The Learning Journey

In The Learning Journey, we hear from people within Mission Aviation Fellowship International (MAFI) as they share their personal stories with learning and development. Through their journey, you will be inspired to keep developing and learning to help you reach your full potential.

Discovery, Direction, and Data - Matthew Sampias (Australia)

Matthew Sampias recently joined MAFI as Global Data Manager, however his journey involves more than just computers. In this episode Matthew shares about the value of data, his journey to joining MAFI, and what a bush medical clinic in Kenya taught him about life.

09-02
19:59

Teaching, Time and Trucks - Marcus Grey (Australia)

Marcus Grey has conducted 200 plus commercial pilot licence tests in his more than 40 years working with MAF. In this episode of the podcast, Marcus shares some of the lessons he has learned during that time, including the importance of resilience and perseverance.

08-13
20:15

Training, Time and Traffic - Pieter Room (Uganda)

Pieter Room, Manager Flight Training, is our guest on this episode of the podcast. Pieter and his family have spent the last four years serving with MAF in Uganda and he shares the lessons learned navigating traffic, building teams and providing specific training for MAF pilots.

07-22
19:45

Dedication, Development & Dreams - Volkher Jacobsen (Australia)

Senior Training Captain, Volkher Jacobsen, is our guest on this episode of the podcast. Having started working in aviation more than 30 years ago, Volkher shares some of the lessons he has learned as both a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea and in his time serving with MAF.

07-01
20:32

Systems, Service and Struggles - Faith Susan (Kenya)

Faith Susan is Country Director of the programme in Kenya and she joins us on this new episode of the podcast. Faith shares her journey from breaking barriers in Kenyan aviation to navigating cultural landscapes with wisdom. She also reveals why mistakes can lead to powerful growth.

06-09
20:13

Perspective, Partners and Pride - Stephen Charlesworth (Australia)

Stephen Charlesworth, Director of Strategic Development, initially hesitated to join MAF due to his parents’ involvement as missionaries with the organisation. Fortunately, he reconsidered — and in this episode of The Learning Journey, Stephen reflects on the many lessons he has learned throughout his years of service with MAF.

05-20
20:46

Pilots, Passion and Piano - Marco Koffeman (Netherlands)

Marco Koffeman, Director of Mission Aviation Training Centre (MATC), joins us on the latest episode. Marco shares the lessons learned from serving in Africa, and how the realisation that training, rather than flying, was his passion changed the direction of his journey with MAF.

04-29
20:08

Culture, Coaching and Children - Lisa Blomberg (Guinea)

In our latest podcast episode, we’re joined by Lisa Blomberg, Country Director in Guinea. She opens up about the powerful lessons she’s learned leading a team in Africa, how she balances her work with MAF while parenting five young children, and why humility has been an essential part of her journey.

04-06
19:40

Coaching, Courses and Celebration - Kees Barendse (Uganda)

Kees Barendse has been serving with MAF for more than three decades, and is currently the Director of Maintenance in Uganda. In this episode of the podcast, Kees shares some of the many things he has learned training and equipping numerous staff in his role with MAF.

03-18
19:48

Movement, Mountains & Marriage - Renee Muhlematter (PNG)

Renee Muhlematter joins us again on The Learning Journey, 2 years since her last appearance. During that time Renee got married, made it to programme and learned a lot.

02-25
20:08

Season Two Highlights - Caleb Bjorem, Joost de Wit, Matt Henderson

In this special edition of The Learning Journey, we take a look back at some of the best moments from Season Two.

01-14
20:47

Accidents, Appreciation and Ambition - Anna Beck (UK)

Chief Financial Officer Anna Beck shares some of the many lessons she has learned over the last decade with MAF, including as part of the Executive Leadership Team.

12-10
20:41

Rejection, Resilience and Rejuvenation - Joe Farren (Timor Leste)

Joe Farren, a pilot with MAF, shares the insights gained while living and working in Timor-Leste, reflects on how God's plans often unfold unexpectedly, and discusses balancing his upcoming wedding with his passion for missions. 

11-19
20:55

Family, Future and Flavour - Matt Henderson (Australia)

Matt Henderson joins us on his final day as Country Director in Arnhem Land. He reflects on nearly a decade of experience working in the field, sharing key lessons he has learned along the way. Matt also opens up about new insights he's gaining during a season of uncertainty.

10-29
20:22

Infrastructure, Issues, and Introverts - Doug Ring (UK)

Our guest on this episode of The Learning Journey is Doug Ring, Chief Information Officer. He has spent many years working in telecommunications and Doug shares what he has learned during the transition from commercial to missions work.

10-08
20:00

Relationships, Resources, and Rejection - Angela Harding (NZ)

Our guest on this episode is People Care Manager, Angela Harding, who passionately shares the need for people to take care of themselves.

09-17
20:11

Serving, Satisfaction, and Scrolling - Micheni Ruriani (Uganda)

Micheni Ruriani, is our guest on The Learning Journey today. He shares his journey from Kenya to Uganda, and what he has learned from working in various roles within aviation over the last 30 years.

08-27
20:11

Commitment, Crisis, and Confirmation - Vaughan Woodward (Australia)

Our guest on this episode is Vaughan Woodward, Executive Officer and Director Global Disaster Response. Vaughan shares some of the lessons learned from working in major humanitarian crises over many years.

07-16
20:26

Encounters, Experience, and Examiners - Joost de Wit (Kenya)

Our guest in this episode, Joost de Wit, shares his transition experience to the MAF family after more than 20 years of flying as a commercial pilot.

06-25
20:37

Strengths, Surrender, and Sailing - Sonali Ghosh (PNG)

Our guest in this episode is Sonali Ghosh, who shares her insight into living and working in Papua New Guinea, MAF International’s biggest programme.

06-04
20:58

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