In September 2023, MAF brought three patients to Juba and on to Nairobi for treatment following a serious accident in Tonj in South Sudan. More than a year after they returned to Tonj the three men from different communities recall the experience that brought them together on the same journey of healing with MAF.
When Marko Wutchok offered a ride to Yai Wol, a student from Tonj secondary school, they were just moments away from a life-changing accident.
On the 5km trip to a nearby village, as they prepared to round the corner, farmer Malip Angok, was approaching from Agor to Tonj to do some business. Malip didn’t see the motorbike coming in the opposite direction until it was too late to stop. As both bikes steered to avoid each other, they swerved in the same direction, crashing at speed.
The driver and the passengers were thrown from their motorcycles. The secluded location meant they lay unconscious for some time. Eventually they were discovered by a good Samaritan who raised the alarm.
I remember the warm welcome from the MAF staff at the airport in Juba when we arrived.
Marko’s wife Monika describes the day her husband nearly died and the part MAF played in his recovery.
‘I remember it well. My husband, that is Marko, who is the Community Health Evangelism Programme Manager for In Deed and Truth (IDAT) Ministries was admitted to the government hospital in Tonj following a very serious accident,’ she explains.
Marko had a double fracture on his upper leg and knee and was in a great deal of pain. Yai and Malip both sustained fractures and the only option was to fly them to Juba the following day for more advanced care.
‘That day was the first time for me to fly in the MAF plane,’ Monika reflects. ‘I accompanied Marko, and the colleagues who had the accident with him. The flight with MAF was OK, but I was stressed thinking about the accident and worried that my husband might not make it. I do remember the warm welcome from the MAF staff at the airport in Juba when we arrived.’
The severity of Marko’s break was concerning for IDAT Founder Suzy Kuj. Wanting the best possible care for her colleagues, she contacted the Tenwek hospital in Bomet, Kenya - and arranged for another flight from Juba to the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
‘The three medevac patients proceeded to Kenya using the MAF plane,’ Monika says.
Marko remembers the flight and the treatment that followed which included several surgeries. His rare blood type meant that there was an additional risk.
‘We were taken to Kenya, for further treatment, by MAF South Sudan. During our time in Kenya, we were taken good care of at Tenwek hospital. I appreciate everything they did for us at the hospital, those who helped fund our treatment, and those who kept us in their prayers,’ he says.
Six weeks later, the trio were on a third MAF flight, returning to Juba.
A year later and the three men are fully recovered. They have bonded over the shared experience that could have ended in tragedy and they are united in their thanks.
Passenger Yai Wol is aware that the accident that could have claimed their lives.
‘I give thanks to God for the second chance to survive, and recognised also the efforts of MAF and IDAT,’ he says.
Malip Agok is thankful for the surgery that means he can still farm his land.
‘I am happy to be together with my friends Marko and Yai. My leg was operated, and I am now recovered fully. I am so grateful to MAF and IDAT for their full support both financially and in kind,’ he says.
Marko has been able to continue supporting Community Health Evangelists to reach areas around Tonj.
‘I would like to express my gratitude to IDAT for the treatment offered to us. I would also like to appreciate MAF for the evacuation flight that saved our lives as well as the services you have rendered to our communities in Tonj,’ he says.
‘It was my first time to experience a MAF flight, and, even though it was a medevac, it was amazing to be on the plane. I really thank MAF and IDAT for standing with us when we really needed help.’
Monika is relieved to still have her husband.
‘I don't know how to express my happiness. I want to express my great thanks to those who supported us from MAF. Thank you so much to everyone from MAF. To rescue the life of someone is not easy. MAF is standing with us by supporting the communities here in Tonj.’
I would like to express my gratitude to IDAT for the treatment offered to us. I would also like to appreciate MAF for the evacuation flight that saved our lives as well as the services you have rendered to our communities in Tonj.