Jungle Light
On a regular basis MAF flies school teachers into various communities
in the jungle. Lloyd Rogers, a Plymouth Brethren missionary, has
been working for forty years in Ecuador. He runs thirty-six schools
in the
jungle, with 2,842 students in those schools. Compassion International
provides funds for 1300 of those students. This year there were forty
high school graduates. The schools are located in the four language
groups that MAF flies in—the Shuar, Atchuar, Woadani, and Quichua.
Students
in these schools have the opportunity to memorize Bible verses
and earn their way to ‘summer camp’. These camps are usually
held at the beach, so the MAF planes fly the students to Shell, where
they take a bus to the coast.
About seventy-five percent of the teachers
working in these schools are Christians. They are a Light to those
in the community. Recently
Compassion
contracted with some Ecuadorian anthropologists to complete a study
of the area in which these schools are located. During the study,
the anthropologists
asked Lloyd why he drove out all the Shaman (witch doctors). Lloyd
replied that he didn't drive them out. He said his program was
Light, and that
light replaces darkness. The Shaman who have moved to other areas
did so on their own. |
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Medical Flights
On average the MAF planes in Ecuador provide flights for six medical
emergencies each day, which accounts for over 40% of the flying done.
Many of the patients go to the HCJB missionary hospital in Shell,
where they hear the Gospel. However, many also go to the government
hospital
in Puyo. Recently, Manuel Rivera has filled a new role in the MAF
program, that of Chaplain. He will work especially with patients
who don’t
go to the HCJB hospital. It’s our hope and prayer that all
those who fly in MAF planes will have an opportunity to hear the
Gospel.
By the way, we are currently operating without a contract
with the Ministry of Health. Pray that a contract will be signed
soon.
Other Flight Statistics
The six Cessna single-engine aircraft have flown just over 250,000
miles in the past year. During that time they’ve made over
6,000 takeoffs and landings, and carried just over 14,000 passengers.
Praise
the Lord
with us for safe flying!
Thank You
We are blessed by your continued partnership in the MAF ministry
in Ecuador. We are thankful to have you on the team!
David,
Ellyn, Dustin, and Taylor |
