Monday, April 21, 2008

Mission Aviation Fellowship

There are plenty of projects out there to reduce the global digital divide. One such project is the Mission Aviation Fellowship. The project is not an IT project, it utilizes IT to help in the implementation of MAF's projects worldwide.

Below are details about the project from the MAF website:

Communications & Information Technology

MAF employs a variety of technologies to connect remote areas of the world In many developing countries of the world, both voice and data communications are severely limited or unreliable.

Because of their remoteness, many locations are not serviced by phone lines. In other areas, conflicts or natural disasters have destroyed the infrastructure. In many areas, the supply of electricity is severely limited or intermittent at best. In numerous isolated regions, climatic conditions do not favor the use of some of the wireless technologies that work well elsewhere.

Yet in all such challenging situations, MAF brings appropriate technology to deliver reliable and affordable communications to frontline workers.

MAF employs a variety of technologies to connect remote areas of the world In some locales, MAF utilizes HF/VHF (High Frequency and Very High Frequency) radios for e-mail communications. The availability of higher throughput connections allows a large number of MAF users to collaborate effectively with colleagues around the world.

MAF VSAT (high-speed Internet connections via broadband satellite) brings e-mail, fax, and voice communications wherever people minister. No place on earth is out of reach. Teams can work effectively even when separated by continents.

In many developing nations where MAF ministers, cellular phones are actually leapfrogging telephone systems used in the West. MAF is helping to leverage GSM and GPRS cell phone networks to provide personal, mobile voice and data communications. Far from being a luxury, such services multiply the
effectiveness of the resources available in the mission field.

Never before has the global Christian community been so well connected. As for that "last mile" of needed connectivity beyond the wired world, MAF deploys a whole range of proven solutions for individuals, hospitals, schools, seminaries, and mission centers. Any indigenous church leader, isolated missionary, or development worker can subscribe to MAF communications services.

An overview of some of the technologies that MAF can deploy and the advice it offers are available on its communications resource website at www.maflink.org.

MAFLink® Communications

Harnessing Technology to Overcome Barriers

MAFLink® keeps Christian and humanitarian workers connected in the most remote places on earth through:

  • Remote e-mail hubs
  • HF radio and other wireless e-mail systems
  • Satellite phone terminals
  • Custom communication solutions

MAFLink communications services help connect the people worldwide In situations when private data information is a must, MAFLink® overcomes communication barriers by providing e-mail privacy and other data security tools.

I.T. Solutions

MAFLink® also helps to create custom communication solutions for Christian ministries around the globe. Need help establishing an e-mail network in Africa or connecting pastors and trainers in Eastern Europe? We may be able to help. With MAFLink® services you no longer have to be isolated. In fact, you're never out of reach.

Learn more about MAFLink Services at www.MAFLink.org.


MAF-LT is unique in the mission world, and fills a critical void in five distinct areas:

  • Overcoming Isolation—MAF-LT overcomes isolation caused by geographical, cultural and spiritual barriers.
  • Contextual Challenges—Because educational traditions differ around the world,MAF-LT assesses needs and provides customized courses and learning tools.
  • Cooperative Partnerships—MAF-LT collaborates with ministry partners on every project to both meet immediate needs as well as multiply the created resources.
  • Enabling National Leadership—MAF-LT provides tools and counsel to enable nationals to develop independent, self-sustaining educational programs.
  • Multiplying Effectiveness—With the assistance of MAF-LT, national pastors and ministry partners extend their reach and multiply their impact.

Countries served by MAF-LT:

  • Asia (4 countries, PACTEC subsidiary)
  • Brazil
  • Costa Rica
  • East Asia
  • Haiti
  • India
  • Kenya
  • Liberia
  • Russia
  • Sudan
  • Uganda
  • U.S.A.


No comments: