(March 31, 2014 - by Roger Reimer)  From the heat and humidity of Haiti to the cold, dry air of the Himalayas, students used their technical skills stateside to make a difference globally among media partners who serve in some of the world’s most inhospitable places.

Earlier this month, two groups of engineering and digital media students gave up their spring breaks to rendezvous with staff members at the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind., helping to prepare equipment and media for use in locations where partners endure extreme conditions.

The 16 visiting students had the opportunity to apply new technologies to the challenging realities faced by partners worldwide. Examples include unreliable public power or weather-related events such as hurricanes and lightning strikes.

Each spring the center offers a number of opportunities to students who are seeking some hands-on experience in a Christian environment. This year was no exception as teams arrived from Cedarville University in Ohio and LeTourneau University in Texas.

Although most of these students will never become missionaries, they had a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities faced by missionary engineers who often travel to distant countries. They also saw how technical projects can provide practical solutions to real needs, opening doors to share the gospel and giving the work eternal significance.

The students grew spiritually during their visit through the daily devotions led by staff members at the center. They also got involved in discussions regarding service opportunities with partner ministries around the world. The students said that hearing the stories told by the engineering staff, based on their personal experiences abroad, were some of the most impactful times during their stay.

“The stories we heard from missionary engineers were a highlight for me,” commented Matt Brollier, a junior from Cedarville University.

As students interacted with each other, they expressed gratefulness for the investment the engineers and their families made in their lives.

“Even though my host family was busy, they took the time to talk, and I valued that interaction,” added Mark Edmonson, also a junior from Cedarville University.

Others commented on the sense of satisfaction they experienced upon completing a project that was vital for a ministry in a faraway part of the world—not just busy work.

April Paul, an engineering student from LeTourneau University, said she liked the focused approach to contributing to the cause of missions by working on a technical project that could be accomplished in a week or so, freeing up missionaries to spend more time building relationships with media partners. “That totally makes sense” she said, adding that engineering and digital media students should consider an internship or apprenticeship at the Technology Center.

“I really liked the very professional engineering environment that was reflected by the missionary engineers,” she explained. “Everything was done top notch to industry standards.”

For some of the students, this wasn’t their first time to serve at the center. One was Tori Shrum, a junior at Cedarville University, who said working at the center provided her the chance to be in a “learning environment, growing personally and being encouraged.”

When they weren’t working, the students could be found enjoying fun times of relaxation or just hanging out with each other and the staff. “There was a clear sense of community and purpose,” added Shrum, who is studying mechanical engineering. “Everyone really cared about each other.”

The staff agreed that inviting students to come and work together brings energy, enthusiasm, creativity and an interest in doing things that have a lasting impact. They want to motivate the next generation of Christ-followers to explore new arenas of opportunity that maximize their training and contribute to what God is doing in the world.

For information on short-term programs at the Technology Center, visit https://reachbeyond.org/ministry/tech.

Sources: HCJB Global Technology Center, Reach Beyond