Flying for life - September-November 2013

Flying for LifeSeptember 2013

The quarterly magazine of MAF

Page 4

Urgent: overseas vacancies to be filled

2 Flying for Life September 2013 www.maf-uk.org

EAST TIMOR: transporting surgeons

Oecusse hospital is located in the small town of Pante Macassar. Established in 2006, it serves the 67,000 people of Oecusse, the most

isolated district of East Timor. Today MAF is flying in a plastic surgery team from the Royal College of Australian Surgeons (RACS).

Mike Moore is the surgeon leading this visit. He combines surgery with the training of local doctors. ‘Oecusse is the hardest place to get to in East Timor,’ he says, ‘so we’ve come with Mission Aviation Fellowship.

‘MAF allows us to get to a place we’ve wanted to reach for some years. There has been

Stephanie Gidney shares how MAF helps provide people in a remote part of East Timor with life-enhancing surgery and lifesaving medevacs

Photos LuAnne Cadd

Something to smile about

a trickle of patients who manage the journey from Oecusse to Dili (the capital) for operations, but only after lots of transport problems. So for us to come here is great for the patients. It also reinforces the local medical structure.’

Scared Elvis Guterres helps to co-ordinate the activities of visiting RACS teams. MAF previously flew him to Oecusse with an eye team where he met 8-year-old Armindo and his 1½-year-old sister Nataliasile. Both were born with a cleft palate. Elvis told the family that a plastic surgery team was to visit Dili, and the children received operations there in 2011.

Their father Emmanuel Efi has brought them to the Oecusse hospital today to encourage other parents. ‘I want to bring my children here to show people everything is okay after the operation,’ he shares.

Seven-year-old Fernando Sila is scared and tearful. His parents hope his cleft palate can be fixed, and are assured Fernando’s fear won’t prevent them from getting help. Katrina Elu, who is 40, is far less worried. ‘I am happy,’ she says, ‘and hope that the doctors can fix my condition.’

Excited Others have come with burn-related injuries. Densiana, for example, burnt her foot badly when she was two. Her father hopes the team of surgeons flown by MAF can operate on his five-year-old daughter soon.

Rita Da Cruz, who was injured in a fire when she was 8 months old, is excited about the possibility of surgery, which would enable her to straighten her damaged arm almost 32 years after the accident.

Elvis explains that one difficulty people face is not knowing how or where to go for medical

September 2013 Flying for Life 3

Top left Elvis Guterres in the GA8 Airvan aircraftFar left Mike Moore inspects Densiana’s injured footMain Eleven-month old baby Anita and her parents wait to see RACS surgeons Left (from right to left) Fernando, Densiana, Katrina and Rita waiting for assessment

Something to smile about

help. Poor road conditions and people’s financial difficulties limit their ability to gain medical treatment.

Maximeano Nano, Director of Oecusse’s 37-bed hospital, comments on the difference MAF flights make: ‘MAF is very important for Oecusse because it is so far away from the mainland and Dili. The boat only comes twice a

week, so that’s a problem for us. A lot of people use MAF to go to Dili for treatment, and to attend workshops and seminars.’

Happy Showing us round the hospital, Maximeano shares how MAF flew in 400 litres of diesel to

provide a week’s supply of electricity for the generator, delivered 20 large bottles of oxygen, transports fragile medical equipment, and conveys the hospital’s medicines during the rainy season. He also explains how our medical emergency flights save lives.

‘Since 2008, MAF has helped us a lot,’ he says. ‘We only have four specialists here and, with limited resources for treatment, we can only do basic operations. We refer most of the complicated cases to Dili National Hospital. In 2009, two people had a serious motorcycle accident. MAF assisted, and the patients returned to Oecusse able to walk again.’

Maximeano introduces us to Carmeneza Ribeiro. Two years ago, the 72-year-old lady was in a coma and wouldn’t have survived if MAF hadn’t flown her to Dili for treatment. ‘I feel very happy because MAF helped me,’ she smiles.

Blessed As we prepare to leave, Carmeneza blesses MAF’s work – a lovely gesture illustrating just

how much the people of Oecusse value our flights.

Thanks to MAF, RACS teams and other medical partners are able to help those living in this remote location, and give the people of Oecusse something to smile about.


WORLDWIDE: opportunities for service

In MAF, we often refer to Prayer, People and Pounds as the

three essential lifelines which enable us to bring spiritual care and physical support to some of the world’s most isolated communities.

I believe that God calls us all to be missionaries – whether at home or overseas – and I am always inspired when I think of the amazing people who work for MAF.

My own journey started in my early teens when I remember telling my mother I wanted to be a missionary when I grew up.

This passion never went away, although I had no clear idea of how to make it a reality. I gained a Master’s degree in Business Economics and set off on a corporate career as a management consultant.

An amazing journey Story Chris Lukkien

A war-torn countryDuring this time, I met my wife Annet. We didn’t want to reach 65, look back on our lives and wonder what difference we could have made if only we’d made ourselves available. So in 1992, we prayed God would show us the way forward and we pursued all the opportunities that were available.

Initially nothing happened, and we had almost become resigned to the fact that maybe missionary work wasn’t God’s plan for us after all. Then an opportunity came to serve in Kenya with a Christian relief organisation.

I first encountered MAF’s work when I was serving in Sudan. There were many dangers in this war-torn country. Seeing young children being trained to become soldiers, and the fear in people’s eyes as they ran for bomb shelters became part of daily life. I remember the sense of relief I felt whenever MAF flew in – knowing they were bringing help, support and even the chance of evacuation.

Rewards and challenges In 1997, I heard about a vacancy in MAF and was asked to consider the role of Tanzania Country Director. I was rather surprised they would even consider me, as I had no aviation experience. The rest is history, and this is my 17th year of service with MAF. It has been an amazing journey, and my family and I feel blessed in so many ways.

Of course there have been challenges – most notably working in places with huge needs for our work, but where limited resources prevented us from meeting them all. And there were times we missed home and our families, especially when our children were born overseas.

But the rewards have always been greater than the challenges. Every day, I hear about the difference our teams are making and how we are helping to change people’s lives – whether bringing Bibles to remote communities in Papua New Guinea or transporting doctors to floating hospitals in Bangladesh.

If you would like to explore the possibility of serving with MAF, or to watch our recruitment video, please visit www.maf-uk.org/jobs


MAF International CEO Chris Lukkien says the adventure of serving with MAF transforms our staff as well as the lives of those we serve, and is looking for fellow travellers

Photos Layton Thompson, Richard Hanson, Gareth Barton

Never too late There is still so much more that we need to do. But we cannot do it without dedicated and passionate people who feel called to serve overseas.

At the moment, we have many vacancies, ranging from country directors to aircraft maintenance engineers, pilots to finance managers. Some people come already qualified for their role, some retrain to join us, and others have transferable skills which can be tailored to the roles and countries we work in. Others never physically go overseas but are a vital link in encouraging those who do.

It’s never too late to consider taking a step of faith – there are people in their 60s serving MAF overseas. Everyone who joins us has a unique set of skills and a unique capacity to serve. Some have families, some are single. All have made a courageous and life-changing decision to serve God. In Matthew 28, Jesus tells us to make disciples of all nations. Being part of MAF’s ministry is one way to help spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

I am continually thankful to God for the commitment and devotion of our staff serving in operations overseas – their dedication ensures help reaches those in desperate need.

While we have the privilege of participating in the work of MAF, we are aware that it is God’s work, not ours.

So when we find ourselves with a shortage of staff for our overseas work – particularly experienced pilots, managers and aircraft maintenance engineers – I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38: ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’

It is wonderful to be able to share with you what God is doing though MAF, yet there remains so much to be done. We therefore trust the Lord to call and equip the right personnel for the continuing work He has for MAF overseas.

As you read about my colleague Chris Lukkien’s own path to MAF, and also our need for skilled staff, please join with me in praying that these vacancies will soon be filled.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Even if you know overseas missionary work is not where God is calling you personally, sometimes He uses us to spur others into their calling. Perhaps there is someone close to you who is praying for that encouragement, and by recommending them to consider MAF, you could be a vital step on their journey.

Ruth WhitakerChief Executive, MAF UK

Send out workers into His harvest field

DRC: commitment, calling, mission


No ordinary thingLuAnne Cadd reports on the highs and lows experienced by our eastern DRC team, and the inspiration that keeps them going

Photos LuAnne Cadd


My brother Jon Cadd loves his job and can’t imagine doing anything else. He’s an MAF pilot and Country Director leading the team in eastern

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).I flew with Jon over the Ituri rainforest, a sea

of dark green treetops stretching as far as the eye could see. As we climbed over the clouds, Jon turned to me with a big grin across his face: ‘It’s another beautiful day at the office!’ His assignment was to evacuate yet another missionary who was a little too close to rebel activity. Such flights are common for our pilots in this troubled part of the world.

I asked him why he loves it so much. ‘I feel like I do what I was created for,’ he says. ‘There’s great fulfilment in that. After 30 years here in Africa, I never get tired of this part of my job – flying missionaries, interacting with people, showing love to the kids, all of that. I hope it gives glory to God – that’s why I’m doing it.’

I’m a fan of MAF and the pilots worldwide, but on this visit I was granted a glimpse into the hearts of the individuals in this team. They shared their pain and frustrations, joys and loves, the hardships that have made them want to pack their bags and run, and the reasons why they don’t.

HostilityMAF’s DRC staff have been through a lot. Lary and Sheryl Strietzel have twice lost nearly everything they owned in lootings. And evacuations? Sheryl can’t remember how many times they’ve been evacuated. Seven? Eight?

Dave and Donna Jacobsson have also

experienced the same evacuations and lootings. One of those included a tragic massacre in 2002 in the small village of Nyankunde where they have recently returned to live again.

Armed men forced their way into the Jacobssons’ home 5 times in 24 hours, stealing and demanding money from Donna while the children hid under a bed. The last group threatened to shoot Donna and her Congolese friends if she did not give them money. The experience was harrowing.

‘It’s only been in the last three years,’ Donna shares, ‘that I feel whole again and can talk about it. God has done such an amazing miracle of healing.’

Sheryl says it well. ‘Every once in a while I tell Lary, “Our lives are not normal!” It is not normal to be able to tell stories like this.’

HardshipsThe team is now based in the eastern city of Bunia with a population of 366,000. Following the terrible bloodshed in 2002, the UN set up a large base in Bunia as a deterrent to further violence. Without a single paved road in the city, vehicles kick up dust that fills the air you breathe, and leaves a fine layer of dust in every nook and cranny.

Without supermarkets, vegetables can be bought at the local market, and beef is sold in open shacks with flies crawling on the overheated meat.

Although the security situation is relatively stable (for the DRC), the day-to-day difficulties of normal life can wear a person down. Joey and Kathleen Martin describe their daily

Main Jon CaddTop Cessna Caravan lands in remote AketiAbove Donna Jacobsson flight following

Cameroon

Congo

SEA!!!

Central African RepublicSouth Sudan

Uganda

Tanzania

Zambia

Angola

Bunia

Nebobongo

Nyankunde

200 miles

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

OF CONGO


DRC: commitment, calling, mission

frustrations. ‘You can’t keep water in the tanks, or keep electricity functioning, or get sleep at night. You can’t make the flight schedule work and you can’t make the weather co-operate. It’s discouraging at every turn.’

None of the MAF houses receive regular water or electricity from the city. Rainwater from the roof is caught in large tanks. Solar panels, batteries and noisy generators provide electricity. During the dry season, the water situation can be dire, and the generators that are used for pumping water and charging batteries regularly break down.

MAF IT Specialist Owen Fuller and his wife Stephanie have been in the DRC for almost 14 months, with their 4 children aged 6 and under. One is in nappies, another is being potty-trained.

‘The past week, we haven’t had enough water to do any laundry,’ Stephanie tells me. ‘I have a week’s worth of laundry with things that have been peed, pooed or puked on just about every day. There are days when I feel like I just can’t take it.’

As Jon observes, ‘Just living can be so time consuming.’

CommitmentMost NGOs bring their staff out on 6-24-month contracts, then move them on before it gets too much. Just like other missionaries, MAF staff struggle

with cultural differences, bureaucracy, corruption and insecurity. But they come with a different kind of ‘contract’ – a commitment to God’s calling.

‘We all really want to do what the Lord wants, no matter what that is, even if it’s not what we want,’ Jon says.

Stephanie Fuller describes her struggles. ‘I go through waves of, “Oh, I love this place!” “Oh, I can’t stand this place!” But that’s normal. When I go through those waves, I pray that God will give me a love for these people like He loves them. And that happens.’

Joey and Kathleen don’t hesitate about what keeps them in the DRC. ‘We know this is where God wants us right now. At every moment of crisis or hard time, we’ve said, “Do you think we should leave?” No. We know we’re supposed to be here.’

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) recognises the importance of MAF’s long-term commitment to their work. ‘We highly appreciate MAF’s deep knowledge of the DRC,’ MSF Chief of Mission Thierry Coppens explains. ‘They have a lot of insight into where we are going and have contacts in this region, which is extremely crucial for the security of our workers.’

SupportAlong with a passion to follow God’s calling, the team is clear that what also

Top Lary Strietzel talks with Grace Mission staff at KamaAbove Owen FullerRight Stephanie Fuller teaches her four children at homeTop right Jon CaddFar right A Congolese family at Nebobongo hospital

RestorationBorn in Nyankunde, Lilas Upoy met Jesus while at university in Bunia. During his first job, he was falsely accused of cheating, was

arrested and sent to prison. He prayed for help and, after six months, Lilas was released.

Struggling with a dented confidence, he feared his reputation was damaged forever. But Lilas trusted God’s plan of restoration and prayed, ‘If You have a purpose for me, You will open the way where there is no way.’

Soon after, he met Dave Jacobsson who, on hearing Lilas’ English, offered him a job at MAF.

Lilas, whose adoptive mother sadly died in February this year, now works as an administrative assistant. He says that working for MAF, ‘it is not like you are in a job, but in a family’.

Jesus’ mission for MAF in eastern DRC is bringing restoration and hope in many ways.


keeps them going is knowing that they are not alone on this mission.

As Jon puts it, ‘We’re not the Lone Ranger out here. We might be the tip of the spear, but we cannot do this job alone. We depend on the support of people who will pray for us, who will really hold us up when we’re being beaten down and don’t have the strength to do it ourselves. It’s critical. We could not be here if it wasn’t for other people who back us up and support us in prayer and giving. There’s no way.’

Lary and Sheryl agree. ‘We feel very isolated over here, and it helps just to know that we’re going through life together. Things start to seem overwhelming, but we have people praying. Those people need to know that God has appointed them as well.

‘It’s not our ministry. It’s God’s ministry. Whether it’s through prayer, giving or by simple encouragement – a short sentence email that they remember we’re here, is really encouraging. Without our support team, we couldn’t continue this ministry which we very much believe God is directing.’

‘Satan is trying to conquer us here,’ Jon believes. ‘But we are fighting back and putting on the spiritual armour! We

do feel wounded and beat down from the battle, but we are still here. Still standing. Everything is not all right, but our confidence is in the Lord and our desire is that He be glorified.’

ExtraordinaryIn Acts 4:13 it says, ‘When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.’

I see similarities between the MAF team in eastern DRC and these disciples described in Acts 4. Ordinary men and women committed to God’s call upon their lives despite the very difficult circumstances in which they operate.

The team has also helped me to understand that, in order for them and other MAF staff worldwide to succeed in a powerful way, they need people back home to see themselves as a crucial part of their work.

We are not just being helpful, we are essential for prayer, encouragement and financial support. We can be the difference between victory or failure. If we do our part, the extraordinary becomes possible.

Sheryl Strietzel says, ‘We do value prayer and support. But even more than that, we would really value just hearing people remember us here.’

You can make a differenceFor an opportunity to let our team know you are thinking of them, post your personal message or prayer at www.maf-uk.org/prayerwall

Lifesaving deliveriesIn Nebobongo, many children are dying of malaria. Medical supplies brought across from Uganda often get stuck in customs. MAF pilot and Country Director Jon Cadd postponed a flight to release these vital vaccinations, removing 100 litres of fuel to make space in the aircraft.

When he landed in Nebobongo, doctors told him that they had 88 children in a 22-bed children’s ward waiting for Jon’s cargo. A healthy haemoglobin count is 14 but many of these children had a count of just four. Dr Matthias Holmer said many would have died if it wasn’t for MAF’s lifesaving delivery.


SOUTH SUDAN: serving communities

James Cousins’ connection with MAF dates back to his childhood, when his family received MAF’s magazine. On the back page, he remembers reading the

cartoon featuring Supercez, who was an anthropomorphic plane and his pal Maffy.

‘Back then, I wanted to be a pilot, and I wanted to fly Supercez,’ says James. ‘He and Maffy were always smiling. I was looking forward to meeting him, even if it was as a passenger.’

Many years later, as Tearfund’s Project Support Co-ordinator in South Sudan, James now gets the chance to fulfil his aspiration, and fly with MAF.

‘Flying in a small plane offers an excellent vantage point as you keep low, well beneath the clouds,’ he explains. ‘In the air, I appreciated for the first time the vast and empty scale of

Jonglei. The largest of South Sudan’s ten states, Jonglei is similar in size to England, but with about 2% of the population. There is little but scrub and verdant marshland as far as the eye can see, with expanses where even the trees peter out.’

Childhood dreamTearfund staff fly with MAF to Yuai twice a month. These flights are the organisation’s main way to bring personnel and goods in and out of Jonglei State, where Tearfund provides safe water and promotes good health, nutrition and sanitation among the local people. During the rainy season, Tearfund largely relies on MAF to transport staff, food, mosquito nets and other essential supplies.

But although James’ work with Tearfund allows him to fulfil his childhood dream of

A dream comes trueThanks to MAF, Tearfund staff travel safely in South Sudan and are fulfilling their mission and their dreams

Story Paul Beck Photos Debbie Noble, Tearfund, Smiley N Pool

Supercez was MAF UK’s comic strip plane between 1989 and 1992, who featured on the back page of our magazine


‘meeting’ MAF’s aircraft, life in South Sudan is far from idyllic.

For about six months of the year, Jonglei is impassable by land. The volume of rain turns the clay-rich soil into a thick quagmire, and even accessing the site by air becomes difficult. When severe floods hit the region in 2012, Tearfund used MAF to fly in water containers and sleeping mats.

Arduous travelAlthough it’s possible to drive from Juba to Yuai during the dry season, the bumpy two-day journey across pitted tracks is long, arduous and dangerous, but takes only an hour and 20 minutes by air.

Many areas were mined during the civil war, and rebel militia groups are still active. So although driving is sometimes unavoidable, James says, ‘travelling with MAF is both quicker and safer – a much better option all round!’

Tribal warfare and cattle-rustling contribute to the lack of safety. Because people in Yuai rely on breeding cattle for their livelihood, the animals are often a source of tension between communities – leading to violence and conflict.

In one village last August, not only were cattle stolen, but homes were destroyed and people killed. Tearfund responded by

comforting the survivors, distributing hygiene kits and cooking utensils, and replacing the goods that were lost in the panic when villagers fled the attack.

Now work is being carried out to combat malnutrition. Nyarei has been bringing her one-year-old son to a Tearfund clinic, and has noticed Ruai Majak’s condition improve because of the food supplements. ‘I didn’t believe my child would walk this soon. It makes me so happy,’ she says, beaming.

Cause for celebrationSoon after an MAF plane lands, the runway is lined with people – the distinct scarring on their foreheads clearly identifying them as being South Sudanese. ‘The arrival of an MAF flight is always a cause for celebration, not least because of the arrival of fresh fruit and vegetables!’ exclaims James.

The best way for Tearfund to reach its projects and fulfil its ministry, James concludes, is to use MAF. ‘We rely upon this partnership in order to get our work done and to serve the people of South Sudan,’ he said. Tearfund Programme Officer Lucy Young agrees: ‘Yuai is one of the remotest and hardest locations to get to, and we rely on MAF for pretty much everything!’

Far left James CousinsLeft Tearfund provide clean water Top On the ground at YuaiAbove Delivering essential supplies for TearfundMiddle A woman watches cargo arrive

SUDAN

100 miles

SOUTH SUDAN

DRC

Juba

UGANDA

Jonglei state

Yuai

‘The arrival of an MAF flight is always cause for celebration, not least because of the arrival of fresh fruit and vegetables!’


UK: C182 tour

Thanks to the interest and commitment of MAF Supporters and Volunteers, the summer tour of our new Cessna 182 was a great success. Here are a handful of memorable moments that send the plane off to South Sudan with warm prayers and blessings

Little plane, huge blessing


Left Mike Riley (Pilot) and Clive Porter (Supporter and Volunteer)

Clive Porter has played a significant part in this summer’s C182 tour, and in MAF’s vision to spread the Gospel. He established an airstrip at his farm in Defford, Worcestershire, in the 1970s, and because of Clive’s

interest in aviation, it has become a popular venue for visiting pilots.

As a faithful Supporter of MAF, Clive decided to use his airstrip to support our work and extend God’s Kingdom. Clive holds an Air Day every year, and rather than charge a landing fee, he invites visitors to donate to MAF.

‘We never advertise,’ Clive says, ‘because the

event is so popular – word gets around!’ Along with signs saying, ‘Please keep behind the ropes’, others say, ‘Jesus said: I have come that (you) may have life, and have it to the full’, or ‘Flying for life’.

This year, Clive’s Air Day hosted our Cessna 182 tour, and offered MAF Supporters and the local community a unique encounter with our new aircraft before it leaves for South Sudan.

Prayers for fine weather were answered, and many said it was ‘the best event I have been to’, with a ‘wonderful atmosphere’.

We are very grateful to Clive for his continuing support of MAF’s work, which he says he is ‘privileged, in a small way, to contribute to’.

Over the years, Defford Air Day has raised thousands of pounds and welcomed many new friends into the MAF family.

It was equally a privilege for us to take the C182 to his airfield, and we thank Clive for hosting us – and for his faithful contribution to MAF.


Mission Aviation Fellowship UKCastle Hill Avenue, Folkestone CT20 2TN29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0ADFREEPOST ADM4164, PORTRUSH BT56 8ZYDept AA1818, PO Box 4214, FREEPOST Dublin 2Telephone: 0845 850 9505Email: [email protected]: www.maf-uk.org

Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)

Flying for LifeEditor: Richard HubbardEmail: [email protected]: Headley Brothers LtdAshford, KentPrinted on sustainable paper produced from a managed forest© MAF UK September 2013 ffls

This isMAF is an international Christian aviation organisation serving around 25 developing countries to reach people living in some of the world’s most isolated communities.Operating more than 135 light aircraft, MAF flies into 1,800 remote destinations, transporting essential medical care, food and water supplies, relief teams and church workers enabling physical and spiritual care to reach countless thousands of people cut off due to formidable geographical barriers, natural disasters and political unrest.Each flight carries help and hope to men, women and children for whom flying is not a luxury but a lifeline. Transforming lives through enabling access, MAF is flying for life.

MAF UK: out and about

On the road with CathyAcclaimed musician Cathy Burton has supported MAF for six years, and says she never gets tired of hearing about the way we serve the most remote and forgotten communities in the worldDuring the summer, she performed a number of concerts for MAF. The tour kicked off in Littlehampton, featuring live music from Cathy and guest musicians. With her trademark emotionally honest songs, Cathy’s voice and stories captivated the audiences.

Cathy is passionate about telling people about MAF, and is excited to see new generations of Supporters as a result of this UK tour.

Throughout the evening, short films highlighted our work. Head of MAF in the Community Kevin Crook closed each concert by describing how just one flight can change a person’s life.

We thank Cathy and the host churches for making this tour possible, and are thrilled that she has offered to do some more concerts.

If your church is interested in hosting a free Cathy Burton concert, email [email protected] or phone Supporter Relations on 0845 850 9505.

Big Church Day OutIn May, we enjoyed a fantastic weekend at the Big Church Day Out, a two-day festival featuring music, worship and family activities, joining Christians from around the country in faith and fellowship It was great to chat with so many people about MAF. Some friendly faces like Cathy Burton came to say hello, along with lots of other existing MAF Supporters.

Carys, a keen young Supporter, first encountered us at last year’s Big Church Day Out. Since then, she has shared her passion for MAF’s work with all her friends. Having landed an aircraft on our flight simulator, we wonder if she may even be an MAF pilot in training!

It was also great to meet lots of new people and introduce them to the work of MAF. One man, it turned out, had flown to school with MAF when his parents were missionaries – so he knew just as many stories as we did.

Thanks to all those who came along, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Introducing new TrusteesMAF UK is delighted to welcome two new Trustees to the Board to help provide strategic direction and guidance for MAFDiana White has spent 12 years as Director of a network of European Christian relief and development agencies in which MAF is an active member. She has travelled extensively, visiting many projects across the developing world.

Having worked in Brussels for many years with her husband and three children, Diana recently moved back to Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire.

Gareth Mitchell’s interest in MAF’s work was prompted by a trip to Uganda in 2011. Having worked in marketing and communications for Ford Motor Company, he is now Head of Service for Colchester Borough Council.

Gareth is a trustee of Love in Action – a Christian charity working with vulnerable youngsters in Uganda – and also has experience as a school governor, a non-executive director in the NHS, and a church leader.

He is married to Gail, has two children, and worships at Kingsland Church, Colchester.


A sticky situationWhen we asked Supporters to send us their favourite recipes for our Bake Off to Take Off campaign, one in particular stood out. Sixteen-year-old Nathanael Scott Perry has been a Supporter ever since he tried our flight simulator aboard the MAF truck six years ago Since then, Nathanael has dreamt of becoming a pilot and serving overseas. In an email following his mouth-watering recipe, Nathanael told us, ‘the place I’d most like to work with MAF is Madagascar.’

If everything Nathanael does is as good as his delicious sticky toffee pudding, then we look forward to receiving his application!

Why not try Nathanael’s recipe, and host a Bake Off to Take Off coffee morning to support MAF? Email [email protected] or phone Supporter Relations on 0845 850 9505 to request a Bake Off to Take Off fundraising pack.

IngredientsPudding2oz (50g) margarine or butter6oz (175g) granulated sugar6oz (175g) chopped dates8oz (225g) self-raising flour1 tsp baking powder1 heaped tsp bicarbonate of soda½ tsp vanilla essence1 egg½ pint boiling water

Topping3oz (75g) butter5oz (150g) Demerara sugar6 tbsp cream

Method- Preheat the oven to 375F/180C or 160C if a fan

assisted oven- Grease and line 13 x 9 inch (33 x 22cm) baking tray- Mix all the cake ingredients together in a food

processor or mixer for a couple of minutes until combined

- Pour into tray, level and bake in oven for 25-30 minutes or until the centre is firm and springs back, and the edges begin to shrink away slightly from the side of the tin

- To make the topping, melt the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pan. Bring to the boil and let it bubble gently for 3 minutes, while stirring continually, and pour over warm cake

- Serve hot or cold with custard, ice cream or clotted cream.

The MAF Day of PrayerOn 20 October, the MAF family will be coming together in prayer, and we invite you to join us in praying for our workMAF is known for its aircraft and the pilots who fly them. But without our aircraft maintenance engineers, the planes couldn’t fly. Without our UK office staff, engineers wouldn’t be recruited, and without the prayers and giving of our Supporters, there would be no work at all.

Every Supporter, partner and staff member plays a vital role and, by working together, we enable MAF to serve. So raise your voice with ours as we thank God for all He has done this year. We will pray for our overseas staff and the people they serve.

To obtain our Day of Prayer resource pack, which includes a short DVD, leader’s notes, children’s activities, a poster and prayer leaflets, call Supporter Relations on 0845 850 9505, email [email protected] or visit www.maf-uk.org/pray

(The material is ideal for church services but can also be used for small group meetings or individual prayer times.)

Visit our website www.maf-uk.orgFor our latest news and to give a gift, please visit www.maf-uk.org/flyingforlife or call our Supporter Relations team on 0845 850 9505

The MAF Day of Prayer

Love. Prayer. Action.

Together

Sunday 20 October

Our speakers will transport you to the ends of the earth as they tell MAF’s exciting story. Available for all types and sizes of meetings throughout the UK and Ireland, completely free of charge.

For more details or to book your meeting, please phone 0845 850 9505

Go on an adventure to the world’s most remote places

or visit www.maf-uk.org/speaker

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Flying for life - September-November 2013