110 pregnant women and 553 children received medical care, 92 people were led to Christ and 25 people were baptised during a three-day safari to three remote villages.
MAF pilot Mark Liprini flew a team of evangelists and nurses from Dodoma airport to access three isolated villages, Mahaka, Chidudu, and Dabia, to offer essential medical care and preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Kilimatinde safari involves flights from Dodoma to these far-flung villages in a period of three days.
Without MAF planes, people cannot get healthcare services easily. MAF has helped reduce maternal and child deaths because every month they receive medical care.
I started coming to the mobile clinics in 2018 when I was pregnant with my second child, today I am here because I am expecting the third one. I am grateful for these clinics because otherwise, it would be difficult to access them.
During the clinic, nurses monitored the pregnant women, conducted blood tests, and gave folic acid supplements and anti-malarial drugs because malaria would be harmful for foetal development. Nutrition counselling is also offered based on locally available foods. In total, 110 pregnant women and 553 children received medical care.
Pregnant women face the big challenge of giving birth at home and face complications that arise for lack of a professional to help them through the process. Many lives have been lost as a result. Women walk more than three hours under the scorching sun to arrive at the mobile clinics that MAF makes possible each month.
Christina Shinda, a resident of Dabia, said, “I started coming to the mobile clinics in 2018 when I was pregnant with my second child, today I am here because I am expecting the third one. I am grateful for these clinics because otherwise, it would be difficult to access them.”
Ruth Kambenga, coordinator for the Kilimatinde Safaris, was present for the clinic.
She said, “MAF Tanzania services are helpful and to a great extent. Without MAF planes, people cannot get healthcare services easily. MAF has helped reduce maternal and child deaths because every month they receive medical care.”
Ernest Matonya, the guard at the airstrip, said, “We are grateful for the services MAF brings to us and especially the medical services that ensure the wellbeing of the pregnant women and children.”
MAF helps sending pastors to these remote villages to preach and make disciples, baptise, and pray for the sick.
During these safaris, evangelists preached the good news and led 92 people to Christ, some for the first time and some recommitting their lives to the Lord. Baptism was also performed for 25 people including children.
Pastor Robinson from Dodoma says, "I am thrilled to share that we've had the opportunity of leading many individuals to Christ. What's particularly heartening is that as we preach, people are responding with a genuine desire to know God. Both adults and children have been baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, and at least forty individuals seek advice on various family matters.
“Personally, I have been a vessel, witnessing spiritual transformations and providing guidance in these remote areas, and I have felt a calling to bring life and meaning to those we reach.”
Mama Kambenga, the coordinator for Kilimatimde safaris, expressed her deep appreciation.
“In this week of service across all three villages, I have been very touched by how people recognised the beauty of Jesus and asked for baptism,” she shares. “Witnessing the powerful encounters with individuals tormented by unclean spirits, where pastors prayed and healing occurred in the name of Jesus, has left a lasting impact on me. It is heartening to see people attentively listening to the Word of God.
“MAF helps sending pastors to these remote villages to preach and make disciples, baptise, and pray for the sick. Without MAF's support, reaching these remote villages would be impossible. We continue to ask MAF to continue providing these essential services in the villages.”