‘Working in unity’ to serve Tanzania

At Arusha Airport, where MAF aircraft often park at a remote apron and the work can be physically demanding, the words of Colossians 3:23 come to mind when you see the work of Francis Remji Mwaghui: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

As MAF’s Ground Operations Assistant, Francis serves passengers with commitment. 

“In such situations, I first check if the passengers have luggage and take the luggage,” said Francis. “Then I return to assist the passengers. If someone needs a wheelchair, I use it to take them to the aircraft.”

MAF’s Country Director in Tanzania, Stewart Ayling, described Francis as a cheerful and dependable person.

“I would say two things stand out for me about Francis,’’ said Stewart. “He always seems to be cheerful and welcoming to everyone, and he is very dependable - he's always at the airport when we need him.”

Francis was born and raised in Arusha, where he still lives with his wife and two children.

“The things from my childhood that helped me reach where I am today are, first of all, living well with my parents. I respected them and followed the values they taught me,” he said. 

“What attracted me most to MAF is that it is an organisation where people work together with unity, love, and cooperation.”

When Francis arrives at work, his first responsibility is to inspect all aircraft. If during inspection he finds any issue, he reports it so that the officer in charge can take further action.

“My other responsibilities include ensuring that the aircraft are clean,” he said. “I also work closely with the office to communicate flight schedules — knowing when passengers arrive and when flights depart.”

Francis, who joined MAF in 2015, sees his work as service to God. By supporting flights that carry doctors and pastors, he believes he is helping extend compassion to those in need. 

‘‘My faith guides me to live with love, peace, and cooperation with the people around me,” he said.

“I believe those values are very important in both my life and my work.” 

One of the most memorable moments of his career was a flight from Haydom to Arusha that had a patient on board, a small child. But sadly, after arriving in Arusha, the child passed away. 

“That incident touched me deeply, and I still remember it to this day,” he said.

Francis has a dream of becoming an engineer one day.

“The part of my job I enjoy most is working with the engineers, because I hope that one day I will become an engineer myself,” he said.

“I trust God to guide me from one stage to another.”