John Flynn (minister) for residents of the vast Australian outback, and established a number of bush hospitals. By 1917, Flynn was already considering the possibility of new technology, such as radio and aircraft, to assist in providing a more useful acute medical service, and then received a letter from an Australian pilot serving in World War I, Clifford Peel, who had heard of Flynn's speculations and outlined the capabilities and costs of then-available planes. This material was published in the church's magazine, the start of Flynn turning his considerable fund-raising talents to the task of establishing a flying medical service. The first flight
Rev. John Thomas outstanding and selfless lifelong service to the community, the Pietermaritzburg City Council named the street upon which his church and school were situated, Thomas Street. Rev. John Thomas was born in Mackay's Gardens, Madras, India, in 1871. Rev. Thomas and his wife, Grace emigrated to Natal, South Africa in 1890. Conditions in India during this time were vastly deteriorated due to a combination of life-threatening factors which included growing tensions between various religions; the worsening caste system; slow recovery from the Great Famine of 1876–78; and the natural disaster phenomena known as monsoon droughts which was threatening a whole new