flying for life september 2012

Flying for LifeSeptember 2012

The quarterly magazine of MAF

South Sudan8New lookMAF – into the future Training chaplains2

Flying for Life September 2012 www.maf-uk.org

WORLDWIDE: into the future

Ruth Whitaker

Symbols are used throughout Scripture. God uses symbols to convey ideas powerfully to His people. They can be deeply moving, enable recognition,

and inspire respect, trust and security. Signage can save lives, point us in the right

direction, inform and help us. In the early Church, Christians used the sign of a fish to identify themselves as being of the same faith and purpose for Jesus Christ.

Over 2,000 years on and with so many new ways to communicate, signs are informing people more than ever before.

The mission continuesIt gives me great pleasure to introduce the new MAF logo in this issue of Flying for Life. While staying true to our roots and recognising

our core purpose does not change, nor the essence of the message itself, we have developed a distinctive look that is contemporary, international and professional.

Our fleet of light aircraft carry people, aid and the Good News of Jesus Christ to places where access is often otherwise denied, allowing lives to be transformed in body and spirit. What better visual symbol could there be for this than a dove – the biblical symbol of peace and of the Holy Spirit? What better words than ‘Flying for Life’?

Together they make a powerful combination.

Add to this the symbolic meanings of the selected colours. Blue communicates we are safe and trustworthy, red dynamic and active, grey conveys reliability and professionalism.

September 2012 Flying for Life 3

‘Our new logo will benefit us in many ways as it unites us in fellowship and purpose’ Stuart King

United in fellowship The work of MAF began in three different regions of the world: Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, established by three separate organisations. The adoption of the same MAF logo across these regions is a significant milestone in our history.

As our Co-founder Stuart King affirms, ‘An organisation like MAF must always be looking forward, ready to meet the next challenge God puts before us. Our new logo will benefit us in many ways as it unites us in fellowship and purpose, and increases our recognition with all those we seek to reach.’

As Psalm 133 exclaims, how good it is when God’s people dwell together in unity and the Lord commands His blessing.

Now, wherever and whenever in the world

we are seen – from Angola to Arnhem Land, Kenya to Kalimantan, Madagascar to Mozambique – people will immediately recognise and know us for who we are.

We are so grateful for your support. Thank you for uniting with us, so that the blessing of help and hope is taken to those living in isolated places as we continue flying for life.

Into the futureChief Executive Ruth Whitaker introduces our new logo: distinctive, contemporary but staying true to our roots

Photo Pierrot Men

4 Flying for Life September 2012 www.maf-uk.org

Access to Tekin is by foot or an MAF plane. Flying in on a Twin Otter aircraft, the scenery below is stunning – dramatic valleys

that are deeply carved between ragged mountains stretching to the horizon in every direction.

Philip Minmin is another passenger on the flight. He has been posted to the primary school in Mitikanap to teach science and maths. Philip recalls that, even as a child in the 1970s, MAF was making a difference. ‘MAF has done

‘I am nobody, but you recognise me!’

Hidden in a valley, with no road access, lies the village of Tekin. A flying visit opened my eyes to the difference MAF makes in supporting education in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Story Stephanie Gidney Photos Richard Hanson

Main Students at Oksapmin High SchoolTop right Unloading supplies at Tekin airstripBottom right Glenda Giles with some of Oksapmin’s students

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: supporting education

tremendous work!’ he says.Upon arrival, I am escorted down

Tekin airstrip by Pastor James, a local man who attended the first primary school here set up by missionaries in 1967. He was the first pupil to go on to high school.

Partners in ministryLater, Pastor James attended Bible college. He shares, ‘MAF and the Church, we are partners in ministry. Without this partnership, I don’t think

Stephanie Gidney

the Church would grow.’ He explains that MAF has made a great contribution to the community here by helping to provide medical care, supplies and education.

At the bottom of the airstrip we bear left, squelch through deep mud, pass men working with scythes, and reach a small group of traditional looking buildings – Oksapmin High School.

Glenda Giles is headmistress of Oksapmin. Originally from New Zealand and now in her 70s, Glenda has spent most of her life in PNG. She has been in Tekin for six years. Previously, there was only a primary school here. Older children went away to high school each year. But the local people didn’t want their children to be away for long periods. So they approached the local authority for their own high school, and asked Glenda to be its first headmistress.

The children prayedShe describes how, ‘Everything we needed was brought in by MAF – desks, printers, batteries, food, books, plastic for roofing and windows, nails and water tanks. What MAF couldn’t bring in, such as cane for the walls of the classrooms, we got from local resources.’

Teachers, mail, paperwork and banking – all come and go by MAF; even guinea pigs for their agricultural project and fish for the ponds. ‘Every time we want to buy something we have to think of MAF. We even call up and check if something will fit in the plane.

‘Teachers and students regard the pilots as friends, and the students also see them as role models.’

While MAF planes serve the local community on a weekly basis, they also assist in crisis situations, evacuating sick students and staff, and in other emergencies. In 2011, the school had difficulties obtaining the papers for the


Glenda Giles

‘Everything we needed was brought in by MAF’

final examinations. The children prayed – it was a really important issue for them. MAF flew the papers in late afternoon the next day. It was a real answer to prayer.

‘You met my needs’At the school’s graduation ceremony, 17-year-old head girl Flora Kabieng included MAF in her speech. Her words sum up the difference MAF makes for the pupils in Tekin, just one remote village of many we help in the highlands of PNG:

‘It is really so impossible and hard to run Oksapmin High School in such a remote part of the country, but because of your courtesy and recognition in providing transport you have made it possible, and we have managed to complete our grade ten level of education now.

‘At the last minute the exam papers could not reach us on time, but you see our greatest need and met that. It is tears falling for me when things are not on time for me, and I am out of words to explain, but you recognised my heart’s desire and met it. Thanks MAF pilots and your operation for your help. I am nobody, but you recognise me!’

Flora Kabieng

New Britain

NEW GUINEA

Port Moresby

Bougainville

Guadalcanal

SOLOMONISLANDS

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Tekin

200 miles

Mount Hagen


God can make you see

Madagascar is a beautiful island, but many of its people are battered by cyclones, limited by

poverty, and have little access to basic healthcare. A political coup in 2009 has led to a decline in the standard of living – a standard that was already very low.

Flying into Mananara with its sandy beaches and palm trees, one can be forgiven for thinking we‘re going on holiday.

But this is not a holiday. On board the plane is a team of seven from Good News Hospital in Mandritsara – a hospital supported by MAF – for five days of eye clinics.

The team started coming to Mananara in 2005 and now comes twice a year. Until last year, they did eye consultations only, referring surgery

Every year, we fly medical teams and equipment to remote areas of Madagascar. Emma Stewart describes her time with an eye team providing care in Mananara

Photos Pierrot Men

MADAGASCAR: medical work

Emma Stewart

Top right Taking Bezandry’s eye pressureMiddle right Barira with tract ‘God can make you see’Bottom right Doctor Hamitra examining patient

They will see again

MADAGASCAR

Mananara

Antananarivo

Mandritsara

100 miles

patients to the hospital. We often flew these patients. A 2-day walk takes only 25 minutes by air.

Basic conditionsIn contrast to the well-equipped Good News Hospital, the safari teams work with very limited facilities. They bring


everything they need with them.The team is used to basic conditions

and the challenges faced by electricity cuts. Several times a year, they join the Madagascar Medical Safari, which brings medical care and the Gospel into the remotest villages in the south.

Glaucoma, cataracts and poor vision are all common here. Unfortunately, due to a lack of medical care and poor diet,

many people go blind unnecessarily or are forced to live with limited vision.

Our plane is loaded with supplies, all of which need to be offloaded and set up at the government hospital. It’s hot and dusty. The hospital is basic, the small room where the team will work is crammed full of other supplies.

Half the team begins to clear a space for the doctor, while the others set up a makeshift eye testing area. A small crowd of people is already waiting, families guiding loved ones out of the burning sun. Many are unable to see. Others need glasses or medication.

Encouraging wordsEach clinic begins with some words of encouragement from the Bible. Patients are then assessed and operations scheduled for later in the week. Up to

12 cataract operations can be done in a day.

Medication is prescribed for those with glaucoma, which helps preserve their current level of vision. Team member Dr Hamitra shares, ‘We give medicine to take for life, but they don’t take it for long enough. They think their vision has improved so they stop and it then gets worse. After six months, because they haven’t taken medication, they are totally blind. That is so sad for us because we can’t do anything.’

Hoping for a miracle Barira has already seen the doctor several times. He has glaucoma. There is nothing the team can do to reverse this, but medication will help reduce the pressure on his eyes.

team has seen 24 people. Sadly, four of the patients are completely blind, with no options available to them. Four have cataracts and will have operations. They will see again.

Giving out tractsBezandry is one of the positive cases. ‘I am happy that I’ll have an operation. I came from far away – four hours of walking from here.’ Unfortunately, many others will have to make the journey home without any solution to their blindness.

But the team encourages people to talk to the evangelist who joins them. Small tracts are given to friends and family. Hope is shared, for the message on the front reads: ‘God can make you see.’ Physical sight may have faded but God opens our hearts and our eyes to see Him spiritually.

Dr Hamitra concludes, ‘We are very happy that MAF helps us. May God continue to bless the work’

‘I hope the medication will work,’ he says. ‘I believe in God. If it doesn’t, that’s my destiny. But I will keep coming to see the doctor every time.’ His attitude sums up the attitude of many. They are searching for hope, for a miracle.

By the end of the first afternoon, the


SOUTH SUDAN: chaplaincy work


Before the African sun has crept over the hills to the north, the 63 Sudanese men planning to enter the army as chaplains begin running in formation.

They chant prayers and sing about Jesus. The soldier at the front carries a green flag with a red cross bearing the words ‘Mountain Chaplaincy Corps’.

The chaplains run for 60 minutes, passing through the town of Nimule, then climb to the top of a hill before running back down again and returning to the camp led by Wes and

Frontline ministryAmong those caught in the conflict between South Sudan and the north are those serving the troops in the name of Jesus

Story Gary Clayton Photos LuAnne Cadd, Achim Appel, FRM

Vicky Bentley. As the soldiers stream into the compound, it begins to get light – a soft pink glow appearing on the eastern horizon.

They are a familiar sight to Nimule’s residents, who have seen chaplains running and singing nearly every morning since 1999.

‘Is there any hope for me?’ When asked how Far Reaching Ministries’ (FRM) chaplaincy programme came into being, Vicky replies, ‘Wes started it in 1999. When he first came to Sudan in 1996, the second civil war was still raging. He had a background in the US Marines and, while working for another organisation, met a number of soldiers.

‘One night, a senior army officer from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) visited us. “I need to talk to you,” he told Wes. “The Arabs from the north killed my whole family in cold blood, and now I’ve done something I can’t live with.”

‘Then he described how he found a woman who had married an Arab soldier and was pregnant with twins. The officer said that he cut open her belly, pulled out the twins, then

Main A senior chaplainTop Chaplains’ morning runAbove Robert Anguei, 21, the youngest chaplain, was so wild and dangerous before he became a Christian that no one believed he could change

Wes and Vicky Bentley


SOUTH SUDAN: chaplaincy work

shot her in the head and left her. “Is there any hope for me?” the man asked.

‘When my husband explained that Jesus came to forgive sinners, the officer asked Wes to share the message with his men. When Wes did so, the army leader came forward to accept Christ, followed by 300 soldiers.

‘After that, Wes came back with a fire burning in his heart. He realised the soldiers needed a pastor who would be with them on the frontline where the fighting is – but as a soldier of the Cross. That’s how it began.’

Buying an aircraftAlthough road travel in South Sudan was dangerous, things came to a head when a relief agency vehicle was ambushed on its way to Uganda. The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) riddled it with bullets and set it alight. Twelve people were inside. After that, the only way that Wes and Vicky could travel around was by plane.

‘Before MAF returned to South Sudan,’ recalls Vicky, ‘our teachers had to fly to the nearest airstrip and then drive for nearly two hours through dangerous LRA territory to reach our compound.

‘Eventually, God told us to buy our own aircraft and, by 2006, we had raised enough money to purchase a Cessna Grand Caravan. Because MAF could now fly to Nimule and land on our airstrip, we arranged for MAF’s Uganda operation to use our new plane for flights in South Sudan and Uganda.

‘We’re happy for MAF to do so because, although we rely on the aircraft for people and supplies, we don’t need it all the time. So when we receive reports from MAF that “40 organisations” or “so many people” travelled on the Caravan, that’s cool!’

Praying with the dyingAnyone who wants to be a chaplain in the SPLA has to study full time for a year at FRM’s Bible college. The 70 or so trainees are recommended by their churches or by existing chaplains. They are taught by volunteer pastors and teachers who fly in from the USA on a regular basis. Once the chaplains graduate, they go through basic training with the SPLA and join a military unit and serve as chaplains.

Not everyone comes from a military background. Absalom attended FRM’s programme because he ‘felt compelled to’. He graduated, and then went to the frontline where, he says with a shudder, he ‘saw blood everywhere’.

‘I saw fighting,’ he continues. ‘I was terrified. Everything in me wanted to turn tail and run. Then I remembered that I was a chaplain and was there because the soldiers would never get another chance. So I grabbed my Bible, crawled on my arms, and prayed with the dying to accept Christ.’

‘I wanted the boots’According to Vicky, ‘about 20% of those who take part in FRM’s programme drop out for various reasons. Although most come from “Christian” South Sudan, about 90% of our graduates make a wholehearted commitment to Jesus during the course.’

Some, like FRM’s Assistant Pastor Michael Alahai, originally had no idea what they were getting themselves into. ‘When I came here,’ Michael says with a smile, ‘I said I was born again, but I really just wanted the boots. I wanted to look smart in a uniform.’ He thought the training would only last a month or two, but during his 12 months with FRM, Michael found Christ.

Main right Unloading 500 Bibles, books and clothes for the chaplainsTop Chaplain training session at FRM base in NimuleAbove Graduation day for the chaplain trainees

‘I grabbed my Bible,

crawled on my arms,

and prayed with the dying to

accept Christ’


‘What’s in your heart?’ James, another graduate, had a different experience. ‘When I first came here, I was really competitive. I thought it was all about the marks you got for your papers. But later I realised that what’s in your heart is more important than the scores you get. If you don’t have a life devoted to Jesus, what can you give to someone who is dying?’

For FRM’s chaplains, it’s a vital question – one that has nothing to do with wearing a smart uniform or getting good grades. For members of the SPLA, the threat of death is a daily reality.

Serving GodWes is proud of his chaplains, and explains that, although ‘they have lived through some of the most difficult conditions in Africa, they have allowed hardship to strengthen rather than break them. God has delivered many from “the mouths of lions”, and they firmly believe it is only so they can serve Him for another year.’

Along both walls of the chapel where the training takes place are photos of previous intakes with a quote from Wes: ‘Many of the chaplains you train today will sleep with the Lord by this time next year.’

Eight FRM chaplains have lost their lives. With tension between South Sudan and Sudan steadily intensifying over issues of land, oil and religion, others may yet lay down their lives for Jesus Christ.

Ready for conflict Vicky agrees. ‘On 14 March 2000,’ she says, ‘we were getting ready to install the bomb shelter when we heard a plane. I turned to run, but one of the guys came from behind and slammed me to the ground. The bomb hit the ground 40 feet from me. A student was still running when it landed. He died almost instantly. It was horrible!

‘We are hoping that the shelter will no longer be needed. But with South Sudan now independent, we have to be ready every time conflict breaks out, providing moral support and presenting Jesus to those who might never see their families again.

‘This is why it’s so crucial that MAF flies in a group of pastors and teachers every two weeks to ensure our chaplains are trained and equipped. Having MAF fly them into our compound is a huge blessing. Without your organisation bringing them in, we’d be stuck.’

South Sudan

� O� 9 July 2011, South Suda� became the world’s �ewest �atio� with a populatio� of 8 millio�

� It has o�e of the world’s weakest u�derdeveloped eco�omies

� Though rich i� oil, it has a predomi�a�tly rural, subsiste�ce eco�omy

� O�e i� seve� childre� dies before the age of five

� U�like the North, which is domi�ated by Islam, South Suda� is mai�ly Christia� or a�imist

� Due to two civil wars betwee� North a�d South, more tha� two millio� people died a�d over four millio� were displaced

� Te�s of thousa�ds of refugees co�ti�ue to arrive from the �orth.

Nimule

Juba

Kampala

UGANDA

SOUTH SUDAN

100 miles

For more information, please visit www.maf-uk.org/extrafeature


Country DirectorsUltimately responsible for all aspects of our operations, the wellbeing of the team and ensuring MAF’s activities focus on areas of greatest need. They work closely with officials, local leaders and partner organisations to offer the best service.

Steve Forsyth, Uganda: ‘It’s a great duty being Country Director – the buck stops here. Much of my job is providing direction, and equipping and

resourcing the team. It requires tenacity, flexibility, a sense of perspective and the ability to hold on to a vision of God’s Kingdom. A strong sense of being in the right “place” helps me through the daily challenges. After 18 years’ service, it’s still humbling to be part of a team reaching out to remote people in need.’

Operations ManagersOversee the flying operations, ensuring that pilots and aircraft are assigned, equipped and prepared for each flight, and that all flights are processed according to the correct procedures and best use of resources.

Tim Vennell, Kenya: ‘I’m responsible for co-ordinating the team MAF has entrusted to us, to utilise the planes God has provided, and to serve the partners that are

helping transform lives for God’s Kingdom. It can be intense, but I’m doing the job that God has called me to. If I took this role as a “job” instead of a calling, I wouldn’t have lasted. One of my favourite things is connecting people who have a need with people who can provide for that need. It’s great to do that through my role with MAF.’

Join usIt takes many different types of people to keep our planes flying. In addition to pilots and engineers, there are other vital behind-the-scenes roles

WORLDWIDE: opportunities for service

Finance ManagersProvide effective financial management, advising on financial matters and preparing the financial plan based on tactical programme plans. Includes budgeting, reporting, performance monitoring, and maintaining customer and staff accounts.

Fiona Stevenson, Uganda:‘I enjoy seeing how skills and experience gained in previous jobs are relevant in MAF Uganda – from accounting for a transport business, through

departmental reorganisation, to implementing new software. Each month, I first concentrate on producing management accounts and then turn to irregular tasks such as insurance renewals. The erratic electricity supply is a problem, the local bureaucracy frustrating, but it’s lovely to hear from mission partners whose work we make easier.’

Steve Forsyth Tim Vennell Fiona Stevenson

PilotsConduct safe and efficient flights according to MAF and Civil Aviation Authority standards, manage loading of aircraft, care for passengers and their needs, manage partner expectations, build relationships, anticipate and solve problems.

Michael Duncalfe, Papua New Guinea:‘Today I flew a woman to hospital who’d been in labour for 24 hours – she and her baby should be OK now. I saw the way God

has brought peace where there’d been serious tribal fighting. I took students to Bible college for their next term. And I carried the only cash crop that a community has to market – they’ll have some money for school and medical fees now. Much the same sort of day as usual, I suppose.’


Project ManagersA fixed-term position to lead a specific MAF project in response to a short-term need. Most often linked to construction projects, such as building a new hangar or base, the focus can be on other areas such as partnership development with potential beneficiaries of MAF services.

Bastiaan de Waal, South Sudan:‘My task is to establish an independent MAF operation in South Sudan. It’s a challenging job in a challenging country. Although

we fly planes, my job is working with people. I meet with various stakeholders, local contractors and suppliers, and MAF staff to agree on future direction. Meeting with people in Africa takes time. It can be a pressure, because of the humanitarian needs here. I’m convinced we make a huge impact and are changing lives.’

EngineersAircraft Maintenance Engineers maintain and repair aircraft in accordance with appropriate standards and practices, anticipate and troubleshoot problems and certify work. Avionics Engineers work on instrumentation and communication equipment.

Ben Sibthorpe, Australia:‘I enjoy working for MAF. It has its challenges – in Chad we were understaffed, and were evacuated three times during coups. But knowing

the plane is going to save lives gives fulfilment. Working in community you make lifelong friendships. That’s very rewarding. If you’re considering joining MAF, just do it! It’s a job with lasting value, MAF cares for you, Supporters value what you’re doing, and people pray for you. It’s good!’

Bastiaan de Waal Ben SibthorpeMichael Duncalfe

For information about our latest vacancies and opportunities,please visit

www.maf-uk.org/jobs


Mission Aviation Fellowship UKCastle Hill Ave�ue, Folkesto�e CT20 2TN29 Ca�al Street, Glasgow G4 0ADFREEPOST ADM4164, PORTRUSH BT56 8ZYDept AA1818, PO Box 4214, FREEPOST Dubli� 2Telepho�e: 0845 850 9505Email: supporter.relatio�[email protected]: www.maf-uk.org

Registered charity i� E�gla�d a�d Wales (1064598) a�d i� Scotla�d (SC039107)

Flying for LifeEditor: Richard HubbardEmail: [email protected]�ter: Headley Brothers LtdAshford, Ke�tPri�ted o� sustai�able paper produced from a ma�aged forest© MAF UK September 2012 ffml

DRC: sharing Jesus

This is

My daddy has the coolest ‘job’. Well, he has two jobs: one when he goes

to the office – no offence, Daddy, that isn’t very exciting – and one where he flies the plane. That job is really cool. I know, because I got to be his co-pilot.

On board, there was a team of three missionaries from Canada, who were going to Mambasa to put a roof on a dorm for a school so the kids won’t get wet when it rains! Mambasa is deep in the jungle – about 45 minutes by air, or all day by road.

While Captain Daddy got the plane

Junior co-pilotBrooke Lincoln, daughter of pilot Joey and his wife Suzanne, describes the time she ‘co-piloted’ an MAF plane in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

ready, I checked to make sure the instrument panel was working right.

I prayed for our flight and yelled ‘attention!’ out of the window, so everyone would know we were starting the propeller. Then we took off and flew over the jungle.

It looked like lots of broccoli under us

I checked on the passengers to make sure they were doing okay. They did just fine.

When we got to the airstrip, there were lots of people around. The kids thought it was cool to see me. Even the passengers thought it was fun to see a little girl ‘pilot’.

On the way home, I helped Captain Daddy with his radio calls. He told our flight follower where we were and what we were doing. It was especially cool because our flight follower was my grandma – three generations of MAF Lincolns all working on one flight! ‘Uniform India landing Bunia,’ I yelled.

Thank you for praying for us and supporting MAF’s ministry so my daddy can have this cool job helping missionaries, so the Congolese can know about Jesus!

MAF is a� i�ter�atio�al Christia� aviatio� orga�isatio� servi�g over 30 developi�g cou�tries to reach people livi�g i� some of the world’s most isolated commu�ities.Operati�g more tha� 135 light aircraft, MAF flies i�to 2,500 remote desti�atio�s, tra�sporti�g esse�tial medical care, food a�d water supplies, relief teams a�d church workers e�abli�g physical a�d spiritual care to reach cou�tless thousa�ds of people cut off due to formidable geographical barriers, �atural disasters a�d political u�rest.Each flight carries help a�d hope to me�, wome� a�d childre� for whom flyi�g is �ot a luxury but a lifeli�e. Tra�sformi�g lives through e�abli�g access, MAF is flyi�g for life.

MAF FREEPOST DR 92, Castle Hill Ave�ue FOLKESTONE CT20 3BR Registered charity i� E�gla�d a�d Wales (1064598) a�d Scotla�d (SC039107)

I e�close my gift of £for use where most �eeded

I pay UK i�come tax a�d would like MAF to reclaim the tax o� my gifts, a�d a�y eligible gifts I have made i� the last four years

I am �ot a UK tax payer

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to needy people

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You can also make a gift by telephoning our Supporter Relations team on 0845 850 9505 or by visiting www.maf-uk.org/flyingforlife

Card �umber If Maestro, issue �umber

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UK News

Our theme this year is ‘The Forgotten People’. Please join with our other Supporters as we come together to pray for those helped by our ministry.

Raise your voice with ours as we give thanks for all that God has done, and for last year’s answered prayers. This year, we will be focusing our attention on praying for those who are living in desperate need and yet are largely forgotten by the world.

This will be our sixth annual Day of Prayer and we really value your involvement. Prayer is one of the founding principles on which MAF was established, and we are always

encouraged by the number of Supporters who pray regularly for us and our work.

If you would like to take part in the Day of Prayer, contact Supporter Relations on 0845 850 9505, email [email protected] or visit www.maf-uk.org/dayofprayer to request a resource pack.

The pack will include a short DVD, children’s activities, a poster, prayer leaflets and bookmarks for all attendees.

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46

Day of Prayer – 21 October 2012

Unexpected joy Sheila Minnear had a rare medical condition since childhood, which became very bad shortly before she retired from teaching.

Normally the condition would not be curable, but she recovered wonderfully. Having felt better than she had done for years, Sheila wanted to give a special “Thank you” to God and fulfil a desire to serve abroad.

Sheila heard of a family serving with MAF in Mali, who needed someone to home-school two of their daughters.

During the preparations to leave, a medical consultant gave her a very thorough examination, finally remarking, ‘Steroids don’t usually work as well as

this.’ Sheila replied, ‘It’s the Lord as well as the steroids.’ The consultant then declared, ‘It’s all the Lord!’

Now back home, Sheila reflects fondly how she still feels part of that family, and has many close relationships with those she met in Mali including a

family she was able to introduce to MAF.Sheila comments, ‘I use the Prayer

Diary daily. I am amazed at the number of missions MAF serves, enabling folks in difficult terrains and sometimes dangerous areas to experience the love of the Lord. I’m glad I can do more by supporting this great work through my legacy. Do join me!’

To learn more about supporting MAF in this way, please contact our Legacy Co-ordinator Miriam Wheeler on 0845 850 9505, or email [email protected]

Invite an speaker

To invite an MAF speaker, please contact Allyson Edwards Call: 0845 850 9505

Email: [email protected]

MAF has an amazing story to tell and we would love to tell you about it in personWe have over 150 experienced speakers throughout the UK and Ireland. Our dedicated team is happy to excite and challenge your church or group, whether large or small, with stories of how our aircraft are transforming the lives of many people.

flying for life september 2012

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