A Lifeline in the Skies: Aviation Ministry in DR Congo

For over 60 years, aviation has been a lifeline for our ministry in central DR Congo. Since the 1960s, the Law family has dedicated their lives—and at times, sacrificed them—to provide air support to remote and often isolated communities. Our father, Burleigh Law, was a mission pilot who tragically lost his life in 1964 on a rescue flight while evacuating missionaries from Wembo Nyama. Today, his legacy lives on through his one living son, Paul, who has continued this vital work, overcoming vast, challenging landscapes that are otherwise impassable by road.
In the heart of the Congo, our small airplane is a bridge to connection, support, and life-saving resources. The aviation ministry’s flights meet a range of critical needs. One of our essential services is providing transportation for church leaders and pastors, helping them reach meetings and churches across difficult terrain. We also support local government officials, enabling them to maintain essential services in remote areas.
Medical emergencies represent another vital aspect of our aviation ministry. We transport doctors to isolated hospitals and clinics, delivering medical care where none is available. Many people share stories of how our flights saved their own lives or the lives of loved ones in moments of urgent need. Each of these stories reminds us of the profound impact this ministry has on the people we serve.
Our aviation ministry also has some unique responsibilities: we assist in relocating endangered animals to protected reserves, often working with species like chimpanzees and bonobos. Additionally, we honor the cultural importance of proper burials by transporting the bodies of loved ones from remote areas to their family’s home villages. In African culture, the burial site of family elders is deeply significant, and in a region without facilities for body preservation, our planes are often the only option to honor these traditions.
Each flight is more than just a journey from one place to another—it’s a vital connection that bridges gaps and brings people together in times of joy, urgency, and sorrow. We are grateful to continue this ministry that serves as a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the value of every human life.