Martha Katau is a devoted individual with a commitment to driving change and progress within her community.
She is currently working with Community Research and Development Services (CORDS) in Arusha, where the primary goal is to advocate for and safeguard the well-being of pastoralists from the Maasai community who largely occupy the area served by MAF’s South Maasai safari flights.
Originally hailing from Kilimanjaro, Same District, Martha's work responsibilities have led her to reside between Tanga and Arusha.
Her first experience with MAF was in the late 2000s to reach Malambo for evangelism purposes. She recalls, “I witnessed critically ill patients being urgently flown to Arusha for treatment and subsequently recovering. Others were rushed to Wasso Hospital and recovered, thanks to the swift response of the MAF aircraft.”
MAF's operations in Lesirwai have had a great positive impact on the community
This experience highlighted the potential positive impact of MAF's services on isolated communities in Same District, where many villages cannot be reached by road. Recognising the health risks posed by the lack of access to essential vaccinations for children in her area, Martha approached MAF in 2013 with a vision to extend their medical safari flights to Same.
She emphasises, “A significant number of our children have grown into adulthood without having the opportunity to receive essential vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to severe health risks during viral disease outbreaks.”
Her inspiration to approach MAF was sparked during a conversation with evangelist Elisha Moita, a dedicated MAF partner from Malambo. It was through this dialogue that Martha discovered the potential for MAF to expand their ministry by building village airstrips. This prompted her to reach out to MAF and seek support for her community in Same.
I am thankful to have worked closely with MAF and to have served as a bridge between MAF and our community.
MAF accepted Martha's request, leading to the construction of several airstrips including the two that are currently still in use, one in Katahe and another in Lesirwai. Katahe was initially the primary landing site, with the local Christian community actively contributing to the construction of fuel storage and pilot accommodation. Eventually, the airstrip in Lesirwai was also developed.
Martha emphasises, "MAF's operations in Lesirwai have had a great positive impact on the community, particularly benefiting pregnant mothers and children by providing healthcare services. The presence of MAF has enabled access to vaccines and healthcare services as well as providing opportunities to share the Gospel. MAF has truly become a lifeline for the community.
"For many in Lesirwai, their hope is deeply linked to the presence of MAF. Without MAF, they would encounter significant difficulties in accessing healthcare due to the considerable distances to hospitals."
Martha also underscores the ongoing need for MAF services in other remote regions to ensure the delivery of these crucial services. She says, "It remains essential to steadfastly support MAF's mission. There are still numerous areas where MAF's services are indispensable. Our commitment to prayer and collaborative efforts is vital in extending MAF's influence and reach."
She conveys her heartfelt appreciation for being a part of MAF's mission, remarking, "I am thankful to have worked closely with MAF and to have served as a bridge between MAF and our community. This role has brought me immense satisfaction, knowing that I've played a part in improving the lives of our people. I am profoundly thankful to MAF for their trust in me and for the fruitful partnership we've shared."