Going from High in the Andes to Down Under

June 1, 2010

Going from High in the Andes to Down Under

June 1, 2010

May 28, 2010

Source: HCJB Global (written by Ralph Kurtenbach)

Work begins with handshakes all around for the volunteer crew at HCJB Global-Australia's international broadcast facility in Kununurra.

It was not always so, according to engineer Steve Sutherland who will move to the remote town in Western Australia after recently wrapping up nearly two decades as an engineer and manager at Radio Station HCJB's former shortwave site in Pifo, Ecuador.

Except for his university years and career start in the U.S., Sutherland's home since childhood has always been South America. While greetings there vary, most often they involve a personal touch-a kiss on the cheek, an embrace perhaps, and at minimum a handshake.

So it was that Sutherland's six months of tower work at Kununurra in 2008 carried with it a social ritual many Westerners may consider genteel, effusive or even time-wasting. The blond, blue-eyed engineer's spoken English reveals just a hint of a Southern lilt, but he brings to Australia as well a bit of Latin America in the form of a handshake.

"I told the guys, 'I'm sorry [but] this is my culture. I have to shake your hands,'" Sutherland recounted with a smile. "Within a couple of months, they were shaking each others' hands without me instigating it. And we just had a real good time getting the work done."

Broadcasting from Australia began on a 200-acre farm in 2003. Now on adjacent property, the Kununurra crew has begun developing a full-time transmission site, allowing for high-gain antennas. "We were able to raise six towers (in 2008), and this year we're hoping to put up another four and the antennas strung up between them," Sutherland continued. "We are hoping-if God allows-to be on the air [from the new site] in Kununurra."

Sutherland's wife, Kathy, and children, Jonathan, 9, and Carolyn, 7, will accompany him to Australia while their daughter Elizabeth will stay in Ecuador to study at HCJB Global's Christian Center of Communications in Quito. Their oldest daughter, Christina, is a recent graduate of Asbury University in Kentucky and will be teaching.

Programs go out in 21 languages, airing a total of 105 hours per week. Languages include English, Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi, Indonesian (Bahasa), Kuruk, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Marathi, Marwari, Telegu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Malay (Bahasa), Rawang, Min Nan Chinese (Fujian), Eastern Panjabi and Hmar. The antenna arrays on the new site will increase the reach of these broadcasts.

While Ecuador's high-altitude transmitter site carried its own unique challenges (electrical arcing on antennas, for example), the steppe climate in Kununurra presents different ones.

The rains come each December and January, softening the ground of the antenna fields. "Actually, during a real wet year, you cannot get to the transmitter site itself," he said. "We're going to have to find a way to get out there to keep the equipment running." Winds come with the dry season in the Andes, but not like Sutherland will see at Kununurra. He said when designing equipment, engineers must "think about 200 km/h (120 mph) winds."

Sutherland hosted a steady stream of working volunteers at Pifo, with Ecuadorian staff as his stable work force. The Australia project will differ in that "we have (volunteers helping) for anything from a couple of days to three months," he related.

"Most of the people who are volunteers are either retired or approaching retirement age," Sutherland explained. "They bring a lot of good experience ? different experiences." He said of the ad hoc tower crew that "they have a heart to do all they can to get God's Word out."

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

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

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.