May 17, 1928 - Australian Doctor Flying Service Created

Early “flying ambulance” (Royal Flying Doctor Service), Queensland. Public domain, via State Library of Queensland.

In the early 1900s, the people of the Australian outback suffered from a lack of medical care. Christian layman John Flynn, often called the “Flynn of the Inland,” developed a heart for these people after hearing of their appalling circumstances. In response, he created the Australian Doctor Flying Service, originally known as the Aerial Medical Service. On May 17, 1928, the inaugural flight of his service was made in Cloncurry, Queensland, serving vast and isolated communities. He worked with pioneers like Alfred Traefer, whose pedal-powered radio allowed remote patients to communicate with doctors. As the Australian outback covered millions of square miles, traditional medical care was nearly impossible to access. In order to effectively reach the people, Flynn combined aviation and radio technology to develop his groundbreaking healthcare system. The national government even bought five planes to assist Flynn’s philanthropic efforts. With all of these factors, it became one of the largest aeromedical organizations in the world.

Oftentimes, believers are discouraged by the brokenness in the world, yet feel as if they are helpless to make a difference. John Flynn proves otherwise. His life is evidence that faith can inspire practical solutions to real-world problems. It also shows that everyone is able to serve underserved and remote communities in some way if they are willing to follow the Lord’s call. Through his service, believers see the biblical principle of loving their neighbors through action, and it also shows that ministry is not limited to preaching but includes meeting physical needs. His legacy is a challenge to believers to reflect on how they can combine faith with professional skills to fulfill the calling that God has placed on their lives.