50 Years of MAF Operating in Indonesia: Serving Earnestly

Melayani, melayani lebih sungguh
Melayani, melayani lebih sungguh
Tuhan lebih dulu melayani kepadaku
Melayani, melayani lebih sungguh
--syair lagu "Melayani, Melayani Lebih Sungguh"

Serve, serve more earnestly
Serve, serve more earnestly
The Lord served me first
Serve, serve more earnestly
—lyrics from the song "Serve, Serve More Earnestly"

These lyrics perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and its team. This profound gratitude resonates deeply at the 50th-anniversary celebration of MAF.

Thanks to MAF: Helping and Saving Many Sick People

On October 21, 2023, in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, the pinnacle of the 50th Anniversary of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Indonesia was celebrated. The President of MAF from the United States also attended, witnessing the joyous and vibrant festivities.

This event marked a historic milestone in MAF's journey in Indonesia. A day earlier, on October 19, 2023, Jeremy, the Operations Manager for MAF in Indonesia, was the keynote speaker at the 91st-anniversary celebration of the C & MA mission in Indonesia, held in Long Umung, Krayan, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.

In his fluent Indonesian presentation, Jeremy highlighted the history and critical role of MAF in humanitarian missions in Indonesia. He emphasized that over the past half-century, MAF, founded by a group of American aviation experts, has diligently served the people of Indonesia.

In the picture, MAF pilot Joel smiles brightly after flying a group including Dr. Yansen TP, Deputy Governor of North Kalimantan, and the National Chair of the Dayak Lundayeh Association (PDL), along with a national literacy figure, from Malinau to Long Bawan on October 18, 2023.

The joy of serving shines brightly from the MAF pilot's face at all times. Whatever Yansen said seems to have spread joy everywhere. The source of this joy is the core message of MAF’s service, which carries a humanitarian mission and reflects God’s love in the world.

MAF truly serves from the heart!

MAF has become an invaluable partner in providing humanitarian aid, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social background. They have embarked on a long journey to help the people of Indonesia, from the rainforests of Kalimantan to the remote islands of Nusa Tenggara.

Jeremy emphasized that MAF not only delivers physical aid but also brings hope, love, and support to those in need. MAF is not just an organization but an integral part of building welfare and providing assistance in emergency situations.

MAF pilot, Joel smiles brightly after flying a group including Dr. Yansen TP, Deputy Governor of North Kalimantan.

Jeremy, MAF manager in Tarakan: serving earnestly.

Over the past 50 years in Indonesia, MAF has overcome numerous obstacles to provide spiritual and physical help to those in need. At the 50th-anniversary celebration of MAF’s operations in Indonesia, the hope and prayer are that MAF will continue to be a source of hope for those needing assistance across the country.

The humanitarian spirit that has been nurtured over the years forms a strong foundation for a better future. All residents in the areas served by MAF can be assured that they will always receive loving service in their efforts to help others.

MAF was established in 1945 after three World War II pilots met to pray, study the Bible, and discuss aviation for missionary missions. The organization was formed with the primary goal of helping missionaries reach remote areas worldwide so that more people could receive much-needed physical and spiritual aid.

Jeremy’s thumbs-up gesture, echoed by the writer, confirms it: MAF is truly amazing! Their service is undoubtedly excellent.

Throughout its history, MAF has been an essential partner for many missionaries in reaching remote areas. MAF has conducted various service and humanitarian programs worldwide, including among the Auca Indians, in Zaire, Papua New Guinea, Central Kalimantan, Meulaboh in North Sumatra, Mosquitia in Honduras, and many more.

They respond swiftly in disaster situations, such as in Meulaboh, providing aid to thousands of victims. MAF continues to innovate in communications by installing GPS on their planes and being the first to install satellite communication links in Goma, Zaire.

In 2003, MAF released the Bibliologia CD containing 19 Bible translations and 125 Christian literatures, greatly aiding the mission of spreading religious teachings. Mission Aviation Fellowship remains committed to helping missionaries reach those in need worldwide. They provide various telecommunications services and support Christian and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

With a fleet of 56 aircraft, MAF can quickly deploy pilots to remote areas that could take days to reach by land or sea. Additionally, MAF responds to the needs of new churches by providing leadership materials and digital Bible resources through distance education.

MAF focuses on over 300 Christian and humanitarian organizations worldwide. They strive to reach the unreached, particularly the over 588 million people living in neglected tribes across 15 countries served by MAF.

MAF is deeply grateful for the support

MAF is deeply grateful for the support from various supporters who back and pray for the workers serving in remote areas. MAF has five main service focuses, including evangelism and church support, community development, medical aid, crisis response, and national training.

Readers can participate in MAF's service and share blessings by helping neglected tribes in remote areas. With the support of the believing community, MAF envisions making the Gospel accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.

MAF was founded in 1945 by Jim Truxton with a strong commitment to spreading the Gospel to unreached tribes worldwide.

Over more than half a century, MAF has overcome various obstacles to provide spiritual and physical help to those in need. MAF collaborates with over 300 Christian and humanitarian organizations, introducing many to Christ.

You can learn more about MAF's work in Kalimantan and their global service through their official website. You can also subscribe to their newsletter for the latest updates on MAF’s services worldwide.

-- Masri Sareb Putra