Vol. 34, No. 3 Summer 2020

Disaster Relief Saying in a Time of Goodbye 10 COVID-19 18 to a Friend COVID-safe events this summer Subject to local Provincial guidelines and following the best practices in COVID-19 prevention and mitigation, we’re planning a couple of in-person and virtual (online) events this summer. CEO CORNER t’s pretty surreal to reflect on all the encounter dangers more serious than changes that have occurred since the threat COVID places on them One of these planned in-person events Ithe release of our last edition of personally, we celebrate their courage may be happening near you. Flying for Life. In March, we were at and commitment. One such MAF Whatever the the beginning of such unprecedented missionary, Joyce Lin, was killed in a To learn more, see page 7 of this issue of uncertainty. Now, we know just how tragic accident on May 12 while in the Flying for Life, or visit mafc.org/events for future holds, quickly and drastically life can change. service of MAF in Indonesia. Joyce was additional details and planned locations. And yet, in the midst of all that has the embodiment of Kingdom values, we remain happened and is still happening, we and while we mourn her loss deeply, also want to reflect on those absolute we know that Joyce died passionately committed to truths that have remained unchanged. pursuing her dream of supporting We know with confidence that God is isolated communities. going where in control. He is our rock, our fortress, Of course, dedication to our mission and our deliverer (Ps 18:2). We have doesn’t mean that we don’t have to most needed been blown away by His faithfulness adjust and pivot. Many of our overseas and provision for us during this time. missionaries are contributing to the to offer help to That’s not to say we haven’t seen a battle against COVID in non-flight financial or operational impact – we capacities; envisioning and creating those who need have – and yet God keeps opening mission technology that will assist our doors and hearts where needed. and others’ operations. Technological it most. The calling of MAF remains the innovation is part of MAF’s DNA, and same and very needed during this while COVID may temporarily shift our time; you will see that in the following focus, our calling remains the same. To pages. While our operations have learn more about what they’re doing, been reduced due to governmental visit mafc.org/covid-19-updates. restrictions, our fleet is still flying We don’t know what is coming next. and saving lives. In cases where it is This may be just the beginning of a Leave a legacy of hope! safe and/or necessary to do so, we difficult journey in countries that do are working with local partners to not have the infrastructure to fight a Whether you’re sending a simple gift, or a more complex gift such as stocks, bonds, affect change, reaching out to provide pandemic. Whatever the future holds, mutual funds, gifts of insurance, gifts in a will, or setting up a family foundation, tangible, life-saving support. we remain committed to going where Our commitment to those we serve most needed to offer help to those who Abundance Canada can assist you and advise on the right gifting solution. We can remains unwavering. The vast majority need it most. also facilitate anonymous donations. of our missionaries chose to stay Please keep our operations and our Personal consultations are free, confidential and with no obligation. Connect with within their countries of service to help staff in your prayers, as we keep you in the people and places that they love, ours. Abundance Canada today! Brad Bell even while many of their friends and President & CEO colleagues from partner organizations Learn more at abundance.ca/mafcanada or call 1.800.772.3257 MAF Canada left. Risk is not new to those God calls, and while our missionaries often Abundance Canada is a faith-based, public foundation assisting Canadians with their charitable giving for Generosity changes everything more than 40 years. Charitable Registration No. 12925-3308-RR0001

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a Christian organization whose mission is to fly light aircraft and use other technologies in isolated parts of the world to bring help and hope to people in need. Since 1946, MAF has been spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in places of deepest human need – where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline. Worldwide, MAF provides over 200 flights a day. Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada is a Canadian registered charity (Registration # 12994 2561 RR0001) and is able to issue receipts for income tax PAGE 08 purposes. Financial statements are available on request. Every gift helps! Please mail your gift, visit us at mafc.org, or call us toll-free at 1.877.351.9344. Gifts allocated toward an approved project will be used as allocated with the understanding that once project needs are met, gifts will be used where needed most. Doctors in Queensland, Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada is a charter Mailing Address 102-195 Hanlon Creek Blvd., Guelph, ON N1C 0A1 Australia give MAF member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Toll-Free 1.877.351.9344 E-mail [email protected] Website mafc.org engineers the kind of rare Flying for Life is published by Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada and printed in Canada. Editor/Layout Mark Field. Country statistics cited are taken from the World Factbook and World Health Organization. Share your comments [email protected]. challenge they relish. Cover Pilot Dave Forney unloads relief supplies in the flood-hit district of Kasese, . Photo Dave Forney

Flying For Life Summer 2020 03 We’re all in this together

Every MAF staff member is living with the threat of coronavirus.

From , Communications Officer Jenny Davies Opposite Top The plane gets a thorough describes the slow, cleaning steady arrival of the Opposite Bottom Staff wearing PPE disease in Africa. Above Left Scrubbing the cargo bay Above Right Jenny STORY & PHOTOS JENNY DAVIES Davies in Chad (credit: LouAnne Cadd)

s the coronavirus outbreak spreads hear her voice. In March, when coronavirus arrives why he asks. In every crisis, foreign conditions and remote communities, Aacross the world, I find myself ‘Social distancing’ hasn’t yet entered in nearby Kenya and Uganda, our workers are the first ones to go. But this filthy water and malnutrition have long scrolling through newsfeeds like common parlance, though MAF staff conversations suddenly change. situation is different. been the norm. l everyone else. While it’s not particularly have stopped shaking hands. We Government posters telling healthy to feed my anxiety, it seems wonder how the country will react passengers to wash their hands and Counting the days wise to stay informed. when government advice is issued. have their temperature taken replace South Sudan relies on humanitarian On Sunday 5 April, the first case of From the big window in MAF’s office Most people in South Sudan don’t our home-made versions. The logistics organizations to provide basic services coronavirus is confirmed. at International Airport, life goes have the luxury of stockpiling food in team obtains vital hand sanitizer, albeit like healthcare. on as normal. Traffic flows across the comfortable homes. at a hugely inflated price. Many of these organizations rely on busy junction opposite. Coronavirus Colleagues ask after my family as At the airport, MAF staff now wear us to help them keep people alive. If MAF planes are on standby for seems a world away. the situation back home in the UK masks and gloves. we can’t fly, the consequences will be thousands of men, women and I arrived in South Sudan in February becomes more serious. I think of my dreadful. children who lived in isolation long and was soon introduced to MAF’s parents, who are approaching 70, and of The edge of a precipice We keep a mental tally of people’s before the coronavirus outbreak. Programme Security and Contingency vulnerable friends from church. We offer the South Sudanese behaviour – whether habits are Plan. Page after page of scenarios, risk In the office, we reflect on the government flights to transport test kits, changing; if rules are being enforced. But we can only stay on active assessments and checklists covering sobering inadequacies of the healthcare samples and response teams. Meanwhile, restaurants close and the duty – ready to react to the next every eventuality. Except a global system. The rest of the world is The next day, MAF gets a mention in cost of food in the markets rise. urgent flight request – if you keep pandemic. counting their ventilators – an easy task an announcement by the government’s supporting us. There are no cases in Juba. People in South Sudan. Here, you can count special task force, which confirms the Palm Sunday come to work, share food at lunchtime, them on one hand. closure of borders to all international The calendar turns over into April We need you, because they and our flights take off and land. All the flights. and there are still no cases here. need us! while, newsfeeds continue to churn out The virus creeps closer MAF has already reduced flying - On a map of Africa, South Sudan is global updates. We discuss medevac flights – those though urgent charters and emergency now the continent’s largest patch of Your prayers and gifts will bless this we could fly for our partners in remote flights continue. coronavirus-free territory. world like never before. We stop shaking hands communities, and the international It feels more and more like we’re ‘Isolation’ has become a byword for Italy is suffering terribly – Spain too transfers we may need ourselves. standing on the edge of a precipice, community lockdown. But there are Thank you. is heading in the same direction. Colleagues request prayer for sick desperately trying to avoid looking still places of long-standing physical Conversations with my sister in children and ailing mothers. Others down. isolation where basic healthcare isn’t Mallorca are more frequent now that I share their concerns about the violence A colleague asks when I will return available, let alone respirators. (Note: The information above was know she’s stuck indoors. It’s so nice to flaring up in the areas they come from. home. I shrug in reply, but I know For people dwelling in cramped living accurate at the time of printing.)

Flying For Life Summer 2020 05 Join Us Come hang out with us in the comfort and safety of your car Healing in or plane and learn more about His wings the work of MAF. We’re planning a number of COVID-safe Drive-In story Claire Gilderson and Fly-In events across the country - you’ll never even have to leave your car or plane! Because of COVID-19, MAF operations in These events are still in the planning stages and will Africa have adapted to respond however be done in compliance with Provincial guidelines to and whenever they can. ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. ecause of their tragic history with Praise God that flying is permitted in Bcontagions, many African countries Liberia. In March, MAF answered the quickly enforced measures to restrict Ministry of Health’s call to fly a people’s movements. suspected coronavirus victim’s test To learn about these and more events In Uganda many aid organizations from remote Zwedru to hospital. whose workers fly regularly with Fortunately, for a country with minimal including virtual ones, visit us at MAF left before Easter. No flights are health facilities, the test was negative. permitted in or out of the country. As the wet season approaches, MAF will In South Sudan, a government be the only means of transporting test . spokesman thanked MAF in an address kits to Liberia’s remote towns. mafc.org/events to the nation for continuing to fly Buses are prohibited in Chad, but whenever possible. In Tanzania it’s not internal flights, so locals have been ‘business as usual’ as MAF continues to grateful they can use MAF aircraft. fly medical teams to remote areas, but People say hello with an elbow bump, the situation is under review. or just from a distance, and hand Main MAF responds However, in Madagascar, flying washing facilities are installed in many to the Liberian is strictly prohibited, except in public places. We’re also working with government’s request emergencies. MAF is taking every the Ministry of Health so we can vastly for help (photo by precaution to protect its staff. For reduce the time it takes to transport Stephen Biggs) example, one aircraft maintenance coronavirus test kits by road to remote Above Staff in DR engineer works at the front of a plane towns such as Abéché. Congo wearing PPE while the other works on the tail. Staff “God has been in Africa all the time,” Below When he also use masks and gloves to reduce the says our Regional Director for Africa, was prohibited from risk of infecting one another. Henk-Jan Muusse. “We can bring any overnighting in Bardaï In Angola, domestic flights are need before Him. God cares for us as town, Chad because it prohibited, but MAF Angola receives much as He’s ever done.” l had yet to be touched clearances for specific medical flights, by coronavirus, MAF while in DR Congo, fights to and from Please pray for Africa and MAF’s pilot, Phil Henderson Kinshasa require special authorizations continued ability to serve its people. just camped in the and permissions. We continue to work desert instead (photo with partners to be available to serve by Phil Henderson) when called upon where and when (Note: The information above was permissions are granted. accurate at the time of printing.)

Flying For Life Summer 2020 07 fy2019 fy2018 MAF Canada’s REVENUES Donations fy 2019 Annual Report Missionary Support $ 3,383,136 $ 3,408,967 Special Projects and Programs 2,614,362 623,527 MAF’s holistic approach to ministry focuses on meeting General Missions 1,309,849 1,433,211 people’s physical felt-needs, as well as their spiritual Gifts in Kind 80,960 82,496 needs. The real story of MAF’s approach to ministry is 7,388,307 5,548,201 told through the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of the men, women, and families who serve. Program Fees 25,500 30,000 Interest 38,640 10,959 In 2019, Canadians served in 15 countries around the Non-Receipted Donations 929,507 1,149,461 world, filling critical and key roles as pilots, aircraft 8,381,954 6,738,621 mechanics, teachers, business administrators, and IT specialists. EXPENDITURES Missionary Support 4,124,351 4.008,393 Special Projects and Programs 1,075,794 595,950 Development, International Operations, & Recruiting 724,797 627,632 Countries and areas served General Administration 935,793 790,429 Fundraising Costs 883,170 797,965 Thinking by MAF Canada supported 7,743,905 6,820,369 fy missionaries in 2019 SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FROM OPERATIONS 638,049 (81,748) INSIDE the box OTHER Amortization (63,361) (64,965) Premium Transfers 0 0 Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets 3,000 0 Gain (Loss) on Exchange & Investments 29,651 43,277 An unusual request from doctors in Queensland, Australia (30,710) (21,688) gave MAF engineers the type of rare challenge they relish. SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 607,339 (103,436)

Story Katherine Williams Photos Phil Snell NET ASSETS, beginning of year 3,528,632 3,632,068

Sibthorpe led the unique project, NET ASSETS, end of year $ 4,135,971 $ 3,528,632 building the transparent prototype - Angola 5 Mongolia 1 ‘Mark One’ - within a day! Canada 11 Papua New Guinea 5 Mark One was then presented to Central Asia1 1 Southeast Asia1 3 doctors at Mareeba Hospital for testing Chad 1 South Sudan 2 in the real world. While they were DR Congo 3 Suriname 1 Roderick Wilkinson Suanne Miedema pleased with the prototype, and the Indonesia 8 Uganda 4 Audit Committee Chairperson (fy2019) Treasurer (fy2019) speed with which it had been produced, Kenya 2 UK 1 certain changes and additions were Madagascar 2 50 necessary to maximize the shield’s MAF Canada’s 2019 Fiscal year runs from Oct 1, 2018 - Sep 30, 2019. effectiveness. Praise the Lord for everyone who fy Mark Two swiftly followed and was played a magnificent, if unexpected, How the Resources Were Used in 2019) so successful that the MAF team were part in the response to the asked to produce another one for a coronavirus outbreak. rotection from coronavirus is a second hospital. International Programs Missionary Support 41% Ppriority that connects everyone on To serve with MAF is often about Pray that we’re able to maintain the & Recruiting 9% Special Projects 28% Includes housing, living expenses, our planet. using whatever you have to help the teams that make MAF programmes a Includes recruiting of MAF personnel as Includes emergency relief flights education, salaries, furlough In the early days of the outbreak, people God has placed around you. beacon of help, hope and healing for well as supporting the advancement of and other ministry efforts expenses, repatriation costs, and hospital staff in Mareeba decided that The invention of Mark Two is just people who need us to stay airborne. international programs. involving MAF missionaries. travel to and from the field. a special shield was urgently needed to one example in MAF’s 75-year history lessen the chances of infection. After where a combination of emergency scratching their heads as to who could and imagination has resulted in a help them, someone had a brainwave - surprising solution to an immediate Main Trialling the MAF why not call the team at the local MAF problem. shield 9% 11% 28% 11% 41% engineering and training facility? We have always considered ourselves Top Ben Sibthorpe As soon as the call was over, our blessed to have staff around the world working on the Fundraising 11% Administration 11% engineers got straight to work – fully with amazing abilities that are regularly ‘Mark One’ shield Includes advertising, production and Includes payroll, missionary newsletters, inspired by the immediate need put to good use for the benefit of the Above A life-saving distribution of promotional materials, training, donor receipting, travel, & to protect lives. Phil Snell and Ben communities they seek to serve. l invention fundraising efforts, and fundraising events. other critical day-to-day functions.

1 Includes countries that cannot be named for security reasons. Flying For Life Summer 2020 09 MAF pilot Greg Vine unloads water at Kasese

As coronavirus restrictions lifted across Uganda and Photo heavy rains eased up, MAF was finally permitted to Dave Forney make its first emergency disaster relief flight to help the flood-hit district of Kasese.

STORY Jill Vine (edited by Mark Field)

Flying For Life Summer 2020 11 Left Water containers are unloaded at Kasese (photo Dave Forney) Below Left Fully loaded at (photo Renbrand Rodenburg) Below The flooding at Kasese swept entire homes away (photo Sam Baguma) Bottom The flooded airfield at (photo Andrew Parker)

t’s been said it never rains but it pours, Ibut for the MAF operation in Uganda, this is a literal truth. Lockdown measures due to coronavirus hampered desperately needed relief efforts following devastating rains and flooding in May that displaced thousands of people in the rural town of Kasese. The flash-flooding destroyed large sections of a hospital, and 6 health facilities. Local schools were destroyed or damaged. In total, an estimated 24,670 homes were affected, displacing 123,800 people. The rains that fell were so severe in fact, that the airstrip at the where MAF Uganda is based was partially submerged. 19 evacuation centres were set up dozens of relief flights that would quickly, but with local shops washed continue over the coming weeks; away, basic necessities like food, delivering more than 60,000 kgs of blankets, water, sanitation facilities, desperately needed relief supplies. and medicines were in short supply. MAF Uganda Communications It usually takes six hours to drive to Officer, Jill Vine shares, “Although the Kasese, but the floods had destroyed waiting hasn’t been easy, we are so the major bridge that connects this relieved to stand with Uganda during rural town, severely hampering the this difficult time. It makes us even government’s relief response by land. more thankful for this breakthrough While MAF petitioned the government and eager to celebrate MAF Uganda’s to lift the ban on emergency relief first flight since the 22nd of March. flights to help respond to the crisis in These extraordinary times have us in Kasese, workers repaired the airstrip desperate need of God’s intervention. at Kajjansi, while engineers and pilots Please keep MAF in your prayers as we used the time to do extra maintenance forge ahead to do all that we can where on the aircraft and hone their skills on a we’re most needed. flight simulator. Continue to pray for the floods to Finally, after 10 weeks without any totally dissipate and for restrictions In total, MAF delivered more flying at all, permission was granted for to lift even further so that people can cargo flights to resume. return to their livelihoods, which were than 60,000 kilograms of With the airstrip at Kajjansi repaired, abruptly stopped over two months ago. MAF was able to rally their four Cessna Before coronavirus, they were already relief supplies. Caravans at the airport in Entebbe, struggling with hunger on their meagre these burdens occurring across where emergency relief supplies were incomes. their nation. Your strong prayers are Photo Dave Forney being readied. Pray for the people of Uganda to invaluable. It wasn’t long before all four aircraft look to their Father for His mercy and Thank you for standing with us were loaded and on their way to Kasese, healing and that they would appreciate and faithfully covering us with your for the first of what would become MAF as a partner who can shoulder support.” l

Flying For Life Summer 2020 13 Let There Be Light! MAF assists with the installation of solar panels to provide power for a remote health station on the edge of the world. story by Tim Neufeld with photos by Joy Suarkia

idden deep in the remote also led the airstrip project as well as plan was four flights, but we found with western jungles of PNG is a the original hydro-power generator careful planning we could transport Hvillage named Mougulu. which is frequently damaged by all the workers and equipment in There is no access to this area by landslides and is difficult to maintain only three. In addition to transporting road, and there are no vehicles at and repair. CRMF workers Lukas Schadegg, Ismael all. There is a bush trail to access the One of their recent big projects was Doroware, and Gollinson Wena, we Strickland river, which was the main to install a modern solar power system were able to carry 32 solar panels as travel route before the airstrips were on the community health station, and well as the other needed hardware and built in the 60’s and 70’s. for this they contacted CRMF. CRMF components. The jungle that covers the area is is a branch of the MAF family with a Partnering with other organizations almost unimaginably thick, dense, and vision to empower the church with and enabling them to fulfill their God- never ending. When flying in the area technology. Historically this has meant given mandate is what MAF is all about. it looks like an infinitely long green High-Frequency radio, which is still This project was a perfect example carpet that reaches to the horizon. crucial in PNG. Today they are working of several groups coming together, A flight from our base to Mougulu with solar energy, computer and IT building a plan for a sequence of is a 3-hour round-trip. It would be sales and service, and technology flights, and executing the plan safely. impossible to make this trip on foot. training for pastors. We pray that this solar installation MAF lands here several times a The solar installation in Mougulu enjoys a long and fruitful lifespan, month. Our flights support mission is the largest project CRMF has been and that it directly contributes to the work, the government, and the schools. tasked with. MAF was pleased to be health and well-being of the people of Over the past sixty years the Hoey a part of the project by providing Mougulu. l family from Australia has lived and transportation from Goroka to worked in the community. First, Tom Mougulu. This isn’t a route that is and Salome who raised their family commonly flown, and since I have here and continue to visit even in route and strip privileges for both their eighties, and now their children, of these places, I was thrilled to be particularly their daughter Sally. They assigned these flights. have worked tirelessly to help the There were three flights in total, people of this area, building health two on Wednesday, and one on centres, schools and churches. They Thursday morning. The original

If you have a background in This Page Lukas attaches a solar panel Information Technology Opposite Top Careful and an interest in serving the to exercise social needs of people overseas, we can distancing, Lukas and put your skills and passion to use. Gollinson work to secure the framing Visit mafc.org/recruiting to Opposite Centre Left Ismael loads a solar learn more about the service panel in the Caravan opportunities available. Opposite Centre Right Tim on approach to Mougulu Opposite Bottom Left The equipment room Opposite Bottom Right Let there be light

Flying For Life Summer 2020 15 Farewell, Mongolia

After two decades of serving the people of Mongolia as Blue Sky Aviation, it is with mixed emotions that we cease operations in this unique and beautiful country. MAF has the privilege of supporting Medair’s WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) team in their plan Story Richard Chambers Photos LuAnne Cadd to support health facilities and prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout Madagascar. AF began its ministry in Mongolia more than 50,000 Christians, and 600 Mat the beginning of this century, churches thrive where there had been Story Katie Machell Photos Ian Purdey with a single Cessna Caravan dubbed practically none. the Millennium Messenger that arrived Infrastructure has also improved quipping health care providers to to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in in spring, 2000. markedly, so that many of the locations Erecognize and manage COVID-19 communities.“ Roughly the same size as Quebec our planes served for nearly two cases is vital to strengthen the health As some of the clinics where but with a population of only 2.5 decades can now be reached by road. care system at this challenging time. Medair works are in remote parts million, Asia’s fifth largest country was However, following a detailed report “Over the coming weeks, it is of the country, the organization described by one MAF staff member as from an external consultant, MAF expected that there will be an increase began discussions with MAF about ‘the definition of remoteness’. concluded that to continue with in infected patients visiting clinics, and transporting teams to deliver the Half its people live as nomads, the same level of impact in a vastly protection of clinic staff is crucial to training of hygienists. Due to moving several times a year. Normal transformed Mongolia, would require ensure continuity of health services,” flight restrictions brought in by transportation is done by horse a significant increase in our financial shares Klaas Overlade, Country the government in response to the or camel, and temperatures range investment. Director for Medair in Madagascar. coronavirus pandemic, it took a few between 40°C and -40°C. Considering the increasing options “Health centres and their staff must days to get the necessary permissions. A decade prior to our arrival, there that are available to the Mongolian be prevented from becoming a major Eventually everything was in place, and were few Christian brothers and sisters people, we believe that our aircraft source of spread of infection.“ pilots Ryan Unger and Ian Purdey were in Mongolia due mainly to nearly 70 and resources could be better used in One of the activities that contributes able to fly a group of 8 Medair staff to years of communist rule. other areas where isolated people’s Main Pilot Ryan Unger to the strengthening of the response is Toamasina, on the north-east coast of But when the Soviet Union collapsed immediate needs are greatest, and are on the ground in the training of hygienists. the country. l in 1991, ‘freedom of religion’ was currently in the process of redeploying Toamasina According to Klass, “Medair’s WASH declared in this traditionally Buddhist the Messenger to serve those who need Top The cargo arrives (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) At a time when travel is not easy, it’s country, and today - thanks partially to it the most. in Toamasina team has developed a COVID-19 particularly encouraging that we’re MAF’s support for the Gospel - there are MAF pilot, Dallas Derksen who is Middle Loading the response plan to support the proper still able to support our partners currently training future missionary cargo in Antananarivo implementation of COVID-19 case in their work, and contribute to pilots at Prairie Aviation Training Bottom Cargo that will management in health facilities, and the fight against COVID-19 in Main Touchdown in Centre in Three Hills, Alberta remarks save lives Madagascar. Mongolia about the time he served with Blue Below Making Top Left The Sky in Mongolia. “I am glad to be used a difference in Millennium Messenger by God in the role of a pilot, and we Madagascar has been part of pray that these trips will result in the church growth on advancement of God’s word among an amazing scale in that community.” Mongolia Please pray that the Messenger will Bottom Left MAF pilot, continue flying to the corners of the Dallas Derksen, in earth where the Gospel has yet to be Mongolia heard. l

Flying For Life Summer 2020 17 Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Remembering MAF comes Missionary pilot, Joyce Lin. to the rescue! story Richard Chambers Early in the morning of May 12, Joyce Lin departed Sentani, Indonesia piloting an Above Joyce with photos Chad Tilley MAF Kodiak aircraft. Joyce was responding to the needs of the village of Mamit in the fellow MAF pilot, Kees Papua highlands, and cargo on the plane included COVID-19 rapid test kits for the Janse local clinic. Within minutes of takeoff, she reported an emergency, and the aircraft descended into Lake Sentani. Joyce was the only person on board. MAF people and planes in the Asia- Story Julie Dole Photos MAF US Pacific region continue to respond to the changing needs of isolated people. It only takes a moment

How long is a moment? Is it a second? the progress Greg was making on her role as “Aunt Joyce”. I did not AF Bangladesh’s floatplane is – hand washing kits to remote Oecusse. A few hours? Can a moment have the wiring for the IT building. Once realize until she had passed that one Mquite simply – helping people Ferries have stopped and borders a lifelong impact? As I sit and try to the work on the building had been of the children who had been most get home. One emergency flight on have closed, so an MAF plane flew process the loss of a friend, teammate, completed, she would have more space profoundly impacted by Joyce, was our Good Friday rescued a Swiss volunteer to Oecusse laden with 430kg of and sister in Christ, my heart’s cry is, to focus on the IT projects she was eldest son Franklin. working in a very isolated area near the antibacterial soap and information “Lord, I did not get enough time. It feels working on when she was not flying. After we heard the tragic news, I Sundarbans. packs supplied by Oxfam. like just a moment. I could have learned I will treasure the moments of sweet held him tightly. With tears streaming The countrywide lockdown meant This region is particularly vulnerable so much more from her, Father.” fellowship we shared. Like everywhere down his face he told me, “Mom, I she was unable to travel by any means to coronavirus. However, thanks to one Our moment lasted seven weeks. else in the world, we were not able to had never been around such a person other than aircraft. Our floatplane 50-minute flight, more than 14,000 For seven weeks we were blessed with attend church, but I was blessed to before in my life.” The moments that was able to bring her back to the homes will receive information on how being part of Joyce’s life. Our family is sing alongside her as she led our small Joyce shared with our family have capital, Dhaka, 90 minutes before the people can protect one another from based in Merauke, and under normal group in a time of worship on Sundays. left a lasting impact on our lives. This international evacuation flight departed the disease. circumstances, we would have had only Joyce had a real hunger for the Word mother’s heart cannot express how for her homeland. Work continues at the new airstrip in a passing acquaintance with Joyce. of God, and after worship we would grateful I am for the seven weeks The emergency flight saw MAF, Lailenpi, Myanmar, though at a slower However, due to COVID-19, our family have in-depth discussions about the we got to do life with Joyce. So how the Swiss Embassy and numerous pace. The borders are now closed and was relocated to Sentani and Joyce Scripture passage we were studying. impactful can a moment be? government ministries working dynamite supplies, which are sourced became our neighbour. Her heart’s desire was to grow closer to I believe that a moment can change together in what Country Director Mark from India, have been slow to arrive. A few days after moving into the her Lord. everything. I believe that God gives Blomberg calls, “a monumental team Tar is being applied to areas which are MAF guesthouse, we heard the most One of my favourite memories of us all moments, and it is up to us to effort.” already graveled. beautiful piano music coming from the Joyce was watching her return from a embrace them and learn all we can. More recently, we flew a World Vision Few cases of coronavirus have been room right beside ours. Joyce was in day of flying. As she walked across the Even though we only saw a tiny staff member from Khulna – where he reported in Papua New Guinea, but her room praising the Lord with all her base in her pilot’s uniform, she would glimpse of who Joyce was, it was was similarly frustrated by lockdown – MAF remains vigilant. Our fleet is on heart. As the weeks passed, we looked pause and visit with whichever guard enough to leave a lasting impact, and to Dhaka. After landing, MAF pilot Chad standby to support Aerial Health Patrols forward to our weekend concerts as we was on duty that day. There was a for that we are deeply grateful. Joyce Tilley spoke briefly with him. by transporting Personal Protection heard her play and sing. special glow about her. She loved what Lin, you will never be forgotten. “I’ve flown previously with MAF in Equipment and medical supplies as Main Mark Blomberg Passing moments on the guesthouse she was doing. She loved to serve. She Uganda,” said the grateful passenger, soon as we receive the call to do so. l (left) and Chad Tilley patio turned into hours of conversation was living in the centre of His will for - Julie Dole “and I know that MAF comes to the Top MAF screens as we shared about our day. I loved her life, and her joy touched all those rescue!” Please pray for Asia and MAF’s passengers for listening to her talk to Greg (my around her. Julie, along with her husband, Greg, and Meanwhile, in Timor-Leste, flights continued ability to serve its people. coronavirus husband) about flights into remote Joyce also loved children, and it was children Franklin, Isaac, and Jaclynn, vary from bringing a vital cargo of corn Above A grateful airstrips that were familiar to both of clear from her interaction with the are based in Indonesia where Greg to Atauro Island – where the crop had (Note: The information above was recipient of our corn them. She also enjoyed hearing about children at the base that she relished serves as a pilot with MAF. failed disastrously – to the delivery of accurate at the time of printing.) delivery

Flying For Life Summer 2020 19 WHERE MOST NEEDED That’s where you’ll find us.

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