Congo (East D.R.C.)

MAF fills a strategic role in touching countless lives for Jesus Christ by standing with, and supporting, Congolese churches, missionaries, and an increasing number of short–term mission teams. Five MAF missionary families and 16 Congolese staff members with two aircraft serve the northeastern region of DRC. MAF is committed to supporting the emerging interdenominational and intertribal Christian movement that is facilitating ministries of healing, reconciliation and Biblical community development. Other mission groups and humanitarian agencies utilize MAF services to help with rebuilding efforts and alleviate the suffering of those displaced or affected by a destabilized east DRC.

Since its Nyankunde base was destroyed in 2002, MAF has been providing services as effectively as possible from a base in Kampala, Uganda. In 2005, five Congolese MAF staff and their families returned to Nyankunde and began the challenging task of clearing the airstrip and MAF grounds of more than two years of debris and tropical growth. In 2006, MAF completed the installation of new roofs on missionary houses, and in December the military finally vacated the MAF Nyankunde compound.

In 2007, MAF established an interim base in Bunia—45 kilometers from Nyankunde—staffed by two families and a Cessna 206. By mid–2008, a third family and a Cessna 208 Caravan were added to the Bunia base, moving all flight operations into DRC. This facilitates rebuilding efforts in Nyankunde while providing more effective air service for church and humanitarian workers within east DRC. MAF hopes to return full operations and aviation services to Nyankunde in 2009.

Though stability is returning to the region, DRC continues to be a place of great need and uncertainty. Tomorrow's ministry opportunities will be shaped by the future level of security in the country. The fledgling, democratically elected government faces an almost insurmountable task to bring government services to the population. Business, NGO, and mission interests will be greatly affected by the function or dysfunction of the tax, administration, and regulation services of the government. The potential need for new relief and development work is vast, but will be tempered by the ability of organizations to work unmolested.

Some of the organizations that depend on MAF services to carry out their ministry efforts include Africa Inland Mission (AIM), Congo Church, SIL International, Doctors Without Borders-Switzerland (MSF), Medair (a Christian relief group), Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Centre Medical Evangelique (CME), International Cooperation (COOPI, an Italian organization addressing malnutrition in children), ISTB (Bunia Graduate School of Theology), WEC International (Worldwide Evangelization for Christ), and YWAM International (Youth With a Mission).

In the past 12 months, the MAF program in east DRC ...

• Saved Christian and humanitarian workers 4,956 days of travel time—or 20.5 work years redeemed for productive Kingdom work!
• Executed 1,988 flight hours, transported 7,662 passengers, and delivered one million pounds of cargo in order to provide access to the Gospel and to basic services such as health clinics, medical emergency evacuations, and education—services otherwise unavailable in jungle locations.
• Installed a VSAT system at the MAF Bunia base, providing reliable Internet service for MAF as well as local church, mission, and humanitarian work.
• Provided intensive flight support for MSF as the organization responded to medical emergencies throughout east DRC. This included response to epidemics as well as support of a hospital providing maternity and post-rape trauma care to women and children. MAF also supports MSF efforts to treat and lower the prevalence of sleeping sickness in Duruma.
• Continued essential transportation services for SIL International, supporting 10 Bible translation and literacy projects in remote areas of east DRC. MAF provides flights at least monthly, supporting ongoing endeavors including Scripture usage workshops.
• Provided USB with Internet services via the new MAF VSAT system in Bunia.
• In March 2008, transported an evangelistic drama team from a California church into Bunia. The team presented 13 performances of “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” to over 20,000 people, resulting in some 2,000 people indicating a desire to follow Christ. A special performance for the police of Bunia resulted in 69 responses, while a performance for political and judicial leaders also bore fruit. Some 100 Congolese Christians from multiple churches are providing follow-up.
• Arranged for the MAF Uganda program to assume the Entebbe-Bunia-Entebbe flights. This allows the east DRC program to focus on service and effectiveness within DRC.

1. Continue nurturing a strategic ministry partnership with the Congolese Church, supporting those involved in crucial reconciliation ministry, Bible translation, medical care, crisis aid, and rebuilding.
   
2. As stability grows in the region, return MAF operations to the Nyankunde base:
   • Phase 1 (complete): Protect and secure the MAF base in Nyankunde.
   • Phase 2 (2008-2009): Continue to assess the local security situation, encourage Congolese MAF staff, strengthen community relationships, and facilitate the decision-making process for reopening the base and returning the missionary families.
   • Phase 3 (2008-2009): Move full flight operations to Bunia with a Cessna 206 and Cessna 208 Caravan along with three MAF pilot/mechanic families. Continue the maintenance operations in Uganda.
3. Expand use of the JESUS film as a tool for sharing the Gospel message in new regions of east DRC. Partner with pastors, churches, and restoration ministries in Bunia as well as at all airstrips, with the goal of monthly presentations.
   
4. Continue flight services for SIL International to support 10 Bible translation and literacy projects.
   
5. Assess the need for MAF-Learning Technologies (MAF-LT) distance education services in east DRC.
6. Coordinate a cooperative flight following program with the MAF program in Uganda.
7. Develop a field orientation program for new MAF missionaries, including a field orientation checklist, opportunities for French and Swahili language study, and "Congo Culture" learning sessions with Congolese teachers.
8. Explore a youth outreach partnership with the Nyankunde community, local churches, and CME.
9. Continue providing logistical services for missionaries, churches, students and others serving in east DRC, including mail forwarding, money forwarding, channeling funds for students, and supporting special projects.
10. Expand the MAF VSAT Internet service to additional mission and church users in Bunia.
    • Explore providing IT support for Hope Center in Bunia for an Internet café outreach.
    • Extend the Bunia VSAT system to Nyankunde, connecting to the hospital there.
    • Partner with USB in the development of a distance learning center and computer lab for pastors and church leaders.
11. Recruit and train staff to support expanding IT/LT services.
12. Evaluate the need for flight services to additional destinations, and consider the reopening of old mission airstrips. Coordinate with Bunia churches on "JESUS" film presentations and other evangelistic efforts.
13. Purchase a power cart for starting aircraft.

This year, it will require $1,813,899 to operate ongoing programs, launch new initiatives, and expand services in east DRC. Total funding from support raised by MAF missionary staff and from field revenue amounts to $1,660,049—or 92 percent of total operating costs.

We seek the remaining eight percent—or $153,850—from caring partners: individuals, churches, and foundations.