After two years based in Monrovia, MAF pilot Brad talks about his love of the West African nation and shares some tips for serving there.
For Captain Brad, it is the smiles and waves of friendly Liberians that he will remember fondly from his two years serving in the country.
The Australian pilot, who is also a trained aircraft engineer, is preparing to move to Guinea but he looks back on his time in Liberia as happy and productive.
“It’s been great two years flying in Liberia, there have been some challenges with weather and the environment,” he said.
“It has not been easy, particularly in the wet season, but it’s been satisfying flying and meeting people on a bush trip and engaging with customers and partners to be able to make a difference to the work they are doing in Liberia.
It’s been a great two years flying in Liberia, there have been some challenges with weather and the environment.
“MAF Liberia is a small team, but it’s a very close team, and it’s slowly growing. I love the team so dearly, every moment with the team brought happiness.”
Brad treasures his work flying partner organisations across Liberia where they brought help, hope and healing to people in the most hard-to-reach areas in the south-east.
“Liberians are so loving, very friendly even in the most isolated counties,” he said.
Liberians are so loving, very friendly even in the most isolated counties.
“I love flying down to Harper, Harper is a beautiful place, nice beaches and the sun there is always shining, Harper is a place of sunshine.
“I will miss flying to Harper, one thing I will not forget is the way the kids surrounded the airport and expressed love by waving to the plane, their interaction makes flying more enjoyable.”
Although Brad will miss Liberia, he’s looking forward to the new challenge of flying for MAF in Guinea and adapting to another language.
“Leaving MAF Liberia, joining a new program it will be a challenge but I expect that there will be some similar flying there,” he added. “The weather is not going to change that much, it’s still similar weather in Liberia.
“Guinea is a different culture, and one big challenge is speaking French, but I am looking forward to it.
“I and my family will miss Liberia, we love Liberia, and we pray to receive the same reception from the Guinea citizens and partners. After getting used to being in Liberia and enjoying the people, it’s exciting to work with a new family and new program.”
For pilots that follow in Liberia, Brad offers encouragement and a call for patience.
“I would love to leave these few words with the new incoming pilot. It is a big challenge and a lot to get used to,” he said.
“All you need is patience, effort, and put in more time in the program. It will not go the way you choose but, always remember your task, you are called to serve people in isolated places.
Always remember your task, you are called to serve people in isolated places.
“Romans chapter 8:28 says, ‘and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’.”