The Smythes @ MAF

MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) will be telling its story to the world at 2009 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh, the largest show for general aviation enthusiasts in the world, which will take place here July 27-Aug. 2.

The Oshkosh air show, which was founded in 1953, has long been a “must attend” event in the world of aviation. It is where general aviation companies introduce new products, and where exciting and experimental innovations – such as exotic flying cars, jet packs and the newest satellite navigation screens – are often unveiled to the public. The event, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, includes acres of displays and a steady stream of flyovers by both the latest home-built aircraft and lovingly restored vintage planes. Each day includes aerobatic air shows featuring top aerobatic acts.

This year AirVenture will be spotlighting missionary aviation as part of the “public-benefit” aviation activities. A weeklong “Fly4Life” program (www.fly4life.org) features MAF and other members of the International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) (www.iamanet.org), as well as non-faith-based groups that are part of the Air Care Alliance (www.aircareall.org).

Front and center, right on AeroShell square, the focal point of the air show, will be the new MAF KODIAK aircraft. The Piper PA-14, a replica of the plane flown by martyred MAF aviation pioneer Nate Saint and used in the filming of the movie “End of the Spear,” will be nestled under the wing of the KODIAK – one representing MAF’s past and the other an exciting future for the ministry.

The MAF tent display, located at spaces 151 and 152, will include a Cessna 185 that was used by MAF in Indonesia and is now being used as a training aircraft by Moody Aviation. The plane will be set in a village scene with murals and a “movie screen” consisting of a white sheet on which MAF will show “All Over the World,” a 30-minute film featuring the ministry’s work in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

In addition, the MAF staff manning the tent will conduct daily drawings, distribute literature and engage in other activities that will help tell the story of MAF and of mission aviation to this large and responsive audience.

“People attend AirVenture because they are passionate about aviation,” said John Boyd, president and chief executive officer of MAF. “But some of them are also passionate about Christ and the Gospel. When we tell the story of mission aviation to them, we often find that’s all it takes to turn them into passionate friends and supporters of MAF. So being at Oshkosh is a wonderful opportunity for us.”

Boyd said that while in Oshkosh, MAF staff will be conducting seminars, speaking in local churches and meeting with friends and supporters in the area.

via www.maf.org