Annual Report 2018 - MAF Int · MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2018 5 Once again, MAF International has continued to reach out to isolated communities working in 14 programmes with over 1,300

Annual Report 2019MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

Every five minutes a MAF aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world transporting people who live in

remote communities, and assisting missions, churches, aid and development agencies, and other groups to share the love of God

MAF INTERNATIONALANNUAL REPORT 2019

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3

Vision and Purpose

MAF Key FactsMission Aviation Fellowship is a family of international Christian organisations whose mission is to use light aircraft, and other technologies, to bring help and hope to people in some of the world’s poorest communities. Every five minutes a MAF aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world transporting people who live in remote communities, and assisting missions, churches, aid and development agencies, and other groups to share the love of God.

MAF International oversees programmes in Arnhem Land in Australia, Bangladesh, Chad, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste and Uganda. Other members of the MAF family include MAF Canada and MAF-US, and various MAF Affiliates. They also run a number of programmes around the globe.

The life-changing work we enable would not be possible without the dedicated support – people, finances and prayer - provided by our resourcing groups in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Purpose:To share God’s love

through aviation and technology

Vision:To see isolated people

physically and spiritually transformed in Christ’s name

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2019 IN NUMBERS

Aircraft62

destinations

660

organisationsSERVED

1,446

staff574

19,525hours flown

2,268,581 kg

OF cargo transported

medical evacuationFLIGHTS

885

3,857,571 km

flown

80,242passengerstransported

MAF’s calling to reach remote people, cut off from essential resources because of geographical barriers, conflict, natural disasters or dangerous overland travel continued during 2019. We are grateful that through the support of our donors, we were able to fly 19,525 hours to 660 destinations - delivering help, hope and healing to people living in isolation and poverty.

We continued the work with our partners to enable the delivery of medical aid, the connection of communities to critical services, the provision of spiritual support, and the development of infrastructure such as airstrips and aircraft hangers. None of this would be possible without the talented service and sacrifice of our dedicated staff in all our programmes and offices.

To further enable our activities, we were pleased to purchase a new Cessna 208 to facilitate more work in South Sudan. We also completed the fleet reorganisation in Papua New Guinea to a single aircraft type. Our flight training capabilities in Mareeba, Australia, have been expanded, where for the first time we were certified to train Papua New Guinean pilots.

In these pages you will read stories and statistics that attempt to convey what was accomplished by MAF International in 2019.

These vignettes express only a small portion of the overall impact, but they do not express the emotions behind them: the worry as a loved-one is placed into our airplane and taken to hospital; the joyous chatter of children as textbooks and teachers arrive in their village; the hope and life which spring forth as spiritual truth takes root. We hope these pages enable at least a taste of what our staff experience daily.

We are immensely grateful for the many donors who contribute to our work. Your partnership enables us to build houses, hangars, and airstrips, as well as purchase needed tools such as airplanes and vehicles. It also provides funding to subsidise flights. We could not do this without you.

We also said farewell to John Quin after nine years as Chair of MAF International. John provided wisdom and leadership to the organisation, uniting us around our vision to see isolated people transformed in Christ’s name. We wish him and Eileen a happy and well-deserved retirement.

As we look to the post-COVID future, we know the need for our services will only increase. We extend a debt of gratitude to our resourcing groups and donors, who have faithfully enabled our work. We look to our supporters and partners to walk beside us again, to help raise the critical resources, so we may do more in 2020 and beyond.

We also value the many partners we have in the countries where we serve, who are working to provide medical care, bring relief, enable development, and address spiritual needs. We take great joy in enabling expansion in the scope of their work.

After 19 years of serving the people of Mongolia, we took the decision to close our activity in this country. While it was painful, as we had many wonderful relationships, we could celebrate the significant spiritual and physical changes we witnessed over these years. We are so very grateful to have played a part.

As we conclude this decade, we look forward to what the next one has in store. There are many other places which need the help and hope that our airplanes bring. We will seek to reach more places and more people, having even more impact, as we reach a world in need.

Board Chair Message

CEO Message

A MESSAGEfrom the Board Chair and CEO

None of this would

be possible without the

talented service and sacrifice of

our dedicated staff in all our

programmes and

offices

We could not do this without you ... There

are many other places

which need the help and

hope that our airplanes

bring


A young Maasai woman watches preparations for the Malambo evangelistic safari.Credit: Jean Bizimana

Peter CurtisChairman

Dave Fyock CEO

Final deliveries of relief supplies a year after the devastating earthquake.Credit: Mandy Glass

MAFIProgrammes• ARNHEM LAND• BANGLADESH• CHAD• KENYA• LIBERIA• MADAGASCAR• MONGOLIA• MYANMAR• PAPUA NEW GUINEA• SOUTH SUDAN• TANZANIA• TIMOR-LESTE• UGANDA

WHERE WE WORKPROGRAMMES & RESOURCING GROUPS


Other MAF Programmes• ANGOLA• BRAZIL• DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO• ECUADOR• GUATEMALA• HAITI• INDONESIA• LESOTHO• MALI• MEXICO• MOZAMBIQUE• SURINAME

MAFI ResourcingGroups• AUSTRALIA• DENMARK• FINLAND• FRANCE• GERMANY• INDIA• ITALY• MALAYSIA• NETHERLANDS• NEW ZEALAND• NORWAY• PHILIPPINES• SINGAPORE• SOUTH AFRICA• SWEDEN• SWITZERLAND• UK

Other MAFOFFICES• CANADA• USA

ARNHEM LANDOvercoming Vast Distances

What a blessing to see one another, to listen and to learn! MAF makes rich opportunities such as this

possible through the generous subsidy they extend to us as partners

Rachel Herweynen, Teaching Principal at the Gäwa Christian School

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Vast distances between the populated areas of Arnhem Land mean that MAF’s services are vital in enabling everyday activities, like shopping and attending school, as well as assisting with emergency situations.

In 2019 MAF in Arnhem Land carried out 176 medical retrieval flights. In February one flight was for a young child who had been stung by a box jellyfish. The child was flown with her parents to Gove for urgent medical attention.

Escaping domestic violence when you live in a remote area can be incredibly difficult. MAF is partnering with a local women’s shelter and agencies across Arnhem Land that offer a safe haven to victims of domestic violence. MAF’s aim is to provide fast, timely emergency evacuation of these women and their children living in isolated communities across the Northern Territory. In May MAF supported the women’s shelters by providing flights for ‘Support the Walk’, an initiative to raise awareness about domestic violence. MAF staff and families also participated in the 30-kilometre walk.

Supporting the local church is an important part of MAF’s work in Arnhem Land. James, a Yolngu Christian, flew with MAF to Garrthalala to meet with the church there. In April MAF and Pioneers brought together around 20 Yolngu Christian leaders from around Arnhem Land to provide discipleship training. Held once a quarter, training has covered subjects such as trauma healing, critical thinking, belonging and identity.

Overcoming Vast Distances

...with an emphasis on flying to remote ‘homelands’ communities, and training an engineering apprentice

Future PlansIn 2020 the programme will restructure to streamline operations in Arnhem Land


This Year We’re Celebrating...

Aircraft10

destinations

54

organisationsflown

81

31 international8 national

39 staff

3,860hours flown


9,490 kg

cargo transported

medical retrievals

176

662,060 km

flown

STATS

Participants in Support the Walk. Credit: Divyan Ahimaz

Population of

16,000Arnhem Land covers

97,000 square kilometres

BANGLADESHThe predominance of water is the geographical barrier MAF overcomes in Bangladesh to facilitate reaching vulnerable communities.

Cooperation in Development (CO-ID) flew to southern Bhola Island, where they provide free primary school education to around 11,000 children. Patrick O’Leary shared, ‘Education gives children a little more choice in their life. Even to be able to just go to the market and count your money or read signs is a big advantage for anybody.’

Our flights enabled officials to visit USAID’s ECOFISH projects. Bangladeshi fishing communities are highly vulnerable – geographically and socio-economically. Working with MAF and WorldFish means that ECOFISH can reach the vulnerable people anywhere in the country and provide proper support for ensuring improved resilience of fishing communities in Bangladesh. Projects include livelihood diversification for fishermen, such as livestock management.

During 2019 MAF flew several foreign surgical teams to work on Friendship’s floating hospital. These specialists provided services, including reconstructive and gynaecological surgery for people living in hard to reach places. Dr. Ishtiaq Hossain shared, ‘The impact is really, really significant because, when foreign surgical teams come for nine or ten days, travelling from Dhaka to here, they lose two days coming and returning. With MAF, we don’t have to lose any time …MAF brings them to the hospital within 50 minutes …and that way they can see more patients.’

Overcoming Geographical Barriers

The new aircraft delivered to the programme will start operations in the second half of the year

Future Plansa new Country Director will take over leading the programme in June 2020

STATS

A beneficiary of Worldfish’s project is keen to show the eggs her chicken had produced. Credit: Adam Dickens


Aircraft1

destinations

37

organisationsflown

58


23 staff

304hours flown

812passengerstransported

64,470 km

flown

medical evacuation flight

1

If they save time travelling,then they can get much more time in the field

to provide treatment to the beneficiariesDr. Ishtiaq Hossain,Friendship Hospital


Caption: MAF’s amphibious aircraft moored during a visit to Friendship’s Floating Hospital.Credit: Adam Dickens

62%live in

rural areasphysicians/1,000

population

0.53

Working on the pilot roster, Arnhem Land Operations Manager Stephen Kempsell likens it to completing a complex puzzle with 5 interdependent and moving pieces - pilots, aircraft, maintenance, bases, flights. Credit: Divyan Ahimaz

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYIMPROVING CONNECTION

IT products and services are essential to MAF. Without reliable systems we cannot book flights, maintain aircraft, invoice customers, manage facilities, manage safety systems, communicate with supporters, and much more. MAF International’s IT staff work with some unusual challenges and therefore need to be inventive and creative in finding solutions that work.

Today, many technical solutions have an increasing reliance on the internet and cloud-based technologies, however MAF rarely works in places with sufficient internet speeds to support these products. The locations where MAF operates, and the type of flying we do means that ‘off the shelf’ products for flight bookings and aircraft maintenance systems rarely suit our requirements. The IT team develop software specifically for MAF, which allows our teams around the world to operate effectively and efficiently, even in places with poor connectivity. Both our flight scheduling software and our aircraft maintenance software have been developed and supported by our IT staff, along with other applications such as our safety system, that are also heavily adapted to meet our requirements.

Our IT Infrastructure team work hard in setting up and supporting the computer network and hardware across all locations; keeping the systems working, making sure they are secure and meeting the needs of the organisation. In 2019 the team expanded and were focussed on ensuring MAF’s IT provision has the right level of protection, proactively improving reliability and supportability across our operations, while at the same time ensuring our staff have the technical tools to carry out their day-to-day activities.

staying connected


Assisting passengers with flight invoices in Liberia.Credit: Katie Machell

Setting up a new Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to provide pilots with electronic in-flight information. Credit: Chris Pickard

Chad Flight Operations Assistant Denis Kouladoumbaye.Credit: Katie Machell

IT products and services are essential

to MAF. Without reliable

systems we cannot book flights... and

much morE

CHADNew airstrips open up the possibility for community transformation. In March 2019, after villagers worked hard to clear an extra 500 metres, MAF re-opened the old airstrip in Koblagué.

This year the annual ‘tournée médicale’ (medical tour) focused on southern Chad. The plane was based at Chageen, with easy access by air to the other six destinations. Working with local church partners, a doctor and an administrator were flown to the remote locations over the course of a week. Over 100 people in Koblagué received medical care, ‘which definitely had a big impact,’ reported pilot Becki Dillingham. In Chageen itself, the resident health worker benefited from further training with the doctor.

In the far north, flying included transporting urgently needed IV fluid for a gunshot patient in Bardaï. The scheduled flight was already close to its maximum payload, but after the removal of two unnecessary passenger seats, four boxes of IV fluid were loaded. Dr. Hotchkin reported, ‘The IV fluids were used straight away. Without them the patient would not have survived.’

We flew Handicap Sante to assist people at Hopital de la Paix in Moundou. The visiting plastic surgery team of six were delighted with MAF, and shared, ‘We have experimented with all types of transport! The road is always very difficult, whether by car or by bus.’

MAF also provided flight support for Global Aid International (GAiN) working with local churches to provide clean water in rural areas.

Overcoming Vast Distances

Future Plans

The number of missionary families has increased significantly in the last three years. We are discussing how MAF can add value to their work

WE WILL STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARTNER ORGANISATIONS MINISTERING IN THE EAST OF THE COUNTRY


Aircraft2

destinations

28

organisationsflown

39


20 staff

462hours flown


4,881 kg

cargo transported

medical evacuationFlights

2

106,264 km

flownSTATS

Welcoming crowd for Pilot Phil Henderson after the first landing of an aircraft in Koblagué for 12 years. Credit: Phil Henderson

Welcoming crowd for Pilot Phil Henderson after the first landing of an aircraft in Koblagué for 12 years. Credit: Phil Henderson

This is the one time in the year that

the doctor flies in

Pilot Becky Dillingham


A pilot’s overnight stay in Bardai involves sleeping under the stars in a mosquito net suspended from the wing of the plane. Credit: Phil Henderson

Only 9%of the population

have access to electricity

of the population do not have access to good sanitation

facilities

88%

KENYALong-term commitment

My prayer is that you continue with the

mission you are doing through aviation,

in fellowship with believers and others, to spread the Gospel of Christ in a useful

and helpful way while you’re saving lives. To

God be the glory

KCAA Director General Captain Gilbert Kibe

Meshack and his mother arriving at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, to get a prosthetic leg, crutches and a wheelchair. Credit: Thorkild Jørgensen

MAF Kenya celebrated its 60th anniversary in2019. ‘It gives me great pleasure to join you tocelebrate what God has done through MAF,’shared KCAA* Director General Captain GilbertKibe. ‘At KCAA we are proud of MAF. You guyshave done a good job.’ Senator Rev NaomiWaqo also attended, sharing ‘We have peoplespreading the Gospel, especially in theunreached areas. Let’s make it easy for themto hear the word of God. I thank MAF for the60 years that you have served in this countryand beyond.’

Flying in 2019 included transporting Meshack, the victim of a savage school shooting, to Nairobi for the fitting of his new prosthetic limb. Charles Kabogoza, of Gospel Light Children’s Ministry, flew to Korr, where he used the Jesus Film, shared Bible stories and used sports activities to minister among the Rendille.

One Child Matters flew to Elelea to provide holistic care for children and adults, including provision of vitamins and deworming for children with nutritional deficiencies. Child safety screening identified children at risk of abuse and a local child advocate will follow-up with them. Patients also received spiritual input, and pastoral staff provided training to local ministry leaders.

In support of The Agape Fellowship, Jesus Harvesters Ministry flew to Kisumu. In Chavakali the team dedicated a new Agape church. They funded 470 mattresses for widows, provided food for orphans, hosted a free medical clinic, and also ministered in a women’s prison in Kakamega.

*Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Long-term commitment

in the arid areas of north and east Kenya, partner with medical missions like Cure International, and increase its focus on developing partnerships

Future PlansThe programme will continue serving the mission activities...


More than

40% of Kenyans are

under the age of 15STATS

Annet and Caroline, MAF Kenya staff, at the 60th anniversary celebrations. Credit: Stephanie Gidney

Recipients with books distributed by Gospel Light Children’s Ministries.Credit: Mussa Uwitonze

Aircraft3

destinations

64

organisationsflown

211


43 staff

1,225hours flown


21,436 kg

cargo transported

299,542 km

flown


60 Yearsof serving in kenya


facilities

70%

LIBERIADemand for our flights was high during 2019. Passengers included staff of the Evangelical Church of Liberia (ECOL) flying to the most northerly part of Liberia. They had not been able to visit for over two years. It was an opportunity to encourage believers and investigate training needs of rural pastors.

Mercy Ships International flew to Harper to visit J.J. Dossen Hospital, the only referral hospital in southeast Liberia. The trip was to assess the healthcare system in preparation for their hospital ship’s arrival in 2020. ‘Flying with MAF allowed us to save on travel time and expenses,’ shared the team, ‘contributing to an increased efficiency and better use of resources.’ Later in the year we flew a consignment of windows for the newly-refurbished laboratory at the hospital, a joint project between GIZ and Partners in Health (PIH). Work also included renovating the bio-medical workshop, where vital hospital equipment is repaired and maintained. PIH fly each week with MAF Liberia, moving staff, patients and freight.

MAF flew personnel and resources to Zwedru for the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF). WCF is working to promote conservation and introduced fish farming as an alternative source of livelihood for isolated communities. Jacob Tweh shared, ‘In Liberia, we have bad roads. Most of the communities we work in are very isolated, and getting materials there has always been a problem for us.’

2019 also saw the beginning of construction of our new hangar at James Spriggs Payne Airport, Monrovia.

Overcoming Poor Infrastructure

A second plane will be positioned in the programme to meet the increasing need for our services in the country. This will also help with the set up and support of a new programme in Guinea

Future PlansWe are looking to fill staff vacancies and increase our capacity in 2020


Aircraft1

destinations

17

organisationsflown

161


6 staff

740hours flown


25,394 kg

cargo transported


2

182,481 km

flownSTATS

MAF team member Margot Biggs works as a nurse at ELWA Hospital.Credit: Katie Machell

Without MAF, I’m not quite sure whether we could have some

of our projects running, especially

during the rainy season

Jacob TwehWild Chimpanzee Foundation


Overland travel is challenging across Liberia.Credit: Katie Machell

657km paved out of 10,600km

of roads are paved6%54%

of the population live below the poverty line

Medevac flight for a young boy with a piece of wood stuck in his throat.Credit: Charlotte Pedersen

MADAGASCARSaving Precious Time

MAF always tries to find how they can

best help us shorten the distances our

translator colleagues have to travel. We

are very grateful for and dependent on this

support from MAFLeoni Bouwer,

Bible Translation Network, Madagascar

Flying in 2019 included transportation of thousands of vaccines and syringes for distribution to several isolated villages to help prevent further spread of the measles outbreak in Madagascar. Vaccines need to be kept cold, so long distances and poor road conditions prevent timely overland transportation.

We did a medevac flight for a six year old boy who had a piece of wood stuck in his throat. Thankfully there was a hole in the piece of wood, so he could still breath. Hospital staff successfully removed the obstruction. Another medevac flight was for a boy who fell from a mango tree. His arm was severely damaged and required surgery.

MAF flew several teams of Malagasy Bible translators from all over Madagascar to work together with Bible translation consultants. In 2019 they started work in eight new Malagasy dialects. Leoni Bouwer, leader of the Bible Translation network in Madagascar, explained that many Malagasy people think they have to learn another language to become Christians. ‘Hearing and reading God’s Word in their own language, they say “God speaks our language?! Can we really address God in our own language?”’

Malagasy evangelists Jean and Rado flew to Nosy Varika. Jean shared, ‘I always wanted to go to this town to evangelise but it was impossible, since the road is impassable in rainy weather, and during the dry season it takes three days from Antananarivo to reach this city. Thanks to MAF, we did it in a little over an hour. After our visit, a new church opened.’

Saving Precious Time


STATS

Bible translation into one of Madagascar’s languages.Credit: Mark & Kelly Hewes

MAF delivers measles vaccinations to isolated villages.Credit: Charlotte Pedersen


Aircraft3

destinations

52

organisationsflown

87


28 staff

920hours flown


24,731kg

cargo transported

medical evacuationflights

53

206,589 km

flown

It will also continue providing a service via the medical outreach safaris in partnership with a number of medical agencies in the country

Future PlansA SECOND C182 WILL ENABLE US TO SERVE LOCAL CHURCHES MORE EFFECTIVELY


facilities

88% 71%of the population

live below the poverty line

Our engineers are essential to MAF and without their expertise and dedication our aircraft cannot fly. An engineer’s work is often unseen, but it lies at the very centre of a complex machine that enables us to fly help, hope and healing to those in isolation and need.

MAF’s engineering teams around the world work on our aircraft to make sure they are in the best condition to serve isolated people. They often travel to other programmes to assist with inspections and troubleshoot problems that have grounded aircraft.

Engineers sometimes have to fly to the rescue of a pilot at a remote airstrip. In August, Pilot Lungpinglak Domtta experienced a flat tyre after landing the C206 aircraft at an airstrip in Northern Uganda. MAF engineer Dave Waterman and engineering intern Daniel Gransmaa flew up to Adjumani to change the tyre and carry out some checks so that Lungpinglak was able to carry on with his flight schedule for the day.

With a worldwide shortage of engineers in the aviation industry, in 2019 MAF launched an apprenticeship scheme to help those wanting to be MAF engineers to train and gain practical experience.

Engineers flew out to Adjumani, Uganda, to tackle a flat tyre.Credit: Dave Forney

Kenyan aircraft engineer Florence Odero conducts routine maintenance on MAF Chad’s two aircraft. Credit: Timothy Webb

ENGINEERING

Dave Waterman, Africa Regional Avionics

Manager

One of the things I love

about being a MAF engineer is there is no

such thing as a standard day.

You may arrive in the hangar

and everything seems normal,

then everything changes as you

adapt to the needs of the day. Be that

rescheduling the planned

maintenance or flying up to an airstrip in the

north of the country

to fixa flat

MAINTAINING EXCELLENCE

Maintaining excellence


The engineering team in Mareeba unload VH-MTR from its shipping container.Credit: Amanda McCall

MONGOLIAEnabling Access

Flying with BSA saved us so much time. Cutting the travel time gave us an opportunity to visit some of the

project beneficiaries’ homes, talk to them face to face, and receive first-

hand information and feedbackMr. Juri Veikkola,

FLOM Development Cooperation CoordinatorCaption: Preparing the aircraft in unexpected snow.Credit: Roy Rissanen

This final year of MAF’s flying in Mongolia, as Blue Sky Aviation (BSA), included support for long-standing partners as well as some new ones like Interplast. Medical flights enabled patients to gain access to the medical facilities in Ulaanbaatar. Cases included strokes, a liver complication, road traffic injuries, a premature baby, broken limbs, and a heart attack.

We flew Nurses Heart to Heart to provide training to medical professionals, soldiers and rescue personnel. At Kharkhorin, they trained approximately 90 attendees, demonstrating how to properly administer cardiac-pulmonary resuscitation to both adult and infant patients. For most of the participants it was the very first time to physically learn and practice using manikins.

The Finnish Lutheran Overseas Mission (FLOM) supports the Mongolian Lutheran Church in their ministries in Tsetserleg, Arhangai province. This includes an interfaith discipleship school for new believers, and microenterprise projects to help single mothers develop new skills, such as sewing and tailoring. We transported FLOM representatives to monitor project activities in Tsetserleg.

We also flew a medical team from Interplast to the South Gobi city of Dalanzadgad for a five day surgical visit. Partnering with local organisations, Interplast provides surgical services - primarily to treat cleft lip and palates, and burn scar tissue which can restrict movement of the injured area - to those who cannot afford or access it. They also help build capacity of local health care systems through training and mentoring programs. The team assessed 50 children with burns in the first two days.

Enabling Access

19 years of serviceIn 2020 our time in Mongolia will come to an end after 19 years


STATSof the roads in Mongolia are

unpaved

90%2 PEOPLE

per square kilometre

A medevac with two patients - a girl with a head trauma and a premature baby. Credit: Roy Rissanen

Nurses Heart to Heart conduct CPR training with army personnel. Credit: Roy Rissanen


Aircraft1

destinations

36

organisationsflown

16


14 staff

268hours flown


61,542 km

flown

2,701 kg

cargo transported

19 Yearsof serving in Mongolia


MYANMAR

Construction of Lailenpi airstrip in Chin State began in 2019. The official ground-breaking ceremony took place on 4th May. In his ceremonial speech, H.E Salai Lian Luai, Chief Minister of Chin State said: ‘The Chin State Government appreciate and welcome heartily MAF’s assistance on this project. Once the Lailenpi airstrip is finished and the flight operation starts, travelling into this area will be much easier and this airstrip will be very important to us.’

Located next to Mara Gospel Centenary Mountain, work has progressed well in 2019. During the rainy season steady progress was made on excavating the site and once the rains ended more equipment was brought in. By the end of the year the daily excavation rate was equivalent to moving 5,600 tonnes of rock and soil.

Rev Haidau, one of the community elders, shared: ‘The Lailenpi Airstrip is a very wonderful miracle. This airstrip will be incredibly beneficial for the people of this region, especially the Mara. I am very thankful for that. In the past, when there was a medical emergency it took about 10 days to arrive at the big hospitals. Now we know that it will only be about 90 minutes from Lailenpi to Yangon, or even less if we go to Mandalay.’

Hope for the future

prospective flight partners identified

165


2 staff

STATS

Ground breaking celebration on the 4th May.Credit: Deeram Khong

Construction Manager Terry Fahey (left), on site with one of the construction team.Credit: Deeram Khong

enabling future air access to this remote area of Myanmar even during the rainy season when roads close

Future PlansWe are excited that the Lailenpi airstrip will near completion in 2020,

On the 19th September our MAF Myanmar Chief Operating Officer, Captain Tin, passed away in Yangon hospital following a chronic illness. His outstanding contribution to the development of the MAF Myanmar programme and Lailenpi airstrip will endure.

Captain Tin, a gentleman of compassion towards those most in need, was well-respected in the aviation industry and beyond. He will be deeply missed by us as a dear friend and professional colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Captain Tin MAF Myanmar Chief Operations Officer

Honouring Captain Tin

The Director General ofDepartment of Civil Aviation, U Min Lwin

The Lailenpi airstrip will play an important role for many

purposes, especially to commute quicker to and from communities

within and beyond Chin State

70potential flight destinations mapped

of airstrip completed

33%

2 construction shifts

covering22 hours a day

construction vehicles mobilized

6

earth and rock excavated during 2019

400,000tonnes

daily peak rateof earth and rock excavated

5,600tonnes

of roads are UNpaved122,300km out of 157,000km

78%48%of the country

is covered in forest


Overcoming Isolation

PAPUA NEWGUINEA

The support that MAF gives to communities cannot be overstated. They service isolated communities and enable them to receive basic building

materials, teachers, health consumables, medicine and much more. Without MAF

we would not have been able to fly into Mougulu and do the work we did

Dr Kaspar PuliDelivering school supplies to Kol.Credit: Mandy Glass

During 2019 the programme transitioned to a Cessna 208 fleet, simplifying the necessary pilot training to serve in PNG, and introducing efficiencies in other areas too.

2019 flights included charters by Care International taking food supplies, tools and sanitary items into Walagu and Dodomona, as well as staff members who continue to train people in various topics, like hygiene and sanitation.

In February we completed the last of 284 disaster response flights, across 12 months, into the region hit by an earthquake a year earlier. In May several flights flew supplies for various schools in remote locations. Exercise books, folders, glue, erasers, pencils and crayons, games, modelling clay, sports equipment and first aid kits were just a few of the items packed into cardboard boxes which we delivered to airstrips in the Jimi district. MAF flew Dr Kasper Puli and a colleague to the rural community of Mougulu, to provide dental and medical treatment for eight weeks. With no road to Mougulu, the only access is by plane - the nearest town being a seven-day walk away. ‘We saw lots of patients with leprosy, malaria, TB, pneumonia, elephantiasis. Sadly malnutrition is very high and you often see kids with big bellies. Maternal and child health is a great concern.’ One patient with an impacted wisdom tooth walked for six hours to reach the clinic and have it extracted. They also provided health education for the community, and dental training for the resident health worker.

Overcoming Isolation


STATS

Dental outreach in Mougulu.Credit: Dr. Kaspar Puli

Delivery of food supplies.Credit: Sally Lloyd

we look to serve the remote communities of PNG with greater effectiveness and efficiency

Future PlansWith the addition of new staff,and A new C208 aircraft,


Aircraft9

destinations

213

organisationsflown

107


134 staff

4,735 hours flown


1,996,821 kg

cargo transported


210

929,615 km

flown


facilities

81%indigenous

languages are spoken

839

SOUTH SUDAN

In 2019 we flew a team of specialists to provide training for ACTED’s field staff working to improve farming practices. Between classes both teachers and participants, armed with hoes, dug a long ditch through the compound to harvest rainwater.

e3 Partners frequently flies with MAF to equip and support local missionaries and evangelists working among the Toposa people. Bible story groups have been established by teaching literate Christians to become oral trainers. Seventy-four Bible stories have now been translated by these young leaders and recorded for use on audio devices. Moreover, 17 songs have been composed by the Toposa who are used to singing for their cows, to help them remember the stories. John Wanyonyi shares, ‘the locals are now taking the gospel to other villages by themselves.’

The Peace and Reconciliation Safari Team flew to the Nzara diocese to run a week long Peace and Reconciliation workshop for youth. Forty-seven participants from different communities were invited by the ECSS church. The goal was for participants to understand God’s heart for the youth, help them find healing and forgiveness, and then open the door to forgiveness and reconciliation between tribes that have been in conflict. The teaching was designed to be accessible for both literate and illiterate attendees.

Overcoming Insecurity

The addition of two C208 aircraft to our fleet, and the need to construct additional housing at our compound, will help facilitate this increase in capacity

Future PlansIn 2020 we plan to increase the capacity of our flight services in South Sudan


Aircraft6

destinations

74

organisationsflown

219


49 staff

2,298hours flown


148,260 kg

cargo transported


62

537,152 km

flownSTATS

e3 Partners teaching at Kapoeta Baptist Church.Credit: Thorkild Jorgensen

We are so grateful to MAF that they facilitate us when we need

to travel,” Sabet says. “The north-western weekly shuttle

is a huge blessing. Before we had to drive for hours to Wau to get on a commercial flight and that

is always risky, because road security is really bad and people get ambushed and shot. On top of

being more secure, we benefit from the fact that it is just so easy to

drive to our local airstrip. It only takes five minutesIn Deed and Truth Ministries


Sabet Kuj at the airstrip in Tonj.Credit: Thorkild Jørgensen


facilities

93%of the roads in South

Sudan are paved

2%Just

Dedication of the new C208 aircraft for South Sudan in the Netherlands.Credit: MAF Netherlands

OUR DONORSALL GIFTS GREAT AND SMALL

EO Metterdaad is a long-term supporter of MAF. It is a Dutch Christian broadcasting organisation, working through the national public TV and radio system network in the Netherlands to highlight the humanitarian needs in the developing world and fundraise for a variety of Christian groups. They have provided over 200,000 Euros of financial support towards a number of MAF projects in 2019: “We raise funds and support MAF because their aircraft fly to areas where others cannot or dare not come and by doing that lives are saved.”

Choosing MAF as one of its earliest projects in 1998, the Lancaster Foundation has helped us serve isolated people in Africa for many years. In 2019 they gave gifts towards flights in Uganda. “The Foundation has remained committed to supporting MAF’s aims over the years and we continue to enjoy a strong friendship. We have seen with our own eyes the hardship the people of Africa face and we count it a privilege to help MAF and its partners deliver change.”

Sam and Sarah David, in India, shared: “We are thankful to the Lord for the work of MAF, and it has been a privilege to be associated with it in our prayers and in our giving. We pray for God’s wisdom and leading in all decisions to be made, that God will keep each of you safe, and for God’s provision for MAF so that you can continue to serve people in isolated communities.”

our donors


After the War in 1945,

Murray Kendon sent me a letter asking if I would be interested in

flying for MAF as a missionary. That letter followed me to Malta and the UK, before

finally arriving in New Zealand in 1946. By that time

it was too late and I missed out! However, right

from its inception MAF has been

“number one” in my giving towards

missionary work. Many of the pilots have

become good friends over

the years and I have prayed for their safety as they flew for

MAF in some very challenging

places

Buck and Olwyn Pound, New Zealand

Sam and Sarah David.Credit: Varghese Philip

Buck and Olwyn Pound.

A MAF Netherlands open day, where one attraction is a MAF visualreality experience. Credit: MAF Netherlands

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Malambo evangelistic safari work, a partnership between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania and MAF. Each month our C206 aircraft transports Maasai evangelists to visit with communities dotted across the region. In Merugoi, one of the destinations, Pastor Lazarus, who serves nine small congregations, shared, ‘When they come we take them to visit bomas, and other areas, to preach the Gospel. It’s really been a blessing to us since we started to receive these evangelists by MAF plane.’

Our medical safaris, in collaboration with regional hospitals, transported medical care directly to people living in isolation. In Lesirwai, a community of 350 people in South Maasai Land, the medical team administered vaccinations for children and provided prenatal checks for pregnant women.

Some patients require more help than the mobile clinics can provide. Staying with the medical teams for the duration of the outreach means pilots can fly out patients who need hospital care. Medevac patients included a tiny premature baby born at 24 weeks gestation. Sadly, the baby died a few days later. Pilot Kirstein Combrink shared, ‘It’s hard to understand these things sometimes, but it’s safe to say the transfer by plane gave this baby the best possible chance of survival. We showed to the mother and family that we value them.’

In addition to our regular flying, we also flew numerous flights to transport dignitaries to the celebratory opening of the secondary school built by Help for the Maasai.

STATS

Maasai evangelists flew to Piaya, Engaresero and other locations in October. Credit: Jean Bizimana

ensuring greater reliability of service for our customers. Services to the Haydom hospital and the Malambo Bible school in partnership with a number of medical missions will continue

Future PlansOur second C206 aircraft will have it’s avionics upgrade in 2020,

of roads in Tanzania are unpaved

89%

TANZANIALong-term Partnerships


Aircraft2

destinations

31

organisationsflown

17


6 staff

317hours flown


1,065 kg

cargo transported


7

59,720 km

flown


Nurse administers vaccinations for babies on the South Maasai medical safari.Credit: Jean Bizimana

Through MAF we are working for two days the work

that would otherwise take one month to

cover

Rev. Isaya Ole-Lee (Pastor for Malambo)

39 millionpeople in

Tanzania do not have access to

electricity

Enabling Communication

TECHNOLOGYSERVICES PNG

A solar-powered remote radio installation for a church.Credit: Lukas Schadegg

In 2019 we installed an HF radio for the people of Biaidi. This radio is an answer to prayer for pastor Jinga and his family. Lukas Schadegg shared, ‘As I arrived at the village to install the HF radio, the pastor’s wife started to cry, as finally the so hoped for communication had arrived in their community. Now they will be able to share their hardships and prayer points with other Christians and get the moral support they have so longed for.’

At Wycliffe Association’s two week Bible Translation Training our staff saw pastors who had participated in their 2018 basic computer training course. Pastor Sweki Munto, the oldest of the pastors, was applying the skills he had learnt to help with translations for the Tok Pisin Bible. Technology Services is also providing assistance with the translation work through the provision and technical support of solar-powered tablets and laptops.

The audio Bible project continues to impact lives. Originally intended to bring the Word of God to those who are illiterate, Accounts Manager Sussan Siwi’s recent interaction with friends and family highlighted its value for people with busy work schedules in the town too. When she introduced it to a friend ‘he played it to its loudest volume and would not put it down.... he is happily carrying the audio Bible around and playing it on loud speaker.’

Technology Services also provides a critical communication link between remote communities and MAF flight operations when patients require medical transfer to hospital. Fourteen year old Alima was one such case. She had accidentally chopped off three of her toes and lost a lot of blood as a result.

Enabling Communication


STATS

to health centres and community schools, providing isolated people with first time access to electricity

Future Plans2020 will see delivery and implementation of numerous 240V solar power systems



24 staff

1,499

331

4,493

6,947

HF radio calls received

pastors trained in basic computer skills

audio Biblesdistributed

Bibles distributed

225medical evacuations

arranged

Assemblies of God Bible School at Wingie, East Sepik Province.Credit: Caine Ruruk

Just 2%of the population

have a fixed landline

77% ofthe population do not have access

to electricity

Having reliable solar power in a

remote and isolated community is very important and can

even save lives

Sally Lloyd Hoey

Medical evacuation flights are a large part of our flying in Timor-Leste, in support of the Ministry of Health, alongside charter flights for partner organisations. The need for a medevac arises at short notice. Flexibility is essential, as proven on the 24th April, which began with only two booked charter flights.

Starting early, pilot Jason Job flew to Same to collect staff from The Asia Foundation. The second charter was to Maliana for the Health Transport Team, a group of mechanics who maintain ambulances. Both partner organisations frequently fly with MAF.

As Jason was preparing for the second flight a medevac was requested from Oecusse for a young girl with renal failure. Jason delivered the mechanics to Maliana en route to Oecusse. Awaiting the girl’s arrival, Jason received another call for a medevac from Los Palos for a woman experiencing birthing complications. Completing the first medevac, the second medevac was initiated. Jason still needed to return to Maliana to pick up the mechanics. However, upon arriving in Dili from Los Palos, a third medevac request was received, this time from Same. A patient was seriously ill with suspected hepatitis B and pneumonia. It took a little over an hour to fly to Same, collect the patient and return. Having completed the third medevac, Jason was airborne again to collect the ambulance mechanics, detouring to avoid a storm on the way.

In those twelve hours Jason had flown ten sectors and carried 19 passengers, three of whom were medical evacuations.

will enable us to continue to provide reliable and timely medevac flights for isolated Timorese people

Future PlansA renewed agreement with the Timor-Leste Government


Aircraft2

destinations

11

organisationsflown

24


7 staff

527hours flown



346

87,526 km

flown1 doctor

per 12,500 peopleSTATS

40%populationare under the age

of 14

of the

Mothers and babies attend a medical centre.Credit: Kim Job

TIMOR-LESTEEnabling Access to Medical Services

It is now the season of easterly winds which means the sea is rough, but it does not mean that

WorldFish will stop working on Atauro Island. MAF helped us with transportation so that our work plans went smoothly. MAF’s existence in Timor-

Leste is really helpful for those in needInacia Teme of WorldFish


One pilot and one plane made a big difference in Timor-Leste in one day.Credit: Stephen Bentley

In 2019 MAF Uganda flew 426 organisations working in Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The directors of Nguvu Dairy fly regularly with MAF to manage their operations. Their 90 employees are all dairy farmers. With four distribution sites in Gulu, Lira, Kitgum and Anaka, they produce dairy-based products such as yoghurt and butter. 70% of their staff have complex traumas. The organisation runs the Bible Society’s 16 week Trauma Counselling Course to help staff in the process of healing.

In September we flew Nick and Ruth Davis who are involved with “Red Community,” a Christian charity set up to help survivors of sex trafficking and slavery and “Manumit” (which means to release from slavery), a coffee roasting company set up to provide employment, support and training for the survivors. In seeking to ensure a slavery free supply chain ‘from the bean to the cup,’ they connected with Zukuka Bora, a coffee growing company on Mount Elgon run with a Christian ethical ethos. The partnership is benefitting vulnerable people in both Uganda and Wales. Ruth, a nurse, was also investigating possibilities for a leadership development project.

Heading into east DRC, Arthur Magezi of Christ Transformation Ministries was invited to help train pastors. ‘I haven’t been able to enter Congo since last year when everything was closed [due to Ebola]. I’ve heard the road is very bad. This year I’m offering training on Marriage Counselling.’ Arthur’s motivation: ‘I love bringing people to Christ and seeing churches grow. We go to villages where there aren’t churches. We train someone and then watch churches become established’.

Overcoming Trauma

to reach into remote communities, and in particular the nearby Ssese Islands

Future PlansThe programme will continue to seek opportunities



Aircraft5

destinations

43

organisationsflown

426


68 staff

2,809hours flown


33,802 kg

cargo transported


5

660,610 km

flown

STATS

The average age of the Ugandan

population is

15

Arthur providing training.Credit: Arthur Magezi

Caption: Yoghurt produced by the Nguvu Dairy.Credit: Courtesy of Nguvu Dairy

UGANDAOvercoming Trauma

We only had a week to have meetings in Kampala, Mbale and

Soroti. It wouldn’t be possible to do all of that without flying

Ruth Davis

Nick and Ruth (right) take the MAF plane to visit a coffee project in Mount Elgon.Credit: Dave Forney

80% ofthe population do not have access

to electricity

FLEETAircraft

In 2019 a new C208B aircraft began operating in South Sudan and another will be added in 2020.

These new aircraft increase the fleet and our capacity to serve our partners. A new flight simulator arrived in Papua New Guinea in 2019, giving pilots the opportunity to train in new ways. Another new flight simulator will be installed at the Mareeba Flight Training Centre in early 2020, improving our facilities for pilot training.

Cessna 206 5

DHC-6-300 Twin Otter2

GA8 Airvan17

Cessna 208 (Amphibious)2

Cessna 20812

Cessna 1826

Training for the future

Cessna 1724

Cessna 1826

DHC-6-300Twin Otter

2

Cessna 2065

Cessna 208(amphibious)

2

Cessna 20812

Cessna 208B14

GA8 Airvan17


FINANCIALREPORT2019

Expenditure US$

Flying and other mission activities Staff costs Other field expenses Support office costs Grants Raising funds

Total

12,111,00014,158,000

6,285,0001,062,0002,013,000

383,000

36,012,000

Income US$

Flying activities Other mission activities Donations received Interest and other income

Total

MAF International

is funded primarily through our MAF

Resourcing Groups from around the

world.

We deeply value our

partnership with them and their

supporters’ contribution

to the ministry of MAF remains

vital.

12,870,000 1,640,000

19,865,000673,000

35,048,000

37%5%

56%2%

100%

34%39%17%

3%6%1%

100%

1%

34%

39%

17%

3%6%

ExpenditureUS$

56%

37%

5%

56%

2%

IncomeUS$

MAF PNG now has an operational Redbird Simulator for Caravan training.Credit: Mandy Glass

Mission Aviation Fellowship International is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and WalesRegistered Charity Number: 1058226 Registered Company Number: 3144199

Registered Office: Operations Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH, UK

Annual Report 2019MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

Front cover: MAF’s Grand Caravan 5Y-MAG, which serves in South Sudan and Kenya, ready for take-off from Lokori, KenyaCredit: Samuel Pagel

Documents

Annual Report 2018 - MAF Int · MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2018 5 Once again, MAF International has continued to reach out to isolated communities working in 14 programmes with over 1,300