Make a difference with your summer break

Make a difference with your summer break
Serve for three weeks with MAF in

Tanzania
Mission Aviation Fellowship
23 July – 14 August 2009

If you are interested in this practical, hands-on ministry
opportunity, please email andy.martin@maf-uk.org for
more information and an application pack!
Minimum age 18 years. Closing date for applications: 30 January 2009

Mission Aviation Fellowship
Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone CT20 2TN Telephone: 0845 850 9505
Challenge House, 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD Telephone: 0845 850 9505
Email: andy.martin@maf-uk.org Website: www.maf-uk.org
Registered in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107)

Monday 11th August

I had a call from Nicky today, to say that she is now at the Mikumi National Park, sitting at a restaurant overlooking the water hole. They are now in safari country, and will spend tomorrow looking at the animals, although they have already seen lions, zebra, elephants, giraffe, hippos, impala and warthogs.

One piece of interesting news – Nicky and the other group members spent several nights at the MAF guest house in Dodoma. Also there was another couple who looked vaguely familiar to Nicky; and she eventually realised who they were. Malcolm and Irene Crawford came to live in Clacton some ten years or so ago, and worshipped with us at Pier Avenue Baptist Church for a while. They came to dinner with us, and we got to know them quite well, before they eventually settled in another Church. We have not seen them for many years – but now they are staying in the same house as Nicky in Dodoma! What a small world!

Anyway, Nicky sends her love to everyone, and will begin her homeward journey on Thursday. No doubt when she gets back she will have lots of photos to share, and lots of stories to tell. I have asked her to talk to us about her trip on Sunday 31st August, at the morning service.   Stephen.

Friday, 8th August

Hazel

 

Mrs Hazel L Bell

Administrator

MAF Glasgow Office

e: hazel.bell@maf-uk.org

 

 

 

 
This may well be the last email sent by the team as it is a busy weekend and then we start travelling on Monday morning.
 
Points for prayer & praise:
 
Give thanks that Derek’s neck problem has gone.  He is like a spring lamb with his new found agility!
 
The runway at Kilimitinde, although not completed by any manner of means, was used for the first time for a medical evacuation which gave the team a huge lift as their efforts were able to help someone receive the medical attention they needed.
 
Praise God that the rest of the team, who were based in Dodoma this week, were able to lead the hangar praise night. This was attended not only by MAF staff but by several folk from other mission agencies based in Dodoma .
 
They were also blessed by helping out at a local Tanzanian nursery school leading the classes and singing Christian songs. This was hugely appreciated by the teachers in the school.
 
Nick & John helped in the hangar on Wednesday preparing a fuselage for respray which was done on Thursday. On Thursday both Nick & John were able to fly on the southern shuttle before stopping at Dar es Salaam to pick up Steven Paxton who will be married on Sunday in Dodoma . Steven was a former MAF overseas team member and also an area rep in Glasgow . Please pray that the team have a good time at the wedding. 
 
This weekend the team will lead an outreach to local Tanzanian kids aged 12 – 18 approx. Pray that what we have to say will make a difference in their young lives.
 
On Monday we leave Dodoma by land rover travelling to Morogorro and then on to Mikumi to visit a game reserve. Please pray for safety for the team and for wisdom for Annie Lawson who will accompany us (Annie is a former MAF aircraft engineer).
 
We will arrive in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday evening before flying to the UK on Thursday afternoon via Dubai . We should arrive (God willing) in Glasgow at 12.30pm on Friday.
 
One further point for prayer; please pray for the MAF team in Tanzania thanking God for their input and patience and for all they have done for the team over the last few weeks. Pray also for the ongoing work of MAF in Tanzania and around the world.
 
If you would like a member of the team to visit your church to tell you about their experience and about the work of MAF please respond to this e mail.
 
Thank you all for your prayer and ongoing support.

May the Lord bless and keep you safe,

  Andy Martin .

Wednesday, 6th August

I just spoke to Nicky (9.30am), and she is sitting under a prickly pear tree, having a drink, after a couple of hours of clearing bushes and shrubs. They are currently clearing a landing strip at Kilimatinde, where there is a hospital with 80 beds. The landing strip has not been used for some time, but now it is needed so that very ill patients can be flown in and out quickly. Kilimatinde is on the edge of the great Rift Valley – a vast plain with stunning views in central Tanzania. Last night, Nicky told me, they sat out under the stars watching films of Bible stories – shown for the local villagers. Her favourite actor is Sean Bean, and he happened to star as Aaron in a film about Moses – so she was very happy, as she sat on a granite outcrop, sipping cold water. It is very hot there, but everyone is fine, and they are having a good time. The diet seems to be chicken and rice every day – nourishing, but not very varied.  She sends her love to everyone.  Stephen.

Monday 4th August

Good morning!

 

I have just received a further email from Andy Martin .  Sounds as if everyone is having fun as well as doing the serious stuff!

 

Hazel

 

Mrs Hazel L Bell

Administrator

MAF Glasgow Office

e: hazel.bell@maf-uk.org

 

 

Over the weekend the whole team were able to enjoy some shopping at the hangar where locals who knew about our arrival brought their wares for the team to buy. We also visited the local market where most people were able to buy gifts and keepsakes of their trip to Tanzania .
 
On Saturday night the team along with Annie Lawson, an ex MAF aircraft engineer, went to the Dodoma Hotel for dinner,  This is the old railway hotel in which Michael Palin stayed whilst filming Around the World in 80 Days. It has to be said that it has improved vastly since his visit!
 
On Sunday we all went to the Kanisa La Mungu Church to worship. Andy preached again and the team, accompanied on the guitar by Nick Durston, sang several worship songs. After the service we were able to spend time with locals sharing something of our home lives with them. It was a truly uplifting time and we all enjoyed being part of a typical African church service.
 
Sunday afternoon was spent preparing a programme for the Tanzanian outreach work that we will be doing next weekend.  Please pray that all goes well and that many receive Christ as their Saviour.
 
Today (Monday) Derek, Peter, Chris, Kirsty and Nicky Biddall are heading out to continue with work on the runway at Kilimitinde.  Please pray for safe travels, good health and that the work will be completed before Friday.  The rest of the team are flitting mesh to the workshop roof to keep birds out of the building, a big problem when vehicles are resprayed only to be spoiled by bird droppings.
 
On Tuesday they will be working at a local orphanage where they will speak with the children about Jesus and again we would value your prayers that God would be glorified and that kids would accept Jesus personally.
 
On Tuesday night we will take the monthly hangar praise meeting where all the MAF team worship and pray together. The team will host this and will perform a couple of dramas, lead worship and hold communion with the staff.  Please pray that this is a time of fellowship and that again we will all feel blessed in God’s presence.
 
Items for Praise
 

• Derek’s neck is a lot better
• Some of the team were suffering from African stomach –  thankfully this has now passed
• Praise for the runway work last week.
• Thanks for good relations with the MAF staff and locals

 

 

Thank you all for all your support and prayers, we really appreciate it.
 

 

May the Lord bless and keep you safe

  Andy Martin

Friday 1st August

Our first full wek is coming to an end and we all want to praise and thank God for His grace and blessings towards us all.
 
The first half of the team (Derek, John, Nick & Peter) have had a fruitful time in the bush at Kilimitindie on runway development. During this time they have had to contend with helping to put out a bush fire which was to say the least exciting. Along with the back breaking and vitally important runway work, at night they have been showing Christian films to hundreds of people which they thank the Lord for. Derek has been suffering for the last few days with a crick in his neck which has caused a lot of pain, please pray for a speedy recovery for him.
 
Back in Dodoma the other half of the team (Nicky, May, Kirsty & Chris) completed a very successful children’s club for the kids of ex-pat staff. This has been a real blessing to all. With in excess of 45 kids each day we thank God that we have been able to make a tremendous impact in the lives of the children and also giving the parents a well earned break. In the afternoons we have been working in the vehicle workshop, painting the office and workshop - making it more in line with what is the norm in the UK . Andy has been heading up this work making sure that materials are available.
 
We have all been humbled by the way staff here continually thank us for encouraging and supporting them in their work. To be honest we are the ones who feel encouraged and blessed. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord does this? Praise be to Him.
 
On Tuesday night the team led the weekly prayer meeting. What a tremendous encouragement as we all squeezed into Glen & Julie Ann Cousley’s home. It was so packed that people were sitting on the floor and in doorways just to be able to take part in the time of praise and worship. Glen has been struggling with a badly swollen knee and it would be great if you were able to uphold him in your prayers.  Glen is the vehicle maintainace manager here.
 
Each day begins with hangar devotions and like MAF supporters in the UK we use the same prayer diary. Devotions are in two languages, English and Kiswahili.
 
Please give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity that He has given us to encourage, witness and support many people who have been called according to His purpose.

Next week willbe a busy week again. Please pray for continued strength and safety for all the team and those we are working with.  Also that we will be a good witness.

May the Lord bless and keep you safe,

  Andy Martin .

 

Monday 28th July

Hazel

 

Mrs Hazel L Bell

Administrator

MAF Glasgow Office

 

 

Team News
 
The team arrived in Dodoma at 7.00pm local time on Saturday (26 July) after a very long and tiring journey. Having left Glasgow on Thursday we had an overnight in Dubai before heading to Dar es Salaam for a further overnight before heading to Dodoma by bus on Saturday.  Although the team were tired spirits were high and there was an air of anticipation as to what lay ahead for them.
 
Sunday morning the team went to two different churches.
Team 1  -  Derek McQuaker, Nicky Biddall, Peter Robinson all went to the Tanzanian Assemblies of God
Team 2  -  Andy Martin , May Barr, Kirsty Holt, John Torrens, Chris Rossi & Nick Durston all went to the Kanisa La Mungu ( Church of God ) where Andy preached.
 
In the afternoon there was a welcome tea with all the staff coming to the MAF guest house to meet with the team. This was fun and it was good to be able to put faces to names that often appear in MAF News & MAF prayer diary.
 
Monday morning began early with breakfast at 7am before devotions in the hangar with the MAF staff. After this team 1 who are doing the kids club (May Barr, Nicky Biddall, Kirsty Holy & Chris Rossi) headed off to begin the work. The second team (Derek, Nick, Peter & John) loaded up the vehicles as they prepared to head up country into the bush at Kilimitinde to undertake runway development.
 
Please pray that all continues to go well giving thanks for the safe arrival of the team and their luggage, this was a real answer to prayer.
 
Give thanks that we are able to be and will continue to be a blessing and encouragement to the MAF staff both national and ex pat here in Dodoma . May all that we do bring glory to God and may many through our witness come to know the Lord for themselves.
 

 

Sunday 27th July

Nicky called this morning to say that she has arrived safely in Dodoma. She has been to Church (at 7.30am this morning), and is now waiting to met the rest of the team they will be working with next week. Tomorrow her half of the UK team will begin running a Holday Club for MAF  children – there are various nationalities involved, including Swedish, Swiss and Dutch. It is warm in Dodoma, but not unbearably hot, as it is on a high plateau (it may even be hotter here at present!) She is working on her Swaheli!   Stephen.

Latest Information

Friday 25th July

Nicky is now in Dar-es-Salaam, having flown in from Dubai today. The group will be going on to Dodoma tomorrow by bus. Nicky sent me a text from Dubai airport saying that it was 36 degrees. I will publish more up-to-date information here about the trip, as I receive it. Stephen.

Tanzania Itinerary

Wednesday 23rd July	Catch National Express No. 022 at 16:55 to London, Victoria arriving 19:35.Leave Victoria No.592 at 23:00 .
Thursday 24th July	Arrive Buchanan street bus station 06:50am, bus to Glasgow International Airport to meet up at 10.00am. Please do not check in until we have all met. We will pick up hotel vouchers before checking in. Depart 14:05. Arrive Dubai 00:30 go to hotel.
Friday July 25th	Depart Dubai 10:50, arrive Dar es Salaam 15:20. Met by Alan Sully or another member of international staff Transfer to Luther House Dinner in Dar es Salaam
Saturday July  26th	Breakfast Luther House Transfer to bus station Arrive in Dodoma and settle into guest house Possibility of social/bar-b-cue in the evening to meet the MAF staff
Sunday July 27th	Free day – if people want to attend a local African church make it known what type of service & worship you would prefer. You will then be teamed with an MAF staff member. Be prepared to make an introduction in church
Monday July 28th  - Friday Aug 1st	Team 1 – Derek, Nick, John & Peter airstrip development with Alan Conrad + national staff Team 2 – Based in Dodoma – Chris, May, Kirsty, Nicky –  Mornings – Kids club for international staff children Afternoon help with rebuilding project of Chai room next to hangar.
Tuesday July 29th	Team to lead weekly prayer meeting at MAF compound – please have something ready to share- passage of scripture, thought, testimony or even a song
Saturday Aug 2nd – Sunday Aug 3rd	Possibility of village trip with Annie Lawson or Alan Conrad
Monday Aug 4th – Friday Aug 8th	Team 2 – Airstrip development with Alan Conrad Team 1– visit various projects in the Dodoma area pm Team 1 – Continue building project (Chai room or vehicle maintenance floor) am
Tuesday Aug 5th	Team to lead weekly prayer meeting and hangar praise
Friday Aug 8th –Sunday Aug 10th	Lead youth group work (ages 12-18) from 15.00 – 18.00 daily – activities (games & crafts) and Bible studies
Monday Aug 11th – Wednesday 13th	Mikumi national park (no guarantee)
Wednesday Aug 13th	Drive to Morogoro and catch bus to Dar Es Salaam Transfer to Luther house (accompanied by MAF staff member) Dinner in Dar es Salaam
Thursday Aug 14th	Leave Tanzania for trip to UK. Depart 17:20, arrive in Dubai 23:50, go to hotel
Friday Aug 15th	Leave Dubai 07:50, arrive Glasgow 12:25.  Catch 22:30 National Express No. 592 to London Victoria.
Saturday Aug 16th	Arrive London Victoria 07:10 am. Leave on No. 022 10:30am. Arrive in Cliftonville 13:00. SLEEP!
Camping Please ensure that you have a light weight sleeping bag. Bush camping is extremely basic. No toilet, no washing facilities, dirty, basic but loads of fun!	Baggage limits – We have a maximum of 35 kilos (no one bag can exceed 32 kilos). As we are taking items to the base please keep A.M. informed of any spare capacity you have. In the office there is a flat screen monitor at 9 kilos and books weighing a total of 14 kilos which need a home. We can split the books between us. Cabin baggage is max 5 kilos – be enterprising with it.

 

This is just an outline which may change!