God’s Provision
by Sean DeKelver
Sean DeKelver from Canada and Michael Duncalfe from the UK were flying the Twin Otter on the weekly Telefomin program. They planned to return to Hagen via Tari late in the day after several full days’ of flying.
“Then we got the radio request to pick up a medevac from Wanakipa in the Hela Province,” Sean reported. “The patient was a pregnant woman whose baby had died inside her.
“So we showed up at the Wanakipa strip and the folks had the cash fare for the woman from Wanakipa to Tari, but there was no money for a carer,” Sean continued.
It is essential for both cultural and practical reasons in PNG for a carer to travel with a patient, particularly a woman. Bush and regional hospitals only provide medical treatment for patients. That does not include food, bedding (pillows and blankets) or laundry. The carer becomes responsible for all of these.
Solution
On these occasions pilots can call on the MAF Medical fund, provided by donors from overseas, to cover the necessary fares. So Michael wrote a MAF MED ticket for Kina 2,470 (US $940) to cover the cost of diverting the aircraft as well as transporting a guardian for Leah, the patient, to Tari.
Leah was very relieved with Renica, her guardian, could go with her. If left in her village, Leah would have died.
We are so grateful for God’s provision at these times, that enables us to more effectively show his love to the communities we serve.