For a downloadable and printable version of this diary, click here (PDF file)

This meal after Easter will be the final event for the Lent Course. If you would like to come, please return this form with your fiver to the last venue you attend for the course or to Mark by Good Friday’s Triangle Service. Copies of the form are available at MRBC.

Please see Steve Lineham for more details.

The Orwell Connection Choir have been part of the Felixstowe scene for many years, formed originally from those associated with the former Orwell Middle School, but now drawn from a wide number of backgrounds and ages. They sing a variety of traditional and contemporary material, in this case associated with Springtime. We’ve had them before at MRBC and they were much appreciated by those who came. The concery is free but there will be a collection at the end for Walton Parish Nursing. Tickets not required – just turn up!

We had a visit from Rev Glyn Jones from Mission Aviation Fellowship, which was founded in 1948 by a group of ex-RAF pilots who saw the potential of being able to fly aircraft into places other forms of transport could not easily reach.     Its current motto is “Flying for Life” and a MAF plane takes off on average every 4 minutes.    Planes go out in all kinds of difficult situations: war zones, dangerous terrain, and all weathers; usually landing on primitive airstrips wich can be very tricky.    Some of the world’s most vulnerable people are served by these aircraft, bringing the most unusual assortment of items – but always bringing the Good News about the Lord Jesus Christ.  It’s a case of flying the extra mile for Him.

MAF currently works in 30 countries, including some of the world’s conflict hotspots like South Sudan as well as isolated communities in places like Mongolia and even in Australia.

We need to recognise that we are a privileged people here in the UK – 75% of the world’s population do not have our wealth and opportunities.  The key words in our passage from Luke 10:25-37 are these “go and do likewise.”

The MAF founders had a clear vision for what they could do with their aircraft.  What’s our vision for what we can do?   How can we help those who don’t have?  The church is not passive, it’s about serving the world, not just in words but in deeds.   We can help MAF in prayer and giving as well as remaining in touch of what they do through the internet.

Prayer

Give thanks for

• The ability MAF has to get into places that are so remote; often the only link in many parts of the world. 
• The opportunity and privilege to help vulnerable people build community and bring good news.
• For those pilots risking life and limb to fly aircraft in difficult circumstances.
• For all the ground crew and other staff that keep planes flying.

Do pray for

• For more volunteers including those who go around churches to tell others about MAF
• For ongoing cooperation with authorities to be able to continue flying.
• Those flying in hotspots like Sudan and currently in cyclone hit southern Africa.
• For continuing opportunities to fly in a world where there are many regulations and political  issues.

For discussion and reflection

Read like 10:25-37

1.  Take a look at those who walked past the injured man.  Why do you think that they didn’t stop – after all they were religious weren’t they?  Think of ways that Christians might walk past on the other side in our society in this generation.

2.  The Samaritan in the story was the outcast who helped a man who in different circumstances might not have given him the time of day.  What does that tell us about who we should have compassion on in our own community and country?

3.  The Samaritan took a risk even stopping to help the injured man as the robbers could have still been about.  Were there any other risks he took?  What might that tell us about the riskiness of bringing the Good News to men and women?    Are some are called to take bigger risks than others?    How can we most effectively support such people?

4.  What sort of risks are there for us in our situation for serving others or speaking others in Christ’s name?      How big a risk are we willing to take?   Take time to pray together, and also for MAF, in the risky work many in their ministry are involved in.