International mission’s leader says his first MAF journey was key to success of Madagascar visit
Michael Prest, the director of a UK-based mission called UFM, embarked on a journey to Madagascar with a heart full of anticipation.
For decades, UFM has been dedicated to helping churches send mission partners across the globe. The organisation, which originated in the 1930s as the Unevangelised Fields Mission, has evolved over the decades, emphasizing disciple-making ministries at its core.
“It is my first time in Madagascar and my first experience with MAF and I’ve travelled extensively with my work,” Michael said. “But this is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand MAF’s work.”
This is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand MAF’s work
Reaching Mandritsara in the north of Madagascar by road would take at least 24 hours, and the impact of the recent cyclone Dikeledi could have made a drive unpredictable and challenging.
As a first visit to Madagascar, the complexities of such a journey would be overwhelming, especially given limited time, so a 1 hour and 20 minutes with MAF pilot Patrick Keller made a big difference.
Michael was scheduled to lead a week-long retreat for Christian surgeons and spending a minimum of four days travelling back and forth would significantly reduce the impact of his trip. Without the MAF flight from the capital Antananarivo, Michael admitted “I will not much time left.”
At the conference, Michael said his session was “focused on the Beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5, exploring the profound message of who God has chosen to be truly blessed. It’s a humbling and encouraging reminder of God’s grace.”
I will not much time left
UFM’s relationship with the Mandritsara hospital has been longstanding. While UFM doesn’t manage the hospital, they play a role in supporting the UFM mission partners who serve there.
Beyond Madagascar, UFM operates in over 50 countries, with more than 200 mission partners representing 30 nationalities. Their work spans diverse ministries, including medical missions, church planting, youth outreach, and urban ministry.
“While approximately half of our mission partners serve in Europe, reflecting the growing gospel needs there, the organisation also actively engages in cross-cultural missions in regions like Africa, south-east Asia, and South America,” he said.
For Michael, fostering partnerships and learning from local churches is crucial. He highlighted the growing mission movements where local churches are now sending their own missionaries.
“Our role is not to lead but to support and learn alongside them,” he emphasised.
Michael expressed respect for MAF’s work, saying “MAF does a great service by helping us get to places.”
Our role is not to lead but to support and learn alongside them