Pontus from MAF Sweden went on a medical safari in Tanzania with three young adults from Co Pilot Sweden. Together with pilots and evangelists, they flew to the small village of Chidudu.
The medical safari went to provide medical care and to share the gospel. Mothers and babies received essential medicines such as vaccines for polio. At the same time, worship services were held and the Good News was shared. Both brought hope and comfort to the village, as access to medical care in Chidudu is a challenge.
Paulina Mpembela, has been involved with MAF’s work since 2006. The 58-year-old health volunteer was elected to oversee the village airstrip. This is to ensure MAF can land safely.
Wearing a hat that says “Yesu”, Paulina shared; “First of all, it means that the word of God can spread to the village. It also means that the children can get treatment and the new health dispensary can be built.”
She also said that the construction of the small health dispensary has helped a lot when hosting the medical safari.
Pendo Robert, is a 31-year-old mother of four. She illustrates the harsh realities of life in Chidudu.
This day, she walked 5 hours to come to the mobile clinic with her baby daughter. She explains that the nearest hospital is a 12-hour walk. She could go by motorbike under ideal conditions in 1.5 hours, but it isn’t cheap. During the rainy season, this journey becomes impossible.
Pastor Peter William Fumbi is a church leader from Dodoma. He emphasized the critical role MAF plays in the village. “If this service was not here, many children’s lives would be lost,” he said.
Since 2006, countless children have received medical care, and many villagers have heard the gospel. The evangelists always take time to visit the village during the safari. This is to meet the needs of the people and talk to the students in the local school. The people and students get very encouraged, since visits to them are rare. As there is no local church, MAF is the only way the gospel can reach them.
For almost 20 years, the people of Chidudu have relied on MAF’s unique ability to reach the unreachable. The work of pilots, health professionals, and evangelists have saved lives, nurtured faith, and built a brighter future.
STORY & PHOTOS / PONTUS DANFORTH
This story was originally published in "Flying for Life - Autumn 2025". To view the full magazine, click here.