Media Interns Help Develop Youth Website in Ecuador, Create Documentaries

July 29, 2012

Media Interns Help Develop Youth Website in Ecuador, Create Documentaries

July 29, 2012

(July 27, 2012 - by Kathy Lee and Harold Goerzen) A typical computer keyboard phrase has become a key to developing a Spanish-language, youth-oriented website to attract today's younger generation to Christ.

Named Control Z by its youthful designers, the title comes from the popular computer keyboard function known as CTRL+Z, referring to the feature that will "undo" what has been created on the computer and will allow the operators to take a step back and rethink what they are doing.

The website received valuable help from three media interns this summer, led by Emily Ibarra from the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind. The group was in Ecuador June 17-July 27, joining members of the communications team in Quito who have been working for months to develop the site.

Summer interns Chris Hecox, Samantha Cripe and Cara Zimmerman spent time creating and editing videos for the new site (controlZ.fm) that is expected to launch in the near future. The website incorporates various media elements such as social networks, videos, a music stream, news articles and a forum.

The Control Z staff has been working to create fun, edgy videos for the site that caters to youth, incorporating both Christian and secular music. It gives teens the opportunity to laugh together and talk together about a wide variety of topics, ranging from the world's most expensive pizza to cyber bullying.

Once the visitors go online, ready to talk about these things, Control Z staff will get in touch with them and start discussing issues and struggles they are experiencing in their lives The site's main purpose is to inspire youth to think about who they are and what they believe, encouraging them to take a step toward a relationship with Christ.

In addition to producing "fun and dramatic" videos for Control Z, the interns changed gears to create documentary-style videos that will have promotional uses at HCJB Global. The interns will continue the editing process after returning to Elkhart this weekend.

"We spent maybe a little too much time on special effects," Hecox admitted, "and some of the videos feel pretty over the top, but I think that with today's generation of kids, over the top is definitely in order. It's been so much fun learning some of the editing programs we are using while putting these videos together."

Missionary Larry Castro, who is directing the Control Z project, agrees, saying team members "spent a good bit of time on special effects. But seeing the finished product I can say that it was well worth it."

"They did a great job capturing the idea we are going for, and we even talked Chris into playing the main role in one of our short, funny videos. He got 'pooped on' by a bird," chuckled Castro, who serves in the radio training and new media departments in Quito, teaching radio partners how to use radio effectively to spread the gospel and using new media to reach the younger generation.

The interns said they were impressed with the passion and excitement of the Control Z staff in Quito. "The people here are fun to work with and truly want this program to succeed so that it can reach as many Latin American teenagers as possible," added Hecox, a junior at Taylor University studying media communication.

He expressed hope that Control Z will be a massive success. "I feel that it has no choice but to succeed with the help of God's hand pushing the process along!" Hecox exclaimed.

Source: HCJB Global

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.