About
Christian Airmen's Missionary Fellowship (later renamed Mission Aviation Fellowship or MAF) at the delivery of its first and newly purchased plane, a Waco bi-plane, on February 14, 1946. Betty Greene pictured in the center. (Click to enlarge image)
Following World War II, several American aviators returned to the United States with a desire in their hearts to use aviation in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the globe. That desire gave birth to the first mission aviation effort in the United States, known then as Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship (CAMF).
Today, it is known as Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). The first flights were in a Waco biplane, and served Bible translators with the Summer Institute of Linguistics in southern Mexico. The pilot of those first flights was a remarkable woman named Betty Greene. Since those early days in the late 1940s, mission aviation has grown significantly.
MAF was joined in this specialized area of aviation by dozens of other mission agencies that use aviation to advance the Gospel, provide medical care, and meet humanitarian needs. Several hundred airplanes and helicopters are operated in some of the most challenging conditions faced by aviators anywhere.
The International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) was formed to bring these agencies together in the spirit of professional collaboration. IAMA fosters a community of Christian airmen whose hallmarks are safety and technical competence. Today, IAMA’s membership includes more than seventy mission agencies, training schools, and individuals. Members work together to bring the transforming message of Jesus Christ to people living in places that are remote and very difficult-to-access.
The primary goals and objectives are to:
- FOSTER interaction between aviation training schools and mission organizations.
- AID the smaller organizations by sharing information about safety, technical problems, personnel concerns, and new developments that pertain to our ministry.
- ENCOURAGE indigenous training programs in the native country. Help and encourage those who train in the US.
- TOUCH the Church with the amazing and miraculous story of missionary aviation.
- EMPHASIZE Safety, Safety, Safety
- PUBLISH a quarterly newsletter “Aviation Ministry News.”
- MEET annually in a conference setting to share information and to encourage members in their particular ministry of missionary aviation.
If you are interested in becoming a part of IAMA visit our JOIN IAMA page to start the process!
You may also download a current list of IAMA Members here.
Blessings.
