Air Calvary is building an air ambulance program for the Central African country of Gabon, the only 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 ambulance 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 HIV/AIDS clinic is scheduled to open in 2007. 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 (12), Megan (11), and Samuel (9), are presently preparing to deploy to Gabon.
Currently, the Straws are focusing on sharing the ministry vision, and traveling for speaking engagements and fundraising. During the summer of 2007, Steve will undergo bush pilot and maintenance training and evaluation with Missionary Aviation Fellowship. The family will also attend cross-cultural training at Missions Training International. In the fall of 2007, the Straws will attend French language school in Albertville, France. Deployment to Gabon is set for fall of 2008.