by Hannah Braly
For two years, Boga’s airstrip lay quiet. The sound of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) airplanes—once a lifeline for the community—was gone. Due to ongoing insecurity in the area, MAF had been unable to return.
But in the middle of 2025, after a period of safer conditions, Boga’s community (located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) spent weeks laboring to get the airstrip ready. Using tools like coup coups (a machete-like tool) to cut grass, they worked tirelessly to welcome a plane once again.
Finally, after two long years, the first landing with passengers brought hope: a team from the Global Orphan Project. Global Orphan Project’s mission is to break the orphan cycle through the power of community, commerce, and the love of Jesus, and in Boga, they work with more than 5,000 kids in partnership with local churches.
“We wanted to make this trip to thank them, honor them, and be with them,” said Global Orphan Project CEO, Joe Knittig. “[We wanted to] send a message: you’re not alone, the Lord is never going to leave or forsake you, and neither are we. So this trip that MAF facilitated, it made a real impact.”
This support is critical for the families in Boga, who have experienced conflict and violence from a militia group for years. In 2021, the group attacked and destroyed the only hospital in the area, leaving families more vulnerable than ever.
But the team’s return flight almost didn’t happen.
The day before MAF was scheduled to pick up Joe and his team, the militia group attacked a community close by. Thankfully, after extra security checks, MAF determined it was safe to proceed.
Then came the weather. Persistent rains saturated the airstrip, leaving it muddy and soft. Still, pilots John Loker and Bill Kilgore remained determined.
And then came the fog.
“As we were getting ready to go, fog started rolling in,” said Bill. “But the fog separated just right for us to get out.”
Against all odds—conflict, weather, and visibility—the Lord made a way.
“Hope is a powerful thing,” said Joe. “When folks see that plane land and people coming off, that is like supernatural fuel for [spiritual] warriors on the ground serving kids and families in crisis here. MAF made it easy for us to be a blessing to people.”
If you’d like to support flights like this, you can make a gift here.
