Flying Mission Zambia recently flew its first ever cross-border flight into the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire). Pilot and FMZ manager, Bryan Wilson, transported Dr. David McAdam, resident surgeon from Chitokoloki, in NW Province of Zambia, along with Murray, a building and supplies coordinator, the 500 miles north of FMZ base to a village called  Mulongo. Two years ago when Dr. McAdam did this trip he was able to fly in, but then had to drive out. 

Things don't always go to plan in rural Africa. Last year, a Flying Mission Zambia contingent went to NW Province to complete an airfield for a remote Mission Maternity Clinic. The job proved to be a challenge for a number of reasons. By Christmas the rains had set in and the work had to be shelved until the end of the 'green season' - April or May. It was very disappointing for the medical mission personnel, who have waited patiently for some years for this provision. The FMZ workers, who badly wanted to hand over another working airstrip to their partners there, were somewhat frustrated.

Since we reported on Kenneth's accident in the item,'Tell me your job description again', he has made very good progress. When Bryan Wilson MD of Flying Mission Zambia, took a party there recently, he took these photos for us. Shortly after that, Stuart Bassham, a UK volunteer, visited the remote hospital and chatted with medical staff there. He discovered that there was a need for a sling to enable a hoist to be used in the care of Kenneth. Stuart contacted his wife, Nicky, who works with disabled people. 

Here in Africa one never knows what might happen around us and without the '4 Emergency Services' to hand, the mission station is often the first port of call for problem-solving. Here is a recent story from the Smiths at Chitokoloki.

Tannis Walker (Head of Hospital) has been the only missionary medical person around for a few weeks and has been handling any and all medical situations that have come in while our doctor has been on leave. This means a LOT falls to her. Decisions are often called for immediately, and such was the case one day when several local men came to her, carrying in a man on a blanket.

Kenneth had been in a tree trying to capture a baby monkey. Monkeys are a real menace here and play havoc in the maize fields, so the local people try to cull them in order to protect their crops. Kenneth had noticed a little one in a tree and knowing the mother was now gone, he had decided to capture the infant.

Whilst visiting our partner missionaries at Chitokoloki recently, we were thrilled to hear this story from Gordon Hanna, the administrator there, and asked to share it with you all. Here it is as Gordon tells it:

It's dry season in the Northwest Province of Zambia, and with it come different flying conditions...and sometimes, different landing conditions. So say Phil and Vella Smith, Flying Mission Zambia personnel.

"Mike 5-4, we are overhead Chavuma for landing, but having to circle because the airstrip is on fire!"

With FMZ (Flying Mission Zambia) pilot family, the Smiths, now stationed permanently at Chitokoloki(Chit) to serve the Mission with a Cessna 206, resurfacing of the somewhat uneven grass airstrip had become urgent. The runway has now been gravelled. A big job, it cost an estimated 60,000 US Dollars. In a wonderful way, that expense has been covered for us.

Flying Mission Zambia (FMZ) has placed Phil Smith and his family at Chitokoloki Mission with a Cessna 206, to serve the Church and Mission in that area. When Chief Pilot Dave Lott was checking Phil out on airstrips in the North West Province, neither had any idea that very soon they were going to be used significantly by God. Phil’s first Air Ambulance flight for FMZ saved Gladys, a 16-year-old girl.

Flying Mission Zambia (FMZ) has been helping partner organizations in NW Province to upgrade their airstrips. Roger Green (projects) and his wife Sally drove the 11 hour journey to Chitokoloki to assist the Manager, Gordon Hanna, to prepare the field for inspection by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). Roger chose to drive the short route through the bush! The better roads need 13 hours since the route is longer.

Today we met a family who were camped out beside the floating pontoon which brings patients across the river Zambezi at Chitokoloki, N W Province. They did not drive here and they certainly did not fly! They came in a tiny mokoro (dugout canoe) from the town of Lukulu, 2 days paddling time along the river. They had brought their child to see a doctor. The little guy had a problem with his eye. Lukulu has Government clinics but the family wanted their child to be seen by one of the Chitokoloki doctors, of whom they had heard such good reports.