. For more than 75 years, love has been the motivation for MAF’s work across the nations, and it continues to be today.

As you pray through this diary over the coming months, be open to the Holy Spirit as He directs your thoughts and actions. Ask Him to show you how you can be His hands and feet where you are.

Pray too that the flame for mission will be ignited in the hearts of those God is calling to serve overseas as we continue our voyage through the ongoing effects of coronavirus.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer.

Victoria Fagg Prayer Communications Leader, MAF UK

WEEKLY PATTERN OF PRAYER

Praise

Ask

Scripture

Be still

Team

Faith

Action

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

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FOREVER LOVE

JULY

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life — Psalm 23:6 (MSG) THURSDAY 1 MAF has been sharing the love of God globally for more than 75 years. As you pray, remember the different leadership teams throughout the MAF family that carry strategic responsibility for our continued effectiveness across the nations. Pray they will have Godgiven insight, wisdom and courage.

FRIDAY 2 MAF partner Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund has been helping to negotiate peace treaties between warring communities in South Sudan. Please spend some time praying in faith that God’s forever love will bring everlasting peace to this embattled country.

SATURDAY 3 In an ever-changing world, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Give thanks that God’s love continues forever through Jesus. Pray for those whose faith has been challenged over the last year, asking God to steady their feet and renew their hope in Him.

MAIN MAF South Sudan flew a team from Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund to help facilitate peace talks in some of the country's worst areas Jenny Davies ABOVE Dave Fyock, CEO of MAF International JUL-SEP 2021 | Prayer Diary 3

LOVE FOR THE LONELY

JULY

SUNDAY 4 Praise God for Matt Painter, his wife Linsey and their three boys. Uphold Matt as he continues to settle into the role of Timor-Leste Country Director. Leadership can sometimes be lonely, so please pray for Matt and those in authority throughout MAF.

This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you — John 15:12 (AMP)

MONDAY 5 Last year, after hurricanes Eta and Iota left hundreds dead and millions affected, MAF’s Disaster Response team flew Nicaraguan pastors to train local ministers in trauma counselling. Pray for those who lost homes and loved ones in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala; may they realise they are neither forgotten nor alone.

TUESDAY 6 Jesus was misunderstood by his family (Mark 3:21), forsaken by His followers (John 6:66-67) and deserted by His disciples (Mark 14:50). Lift up those who’ve been abandoned by relatives because they’ve become Christians through the witness of MAF’s many missionary partners. Pray that they find true family in the Body of Christ.

WEDNESDAY 7 An MAF team travelled more than 1,240 miles in 2 weeks to visit missions, churches, NGOs and airstrips around Guinea to help assess the need for a new programme. Consider what it must be like for some of the poorest people in West Africa to live in a country where, due to poor infrastructure, they remain isolated and alone — then pray.

THURSDAY 8 As part of a recent programme review, MAF Kenya closed its Loglogo base. Uphold the team and the community during this time of transition. Pray that those who are missing colleagues and contact with MAF staff will experience God’s presence rather than feeling alone.

FRIDAY 9 Pray in faith for MAF staff throughout the world who are suffering grief at this difficult time. With COVID-19 claiming the lives of friends and relatives, and the loss of their usual freedoms, may none of our team feel isolated or lonely.

SATURDAY 10 The pandemic has resulted in us wearing masks. This makes life particularly lonely for those with impaired hearing. Pray for deaf people in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, then consider helping someone you know. Zoom calls are not to everyone’s liking, but they enable people to see faces and read lips.

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MAIN Loglogo, Kenya Mark and Kelly Hewes TOP Matt and Linsey Painter with their boys Edward, Jack and Sebastian ABOVE Flood damage near the River Ulúa after hurricane Iota struck in Honduras Nick Frey

GENEROUS LOVE Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love — 1 John 4:8 (NLT)

SUNDAY 11 MAF staff have been praising God for the rain in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The city had been running out of water and the wells and rice fields were parched. In His abundant generosity, God provides rain and food, so give thanks and pray for showers of physical and spiritual blessing among those we serve.

MONDAY 12 God has been generous in granting us favour with different government departments. Pray for continued good relationships between MAF and the relevant authorities in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

Ask God to open doors that no man or woman can close.

MAIN Landing in Antananarivo Mark and Kelly Hewes TOP MAF's Madagascar team Mark and Kelly Hewes ABOVE The first COVAX flight MAF flew was in Kalimantan, February 2021 Eric Bell

TUESDAY 13 It’s difficult during a pandemic to not give in to fear or become impatient as we wait for the COVID-19 vaccinations to reopen our closed doors.

Remembering all that God has done to bless us in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3), look to Jesus — the light of the world — who is with us and in us and will graciously illuminate any dark tunnel in which we find ourselves.

Praise Him too for the MAF flights carrying vaccines, including those that combat coronavirus, to remote communities.

JULY

WEDNESDAY 14 ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV). Consider the ways in which God has enabled people to be generous through their prayers, a c t i o n s , w o rd s a n d m o n e y during this unsettling season.

Give thanks for God's grace that enables us to share our time, love and resources, enabling MAF to reach the remote and isolated.

THURSDAY 15 MAF Madagascar’s team of 23 staff enables the work of some 87 organisations. Give thanks for one such partner, CEIM (the Independent Evangelical Churches of Madagascar), whose staff give their energy and time to distribute food and share the Gospel.

FRIDAY 16 Earlier this year, a relief pilot and some visiting engineers supported our operations in Liberia. Today, let’s pray in faith for those who give generously of themselves by assisting MAF programmes far from friends, family and home.

SATURDAY 17 Imagine what it must be like for NGO workers in remote areas of South Sudan, following a spate of robberies on NGO convoys. Pray for safety, and for wisdom in planning flight operations.

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PATIENT LOVE

JULY

SUNDAY 18 Praise God for the patient, faithful prayers of MAF supporters worldwide. Many of you tell us you use the Prayer Diary every day.

Thank you for your prayers for those yet to be reached with the Gospel and for persecuted Christians. MAF partners like WEC International and Open Doors are instrumental in this vital work.

MONDAY 19 Ask for patience when aircraft, spare parts and equipment need to reach MAF programmes in a timely fashion. Pray that the necessary permissions and paperwork are completed speedily to keep our planes flying, especially in countries like Bangladesh and Madagascar.

TUESDAY 20 ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance’ (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). Thank God for the opportunity to share the Gospel through aviation and technology, such as the wonderful provision of solar powered audio and Wi-Fi Bibles in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

WEDNESDAY 21 Psalm 37:7 reminds us to ‘Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.’ Political tensions in Myanmar have been in the news this year. Lift this to the Lord and trust that His purposes will prevail. Know that, despite all appearances, God is in control.

THURSDAY 22 ‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:2-3, NIV). Pray that MAF teams worldwide continue to model this attitude to everyone they serve.

FRIDAY 23 MAF has a number of partners serving isolated people in northern Kenya. Pray in faith that God will miraculously open the way for MAF to help more organisations like Concern Worldwide with their relief and development work.

SATURDAY 24 Today, be strengthened and encouraged in your prayers by remembering the patience and love of MAF’s early pioneers — men and women of God like Betty Greene, Harry Hartwig, Murray Kendon and Stuart King. To read about them in our new book Above and Beyond, order your copy from www.maf-uk.org/aboveandbeyond

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Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other — Ephesians 4:2 (CEV)

LEFT Betty Greene — MAF's first ever pilot MAF Archive TOP Solar powered audio Bibles Grace Ward BELOW Bridget Ingham prepares to ferry one of MAF's GA8 Airvans back to service in Arnhem Land after maintenance in Mareeba

LOVE IN DIVERSITY

JULY

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever — 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV) SUNDAY 25 Praise God for the multifarious nature of His creation.

It is this diversity of form, nature and character that produces such beauty. Thank Him for our global organisation that crosses continents, spans oceans and brings help, hope and healing to isolated communities for His glory.

MONDAY 26 Uphold our female pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers and managers throughout MAF's many programmes. Pray for their families, too. Women make up an increasing proportion of our teams.

In a male-dominated sector, pray for many more women to come forward and join us.

TUESDAY 27 ‘Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ’ (1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV). Pray for unity in the Body that is Christ’s work through MAF, with our partners and those we serve.

WEDNESDAY 28 The Christian Church is a diverse and complex organism. Those who belong to it span the denominational spectrum. We rejoice in this v a r i e t y, w h i c h re f l e c t s t h e richness of God’s own character.

In the stillness, pray that God will enable MAF staff to focus on the

core elements of faith which we have in common, and not the secondary issues on which we may hold differing views.

THURSDAY 29 MAF programmes are made up of staff from many nations. They all bring their own life experiences, cultural norms, world views and outlooks. God weaves these diverse individuals together to achieve His purposes.

Pray for understanding, patience and mutual support between people of different backgrounds.

FRIDAY 30 ‘But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere’ (James 3:17, NLT). Pray that South Sudan’s government will seek godly wisdom and serve it's diverse population with integrity and justice.

S AT U R D AY 3 1 R e m e m b e r today our MAF pilots who often find themselves praying for a diverse range of passengers. This could include a local pastor, an American aid worker, a powerful politician or an injured child — true diversity in action!

MAIN MAF Kenya Pilot Sam Johnston (left) prays with orthopaedic specialists from CURE International Jenny Davies TOP MAF Chad Pilot Becki Dillingham Matt Dillingham ABOVE Stunning aerial view of a runway in Lesotho, Africa Grant Strugnell JUL-SEP 2021 | Prayer Diary 7

HEALING LOVE

AUGUST

The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and He will refresh your life with His love — Zephaniah 3:17 (CEV)

SUNDAY 1 Despite travel restrictions last year, praise God for MAF’s response to coronavirus: 89 flights carrying 361 passengers plus the delivery of 13 tonnes of cargo in Arnhem Land, Bangladesh, Chad, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, PNG, South Sudan, Timor-Leste and Uganda.

MONDAY 2 MAF partners with Panzi Hospital in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Instead of walking for weeks to receive treatment for injuries caused by horrific sexual violence, MAF’s safe travel corridor enables women to be seen much more quickly. Ask God for these atrocities to stop!

TUESDAY 3 According to John Hopkins University, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of more than two million people globally, with millions more having lost their livelihoods. As devastated people start to rebuild their lives, pray God’s promise over them from Psalm 147: ‘God heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds.‘ WEDNESDAY 4 Remember the remotest regions of Kenya where access to healthcare is limited. Children who need surgery often wait months for treatment. Pray for MAF partner CURE International, whose doctors undertake a range of operations in their hospital in the Rift Valley.

THURSDAY 5 MAF is delighted to partner with The Carter Center, which aims to eliminate guinea-worm in Chad. This preventable disease is caused by drinking dirty water. Pray for the success of this programme and for better access to clean water in Chad.

FRIDAY 6 Thank You, Lord, for the global vaccination rollout supported

by MAF, which unlocks international borders. Having started with Kalimantan in Indonesia, we continue to offer our support to those involved in ensuring that the vaccine will reach the ends of the earth.

SATURDAY 7 Last year, MAF broadcast information about coronavirus by radio to PNG’s most isolated communities so they could protect themselves. Next time you tune into your radio, TV or internet device, give thanks for the technology which enables us to reach those who are cut off from the outside world.

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SUNDAY 8 Praise God for the ingenuity of the MAF Mareeba engineers who designed ‘COVID secure’ screens, which separate the cockpit from the cabin. They enable patients with coronavirus to be flown safely to hospital, reducing the risk of infecting the pilot.

MAIN MAF partners with Medair in the fight against coronavirus in Toamasina, Madagascar Ryan Unger LEFT Forty-four mattresses destined for Amref's fistula clinic in Yambio, South Sudan Jenny Davies ABOVE MAF Mareeba's airtight 'COVID secure' barrier Ed Hawthorn BELOW A Panzi Hospital patient is strapped in by Pilot Andrew Parker Jacob Steentoft

MONDAY 9 Despite last year’s peace deal, the UN says killing and fighting in South Sudan is the worst on record. Constant conflict jeopardises an already fragile healthcare system. Ask God for the cycle of violence to end, and for protection over MAF staff.

TUESDAY 10 As MAF flies out of the ashes of this pandemic, let’s continue to put our trust in God and meditate on Malachi 4:2, ‘But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings’ (NKJV).

WEDNESDAY 11 At the height of the pandemic, MAF provided the only available transport to hospital for the people of Oecusse — TimorLeste’s most isolated community. Anyone there requiring hospital treatment needs an MAF medevac. May we never take hospital access for granted.

THURSDAY 12 We lift up our partner Amref Health Africa, a health charity which runs fistula repair clinics for women in South Sudan. Last year, MAF transported mattresses to support their recovery following life-transforming surgery. Ask God to bless our relationship with Amref.

FRIDAY 13 As a result of MAF’s medical flights in Tanzania in 2020, more than 18,600 women and children were either vaccinated against preventable diseases or treated by doctors and nurses. Thank God for medical professionals all over the world who have faithfully served us throughout this pandemic.

SATURDAY 14 MAF has flown PPE, test kits, sanitisers and soap in the DRC, Madagascar, South Sudan and Timor-Leste. During your quiet time, place your mask or sanitiser in front of you and thank God for this life-saving tool, which many people take for granted.

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LOVE IN AFRICA

AUGUST

SUNDAY 15 Praise God for the expansion of our programme in Liberia.

Let’s thank Him for the completion of the new hangar, the added office space and maintenance capacity, and the increased opportunities that a second Cessna 208 aircraft will provide for our partners.

MONDAY 16 Ask the Lord for patience and wisdom as MAF staff continually navigate the administration required to keep our African programmes legal and operational. Because requirements can change from year to year, requests for documentation and the inspection of manuals can sometimes be burdensome.

TUESDAY 17 In Madagascar, we recently flew Eden Reforestation Projects for the first time. Please pray that this partnership develops and we’re able to support their valuable work in protecting the environment and creating livelihoods, for ‘the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it’ (Psalm 24:1).

WEDNESDAY 18 In many of our African programmes, the dusty winds of the harmattan season can stop us from taking off, while the extreme weather conditions of the rainy season can prevent us from landing.

Pray for the safety of our pilots, and spend some time reflecting on the goodness of God’s creation and thinking about how we can protect it.

THURSDAY 19 Almost all our programmes in Africa have one or more vacancies, which means most teams aren’t operating at full capacity.

Pray for energy for those covering multiple roles, and for God to bring the right candidates forward. Pray for a Chief Engineer for Chad and for Pilot/Manager posts in South Sudan to be filled.

FRIDAY 20 Many of our mission partners in Chad work among people whose culture is hostile to the Gospel. Pray for missionaries in remote parts of the country who constantly seek opportunities to share their faith with others. May many more people accept the message and trust in Jesus, despite the risks.

SATURDAY 21 Give thanks that MAF has been able to support Partners in Health Liberia by delivering construction materials for their new maternity and children’s ward, and the emergency room at Pleebo Health Centre. The hospital serves more than 55,000 people, so pray that these new additions will have a great impact on the vulnerable communities in that region.

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The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness — Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

MAIN A harmattan dust cloud in Chad BELOW Running late, a mother brings her child for its vaccination at the airstrip during the Haydom medical safari Jarkko Korhonen

LOVE IN ASIA-PACIFIC SUNDAY 22 Praise God for His provision of a hangar that, for many years, met all MAF’s requirements in Bangladesh. As part of the airport development in Dhaka, we’ve been asked to move to the north-eastern end of the airport. Pray that things will go smoothly.

MONDAY 23 Pray for PNG’s rural airstrips. About 85% of PNG’s population live in rural areas, so it’s essential the airstrips are kept safe. Ask the Lord to bless the work being done to gain the support of key officials, helping them to understand the necessity of finance for maintaining the runways.

TUESDAY 24 MAF Timor-Leste continues to: fly ill and injured people to hospital. In just one 2-week period, we carried out 14 medevacs for 16 patients. Pray for the healing and hope this service can bring to patients and their families. Use Psalm 30:2 to guide your prayers.

WEDNESDAY 25 Our Arnhem Land programme is seeking to focus its flying on high impact services such as health, education a n d t h e C h u rc h . P r a y t h at partnerships in these fields will be strong and beneficial to the

AUGUST

indigenous Yolŋu. Reflect on one of the three areas which stands out most to you today and pray.

THURSDAY 26 Uphold those who’ve graduated from MAF’s Mareeba Flight Training Centre and are moving on to overseas service. Bridget Ingham goes to PNG later this year, and Nick and Ruth Hitchins are moving to Timor-Leste. Pray too that Steven Thompson and Glenn Cousley complete their Aeromechanical Certificate IV by the end of 2021.

FRIDAY 27 Thank God for our new amphibious aircraft in Bangladesh, for the donors who gave sacrificially, and for their patience. It has taken more than three years for the plane to be authorised for use. Pray in faith that God will remove any barriers to its future service.

SATURDAY 28 U p h o l d o u r international team members who haven’t been able to go on home assignment due to coronavirus restrictions. Pray for peace as they patiently wait for things to change. As you begin thinking about booking holidays again, remember the MAF staff who have been apart from their wider family for so long!

God is love. If we keep on loving others, we will stay one in our hearts with God, and He will stay one with us — 1 John 4:16 (CEV)

MAIN The new Cessna 208 amphibious plane arrived in Bangladesh in 2020 TOP Steven Thompson (behind) and Glenn Cousley (front) Ben Sibthorpe ABOVE Glenys Watson conducting an airstrip survey in PNG Brad Venter

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LOVE IN THE AMERICAS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all — 2 Corinthians 13:14 (RSV) SUNDAY 29 Praise God for Brazilian MAF affiliate Asas de Socorro. The organisation works in partnership with Tearfund to build water treatment stations — supplying clean water and providing information and training to help save lives.

MONDAY 30 Alas de Socorro is the name of MAF's affiliate in Ecuador. Pray for God’s provision as the organisation's staff seek to raise funds for a new Kodiak aircraft and recruit more pilots to meet the country’s needs.

TUESDAY 31 ‘L e t l o v e a n d faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart’ (Proverbs 3:3, NIV). Today, let’s pray for MAF affiliate Alas de Socorro de Mexico (ADSM). in Mexico. May our staff in Mexico know God’s love and faithfulness in practical ways, and have many opportunities to share it with others throughout the day.

WEDNESDAY 1 Today, let's be still and pray for American staff members Todd and Connie Aebischer [pictured above right].

Todd is MAF’s Country Director in PNG. Ask God for good health, 12 Prayer Diary | JUL-SEP 2021

wisdom and encouragement for Todd, Connie and their four children.

THURSDAY 2 Pray for MAF Canada’s Ministry Partnership team. Their role is to train and support new staff, helping them to build a strong team of partners who will pray, encourage and give, enabling MAF personnel to fill the various vacancies in our programmes.

FRIDAY 3 In Guatemala, MAF affiliate AGAPE runs mobile medical clinics for villagers in isolated or inaccessible areas.

They also provide a Bible teaching programme that helps strengthen rural churches. Pray in faith for the team as they help bring about physical and spiritual transformation.

SATURDAY 4 M A F H a i t i i s celebrating 35 years of service this year. Sadly, there is still a huge need for us to continue flying partner organisations to help rebuild a battered country, following a number of devastating natural disasters. Pray for the safety of our staff and for a period of stability in Haiti.

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MAIN Aerial view over Haiti Zacharie H François TOP Todd and Connie Aebischer MIDDLE AGAPE patient medevac, November 2020 BOTTOM Marcos Souza, a Maintenance Specialist in Ecuador

SACRIFICIAL LOVE

SEPTEMBER

Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins — 1 Peter 4:8 (TPT) SUNDAY 5 Praise God for the sacrifice He made in sending His Son to earth. In doing so, He demonstrated the ultimate gesture of sacrificial love. May MAF staff be willing to be a living sacrifice as they go about their daily work.

MONDAY 6 Ask the Lord to bless the Resource Shop at the MAF terminal in Arnhem Land. It has reopened recently, after the spouse of an MAF pilot kindly offered to help run it. Pray that the Christian material available there will be a great blessing to our passengers.

TUESDAY 7 ‘The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10, NIV). Uphold Fraser and Tracy Norbury [pictured above], who heard the Lord calling them to serve back in 2012 and were led to MAF. Fraser now serves as Head of Finance in PNG. WEDNESDAY 8 Today, in your quiet time with God, read 1 Samuel 3:10-21 and think about how those verses not only encourage us, but also highlight some of the sacrifices necessary during a life of service. Think about the challenges Samuel faced, even though he was being prepared to serve in the Temple, and lift up those who are prayerfully considering their own call to MAF. THURSDAY 9 Teamwork often involves sacrificial love. The family of MAF is no different. Please uphold Fiona Stevenson, giving thanks for her willingness to support our finance teams in many countries. For more than nine years, she’s been ready to serve wherever she’s needed, and is currently in PNG. FRIDAY 10 Established in faith in 1956, MAF Technologies PNG seeks to meet the communication and technical needs of PNG’s remotest communities, enabling tribes to hear the Gospel and get help in times of need. Pray for endurance as our personnel install and maintain vital radio equipment.

SATURDAY 11 When our staff serve overseas, they often sacrifice things we take for granted, like cheese or chocolate — items that aren’t readily available. This weekend, why not give up something as a mini sacrifice, and each time you think about that item, spend a moment praying for MAF instead?

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LOVING GOD’S WORD SUNDAY 12 Praise God that MAF has flown 510kg of Didinga Scripture portions from Wycliffe Bible Translators to Chukudum in South Sudan for the Africa Inland Church, enabling more people to receive God’s Word in their own language.

MONDAY 13 Ask God to bless the work of MAF’s partners in Liberia. Ethnos360 is planting churches through Bible lessons and teaching literacy classes. This year, MAF helped the organisation — formerly known as New Tribes Mission — to bring Gospel light to the land by transporting solar panels to power the printer that produces its materials.

TUESDAY 14 ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV). Pray that we — and all those who have received the Bible in their own language as a result of MAF’s work — learn to love every aspect of God’s Word.

WEDNESDAY 15 It is apt that MAF’s very first flight by Pilot Betty Greene in 1946 was for Wycliffe

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SEPTEMBER

Bible Translators, and we still fly their staff today! Take a moment to be still before the Lord and uphold their ministry.

THURSDAY 16 The commitment of MAF staff to share God’s Word is evident worldwide. In PNG, a member of MAF Technologies PNG visits a women’s prison each week with members of local churches to have fellowship with the inmates.

FRIDAY 17 Have faith that MAF’s highly skilled pilots know how to maximise the impact of the precious cargo they carry. Give thanks that, in South Sudan, a flight to Malualkon carrying 5,000 solar powered radios for Every Village was made possible by a refuelling stop in Wau. This enabled us to deliver a much bigger load for those requiring God’s Word.

SATURDAY 18 ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’ (Psalm 119:105). Watch the dawn rise as you meditate on this verse. Look back at and pray again the prayer points for this week, encouraged that God’s Word is bringing light across the globe. If you missed it, try again tomorrow morning!

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But you, O Lord, are a merciful and loving God, always patient, always kind and faithful — Psalm 86:15 (GNT)

TOP Solar radios arrive in Malualkon for Every Village Wim Hobo ABOVE Solar panel cargo for Ethnos360 Andrew Mumford BELOW Teams from Wycliffe Bible Translators in Madagascar train online during the pandemic Bev Erasmus

CALLED TO LOVE

SEPTEMBER

I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever — Psalm 52:8 (ESV) SUNDAY 19 Throughout the year, MAF has held online recruitment events featuring live conversations with overseas staff. Praise God for those who attended and now have a deeper understanding of the challenges and great joy of serving overseas.

MONDAY 20 Maintaining MAF’s current ministry and growing so we can meet the increasing demand requires a steady number of new recruits. Ask the Lord of the harvest to ‘send out workers into His harvest field’ (Matthew 9:38).

TUESDAY 21 Psalm 67:1-2 (NIV) states, ‘May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us — so that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.’ Pray this may be increasingly true of the 26 countries in which we serve.

WEDNESDAY 22 It’s easier being still when the sea of life is calm and gentle breezes blow. It’s another thing to be still when the waves are crashing and the wind is howling. Pray for MAF staff working in areas where the rules, culture and challenges are different, where stresses build, and it’s not always easy to rest in the Lord’s promised care (Psalm 46:10-11).

THURSDAY 23 Pray for MAF’s team of aircraft maintenance engineers working at our heavy maintenance base in Mareeba, Australia. The work they do is often unseen and unnoticed, but they keep our planes flying.

FRIDAY 24 ‘Faith comes from hearing’ (Romans 10:17, NIV). Every week, MAF enables church and mission partners, such as Lesotho Flying Pastors, to reach out and disciple people in remote communities. Pray that they will know God's strength and encouragement.

SATURDAY 25 Every year, we advertise the need for new overseas staff. Some Christians still haven’t heard of MAF, so do pray that they read our articles and advertisements, click on the links provided, and are inspired to explore more. To share MAF’s story with someone you know, direct them to www.maf-uk.org/jobs SUNDAY 26 Praise God for the incredible flexibility, resilience and commitment of MAF staff in the UK during the pandemic. Thank the Lord for His leading, provision and care.

MONDAY 27 This year, several long-serving staff returned to the UK, including the Mumford and Swanson families. Please pray for them as they transition back into life here. Ask, too, that our heavenly Father will inspire, prepare and prompt more people to consider serving with MAF. TUESDAY 28 ‘The Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth”’ (Acts 13:47, NIV). Pray for MAF’s staff and missionary partners, like Tutapona, as they seek to bring physical and spiritual transformation to isolated people.

WEDNESDAY 29 Being busy can be seen to indicate success. But Jesus often drew aside and spent time alone with God (Matthew 14:23). True perspective and success come from time spent with Him. When praying, take time to sit in His presence.

THURSDAY 30 Every flight that takes off requires a team of skilled behind-the-scenes workers. Pray for MAF’s aircraft maintenance engineers, managers, logisticians, quality and safety staff, building maintenance workers and cleaners. We couldn’t do it without them!

JUL-SEP 2021 | Prayer Diary 15

SAVE THE DATE — MAF’S GLOBAL WEEK OF PRAYER Sunday 31 October — Sunday 7 November 2021

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord...

Jeremiah 17:7

This year’s Global Week of Prayer is themed ‘Trust Me’. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, God invites us to experience greater intimacy and joy as we learn to trust Him with everything. What greater place than prayer is there to respond to such an invite?

A GWOP special edition prayer diary will be included in the October–December edition of Flying for Life. A digital copy, together with an online prayer calendar, will be available too.

To register your interest, please visit www.maf-uk.org/trustme

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