Engineering Students Helping Develop Solar-Powered Lamppost Charger

August 9, 2013

Engineering Students Helping Develop Solar-Powered Lamppost Charger

August 9, 2013

(Aug. 9, 2013 - by Erica Simone and Ralph Kurtenbach) In a popular fictional work by C.S. Lewis, a lamppost above a wintery scene serves as a meeting place for the characters, Lucy Pevensie and Mr. Tumnus. Readers of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are thus transported to the legendary Narnia, a land of fauns, giants, witches and a lion named Aslan. So, too, a lamppost may someday open new horizons just by offering people in the developing world a place to charge their cell phones and other electronic items.

In contrast to Lewis' portrayal of a snowy rendezvous point for Lucy and Mr. Tumnus, sunshine figures prominently into the planning and designs of a solar-powered charging station that also lights the path.

The HCJB Global Technology Center (TC) in Elkhart, Ind., recently issued a challenge for designs and prototypes of such an apparatus, inviting the participation of engineering departments from several colleges.

The mission's ministry partners around the world, by erecting the dual-purpose posts in strategic locations, could demonstrate Christian concern for people's needs and thus manifest the love of Jesus in a practical way in the developing world.

With a scarcity of landlines in remote communities in many parts of the world, mobile devices offer villagers a way to communicate. For instance, although 25 million people in South Africa live below the poverty line, more than 75 percent of the youth (age 15 and up) in low-income groups own mobile phones, according to research commissioned by infoDev, a global partnership program within the World Bank Group.

Charlie Jacobson, director of engineering and development at the TC, has viewed the designs and seen the prototypes offered by engineering students from Calvin College in Michigan, Cedarville University in Ohio, Grove City College in Pennsylvania, John Brown University in Arkansas and Seattle Pacific University in Washington.

Engineering interns tweak the lamppost charger.

After an Internet video conference with the students, Jacobson said, "They gave excellent presentations and gave us something good to build on for future refinement and deployment to the field."

Calvin College students Wisdom Aiyelabowo from Nigeria and Yoofi Otabil from Ghana later delivered their team's lamppost prototype to the TC. The students handed off the lamppost to Harold Shira, a volunteer staff engineer who retired from Hewlett Packard/Agilent Technologies.

Harold Shira

Shira, who has already helped supervise interns who designed a bicycle generator for an African partner, helped direct this summer's interns in Elkhart. As part of their summer work they evaluated the Calvin College students' proposal along with the designs and prototypes of the other teams.

"Our purpose is to expose engineering students to real world opportunities within the context of missions," said Jacobson. "Technically gifted people can contribute to God's kingdom work."

One of the center's goals is to use technological advances to facilitate the spread of the gospel to those with limited access and mobilize Christians to share with others the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Sources: HCJB Global, finweek.com

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

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Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.