Mission Aviation Fellowship and LAMP aviation partnership supports lasting relationships in remote First Nations communities

Ahead of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, two aviation ministries highlight an approach built on invitation, long-term commitment, and relationships that extend far beyond the flight.

Guelph, Ontario, Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Across Northern Canada, vast distances can make reaching remote First Nations communities a challenge. But for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Canada and the Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots (LAMP), getting there is only the beginning.

Through the secondment of MAF missionary pilot Andrew Anstey to LAMP, the two Christian aviation ministries are working together to support long-term ministry relationships across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Anstey flies LAMP pastors and staff across an area of roughly one million square kilometres, helping to support ministry in approximately 50 remote First Nations communities.

The partnership combines MAF’s experience in mission aviation and supporting missionary pilots with LAMP’s more than five decades of ministry and relationships in northern First Nations communities.

“MAF and LAMP share a conviction that aviation is a tool for ministry, not the ministry itself,” says Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, LAMP Executive Director. “Andrew’s secondment allows two ministries with a shared calling to serve together, while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the people, the relationships and what God is already doing in these communities.”

For LAMP, that focus begins with invitation.

“We don’t go to a community unless asked to come,” says Anstey.

Teams enter communities as guests, reconnecting with local leaders and families and responding to what is happening locally. Vacation Bible School is one of LAMP’s most visible ministries, but volunteers are asked to think beyond a single summer trip. Teams make a minimum five-year commitment to the same community because the goal is not simply to run a program, but to allow trust and friendship to develop over time.

That approach is particularly significant in communities where trust toward churches and outside institutions cannot be assumed. The history of residential schools and other harmful experiences with Christian institutions remains part of the context in which ministries serve today. MAF and LAMP do not present their work as an answer to reconciliation, but their approach emphasizes listening, invitation, humility and consistent presence.

As Canadians prepare to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, those principles offer a timely reminder that meaningful relationships cannot be rushed.

For one First Nations resident who has watched LAMP teams return over many years, the impact is visible among younger generations.

“I've lived here, on and off, for about 30 years. I really enjoy seeing teams come every year, and I hope to continue to see them because I notice a big change in our youth and in our younger generation,” says Gilbert Good, a resident of Hall Lake. “I'm very thankful for the group to always come out every year and share their love for Jesus, and to bring all the children together and to just have fun and learn about Jesus, and show lots of love. And I'm very thankful for that.”

LAMP volunteer and pastor Gerry Luck describes the ministry in similarly relational terms: “It’s more than just bringing the Word, but also sharing life with them and building relationships.”

The impact can take years to become visible.

Volunteer Judi Luckhardt first served in Hall Lake, Saskatchewan, in 2008. She and her husband, Brian, continued returning for VBS programs, community events and celebrations until their relationships extended across as many as four generations within some families. One girl Judi first knew as a child later pursued education and now works supporting people recovering from addiction. She continues to stay connected with Judi for prayer, encouragement and advice.

Those relationships also reshape the volunteers themselves.

“I went in there to ‘change people’s lives,’ and when I got there I learned that I don’t need to change them, I just need to support them,” Luckhardt says.

LAMP is now looking to build on more than five decades of ministry by responding to invitations from additional northern communities. Doing so will require more volunteers willing to commit for the long term, as well as the aviation and logistical support necessary to serve across enormous distances.

Anstey’s flights help LAMP pastors and staff prepare for ministry, maintain connections and provide pastoral support in communities that can be difficult to reach. That behind-the-scenes work helps create the conditions for volunteer teams to return year after year and for relationships to deepen over time.

“The first year no one knows you. The second year, you’re greatly welcomed. By the time you’re in five years, you’re loved and known,” says Luck.

For Anstey, after 14 years of flying in Northern Canada, that is ultimately what the aviation serves.

The airplane can cross hundreds of kilometres in an afternoon.

Friendship takes longer.

Media Opportunities

Photos, b-roll and interviews with Andrew Anstey, Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, and others are available. Please contact Matthew Schroeder (mschroeder@maf.ca) for more information.

About Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada

Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian ministry that operates over 120 aircraft in 29 countries worldwide. MAF transports Christian workers, patients, relief workers, community supplies, and medical aid to the world’s most remote regions and places of deepest human need. Operating for over 80 years, Mission Aviation Fellowship has developed into a worldwide team of specialists; over 450 missionary staff families, including roughly 50 Canadians and their families, serve in both technical and support roles. Our mission is to serve together to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation; our vision is to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ. To learn more, visit maf.ca.

About the Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots

Founded in 1970, the Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots serves remote First Nations communities across Northern Canada through aviation-supported Christian ministry. LAMP works by invitation and emphasizes long-term relationships, with missionaries, pastors and volunteer teams returning to communities year after year to share the love of Christ and walk alongside children, families and local believers.

Media Contact:
Matthew Schroeder
Head of Communications
MAF Canada
mschroeder@maf.ca
647-262-3360

Attachments

• 1977 Piper Lance
• Canadian Pilot Andrew Anstey

Matthew Schroeder
Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada 
647-262-3360
mschroeder@maf.ca