Celebrating our staff, including a tribute to Joyce Lin - OCT-DEC 2020 - MAF UK
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Celebrating our staff, including a tribute to Joyce Lin OCT-DEC 2020
Your
Kingdom
come
Your hand No matter how much the
will hold me world changes, some things
will always be true
One of those truths is that the
foundation of any good charity is its
Board of Trustees. And, on page 12,
Coronavirus restrictions have caused MAF Trustee David West encourages
you to join him on the Board for what
many of us to feel the urge to escape – promises to be a brand new era of
from our four walls, or just from all adventure for us all.
Our trustees have been as crucial to
this uncertainty that adventure as the hundreds of MAF
pilots, engineers, managers and many
‘If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the other staff who’ve been part of our
sea, even there Your hand will... hold me fast.' unique history.
That history is now encapsulated in a
Psalm 139:9-10 says we can’t escape God’s presence. For that brilliant new book – Above and Beyond.
I’m truly grateful – Our heavenly Father knows where we are. This publication is both an official
celebration of our 75th anniversary and a
Most of our MAF family overseas remain in their programmes, source of inspiration during a challenging
adapting to new working conditions and keeping MAF ready year. Above and Beyond is now available
to order in time for Christmas.
to serve. Our national staff can’t leave their countries, but
where in this world can any of us go to escape coronavirus? It’s a vivid tribute to a God who has been
our peace, protection and provision from
One family made the difficult decision to return to the UK the very start. It’s also a reminder that His
Kingdom will come and that MAF will
(page 13), while the stringent safety precautions of some MAF
continue to play a crucial part in that.
programmes may save entire communities (page 3).
Your annual legacy newsletter also takes
But there are moments when the pandemic slips our minds. its cue from our anniversary – outlining
our progress through the decades in
The shock and sadness of losing Joyce Lin in Papua stopped the
bringing God’s transforming love to
MAF family in its tracks (page 4). While investigations continue, remote communities.
we thank God for her witness, passionate service and strong
sense of calling to reach people living in isolation. For there is no greater truth than God’s
promise to His sons and daughters of
eternal life in the Kingdom.
As our worldwide MAF family faces daily challenges, I thank
God for each and every member, including you. Your
Richard Chambers
commitment to our mission during such uncertain times
Editor, Flying for Life
will keep our planes in the air and enable us to follow God’s
calling – to the ends of the earth.
This issue's front cover is a tribute to our
sister Joyce Lin, who lost her life while
May He continue to bless you with His presence serving our God
Ruth Whitaker
Chief Executive, MAF UK
2 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.org
Free from
coronavirus
Story Claire Gilderson
Photos Divyan Ahimaz and Philipp Techand
At the time of writing, a remote wilderness in northern Australia remains
infection free, with MAF Arnhem Land working hard to keep it that way
N
orth-eastern Arnhem Land is could wipe out one of Australia's
home to around 5,000 Yolŋu indigenous nations, which would be a
people. Some members of this national disaster.
remote Aboriginal community Therefore, several new measures have
live in Nhulunbuy – its 'neighbouring' city long been in implementation – including
Darwin, is at least two days' drive away! the ubiquitous social distancing – to
Since 1973, MAF has been flying the protect both the Yolŋu and MAF staff.
Yolŋu across Arnhem Land, connecting For decades, MAF flew entire Yolŋu
them to their extended families who live families to Nhulunbuy’s supermarket.
in the ‘homelands’ scattered throughout Now, wherever possible, MAF is delivering
the bush. pre-ordered shopping back to the
As a means of delivering food, homelands as the Yolŋu are still urged to
transporting children to school and stay at home.
accessing medical treatment, MAF As for face masks, ‘We only had 17!’
continues to be a lifeline for Yolŋu Ruth recalls.
communities. However, an impassioned cry for help
Two or three times a week, MAF flies from MAF Australia in Sydney to its
pupils on the school run, and health magnificent supporters resulted in the
professionals to the homelands to provide receipt – within days – of 3,000 masks,
the Yolŋu with essential medical care. which were then sent immediately to
MAF Country Director Ruth Jack Ruth in Arnhem Land.
speaks highly of the Australian Suddenly, MAF had too many masks!
government’s pandemic policies. Fortunately, our staff were able to give
‘Australia has done a fantastic job of hundreds to Laynhapuy Health – a local
keeping coronavirus at bay. partner organisation serving 20 remote
'The government shut its international homelands – to be used by their doctors,
borders quickly – the regulations for nurses and medical staff whilst treating
getting into Australia are very tight, and the Yolŋu.
Main Yolŋu people give thanks for MAF
stricter still to get into Arnhem Land.’
Top Surplus face masks were given to
partner organisation Laynhapuy Health Many Yolŋu people are more Please pray for the staff
vulnerable to coronavirus due to
Above An MAF flight to the homelands
underlying health conditions. of MAF Arnhem Land and
reduces 2 days' road travel to a mere 45
minutes If the Yolŋu caught coronavirus, it the Yolŋu people.
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 3
Joyce Lin
For reasons known only to God, 40-year-old
MAF Pilot Joyce was tragically killed in an accident three
months ago. In this issue, we celebrate her life
Story Claire Gilderson
Photos MAF Papua
O
n 12 May at 06:27, Joyce took off on ‘Everything kind of clicked’
a solo flight from Sentani Airport in Joyce enrolled at Gordon-Conwell Theological
‘I can’t explain Papua, Indonesia, bound for the Seminary where she would, eventually, discover
why I get such a remote village of Mamit. the existence of MAF.
thrill out of Scheduled to deliver coronavirus test kits, ‘A year in,’ she would later recall, ‘I was on
flying or she made a distress call only two minutes after my way to becoming a pastor or a missionary
computer take-off. Her plane descended into nearby Lake –what one normally goes to seminary for – but
Sentani. Due to pandemic restrictions, there I wasn’t really interested in those things.
programming were no other passengers on board. ‘One day, when I walked into my room,
– it seems to be Joyce was helping to gather soap which she I heard the words, “You should Google
the way my planned to distribute along with test kits, PPE missionary pilot”. I was so shocked because that
brain is wired. and medication to aid workers and missionaries was the only time that I’d ever heard a voice like
I’m so fortunate across 20 villages. that – and it was so loud, I couldn’t ignore it!
to be able to do Following God’s calling ‘The first link to appear on Google was MAF’s
Raised in Colorado and Maryland by Taiwanese website and, when I started reading it,
this. Each day I everything kind of clicked. I knew from that
Christian immigrants, Joyce became a believer
fly is a gift.’ through a children’s outreach programme run moment, this was what God had for me.’
Joyce Lin by her local church. Flying and faith
She graduated with a degree in computer Listening to God’s prompting, Joyce had finally
science from the Massachusetts Institute of discovered the perfect vocation that would
Technology (MIT) and envisioned her life as a combine her interest in flying, computer
Main Joyce at her desk in the
MAF Papua office computer programmer. programming skills and her faith.
But God had other plans. She became an intern with MAF in 2010 and
Top right Joyce had been In an MAF US interview from the archives, visited Papua that same year to find out what
flying MAF operations since Joyce recalled how God changed her life. life might be like there as an MAF pilot. Having
March
‘When I was at college, I went to a summer experienced what MAF had to offer, Joyce had
Top far right A floral tribute to programme where I got to fly gliders. I’d had no no doubt in her mind.
our sister thoughts about becoming a pilot, but I loved ‘I was convinced that God was calling me to
Bottom right Serving the gliding and convinced my parents to let me get be a missionary pilot and work towards getting
people before the coronavirus a pilot’s licence. Then God called me to go to different licences to become a flight instructor.
restrictions seminary.’ I had to pass the technical evaluation, raise
4 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.org
support and go to language school.’
Joyce earned her commercial licence in
2015 and moved to Papua in 2019. In addition
to flying villagers, missionaries, and school
workers, Joyce also helped set up a computer
network for MAF’s partners.
Dedicated and well-loved
Joyce’s colleagues remember her fondly, as
Regional Director of MAF Indonesia Brock
Larson testifies.
‘Joyce was extremely dedicated. She was
committed to being used by God to share His
love with others, especially those who were
less fortunate. She was also extremely generous,
giving of herself and her treasures selflessly.’
David Holsten, Head of MAF US fervently
agrees.
‘Joyce embodied so much of what we love
to see in MAF staff. She was invested in the
local culture, but she maintained a deep
connection to her family, friends and supporters
around the world.
'Joyce was professional in her work. She was
a dedicated teammate and well-loved by those
she served.’
She completed her first solo flight for MAF in
March. Before her passing, Joyce encapsulated
her God-given passions in the single sentence in
the box on the opposite page.
MAF Pilot Joyce Lin is survived by her parents
and two sisters.
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 5
Thy will
be done
Between flights responding to coronavirus and individual
emergencies, God’s hand can be seen at work in South Sudan
U
ntil quite recently, South Sudan faced have been able to travel at all.
bigger challenges than a global New coronavirus test kits started to arrive in
pandemic. In March, its revitalised South Sudan on food supply trucks, at the border
peace agreement was finally crossings. On 21 April, another MAF flight
implemented – ending the six-year civil war. brought further supplies to the town of Nimule
It was a significant milestone. A fresh start for close to the Uganda border.
South Sudan. Our staff remarked on the irony that isolated
Within days, coronavirus arrived. Thankfully, communities might actually be better off now
its initial progress was slow. In the first week of the wet season’s here. For once, the country’s
April, I joined a flight to the northern town of terrible infrastructure might actually work in its
Wau for the World Health Organisation (WHO). favour – to keep the virus out!
On Good Friday, the WHO Rapid Response An overwhelming response
Team joined an MAF flight to carry out contact MAF spouse Sonja Nieuwenhuis works with
tracing for only the second confirmed case in
The Health Pooled Fund. The organisation
the whole country.
trained 4,200 health workers for remote
I chatted with one of the team’s doctors who
communities, and worked with Bible translators
shared his optimism in the face of crisis. Only 6%
SIL to produce posters and training materials in
of South Sudan’s population are over 60, he
more than half the country’s 60 languages.
pointed out. They have extremely low rates of
A few weeks later, MAF flew two long days to
obesity, diabetes, and other prevalent lifestyle
deliver the supplies to various locations where
conditions that are claiming lives in Europe.
our partners then take them by road to remote
The wet season clinics.
Five days later, an MAF aircraft made an Most MAF flights carry wood, cement and
emergency flight for a 17-year-old girl with food for refugee camps and consignments of
suspected appendicitis. After surgery, she told drugs for health NGOs. We’re also resupplying
Main Despatch Team member me how scary it was to be sick right then. humanitarian organisations like Samaritan’s
Dominic Ovadia unloads the International borders had already closed and, Purse with workers in the field. The majority of
Grand Caravan the next day, passenger flights were suspended. these flights also provide vital coronavirus
Above MAF Pilot Chris Ball If she hadn’t been on our flight, she wouldn’t equipment for isolated people.
6 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.org
Story and Photos Jenny Davies
The day travel restrictions are relaxed, we Please pray:
bring a medevac patient into Juba. Three weeks • The government will make wise
after a fall that left the South Sudanese woman
decisions to stop the spread of
with a nasty leg fracture, she is lifted gently
from the plane onto a mattress and into a car. coronavirus
On social media, we ask supporters to pray • For the medical workers responding
and get an overwhelming response. to the pandemic
Months behind Europe • For God’s peace to reign in
Our logistics team assists doctors from a hospital communities blighted by
in Bor who arrive on an MAF flight – they’re intercommunal violence.
trying to bring coronavirus supplies in through
Nairobi. They also want to import oxygen Right MAF flights help limit the
concentrators from the UK which are the next devastating effect of coronavirus
best thing in the absence of ventilators. Below A pilot's-eye view of flying in the
A missionary joins the return leg of a cargo wet season
flight from the north. At his own request, he
travels stretched out on the floor and
disembarks carefully, protecting his injured back
en route to the international terminal to catch
his onward flight.
As I write this in June, there have been more
than 1,300 cases of coronavirus – a figure rising
exponentially with every day. Fourteen people
have died so far – a figure that must seem tiny
to Flying for Life readers, compared to the
soaring death rates in the UK.
But we’re months behind Europe. After
fifteen weeks here, I’m learning to live with the
uncertainty – not making impossible
comparisons or straining my brain trying to
make sense of it all. I’m working my prayer
muscles instead, knowing we serve a God who
can do anything.
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 7
Above and
Beyond
How much do you think you know about MAF’s history?
Our beautiful, new coffee-table book is full of both legendary and
little-known stories that even our most ardent supporter will relish
Story Pat Finlow Photos MAF archive
T
A
bove and Beyond recalls MAF’s first tentative steps into the unknown, in the years immediately after World War II, and
goes on to tell our story throughout the decades up to the present day. It’s a lively account of MAF that honours the
past while looking to the future. We believe it will help readers gain an even greater understanding of the reach and
diversity of our life-saving work, which has touched so many thousands of lives.
So, we invite you to join us in celebrating 75 years of MAF by embarking on a journey of remembrance and discovery.
Delve into extraordinary tales of MAF aircraft bringing help, hope and healing to people around the world. Men, women and
children living in some of the most inaccessible, impoverished and war-torn places on the planet.
Stories of rescue and challenge – sometimes sadness, often great joy – and always of faith in our almighty God!
One such story is the following account of a man named Supardika, who was swept along by one of the worst natural
disasters of the past 75 years.
Total devastation
‘The river is coming, the river is coming!’
These were the terrifying words
Supardika could hear growing louder as
Above and
he worked near his home. He grabbed Beyond is full of
his granddaughter and ran for the trees
just before other members of his family, extraordinary
including his wife and grandson, were
carried away by the rising waters.
tales of MAF
The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami was aircraft bringing
the result of an earthquake off the coast
of Sumatra’s Aceh province. It killed help, hope
more than 170,000 people and
destroyed 550,000 homes.
and healing to
Emergency relief efforts were people around
severely hampered because the few
bridges and roads that remained intact the world
were covered with debris, making
ground travel almost impossible.
8 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.org
Pre-order now to
reserve your copy!
COUNTRY PROFILE: COUNTRY STATS
SOUTH SUDAN POPULATION
10.2m (excluding
CLIMATE
Tropical (hot all year
SUDAN
W ith a harsh, tropical climate and 2.3 refugees round), rains from
million people are in urgent need abroad)
only a handful of passable roads, it of help May to November
including over a million children suffering
was the River Nile that pointed Stuart CAPITAL
King acute malnutrition . Amidst reports LIFE EXPECTANCY
and Jack Hemmings to of
widespread looting, sexual Juba 57 years
land in Sudan – the heart
violence and recruitment
SOUTH
of Africa – in 1948. Using of LANGUAGES MAF AIRSTRIPS
child soldiers, it’s thought SUDAN
little more than a flimsy, Since carving out the English, Arabic 57
post-war Miles Gemini that at least 400,000 people + 60 indigenous
first MAF airstrip in have been killed in the languages MAF PARTNERS
aircraft, a map and a
compass, the pair began 1950, MAF planes ongoing conflict. 200+ organisations
ROADS Juba
to unlock the unseen have been serving Intensive efforts by
4,350 miles – FLEET DRC
needs of some of Africa’s aid agencies have so far
Sudan’s poorest people mostly unpaved 2 x Cessna 182
forgotten people. prevented hunger from
ever since. (245,000 in the UK) 2 x Cessna 208
turning to famine, but in a UGANDA
Since carving out the
first MAF airstrip in 1950, MAF country awash with weapons
planes from decades of war, these workers
have been serving Sudan’s poorest are
frequently attacked while trying to
communities ever since, with only deliver
relief by road. In 2016, South
a few years during the late 1960s Sudan
was named ‘the most dangerous
and early 70s when operations place
to be an aid worker’ , with more than
were forced out of the country due 60
to civil war.
humanitarian staff killed while responding PROGRAMME TIMELINE
to the crisis after fighting began in
The bloody divide between 2013.
For many, MAF is the only way to 1948 First MAF survey flight touches
the Islamic/Arabic north and travel down
in safety. in Sudan
Christian/animist south has MAF multiplies the effectiveness 1950 First regular operations commence
spanned the second half of the
of those it flies,
Twentieth Century and cost from Malakal
reducing days of
millions of lives. In January 2011, 1956 Independence from Britain
overland travel to
a peaceful referendum backed full 1964 Expulsion of missionaries
just a few hours. and closure
independence. Six months later, of MAF programme
NGOs bring aid,
South Sudan became the world’s
development, basic 1977 Respite in civil war.
newest nation.
healthcare and a Programme restarts
After just two years, ethnic and
message of Christian 1983 Programme closes again
political differences which South due to
compassion to
Sudanese tribes put aside in the government restrictions, operations
those in acute need,
struggle for independence rapidly relocate to Lokichoggio, Kenya
benefitting tens of
reappeared. Ferocious civil war 1992 Relief flights into Sudan continue
thousands of people.
erupted in 2013, and international from Kenya
For over 70 years,
mediation efforts have yet to deliver MAF is absolutely vital to reach 2003 Relief flights into Sudan from
Main: Lohutok, MAF’s mission Uganda
a universally acceptable ceasefire that the isolated south-east, an area
South Sudan. has remains unchanged – 2006 New MAF base established
seen lasting peace. which is very hard to access by in Juba
Above: to reach South Sudan’s 2008 First pilot family arrives for
A third of the population have been road, especially during the rainy 25 years
5X-MON. remotest and poorest
forced to flee from their homes, season when roads become 2011 South Sudan becomes the
many communities with the world’s
Right: Danny seeking safety in vast refugee settlements impassable. Without MAF, we newest nation
Gill. help, hope and healing
in neighbouring Uganda. More than wouldn’t be able to do our work 2015 Cessna 182 joins the fleet
seven they need to survive.
Opposite page: in South Sudan.”
Children playing 2019 Two additional Cessna Caravans
join
near 5X-SCO. Eva Gerritse the fleet – South Sudan becomes
PAX for Peace MAF’s busiest African programme
36
Above and Beyond
The 1950s
Daily flights sections of road cleared by villagers.
However, MAF had been working in An MAF GA8 Airvan from Australia also
flew in to join the relief effort alongside
Indonesia since the 1950s and was one
MAF Bangladesh’s amphibious Beaver.
‘Now to Him
of the first responders, carrying out
survey flights and delivering urgent food A human chain who is able to
and medical supplies. Landing in river inlets, or even on the
As MAF Pilot Marco Koffeman sea, the latter brought emergency food do above and
boxes to communities totally cut off
recounted at the time, ‘We saw horrific
from help – locals waded into the water beyond all that
things. Whole towns had been swept
away and only debris left.'
forming a human chain to pass food
boxes to the shore.
we ask or think
Several relief organisations asked MAF
to lead the coordination of the multi-
MAF staff also established ‘internet according to
cafés’ in Meulaboh and Banda Aceh.
agency response. Immediately, a Cessna
Where much of the communications the power that
Caravan from Papua and a Cessna 206
infrastructure had been destroyed, relief
from Kalimantan were deployed to
workers could now communicate with
works in us – to
Sibolga where 40 tonnes of urgent
supplies were waiting.
their main offices. Him be glory
We also flew into remote villages with
The MAF Caravan made daily flights,
pumps to provide clean, life-giving in the church
carrying emergency food and water
water. And one of the those who
from Medan to Meulaboh on the west
benefited directly from such a flight was
and in Christ
coast of Aceh. From there, the smaller
Cessna 206 ferried aid to remote
Supardika. Jesus to all
Share your passion for our ministry
villages, often landing on narrow
with the ideal Christmas gift.
generations,
To reserve your copy, please visit forever and ever.
‘We saw horrific things. www.maf-uk.org/aboveandbeyond
Whole towns had been swept or use the enclosed response form. Amen.’
away and only debris left.'
Main Above and Beyond – the amazing, true
Marco Kofferman story of the MAF family Ephesians 3:20-21
MAF Pilot Left Survivors of the 2004 disaster grateful for
the urgent response of an MAF Caravan
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 9
Time for action!
Story Jill Vine
Photos Ping Domtta
In May, as heavy rains in Uganda eased up, MAF
was given special permission to make its first
flight in two long months in response to
disastrous floods
C
oronavirus reached us back Around 25,000 buildings have been
in the spring, grounding MAF damaged, displacing more than 170,000
Uganda in a matter of days. people. Several bridges and roads are now
But, finally, we’ve have been inaccessible.
asked to fly cargo to the people of Some schools have been swept away
flood-hit Kasese. and four health centres have been
Since our last flight on 22 March, MAF destroyed. Farms remain submerged and
Uganda’s engineers have been busy many shops no longer exist.
maintaining aircraft and repairing the There is a desperate need for shelter, 'Your strong
food, water, medicine and blankets.
flooded runway at Kajjansi airfield. MAF
pilots have been keeping their training up to In partnership with the government and support at this
date on the flight simulator. the Inter Religious Council of Uganda, MAF
has delivered these life-saving supplies to
time is invaluable.
There hasn’t been heavy rain for five
days. The water level in nearby Lake Victoria the grateful people of Kasese. Thank you so
has decreased, helping our airstrip at Please pray for the floods to dissipate
Kajjansi to dry out. and for restrictions to lift even further so much for
At last, it’s time for action!
MAF Pilot Greg Vine flew to Entebbe
that people can return to their livelihoods.
These men, women and children were
standing with us
International Airport to join two of our struggling with hunger on their meagre in faith.'
aircraft which were already waiting there in incomes long before coronavirus became
readiness. A fourth MAF plane then arrived the focus of all our lives.
before the fleet – fully laden with Pray too that the people of Uganda will
Jill Vine
emergency supplies – took off for Kasese. look to their Father for His mercy and
It’s been two weeks since men, women healing – that they would welcome MAF as
and children in Kasese watched their a partner who can help shoulder the Main Kasese airfield
homes get washed away. burdens of an entire nation. Above Emergency supplies arrive
10 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.orgProtecting the
keyworkers
Story Gary Clayton
Photos Connie Aebischer and Rickson Poki
Thanks to MAF, a boy in a remote mountain community bitten by a
snake is still alive, and a lowland district of Papua New Guinea (PNG)
has the equipment it needs to treat its patients
T
ime was running out for Naha, said, 'we feared treating them without PPE.’
who needed help after being On 10 May, however, an MAF plane
bitten by a death adder. Sadly, – in partnership with Aerial Health Patrol
the assistance he needed (AHP) – flew health workers, PPE, masks,
wasn’t available in remote Owena, in gloves, hand sanitiser and anti-venom to
PNG’s Highlands. Morehead.
Travelling across rugged landscape for The next day, the healthcare workers
days just wasn’t an option – Naha needed returned to work armed with proper PPE;
MAF fast! giving their patients the hands-on, personal
Fortunately, because the snake had only care they value so much.
bitten his finger, the poison hadn’t made its A grateful nurse said, ‘When you came
way into the boy’s bloodstream by the time with masks, you allowed me to work with
our plane arrived. Because of this, MAF Pilot my patients. When you did the coronavirus
Jason Marsh was able to fly Naha to awareness training, it cleared up the
hospital in time. confusion.’
But Owena isn't the only isolated area to As part of a recent safety review, MAF
be without anti-venom. For 20 years, the staff are assessing the 213 airstrips used to
remote lowland district of Morehead had serve communities throughout PNG.
struggled without adequate supplies. ‘One of our priorities,’ concludes MAF
Then, when coronavirus took hold, there PNG Country Director Todd Aebischer, ‘is
was a shortage of PPE. to ensure that MAF doesn’t transport
Thanks to MAF, however, Morehead’s coronavirus to the communities we serve
health workers can now treat patients and love so much!
without fear. 'We are careful to follow government
When the pandemic hit, morale among guidelines which include ensuring that we
the medical professionals was at an all-time properly sanitise our aircraft, observe social Main The PNG Highlands
low. Unable to provide proper care for their distancing, wear face masks and monitor Top MAF's Joseph Tua sanitises the cockpit
patients, they felt bereaved. 'Because,' they passenger health.’ Above Morehead's workers now have PPE
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 11Join us!
Photos Mark Blomberg
MAF Trustee David West (pictured) invites you to join the unique
group of people who will shape the future of our mission
W
e don’t have to persuade The Board sets strategic direction need more supporters to add their skills
you that MAF does amazing and oversees MAF UK's work of to the MAF Board of Trustees.
work! When you open a copy recruitment, fundraising and the If you would like to know more
of Flying for Life – whether galvanisation of prayer support in this about being a trustee, please visit
it’s your first time or you fiftieth – you’re country. www.maf-uk.org/trustee or contact
reminded why MAF is such a vital The MAF family needs its best and sharon.moore@maf-uk.org for an
organisation. brightest members to put themselves information pack.
You’ve read the stories, seen the forward so that we can increase the We look forward to hearing from you!
images and watched the videos, so we funding for operations and the number
don’t need to spell out what our fleet of staff we send overseas.
means to so many isolated people Growing our influence in the UK will We are recruiting
worldwide. help us meet the increasing demand for
Indeed, the tremendous support you
additional trustees
our services worldwide.
give to our organisation through your MAF Bangladesh Country Director with experience in one
prayers, gifts and time spent volunteering Mark Blomberg reports that, ‘Many of the following areas:
is testament to your in-depth knowledge organisations in Bangladesh (pictured)
of our mission. are positioning themselves for a big Communications
What you may not know is that, behind humanitarian crisis.’
the scenes, a Board of Trustees is The moment we’re cleared for Fundraising
responsible for the governance and take-off we want to send more MAF
guidance of MAF UK. planes to help the men, women and Youth
The Board is a team of volunteers who children in physical and spiritual crisis
serve the organisation by contributing skills now – and hundreds of thousands of Legal
and experience gained from a variety of people in the years to come.
professions and outside interests. And, for that to happen, we urgently
12 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.orgCrisps for
breakfast
In March, the sudden arrival of coronavirus in Africa left MAF Pilot
and Operations Manager Becki Dillingham stranded from her
husband Matt, eight-year-old Bethan and three-year-old Luke
Story Jo Lamb Photos Matt Dillingham and Kelly and Mark Hewes
O
n 9 March, Becki left MAF Chad for Paris, and immediately picked up the
for vital flight training in Uganda phone.
expecting to be away from her At 8am the next morning, Matt, Bethan
family for only three weeks. and Luke donned facemasks before
However, while lockdown in the UK joining a long queue at the military base
was being enforced gradually, the first to have their temperatures checked,
coronavirus restrictions in Africa seemed luggage weighed and paperwork
to come out of nowhere. When Chad scanned. ‘The highlight for the kids was
suddenly announced its borders would watching the sniffer dog,’ he smiles.
close, Becki was unable to get back to Some 12 hours later, the old Airbus
Matt and the children. touched down in Paris where breakfast
‘I never thought things would escalate proved hard to find. There had been no
so quickly,’ reflects Becki. ‘When I left food on the flight. With nowhere open to
Chad, coronavirus was so far from us.’ break a 20-euro note, Matt pleaded with
Then Uganda entered a state of a receptionist for change to feed a
lockdown, too! The Dillingham family vending machine and two hungry
was stranded behind two closed borders. mouths.
Eventually, with the help of the online A kind soul overheard the desperate
community and MAF colleagues, Becki conversation and spared Matt a handful
of coins.
was able to board a flight out of Uganda.
'As I waited in arrivals for Matt and the
On 4 April, she stepped on to British soil.
children, I contemplated our reunion,'
Alone.
Becki recalls. 'Everyone was standing two
‘It felt bizarre,’ she recalls, ‘leaving a metres apart – how would we be
country with only 20 coronavirus cases perceived when we enjoyed a long-
for one where thousands had died. All I awaited hug?’
could do was pray we’d be together Suddenly, Luke and Bethan were Main The Dillinghams in Chad
again.’ sprinting towards her. ‘Mummy, guess Top Becki in flight mode!
Four days later, Matt heard about a what?’ Bethan exclaimed. ‘We had Bottom Becki, Luke and Bethan reunite, with
French military flight due to leave Chad chocolate and crisps for breakfast!’ Matt's camera capturing their relief
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 13'Incredibly
generous'
At the beginning of 2020, excitement was in the air as people
arrived for the dedication of the new Redbird advanced flight
simulator in Mareeba, Australia
The dedication ceremony was also a people. It's an invaluable tool that allows
wonderful opportunity to remember them to practice in a safe environment,
Larry Heintz. and reduces the costs of flight training.
Larry served with us for more than 28 A legacy from Larry’s aunt Eva Shaver
years, making a huge impact in aviation paid for the simulator. ‘Aunt Eva was not a
safety in MAF and beyond. His celebrated wealthy lady,’ Jane explained, ‘but she
management system led to an Africa was incredibly generous and left the bulk
region accident rate of zero! of her estate to MAF.’
In 2015, the UN awarded Larry its Gifts in Wills make a huge
Humanitarian Aviation Recognition Award difference to MAF, ensuring we
for his outstanding contribution towards reach remote communities far
aviation safety. Tragically, Larry was into the future. A big ‘thank you’
diagnosed with a brain tumour that year to all our supporters for
and sadly passed away in 2018. 75 years of gifts which have
Larry’s widow Jane (pictured)
kept us flying for life!
represented the family at the special
dedication ceremony in Australia. ‘It is an
honour to represent my husband Larry,’
Jane shared. ‘I feel the simulator would
have made him very happy.’
The new simulator will train the next
generation of pilots in serving isolated
This is Mission Aviation Fellowship
Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian organisation operating 27 programmes in MAF UK Flying for Life
developing countries to reach the world’s forgotten people – those living out of sight, Castle House, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone Editor: Richard Chambers
out of mind and out of hope. With land access denied by inaccessible terrain – due to Kent CT20 2TQ Email: editor@maf-uk.org
natural disaster, war or economic crisis – thousands of communities are completely 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD Copy Editor: Gary Clayton
isolated. Operating around 130 light aircraft, MAF’s pilots fly into more than 1,400 FREEPOST ADM4164, PORTRUSH BT56 8ZY Designer: Oak Creative
remote destinations. Whether landing in deserts or jungles, on lakes, rivers, tracks or Dept AA1818, PO Box 4214, FREEPOST Dublin 2 Printer: Fretwell Print and Design Ltd
roads, MAF planes transport essential medical care, food, water, relief teams and church T 01303 852819 Printed on sustainable paper
workers to those in desperate need. Each flight carries practical help, spiritual hope and E supporter.relations@maf-uk.org produced from a managed forest
physical healing to thousands of men, women and children for whom flying is not a W www.maf-uk.org © MAF UK OCT-DEC 2020 ffna
Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598)
luxury but a lifeline. MAF is flying for life. and in Scotland (SC039107) It costs us no more than 70p to produce and
® Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915 send you this magazine and prayer diary
14 Flying for Life OCT-DEC 2020 www.maf-uk.orgMORE TO PRAY FOR...
Based in MAF programmes across Africa
and South East Asia, our UK overseas
staff need your prayers.
You can find all their requests on
our website and can sign up to receive
their prayer letters direct to your inbox,
visit www.maf-uk.org/staffprayer
High
wire act
As MAF supporter Patricia Lewis
approached a milestone birthday
last year, she was determined to do
something memorable for MAF!
Patricia settled upon the idea of a zip wire experience – in her
words, ‘the nearest thing I could get to flying!’
Thrilled by the enthusiastic response from family, friends and
neighbours to her spectacular sponsorship suggestion,
Patricia booked a slot on the mile-long zip wire at Blaenau
Ffestiniog, Snowdonia National Park.
Even ‘less than enthusiastic’ husband John agreed to join in
and make the 80th birthday bash complete.
‘The sun was shining,’ Patricia recalls, ‘with just a slight side
wind. Kitted out with slings, we went through triple safety
checks at the top of the hill before being cleared for take-off.
‘Once the gate was opened, we hurtled through the air over
the old slate quarry, towards the Snowdonia mountains on the
horizon. It felt marvellous!’
Our sincere thanks go to Patricia and John for defying gravity
and raising more than £800 for our work.
OCT-DEC 2020 Flying for Life 15
OCT-DEC2020The MAF Advent Adventure
returns for its fourth year
this Christmas!
We would like to invite you to come on a journey around the MAF world with our
trusty trio — Mike, Alpha and Foxtrot — discovering fascinating facts and great
stories along the way!
Pre-order your printed Advent calendar, while stocks last, so your family can enjoy
opening a window each day, finding out where Mike lands and what cargo he’s
transporting in the MAF plane. Then, simply go online to mafadvent.org to explore
that day’s country, find out how MAF helps the people there, watch inspiring videos,
download Christmas activity sheets, read a daily kindness challenge for the whole
family and — of course — enter the grand competition!
Advent calendars will arrive by 20 November — we’re asking for a suggested
donation of £3 per calendar to cover postage and packaging.
To pre-order your printed Advent Calendar, visit our website
www.maf-uk.org/orderadventcalendar
Alternatively, please call us on 01303 852819
www.maf-uk.org
MAF UK @MAFUK MAFUK @flying4life MAFUKFILMYou can also read
