Scottish Special (October-December 2021)

SCOTTISH SPECIAL OCT-DEC 2021

‘So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!’

Depending on your perspective, the word ‘freedom’ conjures up many connotations.

I’m thankful that we live in a free society — one that allows us to speak truth and fight injustice.

Sadly, not all people have this liberty. All around the globe, unrest beckons, producing an atmosphere of fear, intimidation and silence.

MAF’s peace and reconciliation flights in South Sudan enable communities to be empowered through learning — addressing gender-based violence and promoting peace and harmony among communities that have often been at war.

However, as Christians, we know that it is Jesus who brings people true freedom. There is power in His name and there is an army rising up to conquer all that imprisons men, women and children.

And that army is us!

‘The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.’ (Isaiah 61:1) Together for the Kingdom Heather Malloch Head of MAF in Scotland

Pathways to volunteering Story Chris Macrae

This autumn, we’re on the lookout for enthusiastic, prayerful people with a heart for mission who want to see lives changed in some of the remotest areas on earth.

If that’s you — or someone you know — please help us grow our team of volunteers and plot an exciting new flight path with MAF Scotland.

Often, people don’t volunteer for roles because no-one has asked them. To put this right, MAF Scotland are doing the asking!

There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available as we aim to expand our reach in Scotland. There are many pathways to consider, whether that is representing us as a Speaker or as a Church Representative.

Alternatively, you could help us create resources, join the team at events, or assist us in producing our digital content.

So, if this inspires you — or you know someone who could be inspired to volunteer — please get in touch with Andy at andy.martin@maf-uk.org, or spread the word to family and friends so more people can get on board with MAF Scotland!

www.maf-uk.org/scotland

Thank you, Scotland!

Story Chris Macrae

Photos Ruth Campbell, Alison McKenna and Sheonagh Struthers

Many of MAF Scotland’s 75th anniversary events were unable to take place in 2020, so we decided that we’d celebrate this year instead In 2021, we launched a community fundraising campaign to encourage our amazing supporters and volunteers to host their own fundraising events — setting a target of £7,500.

We’re excited to tell you we surpassed that total! Here are three examples of some wonderful folk who took on the challenge.

Alison McKenna — ran 75 miles in the month of May

Ruth Campbell — walked from Inverness to John O’ Groats

MAF Scotland staff team — walked 75 miles in a single day

‘During lockdown, I had time to run further than before,’ says Alison. It really does make me feel happier, more energised and reduces stress. When I found out that MAF was looking for people to fundraise around the theme of 75 years of life-saving service, I thought, “that’s something I could do.”

‘The total raised is more than I ever thought possible, and I’m really thankful for everyone’s kindness. Some people who supported me were hearing about MAF for the first time.’

Ruth, a supporter of MAF for many years, walked a total of 147 miles in 11 days. ‘I love longdistance walks,’ she says, ‘and discovering our beautiful country on foot.

‘I chose to raise money for MAF because of the vital service you provide for the most isolated and forgotten people around the world, especially during this difficult time of pandemic.’

Not to be left out, the staff team walked 75 miles in one day by lapping Strathclyde Loch in Motherwell. Through glorious sunshine and ‘refreshing’ spring showers, the team completed its challenge with a few aches, pains and blisters to show for it.

Head of MAF Scotland Heather Malloch says, ‘What a way to celebrate 75 years of amazing work! A huge thank-you to everyone who supported us, cheered us on, prayed for us and sponsored us for this walk.’

We want to say a massive thank-you to everyone who took part in our community fundraising campaign. You can still contribute by visiting

www.justgiving.com/campaign/ MAFScotland75

Not just a profession Story Katie Machell

Photos Margot Biggs and Roy Rissanen

Last spring, Nurse Margot Biggs took an MAF shuttle flight from Liberia’s capital Monrovia to the south-eastern town of Harper — a journey that usually requires two days on rutted roads Taking time out from volunteering as a nurse at ELWA hospital in Monrovia, Margot and her colleague Dr Mikey Bryant spent four days delivering the WHO’s Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment course (ETAT).

ETAT aims to improve how health workers treat children within the first, crucial 24 hours of being admitted to hospital After completing the course, around 100 Liberian health workers a year are better equipped to assess a range of admissions, from breathing difficulties and convulsions to malnourished children and basic life support.

‘The knowledge that we’ve helped them acquire is so valuable,’ says Margot. ‘We’re literally teaching them how to save lives. I’m incredibly grateful that we’re able to fly with MAF, because that is the only way we can do it.’

On this course, delivered in partnership with local medical professionals, 25 attendees learnt how to put new skills into practice in a variety of scenarios.

‘At the beginning,’ Margot explains, ‘everyone takes an assessment which hardly any of them pass. However, at the end of the course, they repeat the test and most of the participants pass. Even for those who don’t, we always see a massive difference in the knowledge they’ve gained.’

Delivering a course in a poor country is not without its challenges.

‘We use our projector but the electricity often cuts out, so that can be frustrating,’ Margot admits. ‘Also, some people are already good at their job whereas others have much less

experience. It can be difficult know what level to pitch the training at.’

But, in spite of these obstacles, Margot remains passionate about promoting health care.

‘Part of the reason why I love teaching this course is because I can really show the participants what it means to be a nurse, especially as a Christian. I really hope that passion comes across.

Nursing is not just a profession — it’s truly a calling.’

MAIN Learning how to save lives on the ETAT course LEFT MAF’s Margot Biggs and Roy Rissanen (right) RIGHT Health workers in Harper put new skills into practice

Today, Perth — tomorrow, the world Photos Nathanael Smith

Andy Martin speaks to Nathanael Smith, the first person to join MAF’s new Engineering Training Scheme (ETS) When did you receive the call from God to serve with us? Was it an easy reply to make, or did you wrestle with the idea of MAF before accepting His call?

Since I was a boy, I‘ve wanted to be a missionary pilot.

The only ‘wrestling’ was realising that my skills and, therefore, my calling was towards aircraft maintenance rather than flying!

I’d been working in aviation for two years to gain the required skills and experience to become a missionary aircraft mechanic. So, when a friend told me about the ETS, I jumped at the opportunity.

When did you move to Perth?

I moved to Perth in April to start an Air Service Training course. It’s based at Perth College and in the hangars at the city’s Scone Airport.

I’ll be here for two years as I study to become a licensed aircraft mechanic.

From when you responded to the call, how long will it be before you get to the mission field?

I won’t be serving overseas with MAF for at least fourand-a-half years. I have two years of training here in Perth, then a further two years of work experience before I get my aircraft maintenance licence.

After that, there will be theological training and support raising before finally being able to put everything I have learned into practice.

How can people pray for you, and what are your needs, desires and – maybe – fears?

Please pray for my training, and that I become equipped with the knowledge and skills I need to serve with MAF. Pray for opportunities to serve God here in Scotland and not to wait till I’m overseas.

I‘m also getting married this year, which comes with challenges as well as joys – both in the short term as well as when Joanna and I eventually head overseas.

Scotland Office Challenge House 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD T 0141 332 5222 E scottishoffice@maf-uk.org

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