MAF has completed an important construction project in Papua New Guinea, setting the foundation for the mission to grow its impact in the nation for decades to come.
Story by Tajs Jespersen
“Let this be our prayer for these facilities,” said Dom Sant, Interim Country Director of MAF in PNG at the inauguration in Mount Hagen.
“May every conversation in the conference room be part of God building His house and glorifying His Name.
“May every meal shared in these homes be a moment of joy and gratitude in His provision.
“May every traveller who rests in the transit housing leave refreshed – ready to continue the work of spreading help, hope and healing to those whom we serve.”
The new facilities consist of two separate buildings: One includes six two-bedroom apartments for international staff families and couples, while The Wing has twelve transit rooms upstairs with a conference centre and commercial kitchen downstairs.
The purpose of The Wing is to provide MAF staff with accommodation to improve their service to the isolated people of PNG, whether they are overnighting pilots, international staff coming to visit, or staff from remote bases coming to Mount Hagen for training.
Dave Fyock the CEO of MAF International shared in the celebration and dedication.
“Just a couple of months from now, we will reach the ripe old age of 80 as a ministry,” said Dave. “The last of our founders, Jack Hemmings, just passed away at 103 years young. He had the joy of watching over 80 years of growth of our ministry.
There's an opportunity that lies before us to continue serving in this country, to 2050 or 2060 and beyond.
“There's an opportunity that lies before us to continue serving in this country, to 2050 or 2060 and beyond. And we are going to work diligently to build appropriately to serve that future.”
The transit housing in The Wing has already hosted its first guests.
“It gives me plenty of space to be able to do the work that I’ve come here to do,” said Siobhain Cole. “I work in support of operations, and I come and do meetings when I am in Mount Hagen.”
Siobhain lives in remote Telefomin with her husband, MAF pilot Ryan Cole. Her stay at The Wing helps her overcome the challenges of living in a place with no grocery stores.
“I need to prepare all of my groceries, vegetables and food items. I need to wash them and pack them into cooling boxes to take back with me on the plane. The Wing provides me with the space and freedom to do so,” said Siobhain.
Another guest, Samuel Gnanadurai, visited the PNG programme for the second time as part of his work in MAF measuring ministry impact.
“The first time I visited, I stayed in town and had to get up early each morning to catch the bus. Now I am staying very close to the airport,” said Samuel, who is normally based in India.
“Yesterday afternoon I had online calls to attend, and because of the good internet, I was able to complete my work.”
For 74 years MAF has served in PNG and plans to continue to serve for decades to come. This project is the first step to prepare for MAF’s future service in the nation.