A simple campfire gathering in Wandawuy becomes a beacon of hope and connection as MAF pilots and staff bring faith, fellowship, and practical support to remote Yolŋu homelands.
Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, Arnhem Land is a legally recognised reserve in which the indigenous Yolŋu people live on their traditional land and determine their own future.
The area’s vast geography and prolonged wet season make overland travel very difficult and access to healthcare, fresh produce and economic opportunities is restricted for many. MAF has been serving the people of Arnhem Land since the 1970s.
Responding to direct requests from homeland communities, MAF staff regularly lead evangelistic outreach events.
At the edge of a red gravel airstrip in Wandawuy, a crowd gathers beside a plain white cross, with a small MAF aircraft alongside. Here, gospel gatherings take on a distinctly Yolŋu flavour—food, music, and dance blending with stories of faith.
“They’ve been really eager for us to come,” says MAF pilot James Gullett, reflecting on the warm welcome from the community. “The first time, there was a little uncertainty about what exactly this was going to look like. But then we came, and the Yolŋu in Wandawuy really enjoyed what we were able to share—an opportunity for fellowship and a way of getting to know them better.”
James and his colleagues visited Wandawuy, not as part of routine flight operations, but to encourage Yolŋu believers and homelanddwellers through outreach gatherings. These informal events, shaped by Yolŋu culture’s emphasis on relationships over schedules, offer food, worship, and the sharing of Bible stories.
“They were so excited to receive these copies and to share this heritage of faith with their children,” James recalls.
Life in the homelands can be challenging owing to sickness, family violence and the isolation of remote living. MAF’s presence brings more than access to education and healthcare; it delivers a growing hope that can resonate deeply with Yolŋu believers.
“We are so grateful to be part of God’s plan for this remote region,” James says. “We can encourage and share the good news of the gospel with one another in these places.”
STORY & PHOTOS / JANNE RYTKONEN
This story was originally published in "Flying for Life - Summer 2026." To read the full issue, click here.