Dear Friend, For His Glory, Mike Snodgrass Director, MAF Advocate Wing (208)

Transcription

1 Dear Friend, Thank you for your involvement in MAF Sunday! Through this event, you have the opportunity to share with others how God is using MAF to bring hope to isolated people living in remote regions of the world. Each year, millions die without hearing the Gospel, missing out on a relationship with Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life. Many people do not understand how difficult it is to deliver and share the Gospel to remote areas or the barriers that must be overcome to do so. Through the use of the airplane and other technologies, MAF is overcoming these obstacles. On MAF Sunday you can encourage your church or other group to get involved in helping MAF fly into difficult-to-reach places to share the love of Jesus Christ. Let s work together to bring hope to isolated people. Please feel free to contact us for help as you get ready to host your MAF Sunday. God richly bless you as you prepare and hold your event! For His Glory, Mike Snodgrass Director, MAF Advocate Wing advocatewing@maf.org (208) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. - Matthew 25:35-36, 40 NIV 1

2 Stories from the Field (More available upon request) In the Middle of Nowhere Reaching the Korowai of Papua, Indonesia By John and Stacy Dalton The start engine check list is done; the plane is fired up. As I listen to the whine of the turbine engine and begin to think about my destination, my adrenaline is really pumping. I love flying to Danowage. A tiny, remote village along a narrow river, 230 miles almost straight north of Merauke, at the base of the gigantic, rugged mountains that rise up over 15,000 feet above sea level and cut the island of Papua in half. On this rare, cloudless day I find myself gazing out the windshield of the Caravan seaplane and am still amazed by the remoteness of the southern coast of Papua. Everywhere I look, I see blue sky and an endless green horizon, with the Arafura Sea to my left and the towering mountains to my right. Danowage is the home of the Korowai. A very remote tribe first discovered by MAF pilot, Bob Donald in 1971, as he flew overhead and spotted their houses set high in the air. Attempts to reach the Korawai have not been fruitful, due mainly to the extreme tribal fear of the outside world and evil spirits. These tree-high houses attest to their fear of attacks in their sleep from the evil spirits and witches. The Johnson family, Trevor, Teresa, and their two kids are the missionaries there. Very gifted, Trevor and Teresa are both nurses as well as Bible translators. As they focus on building relationships and learning the language, they eventually want to translate God s Word into the tribal language. Each day there is an endless line of sick and hurting people on their front porch, and Trevor and Teresa lovingly care for them. I can t even begin to express how remote this village is: no town, no roads, nothing but walking paths and huts. For electricity the Johnsons rely on solar panels and batteries, which we fly in for them. They constantly pay attention to how much electricity they use because of the many cloudy days in the rainforest, when batteries don t charge. This time of the year, even with the batteries charged, they often can t turn on their lights at night because of the overwhelming cloud of gnats that would invade their home. Starting my descent to Danowage, I look back over my shoulder at the highly anticipated cargo over 1,000 lbs. of satellite equipment for a V-SAT internet system. Fortunately, it could be taken apart, into 2 pieces, fitting nicely into the Caravan, although loading and unloading over the water was difficult, not to mention carrying it through the jungle to the Johnsons house. It s truly a privilege to serve this family in any way we can, as they minister to the lost, the forgotten, and the lonely. On behalf of the Korowai, the Johnson family, we thank you...for your prayers, your financial ministry support, and words of encouragement. We couldn t be out here without you....you were dead in your transgressions and sins...when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air But because of his great love for us God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions Ephesians 2:1-2, 4-5 2

3 News from Congo Through the years, one of our greatest joys as MAF missionaries has been to partner with other organizations in getting God s Word into the hands and hearts of the Congolese. In Congo, some church congregations must share one Bible. There are pastors without a Bible of their own. In our eastern region where large areas are overshadowed by insecurity and lawlessness, access to God s Word is key to breaking the cycle of violence, suffering, and underdevelopment. Recently, MAF flew a team with the American Bible Society (ABS) to Dungu and Goma, both rebel conflicted areas, where ABS sponsors Bible-based trauma healing programs, along with Scripture and Food projects. There are hundreds of thousands of widows and orphans throughout eastern Congo, from the years of violence and war. Currently, ABS is helping over 20,000 widows and orphans, with plans to expand to more areas. In Dungu, MAF pilot Dave Jacobsson, spent the day with the team, seeing the agricultural food projects and helping distribute Bangala Bibles (the language spoken in the north) to 500 widows and orphans. The children received a special illustrated children s Bible. Dave heard women tell stories of tragic loss and physical violence. He saw each one joyfully receive and tenderly hold her new Bible as if it was her most valuable treasure. Dave was touched to see the women cheering one another on, as each lady carefully opened her Bible and slowly began to read out loud. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. May these women and children truly find their comfort in the Living Word. 3

4 How MAF is Bringing Hope to Isolated People Daunting geographical barriers isolate people living in remote areas. These barriers prevent access to the Gospel and life-sustaining services. Many suffer spiritual and physical oppression, lacking the most basic resources. With few transportation options and lack of modern means of communication, thousands of dedicated Christian workers face overwhelming barriers to bring God s love and His Word to the lost and hurting. To nurture the emerging indigenous Church, indigenous pastors and church leaders with little or no resources increasingly need the services of MAF. Most importantly, without access to the Gospel, millions of people die each year without a relationship with God and the hope of eternal life. MAF Facts Every day, MAF deploys a full range of aviation, communications, and learning technology services to maximize ministry throughout Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and Latin America. More than 600 Christian and nonprofit agencies, as well as thousands of isolated people, depend on the services of MAF-US. In 2013, the MAF fleet of 52 aircraft completed 27,740 flights, logged some 2.6 million miles, transported 94,005 passengers, and delivered 8.5 million pounds of cargo all on 464 rough, unimproved dirt and grass airstrips (10 new airstrips in 2013), as well as waterways. MAF planes saved Christian and humanitarian workers 53,186 days of travel time or 220 work years over 12 months. Redeemed for productive Kingdom work, these 53,186 days exceeded the equivalent of 69.5 three-year terms of missionary service. MAF-Learning Technologies (MAF-LT) served more than 40 ministry organizations from regional centers in Africa, East Asia, Central Asia, Latin America, the U.S., and the Asia Pacific area, meeting the critical need for trained Christian leadership in developing countries. These services included digital publishing, consulting, training, distance education, curriculum design, and learning tools development. Every 7 minutes in some of the most remote places on earth, an MAF aircraft either takes off or lands. More than 23,000 pounds of precious mission cargo is delivered daily to help God s Kingdom. A single MAF flight can haul half a ton of supplies, more than a train of pack animals. Each day, some 260 passengers are transported, including evangelists, teachers, medical personnel, indigenous pastors, church planters, community development workers, relief personnel, children, and those who are critically ill and in need of emergency medical assistance. Every MAF flight hour saves three days of travel by foot or slow, arduous ground transportation greatly maximizing the ministry of missionaries and indigenous evangelists. An MAF airplane is often the only safe and reliable means of transportation for ministry activities, reducing an all-day trek by foot to a mere 20 minute flight. 4

5 How I Can Make a Difference? Daunting geographical barriers isolate millions living in remote areas, denying them access to the Gospel and life-sustaining services. Lacking even the most basic resources, isolated people languish under spiritual and physical oppression, hopelessness, poverty, malnutrition, and untreated medical programs. MAF exists to respond to such needs by overcoming barriers and transforming lives through aviation and strategic technologies. In hundreds of interviews conducted among missionaries and agencies that depend on MAF, the great need for its flight and communication services is evident. Many organizations state that they would be unable to continue their work without MAF. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute defend the rights of the poor and needy. - Proverbs 31:8-9 5

6 As an MAF Sunday host, you have the privilege of speaking on behalf of millions who are isolated. You can be their voice so that others will realize the need and respond. Not everyone is called to go to the ends of the earth, but God does call each of us to care for the poor and needy, and He calls us to make disciples of all nations. You can make a difference by connecting others to the ministry of MAF. Partnering with MAF through prayer and giving will help over 600 Christian and nonprofit organizations continue their ministries in isolated regions of the world where, without MAF, ministry would be hindered or impossible. We couldn t be in the DRC without MAF. As MAF restored services in west DRC, so have we. We follow your plans and airplanes. Without MAF, our mission in Congo would be extremely difficult. ~ Charles Jones, American Baptist International Ministries 6

7 Step 1: Planning Your Event Pray before you begin your preparations. Ask the Lord to bless your efforts and give wisdom and direction as you seek to honor Him through this event. Ask God to prepare the hearts of those who will hear the message, and that they ll be drawn to respond to His calling to get involved in what He is accomplishing around the globe. Don t forget to give others the opportunity to help you present the vision for MAF Sunday. You and others will be blessed to partner with MAF and see lives transformed for Christ. Groups I want to present the MAF message: Sunday church services (morning and evening) Sunday school classes Home fellowships Youth groups Children s services Other Ways I can get the message out: Sunday School Children s church Missions moment (service highlight) Youth group Sunday sermon Display and sign up table Bulletin inserts Flyers/posters MAF Sunday video Facebook and/or Twitter Testimonial of other mission or organization that is user of MAF Radio / local newspapers Christian bookstores Community centers Local airport Other churches in the area Christian School Home school groups Other People I can involve in this event: Pastor Missions team Current MAF supporters Friends Family Other Using a display and sign up table is a very effective way to have a successful MAF Sunday. People can view photos and other information about how MAF uses aviation and other technologies to overcome and bring hope to isolated people with the Gospel. 7

8 My MAF Sunday Planning Checklist MAF Sunday can be held on any given Sunday during the year. Feel free to choose a date that works best for you and your church. Get permission from your pastor. Register your MAF Sunday event online at Order your materials at least one month prior to event. Identify those who are willing to help. Determine location for sign-up table. Get permission to keep the sign-up table up for several more weeks. Check the materials to make sure everything arrived that you need; post flyers, posters, and other media advertisements. Arrange for inserts to be placed in church bulletin or for volunteers to hand them out (the Sunday before your event). Submit bulletin announcement to church office. (2 weeks prior to event) Practice your presentation. Share MAF in a compelling way, and present the opportunity to partner with MAF through prayer partnership or monthly financial partnership. Invite audience to sign up to receive complimentary subscription to the MAF FlightWatch magazine and weekly prayer updates. Mail completed forms and donations to MAF along with MAF Sunday Summary Card. Follow up with thank you notes to those who helped you. May God abundantly bless your commitment to bring the hope of the Gospel to isolated people! 8

9 Step 2: Presenting Your Plan An MAF Sunday event can transform the members of your church as you share your passion for sharing the love of Christ with those living in remote corners of the earth. As you present the ministry of MAF to your church leaders, pray for effective communication and the ability to inspire them with your vision for reaching isolated people through the ministry of MAF. Let s get started. Make an appointment. Schedule time with your pastor or church leader to get permission for your MAF Sunday activities. Before your meeting, be sure to give them the Church Leader s Information packet. This packet includes the vision of MAF Sunday and an overview of the ministry of MAF. Please make sure you have read this information and are ready to discuss it with your church leader. Share from your heart. When you meet with your pastor or church leader, explain why you are compelled to participate in MAF Sunday. Share any previous involvement with MAF you have had. If they are not familiar with MAF, you might want to view the MAF Sunday DVD with them. Be prepared to discuss the impact of MAF and how we overcome barriers through aviation, communications, and other strategic technologies to minister to millions of isolated people around the world with the love of Christ. Share options. Be prepared to provide a variety of ways to present MAF Sunday in your church. It s easier for your pastor or church leader if you already have a plan in mind. In addition to the sign up table, there are many different ways to promote MAF Sunday: - Show the MAF Sunday DVD during the Sunday service. - The pastor or worship leader can make a simple announcement about the sign-up table. - Ask if you can share briefly (5-10 minutes) about MAF during the Sunday service. - Talk about placing MAF Sunday inserts in the Sunday bulletin. - Ask for the opportunity to take up a love offering to bring hope to isolated people. - Ask your pastor to consider delivering a message on missions that Sunday with the theme of MAF Sunday Bringing Hope to Isolated People, and Matthew 25: It s important to be flexible. Inform your pastor and church leaders that you appreciate any opportunity to share about the ministry of MAF. Most pastors and church leaders welcome the opportunity to instill excitement for missions and inspire their congregation to get involved in the Great Commission. What if the answer is no? Don t be discouraged if your pastor does not give permission to promote MAF Sunday in your Sunday service. Ask if you can share in other groups such as Sunday school classes, home groups, Bible studies, or ladies or men s groups. If the answer is still no, consider approaching other churches in your community. Or, why not host a small gathering in your home and invite others to come hear about the ministry of MAF? MAF has done a great service to the cause of Christ s work around the world I have rejoiced over the MAF ministry when traveling over the jungles to a missionary outpost hardly reachable by other means. ~ Robert H. Bowman, President Emeritus, Far East Broadcasting Company, Inc. 9

10 Step 3: Preparing for Your Event Order Materials Please register your MAF Sunday event at as soon as you receive permission from your church leaders. In order to receive the materials you need, it is recommended that you register at least one month before your event. All materials are free of charge! The easiest way to order your MAF Sunday materials is online at You can also order your resources by mail using the Materials Order Form or call us at and ask for us in the Advocate Wing. Build Enthusiasm! Announce your MAF Sunday activities in advance. Spread the news with posters, flyers, and radio and newspapers advertisements. Refer to the MAF Sunday Promotional Kit for a sample news release. 10

11 Step 4: Presenting MAF Sunday The thought of speaking in public may strike fear or perhaps anxiety in you. For this reason, we have many tools that can help your event run smoothly and keep you from being the center of attention. We offer the MAF Sunday video made especially for this event. We also have other videos, stories, and activities available. How much time your pastor allows will determine how you plan your MAF Sunday. You may choose to show the MAF Sunday video and give a brief oral presentation if you are given 5-10 minutes. If your pastor allows the entire service for MAF Sunday, you may have time to give a longer oral presentation, show the video, and/or include your own creative ideas. Regardless of the time allotment, the Lord can use you to move the hearts of His people. Ask a fellow MAF supporter if he or she would be willing to share the presentation time with you. Contact the Advocate Wing to see if there is an MAF Advocate or field staff person on furlough near you. If you have questions, you may contact an MAF Ministry Advocate in your area. You can find a list of these individuals at You may also call MAF for assistance at (208) or (800) and ask for us in the Advocate Wing. God bless you for your courage on behalf of millions of isolated people living in darkness. 11

12 Step 5: Following Your Event Congratulations! Because of your hard work and prayers, MAF will overcome barriers, lives will be transformed, and God s Kingdom will be expanded. Here are some things to remember: Keep the Sign-Up Table Set Up It s a good idea to leave the table with the literature and sign-up packets available throughout the next 2 weeks in order to give people an opportunity to consider how God wants them to respond. Please check the table each Sunday and send completed forms and any donations immediately after each Sunday so they can be processed in a timely manner. If you need additional reply envelopes, please call the MAF Advocate Wing at Return Donations and Response Forms 1. Immediately after MAF Sunday, please mail all payments and forms to MAF (Attn: Advocate Wing, P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653). 2. A postage-paid envelope will be provided with your materials for returning these items. Please do not return unused materials such as bulletin inserts, posters or DVDs. It is not cost effective to return these items. 3. Calculate all donations and record on the Summary Card. Do not send cash in the mail. Include a check or money order with cash donations written in the memo area of the check. The check for cash donations will not be issued a receipt. Follow Up 1. Send thank you notes to your pastor, church leaders, and other individuals who helped make MAF Sunday possible. 2. Immediately following your MAF Sunday event; contact the newspaper and radio to give a report of the success of the event. We value your suggestions! Please fill out the survey form also included in your materials to help us for future MAF Sunday events! 12

13 MAF SUNDAY Resources Many resources are available to assist you in making your event a success and there is no cost to you! Promotional Kit News release for newspaper, radio stations and other media Bulletin inserts if you are unable to print these, we will provide them for you. Announcement poster/flyer Post these in high traffic areas in your church and community. Remember to get appropriate permission from store managers before posting. Host s Tool Kit Sign Up Table Children s coloring book and activities MAF stories (in this Planning Guide) MAF 2013 Impact Report MAF Sunday DVD Church Leader Information packet MAF Main Brochure MAF Sunday response card/envelope Current FlightWatch MAF Fact sheet 2014 MAF Sunday bookmark MAF Advocate Brochure Follow Up Materials Summary card Return envelope to mail donations and response cards Thank you notes 13

14 Notes, Thoughts, To-Dos... Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58 14