Name | Chris Konop
Hometown | Baltimore, Md.
Degree Program | Mission Aviation Technology (MBI-Spokane)
Class of | 2007
From the Word
For pilot Chris Konop, the call of the wild blue yonder preceded his call to Moody.
“When I decided that I wanted to go into mission aviation, I read the book Jungle Pilot where I was first introduced to an organization called Mission Aviation Fellowship,” he explains, “I contacted their recruiting department and asked where I should get the required training in order to serve with them. They said, hands down, the best place to get mission aviation training is through the Moody Bible Institute.”
Chris was accepted into Moody’s aviation program in August 2001, which at the time was located in Tennessee. But after two years of Bible training at the Chicago campus, Chris and his classmates were given surprising news: the aviation program would be relocating to Spokane, Wash. Chris remembers, “Because of changes in the structure of the program, [we] ended up completing six years of school instead of five. But the good part is that I found my wife in Spokane, so it all worked out!”
To Life
At Moody, Chris was particularly impressed by the dedication of the faculty to excellence, integrity and servant hood.
“I have never in my life seen such unwavering dedication and commitment to the person of Jesus Christ, to His Word and to the glory of His name,” he recalls.
In addition, his Practical Christian Ministry assignments enriched his personal view of ministry, teaching him “the importance of building relationships and that life isn’t really about me at all,” he says. “I think my experiences at Moody strengthened my relationship with Christ, and developed my personal character.”
After graduation, Chris and his wife began serving with MAF, “a mission organization that uses the airplane and other strategic technologies to overcome barriers that hinder the spread of the Gospel.” They have been assigned to serve as a pilot/mechanic family in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a war-torn country of 60 million people in desperate need of the healing grace of Christ.
“I look forward to using my skills as a pilot in transporting missionaries, aid workers, food, medical supplies and the necessities of life,” Chris says. “Our vision is that all people should have access to both the Gospel and the resources that advance God’s kingdom.”