Many of us remember the tsunami of 2004--perhaps we remember where we were, or the staggering death toll that filled the news reports. But for many MAF staff, the event was an opportunity to respond and provide relief in Indonesia, where MAF has served since the 1950s. An article from the MAF-UK website highlights some of the ways MAF was able, by God's power, to serve the Indonesian people 10 years ago. If you would like to read the full article, it is here. I will highlight a few of the stories!
First Responders
MAF was able to mobilize aircraft from Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Australia and within days, was conducting survey flights and delivering aid using roads as landing strips! In the Aceh region, the tsunami made ground travel virtually impossible, but MAF was able to partner with organizations like Operation Blessing Indonesia to fly in food in boxes to families cut off by the disaster.
Long Term Commitment
After the tsunami, a lot of communications infrastructure was devastated, but MAF was able to set up "internet cafes" to allow aid workers in the region to communicate with others. MAF partnered with many organizations over the following year to help rebuild the area--providing transportation, communications, and logistical assistance. Other organizations and agencies helped dig wells, construct homes and schools, clear debris, or relaunch local small businesses. To this day, MAF still works in the Aceh region providing medical evacuation flights, safe, reliable air transportation, and some vocational training for students. Out of a terrible disaster that killed over 170, 000, MAF was able to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and help restore hope in the region!
Story #2: God Answers a Tribe's Prayer
A violent civil war in the 1980's forced a tribe in Mozambique, the Mwinika tribe, to relocate to another village. The tribe, which adhered to a mix of Islam and animism, cried out to God for help. They were uncertain who the God was they were praying to, but they asked God to help them know Him better.
Over ten years later, MAF flew New Tribes missionaries to this closed tribe, who had largely resisted the outside world. The missionaries began the work of translating the Bible, and getting to know the people and their culture. And God has been faithful in answering the Mwinika's prayers! Now, in 2014, Jesus has so captivated the tribe that they have begun to send out their own missionaries to neighbouring tribes! Praise God! To read the whole article, click here.
