Papua New Guinea
With dense jungle, mountainous highlands and hazardous roads, the need for MAF in Papua New Guinea is great
Our work began in 1951 and, with the growth of a strong Papua New Guinea Church, has gone from supporting expatriate missionaries to meeting the aviation needs of local churches, schools, Bible colleges and church pastors.
Isolated communities rely on MAF to fly in medical staff, teachers, missionaries and Bible translators, as well as materials to build and equip schools, hospitals and Bible colleges.
We also fly local produce to market to encourage community development in remote areas and help people generate income.
Emergency flights save patients lengthy and potentially fatal overland travel.
MAF pilots carry a selection of print and audio Bibles to sell at affordable prices.
In 2017 our MAF Technologies PNG team sold over 4,850 Bibles and Christian Resources.
'Without MAF, we wouldn’t be able to reach the outlying communities. Even at the hospital here in Kompiam, we would struggle to get by as the road is so uncertain and dangerous.'Dr David Mills
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MAF fundraiser Sally Giles smashes target during Mental Health Week
This month, Sally Giles from Ashford is raising money for MAF’s latest campaign ‘Time in their shoes’ by walking 350-miles across the Kent Downs. Not only is she raising money for a worthwhile cause, walking has also helped her fight depression, panic attacks and agoraphobia over the years. Sally shares her story of heartbreak and hope…
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‘One day’s trek is 5 mins of flying’ - MAF flies mosquito nets to remotest PNG
On World Malaria Day, MAF and Rotarians Against Malaria protect isolated Papua New Guineans from a disease which kills hundreds of thousands of people globally every year. In 2022, MAF and RAM delivered 34,250 nets to 26 airstrips preventing thousands of deaths. MAF’s Siobhain and Ryan Cole have got what it takes to lead a complex operation…
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International Women’s Day: MAF's Bridget Ingham reaches for the skies
According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, 94% of the world’s pilots are men. Meet MAF pilot and instructor, Bridget Ingham, who bucks that trend. Bridget worked in Timor-Leste as a pilot and for MAF Mareeba’s Flight Training Centre, which trains tomorrow's female pilots. Bridget shares how she broke that proverbial glass ceiling…
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‘People walked 5 hours for a paracetamol’ – Inside MAF PNG’s Aerial Health Patrols
Indagen is a hidden mountain community in Morobe Province, north-eastern Papua New Guinea. With no roads, it’s only accessible by air or by foot. Decent healthcare is hard to come by. In response, MAF, Braun Hospital and Etep Rural Hospital joined forces this month, enabling hundreds of people to see a doctor for the first time in years…
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MAF makes first official flight to Yalum, PNG, as tribes make peace after 22 years
For more than two decades, civil unrest prevented MAF from landing safely at Yalum Airstrip in Papua New Guinea and serving the local people, but after years of walking four days to access basic services, the warring parties finally made a truce and welcomed MAF back with open arms…
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‘Let there be light’ – solar power under the spotlight
As COP26 gets underway in Glasgow, renewable energy is on the agenda. MAF Technologies PNG has been facilitating solar energy solutions for over 60 years. For remote PNG villages, reliable energy makes the difference between life and death. Elsewhere, for MAF’s headquarters in Chad, solar power is a more sustainable and economically viable option…
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Five medevacs in five days – saving lives in Papua New Guinea
As one of MAF’s busiest programmes, PNG pilots frequently transport the sick and injured by air in under an hour, avoiding days of treacherous travel by road or river. Saving time, saves lives as MAF’s Annelie Edsmyr reports, one busy week in September…
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MAF’s Aerial Health Patrols in PNG go from strength to strength
Four years ago, MAF asked Kompiam Hospital: ‘What would physical and spiritual impact look like in Enga and East Sepik?’ One year on, Kompiam Aerial Health Patrol was born, flying doctors to remote villages in under an hour instead of walking for days to treat patients. Dr Williams shares how MAF has transformed her work and the lives of her people…
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MAF Technologies PNG’s drive to prevent deadly coronavirus misinformation
Human Rights Watch is calling on PNG's authorities to stop disinformation about Covid-19. As coronavirus takes its toll, a growing number of women are being accused of sorcery - at least five have been brutally attacked since March. In response, MAF Technologies PNG is raising vital awareness about the disease...
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MAF PNG at 70 – retired pilot Max Meyers meanders down memory lane
On 7 May 1951, MAF conducted its first ever flight in Papua New Guinea. 70 years later, MAF is still going strong and is the longest serving operator in the country. Max joined MAF PNG as a pilot in 1961. From thousands of flights over 17 years, Max remembers one passenger who he’ll never forget…
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HF radio throws a lifeline to islanders ahead of PNG’s new restrictions
As Covid cases skyrocket in Papua New Guinea, never before has communication been more vital for remote islanders. MAF Technologies PNG was able to install High Frequency radio for the first time on Wuvulu Island just before PNG’s Prime Minister announced his latest ‘national isolation strategy’. MAF’s Joy Suarkia reports…
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Solar power soars in Papua New Guinea
In the last five years, increasing demand for solar energy installations in Papua New Guinea has resulted in a new Solar and Electrical Department for 'MAF Technologies PNG'. MAF's Joy Suarkia looks back on how they've been meeting the demand…
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MAF celebrates the power of radio in PNG on 'World Radio Day'
Through the decades, we see what 'MAF Technologies PNG' has achieved through the power of radio - saving lives, sharing the Gospel and connecting the isolated…
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MAF Papua New Guinea medevacs tree-climbing boy on New Year’s Eve
On the very last day of 2020, MAF Pilot – Philipp Sutter, gets an unexpected request. He’s asked to medevac 10-year-old Mark from the remote PNG village of Wawoi Falls who fell out of a tree and broke his leg. Philipp recalls his final rescue mission of the year...
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MAF radio technology helps reduce maternal mortality in Papua New Guinea
For the past decade, MAF partner - ‘The Hands of Rescue Foundation’ has been saving women and babies’ lives with critical support, but their communications system needed a drastic overhaul. They turned to technical gurus and 'MAF Technologies PNG' for help…
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As MAF’s airstrip review in Papua New Guinea continues, 100 airstrips have since reopened
In a bid to improve the safety of rural landings across Papua New Guinea, MAF is currently conducting a review of all 216 airstrips where they serve. 100 airstrips have successfully reopened following their surveys. MAF Pilot and Lead Surveyor, Andy Symmonds, explains what this essential work entails…
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Papua New Guinea – MAF’s work put on school curriculum during pandemic
MAF has partnered with Oksapmin Secondary School for thirteen years in the remote PNG village of Tekin, but for the first time, MAF has found its way onto the curriculum of one of the country’s best performing schools. MAF PNG’s Comms Officer, Mandy Glass, came up with the initiative during the pandemic…
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MAF meets PPE and anti-venom needs in Morehead, Papua New Guinea
For twenty years, Morehead District in Papua New Guinea has struggled without adequate anti-venom supplies. When coronavirus took the world by storm, another shortage became obvious – PPE. Thanks to MAF, the region’s health workers can now treat their patients without fear…
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Famine relief flights reach remote villages in Papua New Guinea
Relief flights to reach drought affected areas of Papua New Guinea (PNG) have begun.
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MAF begins food relief flights to famine-hit Papua New Guinea
MAF has begun distributing food to communities affected by famine in Papua New Guinea.
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A lifeline partnership
GET INVOLVED: If you want the opportunity for your church to engage with overseas missions and make a difference to the lives of countless people, then we might just have what you're looking for.
Related stories
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God speaks your language
On 21 February, the United Nations marks International Mother Language Day to recognise the importance language plays in education, development and social integration.
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Together we can do so much more
In a place where there are no roads, a 2-hour flight saved the life of a heart attack victim in Papua New Guinea.
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Medical Patrols in Papua New Guinea
Two German medical students recently spent their semester break volunteering at the Kompiam Hospital, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Magdalena (Leni) Bonleitner recalls their experiences of rural clinics and flying with MAF.
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Radio installed at Biadi
World Radio Day is celebrated on 13 February. Radios are a vital form of communication for remote areas, helping them feel connected to the rest of the world. In late 2019, Lukas Schadegg installed a HF radio for Biadi, Papua New Guinea.
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MAF - Education Enablers
MAF Papua New Guinea (PNG) pilot, Ryan Cole, explains the role which MAF plays in promoting education - just one of the responses to the question, 'what does a MAF pilot do?'
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'I will make a way for you'
Support Raising and Training Manager Adam Pope speaks to Michael and Nicki Duncalfe on their return to the UK, following an incredible 25 years of service with MAF Papua New Guinea (PNG)
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Reopening Pangoa Airstrip
On 30 May, UK pilots Paul Woodington and Israel Neale, re-opened the airstrip Pangoa Airstrip 25 years after the last flight.
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Ladies Business in Papua New Guinea
Clare and Paul Woodington are based at Wewak, where Paul is one of our experienced Caravan pilots serving the communities in the northern part of mainland PNG
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The Word of God, just a click away
Bonifas P.Korangia, known as Boni, served as a technician missionary for 22 years, until last year when he felt called to take a year off and reconnect with his village.
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Desperate for a dentist in Papua New Guinea
Two young Papua New Guinean dentists are making a big difference in remote communities that have never had access to dental care.
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Glimpses of glory
While husband Neal is hard at work in the MAF hangar, Lois Semanison spends her time blessing the community in Mount Hagen where they live. Many have come to faith through her witness and care.
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Cherishing a remote language
Many of Papua New Guinea's 800 languages are spoken by just a few hundred people. The Ende language has 700 speakers in three villages around the Upiara airstrip in the South Fly, Western Province.
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Happy World Radio Day!
Radio: a constant and reliable communication channel. Reaching across high mountains and treacherous landscapes, radio communication has been used as a tool to penetrate some of the most remote areas.
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Bibles bring transformation in Nungwaia
When reports began to circulate of a move of God in a remote village in Papua New Guinea, Judith Dupuis, wife of MAF Pilot Michael Dupuis, just had to see for herself!
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This Radio Might Look …
This radio might look dirty, old, and unimportant. but this radio is vital to rural communities in Papua New Guinea.
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Remember Peggy?
‘What can be more special than walking through the front door of your house and being leapt on by a nine-year-old girl and given a great big hug?'
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Welcome to Coffee Town!
Almost 3,000 families in the communities surrounding Simbai make a living growing coffee. Frequent MAF flights serve the community's needs and fly the precious cash crop to market.
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Medevac Monday in Papua New Guinea
Indian Pilot Satish Moka recently jumped on a medevac flight to rescue a man with a broken leg from Tamo, a village 75 miles north of Mt Hagen.
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#World Chocolate Day
In the beginning was the cocoa pod – the beautiful, freshly picked, raw product – grown in tropical equatorial climates around the world, including Papua New Guinea (PNG).
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Special delivery for earthquake areas
What can you do with a cargo of solar lights and tarpaulins, Bibles, guitars and tambourines, soccer balls and volleyballs, hinges, padlocks, saws, and spanners...?
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Together we can make a difference
Much of the food flown by MAF to remote communities after the recent earthquake was donated by local churches motivated to help their countrymen in need.
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Food and water reaches remote communities
Aid has reached remote communities in Papua New Guinea following the recent earthquake. Pilot’s Mathias Glass gives an account of a relief flight he flew to Muluma and Bosavi
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International Women's Day Meet Glenys Watson
Glenys Watson is a pilot and busy mum to four daughters. Here she shares a glimpse of her busy life in Papua New Guinea
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Caring when it counts
As the MAF plane lands in Mount Hagen, Communications Officer Mandy Glass is there to meet the patients and help with the hospital transfer.
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Sharing their sorrow
Pilot Steven Eatwell flew a medevac and earthquake relief flight to the remote communities of Huya and Bosavi. He brought relief supplies and assessed the condition of the airstrips while he was there.
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Bringing help in their hour of greatest need
MAFs Nawi Mabo flew to bring help to earthquake stuck communities in Papua New Guinea and describes what he saw.
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Witnessing MAF’s Impact from a Front Row Seat
Recently in Papua New Guinea, short-term Swiss staff member Remo Ruegg's plans for the day took a different turn when one of his neighbours knocked on his door. Story Remo Ruegg. Photos Remo Ruegg (RR) and Nawi Mabo (NM)
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What Happens When We’re Not There
At MAF, we know that when we provide access to remote areas those areas are helped, resourced and receive medical assistance. However, sometimes it is when access is withdrawn for a time – often for unavoidable reasons – that it brings home the reality of our absence.
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Critical decisions, correctly made = lives saved
Paul Woodington, a pilot with MAF Papua New Guinea, recalls a medevac flight which happened just before Christmas 2017. Thanks to quick thinking, good decision-making and trust in God, Paul managed to help two severely ill patients, including the son of a missionary partner, reach the medical care they needed.
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Right time, right place
In August 2016, Geoff Boer was having a normal day. Just after dinner, disaster struck as he experienced a heart attack. he was flown for treatment the following morning and after surgery, has made a full recovery. Without the quick thinking and acting MAF staff and partners, Geoff may not have survived.
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Coffee anyone?
We all like a nice cup of coffee! But have you considered where your cuppa might have come from? Story and photos by LuAnne Cadd
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Five lives, one flight
When a medevac flight was delayed by bad weather God’s sovereign purposes were at work in a seemingly hopeless situation
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The exam papers haven’t arrived yet!
As exam season the UK comes to an end - to the relief of children and parents alike - Glenda Giles shares how students in Tekin, Papua New Guinea nervously awaited the arrival of their exam papers.
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Interview with Dr David Mills
Kompiam Rural Hospital in Papua New Guinea is at the end of a road, inaccessible except by walking or flying, to the people it serves. The area is troubled by tribal skirmishes which have claimed more than 40 lives in the last six months.
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Dating in the Fishbowl
What's it like to date on the mission field in a culture drastically different to your own? British Siobhain Dales and Canadian Ryan Cole discovered just this...
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Meeting Jesus in remotest Papua New Guinea
MAF Pilot Paul Woodington displays professional dedication and personal sacrifice as he battles the jungle to bring the Jesus film to an isolated corner of Papua New Guinea. We hope it encourages you to continue fighting for the Gospel.
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Lawn-mowing the airstrips; scary, but very important
Maintaining the airstrips is just as important as maintaining the aircraft to ensure safe landings.
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Do not fear
A workshop in Papua New Guinea teaches women how to be free from the fear of sorcery and magic through a deeper understanding of who God is. Story and photos by LuAnne Cadd
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Twin Otter – the supreme bush aircraft
Michael Duncalfe has been flying Twin Otters since 1998, clocking up over 6,500 hours in the process. MAF Partnership Manager – and resident aviation enthusiast – Olly Nunn asks him to share with our supporters why this aircraft is so special
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How to build a rural aid post in 24 hours
The mountain village community of Megau came together to build a life-saving medical aid post in just 24 hours. Everything down to the last nail was flown in by MAF
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A Day in the Life of a Twin Otter
Senior Communications officer LuAnne Cadd spent a day flying on MAF's Twin Otter aircraft in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
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Medical emergency in Papua New Guinea
A 23-year-old woman is experiencing labour complications, but as she lives in a remote village in Papua New Guinea, she needed an MAF aircraft to get the urgent hospital care she needs.
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Bags full of Blessings
MAF women in Papua New Guinea come together a few times a year to pack Care Bags for women we fly for emergency hospital care. Madeleine Bischoff, wife of MAF pilot Markus, shares the joy of blessing two new mothers, with bags and shares their stories.
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A brave schoolgirl brings peace to her village
No more killing: When a young schoolgirl heard that 17 innocent people were about to die, she decided to do something about it. Story and photos Anton Lutz.
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Welcome to Gebrau, the mountain airstrip!
Gebrau airstrip in the highlands of Papua New Guinea is finally open, after twenty years! It will be a huge benefit to the economy of this remote community.
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Cancelled flight saves Agatha's life
MAF's scheduled flight from Wewak was cancelled at the very last minute. But then the phone rang! An urgent medevac flight was required. And Agatha's village was in the opposite direction. (Photos: Ludmer Meiko)
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A box of delights for students in Papua New Guinea
Mandy Glass, our Communications Officer in Papua New Guinea, shared her love of reading recently with 80 high school students through the gift of books.
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Extra help for new mothers in Papua New Guinea
Pregnant women suffering with labour difficulties are given a double token of love, thanks to a new initiative from MAF's women.
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The adventures of Mathias and Mandy Glass
"The atmosphere must have been electric that day..."
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Violence against women in PNG
"Rose was confronted by two men from the neighbouring tribe who proceeded violently."
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Mud celebration marks historic landing in Papua New Guinea
Mud celebration marks historic landing in Papua New Guinea
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A woman’s world in PNG
MAF Operations Manager Siobhain Dales explores leadership and the challenges of culture for women in Papua New Guinea
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Running for life
Karina Mills describes a marathon that changed many little lives in Papua New Guinea
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Partnering with WaterAid in Papua New Guinea
Water and sanitation projects are delivered in Papua New Guinea's remote Torricelli Mountains, thanks to MAF's partnership with WaterAid
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MAF rescues boy bitten by a snake
A boy in a remote mountain community in Papua New Guinea is glad to be alive after being bitten by a death adder
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Seven flights, seven medevacs
We have a new aircraft in Papua New Guinea - and it's already come to the rescue of several people in remote communities
Related staff
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Sant, Dom and Sequoia
The Sant family arrived in Papua New Guinea in January 2022. Dom and Sequoia are living in Mount Hagen with their three children: Abigail, Emma, and Isaac. As Programme Safety Manager / Technical Skills Training Specialist, Dom is providing support through his experience working in safety and training.
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Hone, Alan and Annette
Alan and Annette are serving in Papua New Guinea. They are based in Mount Hagen where Alan is working within the maintenance team as Infrastructure Projects Manager.
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Moore, Dave and Caroline
David and Caroline Moore have been married for 30 years, have two adult children, and have felt called to serve MAF using their God-given skills and gifts. They would value your support and prayers, having moved to Papua New Guinea in September 2019. Dave is Building Maintenance and Projects Manager and Caroline is supporting prayer ministry.
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Crotty, Jo
Jo was adamant that she would never follow her parents path into mission, but God had other ideas. She is now serving on secondment from MAF teaching at the SIL school in Ukurumpa in PNG. Will you join her support team?
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Symmonds, Andy and Helen
Andy is serving as a pilot in Papua New Guinea.
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Stevenson, Fiona
Fiona is a member of the team in South Sudan. She serves as Finance Manager after working for many years in various programmes and support offices.
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Cole, Siobhain and Ryan
Operations Projects Officer and Pilot in Papua New Guinea
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Woodington, Paul and Clare
Pilot in Papua New Guinea