International (MAF) — Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), one of Idaho’s largest nonprofit organizations, marked its 80th anniversary with a vibrant Family Festival at its headquarters at the Nampa airport. The celebration honored eight decades of aviation service to some of the world’s most remote and underserved communities.
“On any given day, MAF aircraft are transporting people and supplies to places where access can mean the difference between life and death,” said David Holsten, MAF President and CEO. “For 80 years, our mission has remained the same: to share the love of Jesus Christ so that lives can be transformed both physically and spiritually.”
Special guests at the event included Boise State University Head Football Coach Spencer Danielson and Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, who signed a proclamation declaring it “MAF Appreciation Day” in Nampa, recognizing MAF’s local and global impact.
Attempting to use an authentic Indonesian blow gun under the guidance of Doug Heidebrink.
(Photo, caption courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship)
In her comments to the crowd before signing the proclamation, Mayor Kling said, “I am so grateful for the work of the Idaho Friends of MAF who were instrumental in drawing MAF to Nampa. It was a perfect alignment because Nampa is a city of faith.”
Coach Spencer Danielson said he learned about the work of MAF several months ago and was impressed with the organization and the reason they do their work. “I often talk to the team about finding your ‘why.’ What’s your impact? It is going to be different for every one of you here. But we are all called to make an impact in the lives of others, just like MAF.”
MAF’s Nampa campus is home to approximately 200 staff members who support the organization’s global operations, which include 42 aircraft and 400 personnel serving in 12 countries. The facility includes aircraft maintenance and training hangars, administrative offices, family housing for pilots, and an RV park for volunteers.
Idaho’s rugged backcountry provides an ideal training ground for MAF pilots, who must master flying in tight mountain valleys and landing on short, unimproved airstrips—skills essential for their work in isolated regions across Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and Latin America.
Founded in 1945 by a group of World War II pilots, MAF was born from a vision to use aviation as a tool for hope and healing. One of its founders, former WASP pilot Betty Greene, conducted MAF’s inaugural flight in 1946, transporting two Bible translators into the interior of Mexico.
Today, MAF continues to serve as a lifeline for communities in need, delivering medical care, disaster relief, education, and spiritual support where few others can go. Learn more at MAF.org.
Header and story images courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship.
