Intern Andrew Miller practices shooting video at a scenic coastline in New Zealand.

(Aug. 21, 2013 - by Giovanna Sarubbi) Filming, video production, live streaming and creating an online radio station were the main tasks of four media interns who recently spent eight weeks in Auckland, New Zealand.

They were part of HCJB Global-New Zealand's "First Fruits" missions program, an accredited training and internship course that encourages the production of quality, cutting-edge programs with a gospel message that appeal to an unchurched audience. An additional 21 students served at HCJB Global ministry sites in Accra, Ghana; Shell, Ecuador; and Elkhart, Ind.

The New Zealand group had the opportunity to learn what's entailed in running a Christian Internet television station and the challenges it presents. All agreed that the program was a great experience.

"We learned to do a lot of stuff in a short period of time," said Andrew Miller, an intern majoring in digital media and production at Dordt College in Iowa. "I can't say that after this I consider myself an expert, but in the media world sometimes it's important to be a generalist rather than focusing only on one thing."

The students produced three videos, and one of the students also created an online radio station. "I learned how a TV station works which is something we don't get at school," explained Karin Heitzman, a digital media student who was also part of HCJB Global's 2011 internship in Leeds, England. "I learned more details about some skills I had already acquired at school such as postproduction, preproduction and pitching (boosting media and blog coverage)."

The program not only provided students with the opportunity to learn more about media, but it helped assure them where their calling is, challenging them to grow more in their relationship with the Lord.

"I think God showed me more about myself and my role in media and has given me some ideas about what I should do after school," related Heitzman. "I also learned more about how to spread the gospel through media to people who don't want to hear it."

"God reconfirmed my calling to work in media," added Miller. "He also gave me a bigger desire to be in God's Word and have fellowship with Him."

Brooke Alexander, a student from Montreat College in North Carolina majoring in cross-cultural studies and music business, concurred, "The Lord has used this time in many ways to show me what He wants for my life."

"I love the internship programs that HCJB Global offers," added Heitzman. "They're great learning experiences for everyone who takes part in them. New Zealand was a great place to experience media and learn more about how to use it to spread the gospel."

Alexander agreed, saying, "The internship offers you the opportunity to do what you are passionate about."

To view a video on the program, visit https://vimeo.com/71935822.

Source: HCJB Global