As a child, Markus Ape flew with MAF to his village – and hoped one day to join the mission himself. Today his dream is a reality, but he’s still moving forward, looking ahead to the day he becomes a Licenced Aviation Maintenance Engineer.
Story by Pushpa Lawrence
“When I see the smiles on people’s faces, it gives me peace,” said Markus Ape, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer trainee from Chimbu Province in Papua New Guinea.
“I know that God has brought me here for a reason. It keeps me going.”
To Markus, MAF is an instrument of God – because it transports people to places where they can get help.
Markus became aware of MAF when he was six. His parents - pastors - worked in remote places of PNG with the Evangelical Brotherhood Church. MAF planes were their means of transport. His first flight was from Goroka to Aiyura and on to Obura.
His 15-year dream of joining MAF came true in 2021 when he joined as ground crew at the Mount Hagen base. A year and a half later, he joined the engineering team.
“One day I’ll be a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, and I’ll be able to help my team here. That’s what I’m heading for,” he said.
Markus studies for the relevant engineering exams at night, hoping to get his license very soon, but he’s also passionate about his daily work as a trainee.
“Sometimes, a plane comes in with problems, and the pilot has to take off soon. Then we have to pull up our socks and be quick to beat the time,” he said. “And when we get the planes out, it’s a relief. We have helped the pilots complete their flights. And it gives me peace to go home and sleep well at night.
“We don't go outside to witness, we do it here,” added Markus. “If we do a good job, the plane is flying, we are doing work that helps others, it impacts them.”
“When we maintain the aircraft, we take care of it, and we take care of our pilots, our passengers, and Papua New Guinea as a whole nation,” said Markus, speaking of MAF’s core values in his work – the need for stewardship and excellence, and partnership with pilots and passengers.
We don't go outside to witness. If we do a good job, the plane is flying, we are doing work that helps others, it impacts them
When there are challenges, Markus prays for wisdom and provision for the day, not looking to man but to God the Provider, Protector, and King of his life.
“To be part of this family of Christ, to inspire people around me – and the isolated people – about Christ is what I love, spreading the gospel.”
Markus enjoys playing the guitar with the team during daily worship times, praising God with this talent.
Markus encourages those wanting to be aircraft engineers. His advice is to study hard and be obedient to parents and God.
“Your future is in God's hands, but you have to do what you can, and the Lord will help you.”
