Assisting IMA World Health in Democratic Republic of the Congo

As a Flight Crew Member, you make flights like these possible:

The MAF team in western Democratic Republic of the Congo received an enormous request which came with some huge hurdles. A medical partner, IMA World Health, wanted to deliver medical supplies to six remote communities in the Kasai province.

The seasonal rains had been heavier than normal, making the dirt roads leading to these areas virtually impassable. But before MAF could get into these isolated villages they needed a place to land. There were several old airstrips in the area, but they’d sat unused for years, the jungle overtaking them. Then there was going to be the problem of getting fuel and staging it at various locations for this huge project.

Local teams were assembled at each location, and they began clearing the airstrips. MAF found a former mission airstrip, near one of the hospitals, that could serve as a base of operations. Then staff they began filling 55-gallon barrels with jet fuel—25 in all. The barrels traveled 680 miles—first by truck, and then the last leg by Land Cruisers.

“What followed was a very full week of flying nearly 20 tons of medical supplies to cut-off communities,” said MAF pilot Jonathan de Jongh. “Anything from hospital beds and wheelchairs to medicine, operating equipment, microscopes, and sanitation equipment was delivered to places that hadn’t seen an MAF airplane in years.

“These communities were not forgotten or unreachable for God and He moved in a powerful and surprising way to meet their needs.”

God worked out all the details and made a way—using so many moving parts and people. From airstrip workers, drivers, fuelers, loaders, and guards to cooks, admin personnel, pilots and mechanics. And, of course, the prayer and financial supporters—like the MAF Flight Crew monthly givers—who made it all possible.

Thank you for being part of the team that is bringing hope and the love of Christ to isolated people.