By Abbie, Director of Communications
Mission Aviation Fellowship, also known as MAF, is a local organization here in good ol’ Idaho. Kenton has many friends at MAF, and we are so appreciative of all the good work they are doing oversees. (Also, can we mention the fact that they fly Kodiaks?!)
We spoke with Jenn Wolf, Writer and Resource Coordinator for MAF. You can check out our conversation below. Be sure to read through the end, her response to grabbing coffee with someone is my favorite!
When was MAF founded and how did it all begin?
A group of World War II pilots met during the war to pray and discuss the possibility of using aviation to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their goal was to establish a mission organization so that operations could begin as soon as the war ended. Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship (CAMF), later to become Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), was incorporated on May 20, 1945. MAF’s inaugural flight was Feb. 23, 1946. Betty Greene piloted a Waco biplane to bring two Wycliffe workers to Mexico.
What's the main mission of MAF?
Sharing the love of Jesus Christ through aviation and technology so that isolated people may be physically and spiritually transformed.
Are you a for-profit or not-for-profit organization?
Nonprofit
Is there anything new you're currently working on?
Currently our team in Haiti is providing relief flights in response to Hurricane Matthew. Since MAF has a permanent presence in Haiti, the team was on-hand and able to respond immediately. MAF is carrying doctors, paramedics and aid workers into the hardest-hit areas, as well as delivering medicines, food, and other supplies.
What's your favorite story (at MAF) to date?
There are so many, it’s hard to choose just one. You can visit hub.maf.org to read some of our stories. A few favorites are Back to Nyankunde, A Voice in the Darkness, and Double Vision.
You have programs in 14 countries… How do you choose where to serve?
It’s based on the needs and requests of partners and potential to reach isolated people. And also, if it fits with our mission.
Which country have you had the largest impact on?
We can’t really differentiate impact in one country versus another. Each program is different, but each one meets similar needs. In each country, MAF overcomes geographical barriers to connect some 600 Christian and humanitarian workers each year to isolated and marginalized people. MAF flights create access to healthcare, medicines and vaccines, agricultural and clean water projects, and, most importantly, the Gospel.
What’s been the most rewarding giving experience?
We had a donor who wanted to purchase a KODIAK airplane for MAF, at a price of approximately $1.75 million dollars. The only stipulation was, he would only do it if another donor would agree to purchase a second KODIAK. Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined such a thing! But God works in mysterious ways in the hearts of believers, and a second family did rise to the challenge. So we were gifted with two new KODIAK airplanes. It’s just amazing what God can do through his people. We are truly blessed with such generous donors who partner with us in this mission.
If you could grab a coffee with anyone in the philanthropic world, who would it be?
I’m content to sit and chat with any of our overseas missionaries when they stop by headquarters. Actually, this is part of my job––my favorite part, as they are all heroes in my book. But outside of work, I would love to grab coffee with Malala Yousafzai.
Where would you like MAF to be in the next 10 years?
I believe MAF will be doing what it’s been doing for 70 years––reaching isolated people with the good news of Jesus Christ, and seeing lives transformed.
How can people get involved?
MAF needs pilots and mechanics. We need volunteers and people who will advocate for the ministry. And, of course, MAF is donor-supported, so we need financial gifts, and prayer! You can visit maf.org to learn more.
#BecauseInternational #PracticalCompassion #TheShoeThatGrows
2200 lbs. of medical supplies delivery to Dame Marie, Haiti. Photo by Paul O’Brien
MAF pilot Bryan Eygabroad transports a baby to receive medical care. Photo by Justin Honaker.
An MAF floatplane in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Photo by Isaac Rogers.
Rice delivery to Dame Marie, Haiti. Photo by Paul O’Brien.
