MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), a faith-based, nonprofit ministry that brings aid and assistance to needy people in isolated and remote regions of the world, has been awarded a $1.7 million challenge grant to fund the full purchase price of a KODIAK, a new aircraft designed to meet the specialized needs of missionary bush flying.
A donor who has been a supporting MAF for many years and wants to encourage a significant gift to MAF is providing the grant with the condition that another donor commits to a grant in the same amount by the end of this year. Separately, MAF has received a second grant that matches dollar for dollar up to $750,000 toward completing the funding of a sixth KODIAK bush plane for the ministry’s fleet.
“MAF is blessed to receive such generous financial support,” said MAF President and CEO John Boyd. “We trust that others will be moved to contribute so that MAF can realize the full potential of these two valuable grants. The challenge grant essentially will provide two additional KODIAKs, if the challenge is met.
“KODIAK airplanes are much more cost-effective to operate and greatly expand our ability to quickly transport essential aid to remote areas where it is most needed. We look forward to placing more of them into service overseas,” Boyd said. “MAF recently deployed one of its new KODIAKs to Haiti where it proved invaluable in responding to the earthquake disaster. During the next two years, MAF needs to acquire seven more KODIAKs.”
In 2009, MAF launched a multiyear initiative to replace many of its aging Cessna 206s with new KODIAKs. Designed by Quest Aircraft Co., with input from MAF and other Christian ministries, the KODIAK carries a larger payload and runs on readily available and much less expensive jet fuel.
Churches, individuals and foundations can Ghislaine Benney, director of ministry advancement, for information about how they can contribute toward the project to optimize the MAF fleet.
With its fleet of 58 bush aircraft – including the new Kodiak – MAF serves in 41 countries, enabling the work of some 1,000 organizations. MAF pilots transport missionaries, medical personnel, medicines and relief supplies, as well as conduct thousands of emergency medical evacuations in remote areas each year. MAF also provides telecommunications services, such as satellite Internet access, high-frequency radios, electronic mail and other wireless systems.
For more information: MAF.org
