Our aircraft have supported efforts to develop healthcare, education and the local church as the landlocked African nation faced periods of conflict, famine and locusts. After six decades of service, new challenges lie ahead.
Story by Annet Nabbanja
Salomon Djek Dainyoo is a professional photographer and newly married in the capital N’Djamena. But 38 years ago, in April 1988, his mother could not get a suitable hospital to deliver him in Moundou, in the south of Chad.
Due to the limited facilities at Moundou's hospital, which was small and inadequately equipped, his mother was transported by MAF to Bebalem, where the hospital had better technology and qualified medical staff.
“I am a living testament to MAF's support in Chad, and may God bless this organisation and its partners,” said Salomon. “May God bless every person who works there, for serving the cause of the Gospel is truly noble.”
Growing up, Salomon’s life was deeply influenced by MAF’s presence, from his delivery as a baby to receiving medicines transported by MAF aircraft.
Over a period of 60 years, MAF’s Chad programme has supported many people, standing the test of time. Keith Ketchum who worked in operations for the programme, rates the value of the work highly.
“Without exaggeration, I would say that the MAF programme in Chad is the most indispensable of our programmes in Africa,” said Keith.
“Distances are vast, roads are poor and there are no other viable aviation alternatives.”
Chad is sometimes known as ‘The Dead Heart of Africa’, because of its central position and because it's so dry.
Despite facing many challenges, surrounded by neighbours dealing with conflict, Chad remains a very resilient country.
The journey of MAF in Chad began in 1966, supported by a small Cessna 185 amphibian plane. Its initial purpose was to support medical outreach and community development near Lake Chad.
At first, MAF helped Dr David Carling, a surgeon with the Sudan United Mission, reach remote communities with little access to healthcare. Two years after starting, a second aircraft was added, and a new base was established at Koumra to serve the growing needs of the region.
In November 1980 a request was made for MAF to re-establish its air service in Chad. In spite of the turmoil of fighting between northern and southern rebel groups, the medical and evangelical work continued to grow.
Problems multiplied as different fighting factions sprang up and armed groups roamed the country. In 1984 reports of famine in the Bébalém district were received and MAF started ferrying food into the region.
Without exaggeration, I would say that the MAF programme in Chad is the most indispensable of our programmes in Africa. Distances are vast, roads are poor and there are no other viable aviation alternatives.
Other forms of transport were not feasible through the bandit ridden areas. Over the following months 18 relief pilots and engineers were involved in the relief programme at Bébalém.
In 1987, following the famine, a locust spraying programme was also carried out from a base in Bébalém.
MAF operations continued from the base in N’Djaména where, in 2005, a new hangar and offices were built.
Continued unrest and tensions between rebel groups in Chad have meant that over the years it has been common for MAF staff and aircraft to be evacuated, with normal operations being suspended or reduced for a time. However, during the last few years the capital has been less volatile, and the security situation has become a lot calmer.
MAF was initially registered in Chad under the Entente des Eglises et Missions Evangéliques (EEMET), an association of evangelical missions and churches. In 2010 MAF Chad was registered as an independent NGO.
One of the most inspiring stories of this journey is that of Mark Ortmann, a linguist. For over 30 years, Mark and his team, enabled by MAF, have developed the Teda alphabet, which has transformed education in the region.
“The Teda people are the most fascinating, underreported, undiscovered people in the world,” said Mark.
Mark’s work began when he arrived to develop a written form of the Teda language spoken by people in the isolated Tibesti Mountains. This region is known for its rugged terrain and inaccessibility.
Sometimes, it’s a five-day journey. But with MAF’s aircraft, we can make the trip in just a couple of hours. Without MAF, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I do.
“Travelling into the Tibesti is like entering a different world; vast, harsh, and remote. The Sahara Desert stretches endlessly, with dunes as far as the eye can see, making it almost impossible to reach without a plane,” said Mark.
“Sometimes, it’s a five-day journey. But with MAF’s aircraft, we can make the trip in just a couple of hours. Without MAF, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I do. Their planes have opened doors into communities that are otherwise unreachable. They gave me the freedom to serve where others couldn’t go.”
His work has grown from initial efforts to develop a written form of Teda to a broader mission of literacy, language preservation, and dignity.
“When I started, my goal was to help the Teda people read and write their language. I never imagined how much this work would grow over the years,” said Mark.
Today, the war in neighbouring Sudan is sending huge numbers of refugees into Chad. Esmara, who leads MAF International’s team in Chad is aware of the work ahead, as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis spills across the border.
“The spiritual and humanitarian needs in this country remain huge, and therefore by God’s grace, we can continue and increase the high impact ministry here in Chad to reach even more people and communities with help, hope, and healing,” said Esmara.