After 30 years as an engineer in the Air Force, Gift shares what brought him to MAF
Gift Mposi is a certified engineer with a speciality in engines and airframes whose heart is deeply rooted in mission work. He is a devoted father of three daughters and is happily married to his wife Abigail.
I liked the fact that MAF was involved in helping isolated people all over the world, similar operations to what we did in the military, ferrying food and medical supplies to those in need and with no access to roads.
“I am currently undergoing a training program with MAF in Kenya to acquaint myself with aircraft maintenance processes and the entire MAF system before relocating to MAF Liberia where I will be serving,” Gift explains.
“I learnt about MAF from a close friend who shared with me a link with MAF opportunities describing the organisation as Christian based in the aviation industry, and that sparked my interest. I started doing my research and I liked the fact that MAF was involved in helping isolated people all over the world, similar operations to what we did in the military, ferrying food and medical supplies to those in need and with no access to roads.
“And my being a Christian, I felt MAF would resonate well with me.”
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Gift has travelled in many African countries as part of his maintenance work and during visits with his family.
Gift applied for the role in 2020 and received a response from MAF in 2021 and informal talks began online, setting the stage for his journey with MAF in 2022.
“MAF has been really supportive in preparing my wife and I mentally and emotionally for the relocation and has also taken us to Bible school to learn more on how we can share the word of God with people living in the isolated communities, who may not have encountered Jesus Christ, and make them disciples.”
Reflecting on his childhood in a town near an Air Force base, Gift recalls, “I wondered where the aircraft were coming from and that sparked my interest of becoming a pilot but then my interest shifted as I grew up and I wanted to maintain the aircraft to ensure they flew well.”
When vacancies were announced in the Air Force, Gift sent in his application and got accepted through the apprenticeship program, receiving maintenance training. He left the Air Force after 30 years of dedicated service and worked for two private companies before joining MAF.
“It brought me so much joy and satisfaction, knowing we were helping people in isolated communities by delivering essential supplies,” Gift expresses, recounting the most challenging yet exciting moments during recovery trips to remote areas when aircraft faced issues.
His strength and guidance stem from Jeremiah 29: 11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He says this scripture serves as his anchor as he faces day-to-day life and in his new chapter with MAF in the heart of service.