My late husband Brian and I decided that we would retire to somewhere with water at the bottom of the garden because we liked narrow boats. However God had planes in mind for us – not BA or easyJet but Cessnas!
As Brian was a licensed lay reader, we explored local churches to see where God wanted us to serve Him. But opportunities to use our gifts were not forthcoming.
When a long-standing friend said to us that Mission Aviation Fellowship needed Representatives in Wiltshire, we caught the vision. As word got round that there was an MAF Representative available to speak at services and meetings, many invitations flooded in.
God really confirmed His purpose in calling Brian into this work, as it seemed tailor-made for him. He travelled all over western Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol taking services and meetings.
Sadly Brian passed away in 2002, but I am very grateful that his last years were so fulfilling because of his role with MAF. I could not take up his mantle as an Area Representative, but I was delighted to be asked to be a Church Representative.
So, what does a Church Representative do? Well, my church, St Thomas the Apostle in Trowbridge, has a mission awareness programme. Each society representative is offered a one or two month slot to raise awareness of their mission among the congregation.
So, I invite a speaker to preach, take a display of books and information into the church, and write an article for the monthly newsletter. Items for prayer are also put on a weekly notice sheet.
We have a monthly missionary prayer meeting and a bi-monthly meeting just for the representatives. These enable me to share news items for prayer. I have also spoken at our Ladies Group. A missions coffee morning helps to highlight what God is doing through MAF as it interacts with other societies and individuals.
I feel privileged to represent MAF at our church and to share its valuable work of bringing help, hope and healing in Christ’s Name to those in need.