Special programme for children and young people

 For the fourth year running, Shempston Airstrip promises to host the biggest ever Air Day. A varied programme of activities will entertain, inform and challenge visitors of all ages. The major attraction will be the MAF aircraft and, weather permitting, there will be an opportunity for some to take a short flight.

A number of mission centred organisations will be represented. These will include Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), Tear Fund and OMS International. Stalls will be set up to allow representatives to exhibit literature and chat to us about their mission work in different parts of the world.

Food and drinks will be available all day. Inside the "tea tent" will be found tea, coffee, pancakes and a selection of home baking. Outside there will be a barbecue providing hot food and soft drinks at reasonable prices. To give the day an international flavour, it is also planned to provide samples of different culinary delights from other countries.

Separate programmes for both younger children and teenagers are planned for the day. These are run by experienced youth leaders and will include both fun and games and activities focussed on a mission theme.

For both the computer buffs and the technologically challenged alike (!), there will be a number of computers running mission related games. There will also be interactive access to information about a number of the missions.

Sorry…Because the airstrip is an official aircraft landing area, we must ensure there are no dogs and no smoking on the field. Please respect the fence marking the edge of the runway and make sure any children in your care do not stray through the boundary. Marshals will strictly enforce safety on the airstrip.

The day provides a chance to meet people directly involved in mission work. For many the highlight of the day is to meet and talk with pilots from Mission Aviation Fellowship. This organisation provides essential transport and communications in many otherwise inaccessible parts of the world. On the day we will have David Stavely, Chief Safety Officer for MAF Europe and the flight to Shempston will provide a useful training exercise for the other pilots.

The day is a real opportunity for people of all ages and church traditions to come together and hear what God is doing in different parts of the world. There are plenty parking spaces! Please encourage your friends, family, and church groups to come along to Shempston on August 21.

A variety of speakers will provide a series of short talks on mission related subjects throughout the day. These will be informative and challenging.

The day will finish with gathering together for a time of praise and worship. In past years this has been a time of real blessing and you are encouraged to stay and enjoy this session which will start around 4 pm.

In previous years, we have been encouraged by good weather. Many of the activities will be inside large tents. In the event of bad weather, we will run as much as possible under cover but we suggest you bring waterproof clothing.

The Air Day is organised around a varied programme and you are quite welcome to come for all or just part of the day. Come when you can and go when you must!

Signs will be posted to help you find your way to the Air Day. Shempston Farm is almost opposite Duffus Castle on the minor road between the B9135 and B9012.

An admission charge will be made to help cover costs. We do not wish financial restrictions preventing anyone from coming and we will try to keep this as low as possible.

Moray Resource for Mission is a group of local Christians who wish to promote the work of Mission Aviation Fellowship, Tear Fund and other missionary organisations. We aim to run events to raise awareness of the work of mission. We have charitable status and our work is fully supported by MAF and Tear Fund. For more information, or if you would like to help in any way, please contact Cliff Fyvie or George McLeod.