15/04/2026
For three decades, Bible translator Jackie Hainaut relied on Mission Aviation Fellowship to reach and serve remote communities in Chad.
Her first flight with MAF came after a serious accident in 1994 when fuel shortages meant another aircraft couldn’t reach her. MAF stepped in, flying her from Fianga to N’Djamena for urgent medical care.
“Because of MAF,” Jackie said. “I was able to get timely medical help and avoid being paralysed, so was able to return to the field.”
Jackie first arrived in Chad in 1989 with SIL/Wycliffe to help translate the Bible into the Kera language. For 13 years she served as a linguist and exegete, helping complete the Kera New Testament in 2002.
During the rainy season, flooding and dangerous roads made travel nearly impossible. That’s when MAF flights became essential - not just for Jackie, but for many others.
“MAF has certainly advanced the cause of Bible translation – but has also been a tremendous help to the Chadian church,” she said. “It has been a lifesaver for many who have needed to be evacuated to get medical help.
“The MAF pilots have always been professional; being gracious and modelling Christ and His love to the people they serve, which is a tremendous testimony.”
Today, the impact continues. Since the Kera New Testament was dedicated in 2006, thousands have learned to read their language, churches have grown, and many are training as pastors and leaders.
“The Kera people were marginalised for many years and looked down on by other people groups that had a written form of their language and the Scriptures, but they now have a sense of dignity and are proud to be Kera,” Jackie said.
Reflecting on her years of partnership with MAF, Jackie shared this blessing from Hebrews 6:10:
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
We are honoured to partner with Jackie to serve the people of Chad.
