Tributes paid to MAF founder Stuart King

Stuart King with the Miles Gemini aircraft in 1947. (Photo: MAF)

Tributes have been paid to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) founder Stuart King, who died on 29 August aged 98. 

King passed away on the charity's 75th anniversary. 

A pioneering Christian missionary, he was one of the first British airmen to take light aircraft to Africa in 1948. 

At great risk to his own life, he flew into remote communities, many of which had never before been reached by air.

He was driven to found MAF at the end of World War II out of the belief that flight technology should be used for the good of mankind rather than its destruction. 

Seventy-five years on, MAF continues to serve isolated communities in over 26 countries, flying to more destinations than any commercial airline. 

It is used to bring often life-saving cargo, like food and medicine, as well as skilled personnel. 

Today, it partners with over 2,000 aid organisations, including UNICEF, WHO and the Red Cross. 

Stuart King 1922 - 2020 (Photo: MAF)

Paying tribute, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who has flown with MAF to South Sudan and Uganda, said: "Stuart's tremendous contribution to the founding of MAF has had a profound impact on the ministry of many people across the world and the Anglican Communion.

"I was saddened to hear of his death and I pray for Stuart's family and the MAF staff at this time."

Lord Dannatt, Former Chief of the British Army said: "If ever there was a man who was inspired to turn a visionary idea into a reality, it was Stuart King.

"Stuart started with one aircraft but has changed the lives of so many by his passion, leadership and conviction.

"Stuart King's legacy is immense, and his family should be justifiably proud of all that he achieved in the service of Christ."

News
Three words that changed history: ‘Jesus became sin'
Three words that changed history: ‘Jesus became sin'

As we enter Easter, we want to centre our attention on the significance of Christ’s work of redemption for all of humanity.

Gloucester Cathedral to unveil stunning new pipe organ
Gloucester Cathedral to unveil stunning new pipe organ

Gloucester Cathedral has said that this year’s Organ Festival will be extra special, as it will see the unveiling of its brand new organ.

Religious freedom violations increasing in Nicaragua
Religious freedom violations increasing in Nicaragua

The situation has declined since 2018.

Päivi Räsänen calls for repeal of hate speech laws across Europe after shock conviction
Päivi Räsänen calls for repeal of hate speech laws across Europe after shock conviction

All copies of a decades old pamphlet are to be destroyed after Finland's former Minister of the Interior was convicted of hate speech - even though the law that convicted her did not exist at the time the pamphlet was published.