Mission Aviation Fellowship returns to more peaceful Chad

Following evacuation from Chad in February this year, Mission Aviation Fellowship's team has now returned to the country and flying has resumed.

After rebel soldiers failed in their attempt to take the capital N'Djaména and seize power from President Deby, relative peace has now returned to the country.

Jill Vine, wife of pilot Greg, writes, "It is unlikely the rebels will be able to return to N'Djaména as their battle, which lasted for two days, was completely frustrated by the Chadians using military helicopters and blockading the roads with tanks so their pick-ups loaded with missiles couldn't get past.

"Nevertheless, the two sides shot up the capital pretty badly and a lot of people died. Miraculously, nobody we know was injured or killed, and none of their families or friends were hurt either. None of the missionary compounds were looted, which was also a definite miracle as much of the capital was."

MAF's operations began with the first flight carrying medical supplies and staff. Short-term pilot Bryan Pill flew Dr Ray Brown, two other medical staff and 600kg of supplies to a clinic in Ati, some 300 miles north of the capital. Pilot Greg Vine returned to collect them a week later.

On another flight, Bryan flew a Christian Blind Mission team to conduct eye work in Moundou in the south. On the return flight, he was able to bring supplies left there by Greg and Jill Vine during the fighting.

An important part of MAF's work in Chad is the medical safari. Usually lasting up to a week, a medical team is flown to a number of remote locations to provide in-depth medical care to people who do not have the opportunity or resources to see a doctor.

On the first safari since evacuation, Greg flew Dr Ann Fursdon and her team to the villages of Kuono, Gama, Bembare, Kimre and Koblague. Dr Fursdon treated patients and helped train the nurses who are left in charge when she leaves. The more time she can spend with them, the higher level of care they can give, providing better health for the community.

Greg shares, "It was a fruitful week as far as giving many the rare opportunity to see a doctor. A number of people had been sick for some time, and it relieved me - let along them that they should be attended to."

MAF's team is thankful to be back and to be able to provide vital assistance in Chad.

Mission Aviation Fellowship was formed in 1945, and is a Christian organisation whose mission is to use light aircraft in developing countries so that people in remote areas can receive the help they need. MAF has 130 aircraft flying in more than 30 countries, meaning that every three minutes an MAF plane is taking off or landing, bringing care where flying is not a luxury but a lifeline.