For over 50 years, and flying to thousands more destinations than any airline, Mission Aviation Fellowship has operated light aircraft in developing countries so that people in remote areas can receive essential help
Every three minutes, an MAF plane is taking off or landing. Over 130 aircraft at work in more than 30 countries speed physical or spiritual care and hope to those living in isolation.
Today, countless men, women and children remain cut off by difficult or dangerous terrain, and deprived of basic necessities for a full and healthy life. Our planes serve those who are bringing vital medical, relief and development services, as well as the life-giving Gospel to many such people.
We work in close partnership with indigenous groups, national churches, government departments, evangelists, missions, local aid workers and larger international aid agencies.
Village chairman Leonard Hamas explains: "Without the airstrip and MAF, clinics here would not be possible at all during the rainy season, when Birise cannot be reached by road. There are no other medical facilities nearby." Where roads don't go, where overland travel is dangerous, when time is short, MAF flights make impossible journeys possible, often using very basic grass airstrips.
- Habsa, her life under threat in Darfur, Sudan, fled south. But at Awoda, things looked bleak for Habsa and 500 refugee families as water sources dried up. Then a plane landed with emergency survival kits. Ruth Faber of MEDAIR affirms, 'Reaching most places where we work is impossible by road. MAF makes it possible.'
- A flight of just one hour landing at Bundibugyo, western Uganda, brought 2,000 copies of the newly-translated Gospel of Mark in the Lubwisi language, saving a long and dangerous drive across a mountain range.
- When life was at stake for Oba Fusabani, mother of three, dying from death-adder bite in remote Mougulu, western Papua New Guinea, an MAP plane became her air ambulance, saving her life.
- A long-planned outreach mission to Tsaatan 'reindeer' people of Tsagaannuur in a remote corner of northern Mongolia faced cancellation. Heavy rain made surface travel impossible. But an MAF flight came to the rescue, and Tsaatan men and women heard the Gospel.
For tens of thousands of people, seeing a doctor, or getting a Bible, or having adequate food and clean water only happen when the plane comes. Passengers contribute just a small fraction of the true cost of such demanding specialist flying. The balance that makes flights possible comes as gifts from people concerned to help ensure others have a better life - both physically and spiritually.
How You Can Help !
As a Christian organisation, MAF, and also the many who we serve, values the continual prayer, involvement, and financial support that our supporters contribute, including those here at RCC.
If you want to know more about the work of MAF or become a member of our Supporter team, then please do not hesitate in contacting either Kevin Crook or Ron Sivers (both based here at RCC) who will be able to advise on how you can make a difference in bringing help, hope and healing to many vulnerable lives.
Kevin or Ron would be happy to arrange a presentation on the work of MAF to any Church, group or organisation. Please contact the church office on 01933 225525 for their details.