Adopt a Plane: Congo 9Q-CAU
Field Correspondent: Donna Jacobsson, MAF Missionary Staff, Uganda/Congo
Model: Cessna 208
Registration: 9Q-CAU
Common Name: Caravan
Meet 9Q-CAU, affectionately called “Alpha Uniform”!
This MAF Cessna 208 Caravan serving in east Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) derives its name from its registration call letters, 9Q-CAU. Some of its stories are fascinating … many of its flights are lifesaving … all of its service in east DRC is life-sustaining. Welcome aboard!
The DRC (formerly Zaire) has been at war for decades. Today in the eastern part of the country, rebel group fights rebel group, and childhood friends may now be your despised enemies. Although some level of peace has been achieved recently, nothing is stable or secure, making travel hazardous. Enter Alpha Uniform, a nine-seat MAF bush plane that can carry up to 2,600 pounds of cargo.
In one area, security issues resulting from the ongoing war prevented all deliveries for three months. Some 140,000 people, many of them displaced refugees, were deprived of much-needed medical relief. No medicines were available, having been depleted weeks before. Locals had absolutely nothing left when Alpha Uniform flew in 2,300 pounds of medicine, most of it provided by a Christian medical agency.
Alpha Uniform delivers medicines and medical personnel to many isolated villages far off the beaten track. Once on the ground, these medicines sometimes need to be taken to their final destination by bicycle.
Local pastors and other villagers who have lost family and friends in the ongoing war have felt God’s call to work for the reconciliation of warring tribes. Alpha Uniform flies them to meetings, where it is exciting to see tribal leaders, after hours of heated debate, get up and hug one another, saying, “I forgive you.” Tears stream down their faces. Through these reconciliation meetings, some villagers are being led to the Lord. Likewise, many who have known Him, but have allowed other concerns to become more important, are finding a new sense of purpose and commitment as they make Jesus central in their lives and to the reconciliation process. Only Christ can bring hope and peace to this war-torn region.
This MAF aircraft is also critical to the translation of the Bible into 10 eastern Congo languages. Congolese nationals have been trained to do the translation work, and Alpha Uniform flies Bible translator missionaries—sometimes from Kenya or Uganda—to encourage them and enhance their translations. Because the roads are unsafe, an MAF aircraft is the only way these dedicated workers can reach the villages where the translation work takes place. Alpha Uniform is not only making the entire process possible, but is increasing the efficiency of each project by transporting up to nine people on a single flight.
The goal of the translation projects is to complete both the Old and New Testaments in four languages by 2012, followed by the remaining six languages. What an exciting project for MAF to participate in! Last year, the entire Gospel of Luke was completed in three languages. In addition, teams were trained to present the “JESUS” film in 10 different languages.
For just $1 a day, you can adopt 9Q-CAU and help transform lives through this vital ministry. Please sign up today! On behalf of the agencies and the thousands of east DRC's needy who depend on MAF, thank you for your prayers and support. We thank God for you.
