Swine flu9 December 2009
Restrictions due to the swine flu virus have led to the cancellation of some of our flights in Mongolia.
Pray for wisdom for the authorities as they seek to contain the virus and threat those infected
World AIDS Day1 December 2009
Today is World AIDS day. Please pray for those around the world suffering with HIV/AIDS. Pray too for the medical and mission organisations supported by MAF flights across the developing world who are helping AIDS victims and caring for children orphaned as a result of AIDS.
Urgent: flight permissions in Congo29 October 2009
Adrian Went, our Operations Manager in Uganda, says that they are having problems with permissions for landing at Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.
We are currently having to fly to another airstrip and arrange transportation by road for our partners who need to get to Bunia.
Logistically this is causing a lot of problems. The trip which ought to be an hour is now taking up to 5 hours.
Please join Adrian and the team in prayer for a quick resolution.
Famine in Kenya15 September 2009
Prolonged drought in Kenya has led to a serious shortage of water. Reports suggest that, due to crop failure, nearly four million people are in need of food aid. Pray that the Lod will provide for those most affected.
For more information about the situation in Kenya, and MAF's response, click here.
Medical ministry 3 September 2009
Pilot Dennis Bergstrazer, based in Timika, Papua, recently collected Dr Julius and Dr Steve’s team of doctors who had been in Bugalaga for eight days helping with medical needs in the surrounding villages. Praise God for this ministry.
New staff in Congo 3 September 2009
Give thanks for the arrival on 31 July of a new pilot/engineer couple, Joey and Kathleen Martin, in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo. They have since been settling into their new home, and all their belongings have arrived safely. Joey has already started his flight training.
Permissions restored 13 August 2009
Give thanks that, after several meetings with the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (MCAA), we have been informed that we can now fly Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and not only on recognised air routes in Mongolia.
This is an answer to prayer as regulation changes last year meant that we could not fly to many remote airstrips.
These permissions will enable us to reach more airstrips in isolated places.
Swine flu 13 August 2009
There is a lot of concern about the potential impact of swine flu in Arnhem Land, northern Australia, especially in the indigenous communities where healthcare is limited. Pray that people will turn to God and find peace as they trust in Him.
Ongoing unrest 13 August 2009
Pray for southern Sudan with more recent incidents of tribal fighting and raids which affect hundreds of lives. Pray that the church – its members and leaders – will be used effectively to demonstrate and teach peace.
Building airstrips 13 August 2009
Pray for our Airstrip Development team as they continue to progress airstrips in the Rufiji Delta area in the south-east of Tanzania. These airstrips will enable medical teams to visit more remote communities to bring healthcare.
Power-sharing 13 August 2009
Agreement has been reached to form a power-sharing government in Madagascar, after meetings in Mozambique.
The days of negotiations took place in Maputo under the leadership of the African Union, and were attended by the four main political parties, including deposed President Marc Ravalomanana and rival leader Andry Raejoelina.
The agreement indicates a 15-month transition will take place, during which presidential and legislative elections will occur.
Pray that the decision will help to restore stability to the nation which has suffered several months of political turmoil.
MAF continues to serve churches and agencies which have been able to stay in the country. Please pray that more aid agencies will soon return.
Suzannah update 13 August 2009
Suzannah, 14-year-old daughter of aircraft maintenance engineer Trevor Gaulke and his wife Belinda in Papua New Guinea, has regained consciousness following her severe infection (see Pray for healing - 30 July 2009).
Doctors identified the cause of the infection and started specific treatment. She is gaining strength in hospital in Australia, and showing good memory and is able to talk. Praise God for the progress in her health.
Angela Harding (Communications Officer for the Asia Pacific Region) shares, ‘I know that her parents can testify to being upheld by prayer through this time of great stress and uncertainty. They also want to give thanks for the generosity of the MAF family, and for all your care and concern for Suzannah and for them. Continue to pray for Suzannah’s complete healing, and for them as they make decisions about the future.’
New outreach 30 July 2009
Pray for a regular Christian outreach to Bremer Island, a small island to the north of Nhulunbuy in Arnhem Land. Pilot Paul Woodington and a team recently visited the indigenous community, where they were warmly welcomed and have been invited to come regularly. Please pray for the people and resources to make this possible, and that the hearts of those living on Bremer will be open to the Gospel.
Obtaining visas30 July 2009
Obtaining visas for our staff in Angola has been very difficult in recent months. Engineer Erwin Weenink and his wife Kristina have had to travel to Namibia for an indefinite period as they await a new visa. Pray it will be issued soon.
Fever 30 July 2009
Pray for the recovery of the children of some of our staff in Bangladesh who have been suffering from fever due to the very hot and humid weather in the rainy season.
Injured 30 July 2009
Pilot and engineer in Guatemala Chuck Weatherstone and his family were involved in a car accident last week while on home assignment in the USA. Give thanks that none of their injuries were serious, but pray for their quick recovery.
High impact 30 July 2009
Praise God for an exceptionally busy day of flights in our Kenya operation on Monday, with 27 landings from 5 planes. These included support for medical care, education, water projects, orphans and two medical emergency flights.
Continuing in Mongolia 30 July 2009
Praise God that our Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) for Mongolia has been signed and validated, allowing us to fly there for another two years.
Pray for healing 30 July 2009
Uphold Suzannah, 14-year-old daughter of aircraft maintenance engineer Trevor Gaulke and his wife Belinda in Papua New Guinea. She was flown to the ICU at Cairns Base Hospital, Australia, on Monday after developing a severe infection. She had surgery on Tuesday and is now in an induced coma to help her body fight the infection. Please pray for her healing, and for peace for the family.
Cyclone misery4 June 2009
Cyclone Aila battered Bangladesh and eastern India last week. Floods and huge tidal surges have destroyed homes, crops and infrastructure and millions of people are displaced or marooned in coastal areas. Over 200 are reported to have died. The cyclone survivors are now at risk of disease as stagnant water and rotting organic matter pose huge health risks. Pray urgently that aid can be brought to the affected people without delay.
Unfortunately, our amphibious aircraft in Bangladesh is undergoing its annual inspection, and so is currently unable to respond to flight requests relating to the cyclone. Pray for strength and wisdom for our engineering team to complete the inspection in good time through the heat and humidity, so that flights can resume.
Building project in Chad4 June 2009
Building work is taking place on the MAF compound in Chad. Greg (pilot) and Jill Vine's former home is being dismantled to make way for much-needed new housing.
Pray that the foundations are laid before the rainy season is in full swing.
Pray for safety4 June 2009
Pray for the safety of our team in Madagascar amid ongoing insecurity. Give thanks that Logistics Officer Norbert Andriamanantena and his family were unharmed during a recent burglary at their home.
New president4 June 2009
Mongolia has a new President, Elbegdorj Tsahia. During last year’s general elections, civil unrest broke out when the results were announced. Give thanks that peace prevailed this time. Pray that the new government that will reign justly.
Critical vacancy4 June 2009
There is an urgent need for the position of Finance Manager to be filled in Papua New Guinea. Pray that a suitable candidate will step forward soon.
Find out more about serving overseas with MAF
Relocation21 May 2009
Pilot Gero Gringmuth arrived in Kenya this week after serving in Tanzania. Please pray for him as he adjusts to life in a new country and operation.
Back to the island21 May 2009
Pilot Matthew Slaubaugh will soon be returning from Uganda to Madagascar with the Cessna Caravan aircraft.
The aircraft was temporarily in Uganda during the heightened insecurity in Madagascar.
Pray for safety as he first flies to Kenya for avionics work to be done on the plane, before flying to Madagascar.
First landings21 May 2009
Give thanks for the first landing at two new airstrips in Papua, Weawen and Sinokla. These are the first strips in the Solo Valley.
As soon as the engines stopped, the local pastor prayed with the pilots and local community to thank God for making everything possible.
Airvan arrival21 May 2009
Give thanks that a new turbo-charged GA8 Airvan has arrived in Papua New Guinea. The new plane will be based in Wewak on the north coast.
Pray for healing21 May 2009
In South Africa, pray for healing for MAF volunteer Atholl Brokensha, who has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Unsafe airstrip21 May 2009
We have been forced to stop flying into Torit in southern Sudan. Huts are being built very close to the airstrip and people continually cross the strip to dump food waste on the other side of the strip.
Pray that suitable safety measures can be put in place so that flights can resume.