A team of 13 has just returned from helping MAF in Gove in Arnhem Land, Australia. Geoff Marsh writes about it:
‘The trip’s main focus was to go and do some practical work for MAF. They are in the middle of building three new houses for pilots, engineers and families and also finishing off a new hangar at the airport in Gove.
During the week we would work hard on these projects, building, tiling, painting, plumbing or any labour work that would help out.
Then on the weekends or when it could be arranged we would be flown around by the MAF pilots out to “Homelands” - the small remote communities where indigenous families are living. There we would share some time of “Fellowship” with them, worshiping, praying, and sharing the Gospel with them.
On one Island (Bremer), it was the very first time the Gospel had been shared with this group and they were so hungry for it.
Paul Woodington (the pilot and organiser of homelands visits), led the way but gave our team the opportunity to get involved. I will picture forever sitting around in the dark with the camp fire going, 25 young and old so eager to sing, dance, and listen to us share how Jesus has changed our lives, then inviting the Holy Spirit to come and touch those that wanted Him, it was a very moving time.
After seeing first hand the way these MAF families have embraced community, sacrificed, and chosen a simple lifestyle to take the Good News to their local communities, I am in awe, well done you lot.’
MAF flights in Arnhem Land transport medical personnel to outlying communities and patients to hospital. They support education and fly government, officials, essential services, pastors and other personnel to and from the isolated communities. Flighst also facilitate travel for the people of those communities.