Southeast Asia

Our aviation partner YAJASI currently operates seven aircraft in Southeast Asia: three Helio Couriers, three Pilatus PC-6s and one Pilatus PC-12.

The flight program provides air transportation to dozens of translators, support personnel and Christian mission organizations. In addition, YAJASI pilots often perform emergency medical evacuations, assist in disaster relief and transport cargo throughout the region.

The team also provides many interior communities with their only link to the outside world—enabling access to health care, quality education and resources for community development.

Terrain

Southeast Asia hosts one of the most diverse landscapes on earth—from coastal mudflats to regal mountain ranges, mangrove swamps to volcanoes. Many of the region’s islands are carpeted with rain forests, brimming with tropical wildlife.

Most of Southeast Asia’s lesser-known language groups are located in extremely isolated areas, far from road systems or public transportation. Without adequate flight services, the vast majority of these language groups could not be reached.

Translation and Literacy Work

Hundreds of languages are spoken throughout Southeast Asia, many of which have no written form. The region, together with mainland Asia, has been named one of three "areas of greatest need" for translation and literacy work.

Nearly 150 language development programs are currently underway throughout the region, many of which are led by Southeast Asians. To date, the New Testament has been translated into more than 20 Southeast Asian languages, and literacy programs have empowered many local citizens to read and write in their own language.

Yet translation and literacy programs have yet to begin in more than 100 of the region’s languages—and almost all of them will depend heavily on air transportation.