Air Calvary is building a medical air transport program for the Central African country of Gabon, the only dedicated program of its kind in the nation. The main focus of the work will be supporting the remote and renowned Bongolo Hospital, located in Lebamba, southern Gabon, near the Republic of Congo border. Air Calvary pilot and C&MA Tentmaker, Rev. Steve Straw, of York, PA, is leading this pioneering work.
Though mission efforts have been ongoing in Gabon since the 1930s, and the country has a thriving church, establishing air service in the region will bring a new dimension of ministry to a continent plagued by poverty, disease and war. Currently, Gabon has no air ambulance services. 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.
Bongolo Hospital's new HIV/AIDS clinic opened its' doors in 2008. Regular delivery of antiretroviral medication (normally 3 days minimum round-trip by ground vehicle, less than 2 hours by air) is key to treatment.
Air service will reduce travel time dramatically for patients, doctors, and nurses. It will also allow for the efficient transport of medicines and supplies. Additionally, the service will eliminate 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. As the physical needs of the sick are met (500 patients average per week), many also respond to the Gospel message.
The Straws first visited Gabon in December 2005. After much prayer, and confirmations from friends, family and ministry peers, the Straw family has committed to fill the dire need for air ambulance service for Gabon and Bongolo Hospital. Steve and Alace, and children Joey (15), Megan (13), and Samuel (11), were deployed at the end of August, 2008, following 3 years of preparation.
Currently (May 2010), the Straw's are back in the US, raising support and coordinating repairs for the airplane after an emergency landing in March (READ MORE).
…PRAY for language acquisition – we meet weekly with language partners to work on our fluency.
…PRAY for financial needs. We are self -funded and the weak dollar is impacting us greatly.
…PRAY for repairs to our aircraft and that we find a fill-in airplane for the time being.
…PRAY for the children’s educational needs. Joey & Megan will be going to boarding school in Cameroon (fall '10) and Sam will continue homeschooling.
…PRAY for Christ to be exalted in everything – our words, thoughts and actions
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Isaiah 40: 31
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”