I've decide to become a Missionary..

[fanspeed]

The entire concept of "Missionary" work is culturally arrogant, and comes with a host of issues that are most certainly not beneficial to those the Missionaries purport to be helping. This concept is responsible for immeasurable damage over the centuries, has been, and continues to be an instrument of political and corporate policy, and having seen it in action many times, I'm disgusted by it..

Think about what you want to be involved in, it's just not flying airplanes in an exotic place...

stl

X2

[1000 HP]

Well, I was kinda looking for a few leads. I've got a couple of friends who aren't missionaries, but do relief work overseas, and that sounds interesting also. I'll be in touch with them this summer. As far as missionaries go, the ones I have experience with usually are the helpful type, bringing doctors and medical supplies to villages in the jungle, or helping out by do other humanitarian type work. I have run into one group of real hard-core preacher type, and that was a turn-off. I'd like to avoid the crazy ones. If anyone has any leads, or any interesting stories, or positive suggestions, please PM me or e-mail.

It does seem strange though that this thread has been attacked by an anti-missionary Moderator

[sky's the limit]

It does seem strange though that this thread has been attacked by an anti-missionary Moderator

How many times do we have to go through this before you people get it. Our function as Mods is to uphold the rules of the board. My feelings on "missionaries" and other topics are mine, are they are well within the rules.

The entire concept is disgusting, it's arrogant, and it's culturally destructive. If you have a problem with that assessment, then I can suggest you go to the places they are working, and have worked for centuries, and then take off your "religious googles" for a moment to observe. Then work for them and see what it's like on the inside. Then get back to me....

Oh, and loose the rolleyes, makes you look juvinile.

stl

[Just another canuck]

I helped you the best I could. The only experience I have is with the missionary outfits in West Papua. If you're interested in them, ask or PM. I would really only recommend the one... AMA, based out of Sentani, Wamena and maybe Nabire. Some of the other guys could probably help you more.

But I too agree with stl on this one. Watching MAF and some of the other missionaries operate makes you cringe and almost sick to your stomach at times, so be careful what you are getting yourself into.

Good luck.

JAC

[1000 HP]

Who's letter to the whats?

stl

Nice rolleyes! But if you have some real stories about the nasty stuff that missionaries do, please expand. I'm not interested in joining a group of subjugative power hungry crazies.

Anyways, thanks to all who sent me advice and contacts! I'm likely to research it over the summer and try to line up a month or two relief work for the winter. As I'm an agnostic, divorced, light drinker (for those of you who might know me, yes, I finally gave up the scotch), MAF is very likely out. I want to fly the nice type of missionary around, not be him, so I guess I headed this post wrong initially. I should of read "I'd like to help out with missionary work" perhaps. I've got a few leads. If I'm ever out there in the field, and I see a local being obviously abused by a missionary, I'll do something about it

[Rudy]

Please don't let negative people put down your efforts. Most missionaries are great human beings who's only desire is to help others less fortunate than them. Please keep us informed on what your research turns up.

[Cat Driver]

I always thought that the reason they are missionaries is to proselytize for their version of religion?

[sky's the limit]

You know,

All I can say is, I'm SO sick of religion. Any of them.

You want to help somebody? Go for it, I do all the time - just leave your belief system at home. "Obvious abuse" huh? You obviously haven't read a thing, or bothered to PM me to ask about the reasons why I say what I do. Fair enough, indoctrination works, even I know that.

It's all a great big mythology you know, and the older I get, the more difficulty I have believing people actually buy the "god" concept, then do all sorts of nastiness to others in order to promote it. Brutal. But there you have it. Politicians use religion to use people, it's a nice neat little cycle.

There is no "god," just go help someone who needs a helping hand. You can start by looking at what you purchase, where it comes from, and how it affects the people in those places. Nice start, don't even need to leave home. But, should you feel the need to travel, there are plenty secular agencies that provide aid, look them up.


stl

[JCJ]

Hi 1000HP
we all want to help others and can understand a little of what you are looking for.

I am an Adventist , yes we keep the Sabbath and let our planes rest on the Saturday. Well God just said in Genesis 2.2 /3 to do so. Why not rest?

We have a range of flyers worldwide and while we don't drink we welcome everyone to help us help others. Sure we all want to be good but its a long walk to the dugout loos and a longer walk to become a better person. Given we are all absolute failures we like fellow failures and have few grunge issues.

There are some flying groups in the Adventist world.

You can look up AWA, Adventist Air Ways, they are looking at upgrading to Kodiaks soon, and have about 10 planes globally. mostly old.

Furthe rsome cities also have it

[madaflyer]

Hey there 1000HP

I am currently working with MAF in Africa and have been for the last 3 years. I can vouch that they are doing great work and certainly having a huge impact. The flying is a blast for the most part. As far as requiring an AME it all depends on who you sign up with. MAF Canada does not require it nor does MAF Europe and I think even MAF US makes exceptions so don't let that be a deterrent. I won't comment on some of the negative remarks made so far but suffice it to say that I am sure some people have had bad experiences but that by no means represents the whole. Don't let the few negative remarks discourage you, we are not all of the same mold. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

[Just another canuck]

Hey there 1000HP

I am currently working with MAF in Africa and have been for the last 3 years. I can vouch that they are doing great work and certainly having a huge impact. The flying is a blast for the most part. As far as requiring an AME it all depends on who you sign up with. MAF Canada does not require it nor does MAF Europe and I think even MAF US makes exceptions so don't let that be a deterrent. I won't comment on some of the negative remarks made so far but suffice it to say that I am sure some people have had bad experiences but that by no means represents the whole. Don't let the few negative remarks discourage you, we are not all of the same mold. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Great work?? For who?? The negative effects caused by MAF in Papua far outweighs the very minimal positive. And I am sorry to say that if you believe it is "great work", then your views are just as muddy as the many of the other pilots I have already met working for MAF. I will say that some of them truly want to help, but what they don't realize is they are not helping and can not help by continuing to support an organization such as MAF.

You say you won't comment on the negative remarks on this thread... is that because you know they are true?

Anyway, I have no problem with recognizing, even supporting other people's beliefs, but when it comes to places like Papua and similar environments in Africa, MAF does not belong. The tribes/villages they are dealing with are not an educated bunch and can be easily duped and manipulated. MAF and companies like MAF have used this to worm their way in to places they don't belong. Villages have abandoned barter systems. They've stopped growing and raising their own food because God and his flying machine will now bring it to them... then when the village does something MAF doesn't like, MAF cuts off the food.

If you ask me, MAF and other missionary companies should be closely examined, and in many cases removed from the areas in which they operate.

[Cat Driver]

I was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist.

Fortunately I was deprogrammed from the cult young enough to think for myself and live a life not driven by fear of God's retribution for not following the dictates of the cult.