Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada

Fall 2015

Making an impact A Kodiak for A big first day

A unique peace project is thriving in Both the gift and giver are celebrated The dream of an International Marsabit, and MAF’s role in the process as MAF dedicates a new Kodiak for Christian School in Juba, South is increasingly crucial to its success service in Ecuador Sudan becomes a reality Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 3

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a Christian organization whose mission is to fly light aircraft and use other CEO corner technologies in isolated parts of the world to bring help and hope to people in need. Since 1946, MAF has been spreading the Will the legacy you his summer I had the incredible the on Palm Beach. He Good News of Jesus Christ in places of deepest human need – where flying is not Tprivilege of visiting Alas de Socorro shared with me that their village had a luxury, but a lifeline. (ADSE) in Ecuador, the very first MAF been praying for more than ten years leave plant seeds for program. The main base in Shell was that God would provide them with a Worldwide, MAF provides over 200 flights a day. Every gift helps! Please mail your begun by Nate and Marj Saint in 1948 larger aircraft. He fully understood the gift, visit us online at mafc.org or call us and it is now a self-sustaining and capabilities that such a plane would bring toll-free at 1.877.351.9344. tomorrow? flourishing program run by Ecuadorian and the urgent needs it would fill. It was staff. The trip was marked by some very remarkable to see the joy in Dyuwi’s face Flying for Life is published by poignant and memorable moments, – he simply believed and always knew Mission Aviation both for me personally and for MAF as an that God would provide such a plane. It Fellowship of organization. was incredible to be there to witness God Canada and printed I was joined on this trip by a couple of answer that prayer. in Canada. amazing and humble MAF donors who Editor Beth Round provided the majority of the funding Layout Mark Field for the new Quest Kodiak aircraft being celebrated in Ecuador. We were Cover The newest addition to MAF there to attend the special dedication Ecuador’s fleet is welcomed at a local ceremony being held to mark its arrival village. Photo Chad Irwin and commissioning into service. This Share your comments mission-centric aircraft has an enormous Contact us at [email protected] capability and will be serving the people of Ecuador for a very long time. Our mission: Sharing God’s love through aviation and We were also able to ride along on a technology. flight that took us to Palm Beach. It was a sobering experience to stand there, Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada is a Canadian registered charity (Registration the site where , , # 12994 2561 RR0001) and is able to , Ed McCully, and Peter Brad with Dyuwi Tani. Photo Mark Field issue receipts for income tax purposes. Fleming were killed by members of the Financial statements are available on Waorani tribe. Their prayer was to see In this issue of Flying for Life, I hope that request. these people reached with the Gospel you will be encouraged by the stories of Gifts allocated toward an approved and through His provision, God answered hope and reconciliation, and the unique project will be used as allocated with the that prayer, though not as anyone had ways our partners use MAF in their efforts understanding that once project needs are met, gifts will be used where needed In partnership with ADVISORS with Purpose – a ministry expected and not without great cost. It to reach those in physical and spiritual most. committed to helping God’s people manage God’s assets - amazes me to think that the families of need. these men did not respond with anger, Psalm 133:1 reminds us “How good MAF Canada is a charter we would like to offer you a personalized estate plan that but rather with love and forgiveness. As and pleasant it is when God’s people live member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. aligns your wishes with God’s purposes. they sought to do more for the Waorani, together in unity!” they saw many of them accept Christ. We are blessed to work alongside Country statistics taken from the World There is no obligation or cost for this service. I was struck when we visited the our partners in ministry who, no matter Factbook and World Health Organization. Waorani village that there was no which organizational name they serve technology to be seen. Little electrically under, are working toward the same Learn more about the services offered by Advisors with powered conveniences and no water Kingdom goals. purification system, and yet they were Purpose by participating in a FREE phone-in seminar on Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada Wednesday, February 10, 2016 between 3pm and 4pm completely at ease with the high Thank you for your faithful support of 264 Woodlawn Rd. West tech Kodiak in their midst. Through MAF. Guelph, ON N1H 1B6 Eastern Time. experience, they had come to realize that the plane was a useful tool that could Toll-Free 1.877.351.9344 mafc.org | [email protected] help them in many ways. Brad Bell For details and to register, call Advisors with Purpose at We met Dyuwi Tani who was a President/CEO 1.866.336.3315, or email [email protected]. member of the raiding party that killed MAF Canada Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 5

Above Students at Juba Christian Academy (JCA) enjoy The dream of an International classes outside Christian School in Juba, South Sudan becomes a reality.

Story Karyn Ball Photos Karyn Ball and Kristen Unger

Above The original site for JCA It was the first day of school and here in Juba. Some were parents, others of education. But there is also a great Who would have known that this school Teachers are desperately needed to was this shipping container on II had goosebumps. Contagious teachers, all of whom were passionate need for more missionaries to serve in - humbly beginning on paper a few provide education to the children of the MAF compound excitement filled the air. It certainly about Christian education in Juba. The Juba. Yet how feasible is it to expect years back, interrupted by civil war and MAF missionaries, as well as those of wasn’t my first day of school – I have first class, with a handful of 3 and 4 year missionaries to come if there are no unrest - would finally come to fruition? other partner organizations. Below Teachers and students at JCA gather in the new had plenty of those myself. My first olds, met last fall in a shipping container schooling options for their own children? That by loving and teaching these little classroom day of kindergarten, first day of high on the MAF compound. But just months How will their parents serve others while kids, that Juba Christian To learn more about serving overseas school, first day of university, first day later the civil unrest grew so unsafe that having to teach their own children? Juba Academy would help further spread the as a teacher with MAF, visit us online as a teacher… but I could tell that this many families had to evacuate, leaving Christian Academy quickly and clearly love and peace of Jesus here in South at www.mafc.org/recruiting or call us particular first day of school was going the plastic chairs and metal walls empty became my answer to this great need. Sudan. Praise God! For with Him, all toll-free at 1.877.351.9344 and ask to to be big. Not big in size or grandeur, for a while longer. But this September, So as I now balance my busy week things are possible.  speak with a recruiter. but big in terms of vision, hope and the Juba Christian Academy celebrated as between caring for my own preschool- future of the Gospel in South Sudan. we re-opened the doors on our first day age children, teaching kindergarten part It was a first day that many were of school. Despite no media coverage or time at Juba Christian Academy and waiting for, students, parents and fancy ribbon cutting ceremony, it was a doing reading lessons and Bible studies teachers alike. As six families from all monumental moment for us as teachers, after school with local orphans and over the world gathered on the small our six students and their families. street girls from Confident Children Out front lawn of Juba Christian Academy, When I was originally asked to teach of Conflict (CCC), I thank God for this I couldn’t help but reflect on what this at the school, I quickly wanted to say no. opportunity. For this opportunity not day meant for South Sudan. Finally, a I came here to reach out and minister only to teach South Sudanese girls, but school for missionary kids. A place for to the South Sudanese. Wouldn’t my also to teach other missionary kids as NGO families to send their children. skills be better used in the local schools? their families faithfully share the Gospel An opportunity for more families with Shouldn’t I pour my energy into teaching in South Sudan. children to come and serve in South street kids and orphans how to read? As we finish up our first ogresspr Chris and Karyn Ball, pictured Sudan – because now there was an After all, these missionary kids have kind reports and parent teacher interviews, here with their children, International school for their children. and loving parents who were already it’s amazing to see how Juba Christian William, and Addyson, have A Christian School to fill a gaping hole. invested in their lives. But as I learned Academy is benefitting the ministries of been serving with MAF in South There was finally a place for us to send more about the school and its vision to so many mission organizations in Juba. Sudan since 2013 our children to school. “seek to advance the Kingdom of God Bible Translators with SIL International, Juba Christian Academy started as by providing families with a high quality country directors with World Relief, a passionate dream on paper a few Christian education in South Sudan,” God pilots and support staff with MAF and a years back, by a number of people from began to tug at my heart. Yes there are family running an orphanage for over different mission organizations serving many South Sudanese children in need twenty street girls. Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 7 Partner Profile

MAF multiplies the They said I had effectiveness of Black Water Fever, the over 1,400 partner end stages of malaria. organizations to I don’t know of an airline, provide help, hope, or any pilot, who would and healing to a just drop everything on world in need. Thanksgiving Day… I owe you guys [MAF] a lot.”

with Shalom University Bunia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Story Jennifer Perry Wolf Photos Agung Fauzi of Seize the Day Photography

fter carrying a 120-pound bag of A towering champion It was a grand scheme, and one that Acharcoal attached to a strap wrapped In the USA, mixed martial artist (MMA) Wren couldn’t accomplish alone. around her forehead through the jungle Justin Wren wanted nothing more Fortunately, God brought him together for three miles, the woman held out her than to become an Ultimate Fighting with members of Shalom University hand to receive her wages, her food for Championship (UFC) fighter. He won Bunia. Working together, Wren and the day—a small square of goat fur. One several Texas state championships, was Shalom have acquired over 2,400 acres man worked a grueling 10-plus hours in a two-time national champion, and of land in 10 different Pygmy villages exchange for two small minnows. competed in season 10 of The Ultimate and successfully completed 14 wells. For the Mbuti Pygmies living deep in Fighter. But his success in the ring only The Pygmies are learning how to grow the Ituri rain forest of eastern Democratic masked his depression and addiction. their own food on their own land— Republic of the Congo (DRC), these He hit rock bottom right around plantains, corn, and beans. They’re also are real examples of how they’re being the same time a friend invited him to transplanting trees to bring new growth exploited by their “masters,” the Mokpala attend a Christian men’s retreat in 2010. to the forest, and a coffee project has (non-pygmy Congolese). Forced into Uncharacteristically, he accepted. It was recently been started. Being responsible slavery, they farm the very land that there that he met Christ … and his life for their own land and food production rightfully belongs to them. The Pygmies was forever changed. means they are no longer under the are often treated as second-class Wren was on a short-term mission trip oppression of the Mokpala. citizens, and many in the DRC believe when he encountered the Pygmies and But the work has not been without them to be half-animal. realized they had no one to help them. setbacks. They call themselves the “Forgotten He developed a vision to buy their land In November 2013, Wren contracted People.” But they’re not forgotten. God is back and dig wells in their villages—and a bad case of malaria. After six days of making sure of that. ultimately to set them free. fever, vomiting, and not eating, he had Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 9

News in brief

Dental Clinics in Chad

Story and Photo Phil Henderson

obby Alston and his team of dentists Bhave had a long history of returning to Chad each year to run week-long dental clinics in remote locations. Their aim is to create positive relationships and trust which helps open doors for the long-term missionaries already working in those communities. On this latest trip I lost 30 pounds and was near death. transporting the final pieces of a well Shalom staff and students continue to flew them to Am Timan and then Haraze MAF was called to perform an through the jungle in 4x4 vehicles, Wren monitor the work in the villages and have in the southeast of Chad. With less than emergency medevac, and on and his fellow workers encountered a been handling the day-to-day logistics. one dentist to every 5,000 people in Thanksgiving Day flew renW to Entebbe, washed-out bridge. The bridge was the They’re also trying to mobilize local Chad (WHO 2012), dental needs here are Uganda, to a waiting ambulance. Doctors only way to reach the Pygmy village. churches to conduct Bible studies in the endless. Bobby and Donna’s willingness discovered he had typhoid and malaria; “We couldn’t get the final piece to our forest areas. While all of the above are to come every year at their own expense, 70 percent of his bloodstream was well drillers that were completing a well,” positive steps, the road to freedom for travel extensively within Chad, and parasites. Had he waited another day, said Wren. “And if they wouldn’t have the Pygmies will not be an easy one. operate with the most basic of facilities or even hours, he could have been in a finished it the hole could have started Raising and selling their own crops in the remotest of settings, is so greatly coma … or worse. collapsing.” Two weeks’ worth of labor means they’re free to blow their earnings needed and appreciated. It is a great “They said I had Black Water Fever, the would have been lost. on things like hemp and alcohol, by encouragement to see how the aircraft end stages of malaria. I don’t know of an Redoing the well would have meant which the Pygmies are also enslaved. For can reduce their travel time and make airline, or any pilot, who would just drop paying the well driller’s wages again them to truly be free, they need to know these busy weeks each year much less everything on Thanksgiving Day… I owe and feeding them for an additional two the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they will be taxing and tiring for the visiting team.  you guys [MAF] a lot.” weeks. But fortunately, MAF was able to free indeed. After recuperating, Wren returned to help. MAF will be in Wren and Shalom’s the DRC to continue the work, and found “MAF pilots flew us over the broken corner every step of the way, ready to himself in need of MAF once again. While bridge and into the jungle!” said Wren. support them in this fight. Down and Dirty

Story and Photo Chris Ball

Previous Pages The Pygmies call Justin Wren “Eféosa” - the Whether delivering latrines to improve sanitation or flying evangelism teams to man who loves us spread the Gospel, MAF is here in South Sudan sharing the love of Jesus Christ so that isolated people may be physically and spiritually transformed. Above Justin (centre right) and Benjamin Liringa of Shalom (centre left) are helping hen I walk into the office in the has happened in the last few years. Many Pygmies in the lturi rain forest Wmorning I never know what my day people have fled from their homes and regain their freedom will entail. Each day is unique. On August are seeking safety and shelter within Left At 6’ 2,” Justin towers over 13th I found myself piloting freight from IDP (internally displaced person) camps the children of the lturi rain Juba to Doro for Medair. It was just me and neighbouring villages. With so many forest and the freight, and my freight consisted people moving and concentrating in new of supplies to build latrines, which are areas, the country has seen an increase of simple, plastic squatting toilets. Statistics Cholera outbreaks due to the unsanitary from a 2010 Census showed that 80% conditions. That’s why this freight is of the population of South Sudan have so important. Medair is one of our key no access to proper toilets, resulting in partners who are on the frontline dealing poor sanitation. Even though that stat is 5 with sanitation, providing aid and keeping years old, the situation is still very similar people healthy and safe.  today due to the unrest and conflict that Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 11

Story Katie Machell, MAF Kenya Information Officer Photos Katie Machell and LuAnne Cadd, MAF Roving Senior Communications and Media Officer

swirling sea of colour; arms covered who once held each other in contempt 250 lives, caused such division that Awith Rendille beads and waists now hold one another’s hands, but the eventually almost all the villagers left hanging with Borana gourds dance journey that brought them here hasn’t and segregated themselves into separate around each other in joyful motion. been smooth. tribal enclaves. Houses crumbled into Hands clapping a vibrant rhythm, voices disrepair and crops were overrun with raised in harmony, switching between Violent cattle raids weeds. languages but the meaning always the The village of Leyai, south-east of Over the years, various attempts same: ‘God, bless Your children with Marsabit in northern Kenya, was once have been made to re-establish peace, peace. Bless Borana, bless Rendille, cover home to both Borana and Rendille but with little success. Among several them with Your peace.’ people. Living as neighbours, they seemingly insurmountable obstacles to This is a peace meeting, bringing cultivated and herded there side by side. peace was the fact that Marsabit is over together two tribes who have been But escalating disputes, and increasingly 310 miles from Nairobi, where most trapped in conflict for decades. Women violent cattle raids claiming more than international development agencies are Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 13

‘What can we possibly do that’s meaningful, that’s different?’

Previous Page MAF’s Caravan based. Long journeys on terrible r animaloads to a widow from their own tribe, it would send a powerful message takes off from Marsabit eat up precious time and take a huge toll the ten Borana and ten Rendille women of reconciliation to the warring on vehicles. chosen to participate would pass on the communities, and hopefully pave the Abov and Right The project in But an innovative approach by animals to women from the other tribe. way towards lasting peace. northern Kenya and Tanzania uses “Community Livestock development agency Sauti Moja Marsabit These women, who considered Banks (CLBs)” to bring together (‘one voice’ in the Swahili tongue) has Making choices the widows of warring tribes sparked change and brought new hope Memories of stability, friendship and life and pave the way toward lasting peace to this fractured society. And being able Instead of giving an in harmony were distant and faded by to use MAF planes has made the delicate the time the project began. Already a Below Tim and Lyn Wright of process of reconciliation more efficient, animal to a widow whole generation of Borana and Rendille Sauti Moja Marsabit and less expensive for the agency. had grown up knowing only hatred and from their own tribe... bloodshed. ‘During that time when there Livestock loans was no peace, people could not go to With a strong focus on vulnerable and the women chosen get firewood or take the livestock to marginalised women, Sauti Moja was water,’ explains Sube, a Borana widow, ‘It already running Community Livestock to participate would was not safe.’ Banks (CLBs). A ‘loan’ of one donkey and Against this backdrop, the team four goats is given to an impoverished pass on the animals to realised that while they could manage woman, and then repaid by giving away logistics, facilitate meetings and the first female offspring of the animals women from the other encourage interaction between the to another woman in the community. women, the true work of change was Sauti Moja had often been approached tribe. an internal process. Each woman would about undertaking peace work in the have to choose to set aside her history area. ‘But everybody was doing peace and actively work for peace. work out here and I thought, what each other responsible for their own This wasn’t always easy for the project can we possibly do that’s meaningful, widowhood and destitution, would participants. Gumatho, a Rendille woman that’s different?’ recalls Tim Wright, the have to share their most valued and who lost her son in an ambush, describes organisation’s founder. precious resources with each other. The how she felt when she first came The idea came to use livestock loans as emotional challenge was immense. face-to-face with those she had long a catalyst for peace. Instead of giving an If this unique ‘peace’ CLB succeeded, considered her enemies. ‘The first time Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 15

I met with them, everything came back to me,’ she remembers, ‘and I couldn’t tolerate it for a long time’. However, determined to overcome these difficulties and encouraged by others in the group, Gumatho became convinced that, ultimately, peace is better than conflict. With the same resolution and fortitude that is evident of all these women, she committed to leaving the past behind and working towards a better future.

Being able to use MAF planes has made the delicate process of We want to reconciliation more meet you! October 17, 2015 : Kingston, ON efficient, and less Above Left The first group of October 23 & 24, 2015 : Calgary, AB positively. Happiness is growing in women from the Sauti Moja expensive for the communities which had been defined for livestock and peace project Representatives October 31, 2015 : Grande Prairie, AB so long by hatred, fear and devastating meet to pass on the first-born loss. female offspring of a goat to from MAF will November 6 & 7, 2015 : Grand Falls/Windsor, NL agency. a new group of women from opposing tribes be in attendance November 13, 2015 : Toronto, ON Hope isn’t futile The first peace CLB not only Thanks to MAF Pilots, Sauti Moja staff Above Right A Rendille at various February 20, 2016 : Surrey, BC woman at a Sauti Moja succeeded, but far exceeded the hopes have been able to take many of these outreach meeting, where her Promise Keepers February 26 & 27, 2016 : Ottawa, ON of the Sauti Moja staff. Purposefully long, dangerous journeys of peace ‘off community is learning more focusing on similarities rather than road’ – simply flying above the obstacles about developing peaceful conferences across March 4 & 5, 2016 : Winnipeg, MB differences, the women truly embraced of armed raiders and hazardous roads. relationships with other tribes Canada. Stop by March 11 & 12, 2016 : Edmonton, AB the project, and began to develop and There is still a long way to go and Bottom The daughter of Sube, March 18 & 19, 2016 : Regina, SK enhance it with their own initiatives. much work to be done. Inter-tribal a Borana widow in the Sauti and learn how They started visiting each other in conflict remains a daily reality for many Moja livestock program, holds April 9, 2016 : London, ON a first female goat offspring you can be part their homes, and they welcomed one in northern Kenya, but the work of Sauti that will be given to a Rendille of SOMETHING April 16, 2016 : Cambridge, ON another to weddings, funerals and other Moja and the women of Leyai has shown widow from an opposing tribe significant events. They even visit other that hope isn’t futile and the possibility of BIGGER. April 23, 2016 : Toronto, ON communities to encourage them towards peace is very real. reconciliation. ‘Instead of conflict, let us unite and Women have been empowered to advocate against the war,’ the women preach peace and share testimonies, sing together. May their voices echo Event dates and locations subject to change. and male tribal elders have responded through many generations to come.  visit www.promisekeepers.ca for event details. Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 17

Connie previously, so I suppose I could be forgiven for assuming that Connie was on staff at the guest house when I stumbled into the kitchen the following morning, only to see her busily preparing breakfast for us. I would soon come to realize that what I was witnessing was only the first of what would become many outward expressions of a genuine servant heart; a heart shared equally by both her and Art. From that moment on I knew this would be a trip like no other. We loaded up the van and settled in for the five hour drive to Shell. We made a few stops along the way, including a 90 minute hike to a waterfall that Dan insisted would only require 10. Despite the altitude and jet lag that we were all feeling, Art and Connie never let up, and a familiarity and camaraderie among my travelling companions soon developed. Arriving at the guest house in Shell just before dusk, we were greeted by the sound of a turbine engine overhead. Searching the sky I spotted it. It was our Kodiak, ascending from the local airfield for one final flight of the day. The reality of our adventure had begun to set in. A self-sufficient mission Both gift and giver are celebrated at a The next day we toured the MAF base of operations. MAF has a long history once in a life-time dedication in Ecuador in Ecuador, beginning in 1948 when MAF missionaries Nate and Marj Saint established the current base using a Story Mark Field, Director of Marketing and Creative Services for MAF Canada single Piper PA-14. Photos Brad Bell, Chad Irwin, and Mark Field Today, MAF operates in Ecuador as a self-supporting affiliate known locally as Alas de Socorro del Ecuador (Wings he regular news update that arrived for MAF. The timing couldn’t be better. knew that Art and Connie simply had to of Help, Ecuador), or ADSE. Until the Tin my inbox from MAF’s US office in “God had blessed my wife and I, and be a part of it. arrival of the Kodiak, ADSE operated four Nampa read like many others that had we were praying about doing something Cessna 206s and a single Cessna 182 come before it. Among other things, this big, and then we heard about this in and out of some 200 remote jungle The trip of a lifetime Opposite Page A traditional one informed us that a campaign was need,” shared Art, who along with his Arrangements were made, airstrips. Because it can carry heavier water salute greets the new underway to raise the $1.9 million US wife, Connie, would go on to provide immunizations updated, and a few payloads, travel greater distances, and fly MAF Kodiak upon its arrival in needed to purchase a new Kodiak aircraft the majority of the money needed to weeks later, I, along with MAF Canada at higher altitudes, this Kodiak will allow Shell, Ecuador for Ecuador. MAF-owned aircraft are purchase the Kodiak for Ecuador. President and CEO, Brad Bell, found ADSE to impact even more communities. (Photo: Chad Irwin) always being purchased, refurbished, and A few months later, MAF took myself on an early morning flight from Despite the early morning hour, the Above From left to right, Brad retired, and with between 130 and 140 of possession of the aircraft, and after a Toronto to Ecuador. Art and Connie ADSE base was already a hub of activity. Bell, Dyuwi Tani, Oma Yeti, Art, them in operation in MAF’s global fleet brief tour of select locations across flew in from Vancouver the day before, In short succession, three C206s were and Connie (Photo: Chad Irwin) at any given time, this news didn’t really western Canada, it was flown to Ecuador. and were already settled in for the night aligned for take-off. Weather-permitting, Middle Officially welcomed to attract my attention. Art and Connie wanted little in the way when we arrived in the capital city of each would likely make between three the tribe But when a call was received by MAF of fanfare. Knowing that this aircraft Quito. We were met at the airport by and four flights, and average between (Photo: Mark Field) in June of 2014, this particular campaign would be used to help improve the lives Dan Whitehead, an American based ten and twelve landings that day alone. Bottom Smiles abound as suddenly became very interesting indeed. of countless children and families in a in Ecuador where he serves as MAF’s Then we saw it. Parked in the shadow Connie poses with a Waorani A recently retired businessman and forgotten corner of the world was all Regional Manager for Latin America. of a brand new hangar that had to be mother and her child long-time aviation enthusiast from British the thanks they needed. But when we Dan took us to the Reach Beyond guest built just to accommodate its size, stood (Photo: Brad Bell) Columbia read about the Quest Kodiak, learned that the base in Ecuador was house where we would spend the night. our Kodiak. Although it was raining – not and was inquiring about purchasing one planning a dedication ceremony, we Neither Brad nor I had met Art or a rare occurrence in a place that receives Flying For Life Fall 2015 | 19

Top Left Kodiak Pilots Chad several metres of precipitation a year Irwin and Daniel Soría with – we didn’t mind getting wet, and took Dyuwi Tani (Photo: Brad Bell) turns climbing in and out of the plane. Nothing beats that new plane smell. Top Right The Kodiak makes a ceremonial fly-by following The Ecuadorian Civil Aviation Authority the dedication had not granted permission for ADSE to (Photo: Brad Bell) Top Left Church elders pose in fly passengers in the Kodiak yet, though Midde A replica of Nate Saint’s front of the Kodiak Dan was hoping they would make an Piper sits atop a model oil rig (Photo: Brad Bell) exception for Art and Connie. But even if (Photo: Mark Field) they couldn’t fly in it, seeing it here made Top Right Art makes some remarks during the dedication the experience real enough for them. ceremony while Dan Whitehead We met MAF Pilot Chad Irwin, another translates (Photo: Brad Bell) American seconded to ADSE by MAF-US. the right seat, we climbed aboard and Middle Assisted by Colonel Chad and Dan were the only expats on took to the skies, arriving at a Waorani Ricardo Galindo, the President the base. Both are working themselves village called Tiweano, a short 15 minutes Huaorani to Spanish by Mencaye, then of ADSE’s national board, out of a job. All other positions including later. We were told the C206 would have from Spanish to English by Chad, and Connie cuts the ceremonial Pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, taken almost twice as long; an example back again. ribbon, officially dedicating this Kodiak (Photo: Mark Field) Avionics Technicians, and operations and of this Kodiak’s speed. Our hosts sang ‘I have decided to office staff were held by Ecuadorians; follow Jesus,’ a simple song I learned Bottom Following the a true testament to the successful as a child, and have rarely heard since. dedication flight, Pilots Chad A warm welcome Irwin and Daniel Soría receive transition to self-sufficiency that began Smiles from faces young and old greeted Although sung in Huaorani, the tune was their own water salute almost 70 years ago. us as we debarked. As children and instantly familiar. There wasn’t a dry eye (Photo: Brad Bell) Following the base tour, we visited the curious adults gathered around the new in the place. I caught a glimpse of Chad Saint house, which stands as a memorial airplane, Art and Connie wasted no time sitting to my left. I have no idea how to sacrifice, and silent witness to grace. in handing out gifts of balloons and other many trips he has made to this village, or If I experienced nothing else on this trip, simple toys. how many times he’s heard these stories, acknowledgments were made. Art was visiting this house alone would make it all Among those who greeted us was but his eyes too were full of tears; the asked to make some remarks. He did worthwhile. Dyuwi Tani, one of the members of the unmistakable sign of someone with a so with all the emotion of a father on A few days later, Art and Connie had killing party that claimed the lives of deep love for the people he serves. his daughter’s wedding day. It’s hard the opportunity to fly in a C206 to Palm the five missionaries so long ago. Chad Art and Connie participated in a tribal to describe the impact this trip had on Beach, the location of the attack that would return the following day to bring dance under the thatched roof of a him, on all of us. Just to see how this claimed the lives of five missionaries in this special guest to the dedication traditional hut, and after saying our purchase, this grand gesture of love, 1956, including MAF Pilot, Nate Saint. ceremony. He’s old – no one really goodbyes, we were back in the air. An would be used in the service of others. Connie was reluctant to go so Brad took knows how old – and frail, but he experience that will never be forgotten. “We gave because we could. And her place. I took the opportunity to tour wouldn’t miss this for the world. We we saw this as an opportunity to bless the town of Shell on my own. It’s home were taken to the village and shown the Dedication others,” said Art. to roughly 5,000 people, but seems modest clinic complete with multiband Linen table cloths and centre-pieces of I asked Art and Connie if we could smaller. At the centre of town stands a radio. A solar panel charges a battery, roses adorned the large round tables share their story with you, our readers. peculiar sight to anyone unfamiliar with allowing Mencaye Yeti, the village nurse, that now occupied the Kodiak’s hangar; “For the longest time we didn’t want the town’s history. It’s a replica of Nate to make emergency calls, and schedule transforming it from an empty, utilitarian anyone to know we made this donation,” Saint’s plane atop an oil rig; a monument ADSE flights as needed. space into a ballroom. ADSE staff and was Art’s response. “We didn’t even that pays tribute to Saint’s legacy, and Further up a narrow path we arrived families mingled with missionaries, tell our kids until last Christmas. But the oil industry that founded the town. at an open-air building where we were Waorani tribesmen, and government now we’re ready. Because we want to officially welcomed to the tribe. We all officials. A lot of effort, time, and prayers challenge others to do the same.” The flight of a lifetime had our faces painted, as more smiles went into procuring this aircraft, and Art’s words echo the words of Jesus; Later that afternoon we received word and laughs were exchanged. Village now it was time to celebrate. ’To whom much is given, much will be that a one-time exception had been church leaders, dressed in traditional Art and Connie were seated near required.’ Still, if you were to ask them, made and we were cleared to fly in attire, took turns sharing their greetings the front at a table of honor; a place they would tell you that by giving, they the Kodiak. With Chad as Captain and and testimonies. The process took time; they would not have chosen for received the greater gift in return.  Ecuadorian Pilot, Daniel Soría firmly in as each sentence was translated from themselves. Speeches followed, and MAF Pilot, Arjan Pass helps unload the Caravan in a remote village in Africa. MAF flights connect isolated communities to the personnel and resources they need.

Photo: Dave Forney

Good gifts come from above Christmas is a fantastic time to help us share God’s love through aviation and technology to reach the most remote people and places in the world.

Look for your MAF Christmas gift catalogue with this issue of Flying for Life, or visit us at www.mafc.org to make your gift today.