The Learning Journey

Matthew Sampias recently joined MAFI as Global Data Manager, however his journey involves more than just computers. In this episode Matthew shares about the value of data, his journey to joining MAFI, and what a bush medical clinic in Kenya taught him about life.

Marcus Grey has conducted 200 plus commercial pilot licence tests in his more than 40 years working with MAF. In this episode of the podcast, Marcus shares some of the lessons he has learned during that time, including the importance of resilience and perseverance.

Pieter Room, Manager Flight Training, is our guest on this episode of the podcast. Pieter and his family have spent the last four years serving with MAF in Uganda and he shares the lessons learned navigating traffic, building teams and providing specific training for MAF pilots.

Senior Training Captain, Volkher Jacobsen, is our guest on this episode of the podcast. Having started working in aviation more than 30 years ago, Volkher shares some of the lessons he has learned as both a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea and in his time serving with MAF.

Faith Susan is Country Director of the programme in Kenya and she joins us on this new episode of the podcast. Faith shares her journey from breaking barriers in Kenyan aviation to navigating cultural landscapes with wisdom. She also reveals why mistakes can lead to powerful growth.

Stephen Charlesworth, Director of Strategic Development, initially hesitated to join MAF due to his parents’ involvement as missionaries with the organisation. Fortunately, he reconsidered — and in this episode of The Learning Journey, Stephen reflects on the many lessons he has learned throughout his years of service with MAF.

Marco Koffeman, Director of Mission Aviation Training Centre (MATC), joins us on the latest episode. Marco shares the lessons learned from serving in Africa, and how the realisation that training, rather than flying, was his passion changed the direction of his journey with MAF.

In our latest podcast episode, we’re joined by Lisa Blomberg, Country Director in Guinea. She opens up about the powerful lessons she’s learned leading a team in Africa, how she balances her work with MAF while parenting five young children, and why humility has been an essential part of her journey.

Kees Barendse has been serving with MAF for more than three decades, and is currently the Director of Maintenance in Uganda. In this episode of the podcast, Kees shares some of the many things he has learned training and equipping numerous staff in his role with MAF.

Renee Muhlematter joins us again on The Learning Journey, 2 years since her last appearance. During that time Renee got married, made it to programme and learned a lot.

In this special edition of The Learning Journey, we take a look back at some of the best moments from Season Two.

In this special edition of The Learning Journey, we take a look back at some of the best moments from Season Two.

Chief Financial Officer Anna Beck shares some of the many lessons she has learned over the last decade with MAF, including as part of the Executive Leadership Team.

Joe Farren, a pilot with MAF, shares the insights gained while living and working in Timor-Leste, reflects on how God's plans often unfold unexpectedly, and discusses balancing his upcoming wedding with his passion for missions. 

Matt Henderson joins us on his final day as Country Director in Arnhem Land. He reflects on nearly a decade of experience working in the field, sharing key lessons he has learned along the way. Matt also opens up about new insights he's gaining during a season of uncertainty.

Our guest on this episode of The Learning Journey is Doug Ring, Chief Information Officer. He has spent many years working in telecommunications and Doug shares what he has learned during the transition from commercial to missions work.

Our guest on this episode is People Care Manager, Angela Harding, who passionately shares the need for people to take care of themselves.

Micheni Ruriani, is our guest on The Learning Journey today. He shares his journey from Kenya to Uganda, and what he has learned from working in various roles within aviation over the last 30 years.

Ping Dommta grew up in remote northern India and rarely saw aeroplanes. Today he is a pilot with MAF in Timor Leste. In this new episode of the podcast, Ping shares his journey to aviation, lessons he has learned from conducting hundreds of medevacs, and how to overcome adversity.

Our guest on this episode is Vaughan Woodward, Executive Officer and Director Global Disaster Response. Vaughan shares some of the lessons learned from working in major humanitarian crises over many years.