1. MAF HQ staff
Almost two weeks ago we had our combined MAF conference with expat and national staff. It was over two days, the Monday being the Headquarters staff including Engineering, Finance, HR, IT, Property/Vehicle and Flight Ops departments. Followed by the staff from the base (operations/terminal) on the Tuesday. There were also two other conferences held around the country for staff from all the other bases to attend. But Mt Hagen being our main base of operations here saw the largest amount of staff attending.
It was a real good opportunity for us to all come together and be reminded why MAF exists and why we are here. As this year has seen a lot of change in MAF PNG, mainly in a new leadership team being formed. It has been quite encouraging to see these positions needing to be filled and for God to provide the people. But it was quite important to come together and go through this conference together which would allow us all to walk away with the same focus and work in the same direction.
2. 1 of 2 Engineering groups presenting after discussions
For me it was a real encouraging time as being in the Engineering team, we have a lot of work and responsibility. But never see the results of that work out in the remote communities or hear too much about it. I know the results, but I need to be reminded of them. It was also good to see where the new leadership team stands and where God is leading us. That we are not a Christian airline, but a mission. Our new Program Manager took us through our mission, vision statements and core values. With what they practically mean and how we are fulfilling them.
We are currently going through a time of change, with less staff and resources that is required to reach and serve the people of PNG. We have fewer pilots, engineers, planes and operating out of less bases around the country then we have done so in the past. In the last few years about four bases have closed. The need of MAF around the country is constantly great and if we were to gain more staff and aircraft they would instantly be utilized and fulfilled. Our PM (Program Manager) also took us through the passage of Gideon defeating the Midianites, which was really encouraing, considering our current circumstances. But what is encouraging is the way God has continued to sustain MAF here over the years despite the lack of staff and resources required and that He is doing all this work with so few.
It was also good to get into our department groups and discuss which of our core values we are doing well and which ones we are not doing well. And discuss in what ways can we practically improve on the values we are lacking in.
3. The other Engineering group won the team building exercise of building the tallest balloon tower (our team completed it in less than a minute and was the strongest by far)
On the Monday night we had a ‘bung kai’ (a group comes together to eat). Each family was to bring a certain meal as organized. Engineering families were to bring a rice dish, so I made some Spanish rice for the first time. But it was a great time to fellowship with all the MAF families in Mt Hagen. The highlight of the night was splitting up into birthday months to do a skit per month based on a bible verse which represented one of MAF’s core values. Some of them were absolutely hilarious and I have not laughed like that since being here in PNG. It was really a good time of fellowship, especially with the nationals, as we don’t get to do that with them that much outside of work.
So it is really exciting to see the new leadership team God has put into place here in MAF PNG. The unity and bond between staff from different cultures and nationals. But also where He is leading us and wanting to do.
October 6th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Hahaha… was really easy to spot you in the first photo… only guy a foot taller than everyone else.
In the second photo the guy on the right in the white and blue check is catching some zzzz…. hahahaha
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