Who we are
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a Christian organisation working in partnership with more than 1,000 Christian and humanitarian agencies, as well as thousands of isolated missionaries to bring help to people in the world’s most remote areas.
With a fleet of over 120 light aircraft, MAF operates in more than 30 countries across the developing world reaching people with medical help, food, education and spiritual care.
MAF began just after World War II when several Christian pilots who had seen aircraft used for death and destruction during the war had a vision to use aviation for good.
Today, MAF’s international team of pilots, engineers, managers and logisticians are providing a vital service to those in need.
The Isle of Man ‘branch’ of Mission Aviation Fellowship was formed in the early 1990’s by Area Representative John Richards.
Our aims
To reach remote communities with physical and spiritual help and support many NGOs, missions and those living in remote communities.
Mission Aviation Fellowship assist in:
- Disaster Response
- Medical work
- Community Development
- Mission support
- Bible translation
- Water projects
- Evangelism
The work we do
When Aid Worker Issra was ambushed while travelling in southern Sudan, another vehicle came by and took him to a local clinic in Tonj. But the severity of the wound meant he needed surgery and fast. MAF pilot Stefan Hageneier was called to Tonj and quickly flew Issra back to Juba, the capital of southern Sudan, from where he was transferred to a hospital in Uganda for an operation.
The above is just one example of the work MAF is involved in.
MAF operates into remote places where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline. For over 60 years, MAF has flown over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts to bring thousands of men, women and children medical care, emergency relief, long-term development and Christian hope.
Where communities are isolated because no adequate roads or lines of communication exist, or because these have been lost through war, insecurity or through the general breakdown of a country’s infrastructure, MAF is often a community’s only link with the outside world.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is very involved in the day to day fundraising for MAF’s worldwide activities. We help by:
- Giving regular presentations to organisations and Churches Island wide
- Prayer team based in St Mary’s on the Harbour and Churches Island wide involved in praying for Mission Aviation Fellowship
- Short term mission projects to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
- Mission Aviation Fellowship is actively in partnership with the Isle of Man Government Oversea's Aid Committee who are sponsoring an inoculation program in Tanzania
- Connect and communicate Corporate sponsorship for the purchase of complete aircraft to Country projects
- Run a children's workshop and introduction to Mission Aviation Fellowship
In celebration of 25 years of business, the Isle of Man based company AFD Software Limited generously donated a Kodiak 100 Aircraft to MAF.
Before being flown to Kalimantan, Indonesia, the Kodiak was on tour in the British Isles and made a visit to the Isle of Man for a weekend of celebration in October 2009. (See following link for further infoamtion and photographs http://www.afd.co.uk/press/kodiak.htm ). The Kodiak arrived in Indonesia on Christmas Day 2009 and is now operational in Kalimantan, helping reach isolated people with help and hope.
If you would like more information about our work on the Isle of Man please contact Chris Astley on 01624 801884 / 07624 271033 or email [email protected].
How you can help
By Praying
By Giving Your gift can make a vital impact for vulnerable people in isolated places. You can support our work in many ways. If you would like to help us with fundraising, sponsorship or with a donation we would love to hear from you.
To make a donation please go to www.maf-uk.org and click on the donate button.
By Volunteering You can be a part of the MAF team. If you would like further information please contact us on 0845 850 9505 or through the website www.maf-uk.org.
