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MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), an international, nonprofit aviation ministry, unveiled its new KODIAK bush plane at Harvey Field in Snohomish on Oct. 4. More than 400 people from the Seattle area gathered during the event to witness missions history in the making.

The plane, currently on a national tour, is designed specifically to support missionaries, humanitarian organizations and others in remote areas of the world. It is part of a fleet of next-generation bush planes to be produced under a visionary arrangement between MAF and the manufacturer, Quest Aircraft Co.

"Since the launch of the tour, we've been welcomed by people from all over the U.S. who have come out to extend their well wishes and view the new plane," said John Boyd, MAF president. "Were excited to have the opportunity to share how God is using our organization and these planes to carry the sick and injured to medical clinics and deliver medicines, Bibles, building materials, food and other necessities of life to the most remote parts of the world."

The event included a commitment ceremony, a message from the organizations president and a drawing for a free ride on the KODIAK. Pastor Mark Abbot of the Seattle First Free Methodist Church was also in attendance to offer a special prayer over the plane.

MAF is accepting gifts to help cover the cost of sending the plane to its ministry assignment in Indonesia. To learn more about MAF or give toward this project, visit www.maf.org.

Founded in the U.S. in 1945, MAF missionary teams of aviation, communications, technology and education specialists overcome barriers in remote areas, transform lives and build Gods Kingdom by enabling the work of more than 1,000 organizations in isolated areas of the world. With its fleet of 130 bush aircraft, MAF serves in 55 countries, with an average of 242 flights daily across Africa, Asia, Eurasia and Latin America. MAF pilots transport missionaries, medical personnel, medicines and relief supplies, as well as conduct thousands of emergency medical evacuations in remote areas. MAF also provides telecommunications services, such as satellite Internet access, high frequency radios, electronic mail and other wireless systems.