MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship)
Operating 120 light aircraft across 25 countries, MAF multiplies the effectiveness of some 1,400 Christian and humanitarian organisations. Flying to about 1,000 remote destinations, their planes land on dirt, grass, and mountain airstrips in some of the most cut-off areas of the world. This gives many partner organisations access to isolated communities that would otherwise remain out of reach.
‘I love the idea of MAF bringing people in and out of difficult places and in rescue situations – someone who can fly you deep down into the jungle where no-one else would go. The mission behind MAF, coming from the skies to help people all over the world, is a wonderful thing. I would never have been able to reach the people I’ve reached if I hadn’t flown with MAF.’
Rune Edvardsen – Dina Special Children Foundation, Uganda
In 1998, we (Lancaster Foundation) purchased the original ‘Leader’ aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12 (registered 5Y-MAF) which brought help, hope, and healing to marginalised communities for 15-years. In 2013, that aircraft was replaced by 5X-LDR ‘Leader 2’, again with our support, having seen first-hand the incredible impact of MAF’s work. This aircraft continues to enable the work of thousands of NGOs, aid workers and Christian missionaries, touching and transforming the lives of many people living in poverty across Uganda and South Sudan. Through this love in action, MAF are reaching those who would otherwise be cut off from the essentials of life such as water, food, clean water, healthcare, and the life-transforming message of the gospel.
After several decades of civil war, South Sudan became the world’s newest nation, separating from Sudan in 2011. Sadly, peace did not accompany independence. Border disputes, political rivalry and tribal conflict mean continued violence and upheaval for the country’s war-weary citizens, damaging food security, infrastructure, and development.
Today the humanitarian situation remains dire – insecurity and extreme weather events such as floods have impacted livelihoods across the country, leaving millions on the brink of famine.
Those seeking to deliver relief and development are hampered by the country’s lack of paved roads. Many communities in the country are very difficult to access, and during the rainy season are completely inaccessible by land. Where roads do exist, aid workers must run the gauntlet and risk attacks from bandits. South Sudan remains one of the most challenging countries in the world for humanitarian workers – in 2022, there were 267 incidents involving NGOs resulting in 15 deaths.1
MAF’s Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft 5X-LDR, known as ‘Leader 2’, is daily overcoming these barriers. In 2022, ‘Leader 2’ carried over 1,800 passengers and in excess of six tons of life-changing freight for Christian and humanitarian organisations. It saves these charity and NGO partners days of gruelling and dangerous overland travel and ensures that their workers, equipment, and resources arrive safe and ready to make an immediate difference.
In total, 5X-LDR flew 214 flights last year, each one delivering transformational change to those often living in deepest need. One such life touched by a flight aboard 5X-LDR is that of 8-year-old Grace (name changed to protect identity).
Child rape is tragically all too common in places like South Sudan. Earlier last year MAF learned of Grace, who had suffered such an attack and been left severely traumatised and suffering from potentially life-threatening injuries.
A medical consultant who assessed Grace appealed to the public to help raise funds for the specialist treatment desperately required. His appeal triggered a chain of events that was to transform her young life.
The appeal ultimately reached Nobel Prize winning surgeon Dr Mukwege at Panzi Hospital in East DRC, who agreed to perform the complex and life-changing surgery.
A MAF flight in ‘Leader 2’ was a vital link in the chain that made this intervention possible; Grace’s journey involved a medical evacuation across three countries, taking two-days. The journey would have been unimaginably challenging for Grace in her weakened state had she travelled overland.
The little girl’s rescue mission, lifesaving surgery and ongoing recovery required the part of at least four other NGOs, highlighting MAF’s collaborative approach to delivering help to where it is most needed.
‘When I heard about Grace’s situation it moved me greatly, because I also have daughters of the same age. My daughter celebrated her birthday the same day of the flight. I’m honoured to be a part of this because this is really why MAF is here. When I first saw the little girl, she just looked so innocent, and it really hit me why we’re doing this flight. Her life will be changed tremendously by this surgery and it’s a blessing that we could be a part of this. We live in a broken world, and we are called to follow Jesus in restoring people’s lives.’
MAF Pilot Pieter Room
Grace continues to receive support and counselling and is recovering well. Her family passed on the following message: “Thank you for the good work that you are doing to support vulnerable people. May God increase the days of people behind this work.” Grace’s story is just one example of many lives across remote and isolated East Africa, who are transformed through the work of MAF. We are delighted to partner with them in this work and are humbled by the ways in which God has borne fruit from this partnership over the past 25 years.
[1] European Commission https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/africa/south-sudan_en#:~:text=South%20Sudan%20remains%20one%20of,42%20wounded%20among%20NGO%20staff. (Accessed 07/03/2023)
