Air Calvary has established an air ambulance program for the Central African country of Gabon, the only of its kind in the nation. The main focus of the work is supporting the remote and renowned Bongolo Hospital www.bongolohospital.org located in Lebamba, southern Gabon, near the Republic of Congo border. Air Calvary pilot, Reverend Steve Straw, of York, PA, leads this pioneering work.
Though mission efforts have been ongoing in Gabon since the 1940s, and the country has a thriving church, Air Calvary's air ambulance service brings a new dimension of ministry to a land plagued by poverty, disease and war. Sadly, Africa accounts for 70% of all people infected with HIV/AIDS, and 80% of resulting deaths. Many of the approximately 12 million orphans in Africa are sick with the virus.
In 2007, Bongolo Hospital opened the doors to its new HIV/AIDS clinic. Regular delivery of antiretroviral medication (normally 2 days minimum round-trip by ground vehicle, less than 4 hours by air) is key to treatment.
Air service reduces travel time dramatically for patients, doctors, and nurses. It also allows for the efficient transport of medicines and supplies. Additionally, the service eliminates the hazards and rigors of ground travel. The air ministry is strategic to connecting the capital, Libreville, and outlying villages with quality health care and Christian ministry at Bongolo Hospital.
The Straws first visited Gabon in December 2005. After much prayer, and confirmations from friends, family and ministry peers, the Straw family committed to fill the great need for air ambulance service for Gabon and Bongolo Hospital.
Steve completed bush pilot and maintenance training and evaluation with Mission Aviation Fellowship www.maf.org. The family attended cross-cultural training with Mission Training International www.mti.org. The Straws have been endorsed as representatives of the C&MA www.cmalliance.org. The family completed French language school in France.
Steve and Alace, and children, Joey, Megan, and Samuel deployed to Gabon in August 2008.
Join the team! The costs of the endeavour are significant. Please consider supporting the Straws on a monthly basis, or contributing a one-time gift for particular needs.
The Straws are so encouraged by all the support from family and friends as they have undertaken this project. They are also thankful for great attitudes from their children, and for the many opportunities to build new relationships the work has provided.
Please pray for the Straws! Current prayer requests include the need for continued courage, health, strength, family funding, children's schooling, and for safe flight operations each day.
To join the funding or prayer team, and to be kept informed of their latest activities, please contact the Straws: email straw@aircalvary.com, web journal www.gabonpilot.blogspot.com.
* Regarding aircraft: In the conduct of this full-time mission, Air Calvary owns and operates a Cessna 207, an eight-seat, single-engine, high-wing plane.
