The recent visit to Moma by Bill Simmons of Medical Benevolence Foundation was made possible by the United Methodist Aviation Ministries (UMAM), which operates small single engine planes in the Congo. UMAM pilots and airplanes transport critically ill patients to clinics and hospitals, deliver life-saving medicines to rural clinics, provide transportation for missionaries and volunteers, and deliver payroll and other supplies to villages.

Simmons and his group flew to Moma in a plane named “Wings of Caring,” piloted by Jacques Umembudi, missionary pilot and program director for the Central Congo UMAM. Without Umembudi and his plane, Simmons would not have been able to get to Moma. A trip by Jeep or Land Rover to Moma from Kananga’s airport would have taken more than 8 hours over dirt roads that have not been maintained in over 40 years. Land travelers also have to be wary of bandits and rogue pseudo-military gangs.

Friends of Moma Hospital thanks Jacques Umembudi and UMAM for making this important trip possible.