Summer Interns Apply Skills in Mission Work Worldwide

July 1, 2011

Summer Interns Apply Skills in Mission Work Worldwide

July 1, 2011

(July 1, 2011 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) Volunteering his engineering skills this summer in Ecuador, Michael Stück is cognizant of the legacy his relatives have left to him in this small South American country.

Summer interns serving in Ecuador.

For decades Ecuador has witnessed a persistent presence of the Stücks, serving as evangelical missionaries with Avant Ministries (formerly Gospel Missionary Union). Introducing himself, Michael surely prompts further inquiries on his ties to the Stück family lineage.

Stück is among the 25 college student interns serving at six sites in five countries (Ghana, U.K., Ecuador, Spain and U.S.) with HCJB Global, including six in the Latin America Region. None are salaried. Instead, they have raised the funds needed to go. Churches and individuals have funded the interns' travel and living expenses.

Brandon Cole displays
a shortwave radio while
Theo Asare holds a
solar-powered,
fixed-tuned radio.

When another student intern, Brandon Cole, stepped onto the tarmac, he set foot in Africa, a continent where his late grandfather, Dr. John Slater, and his great uncle, had served through medical missions.

Decades of missions tradition had come down to Brandon from both his father's and his mother's side, a reverent aura perhaps as palpable as the sweltering heat of Accra, Ghana, that greeted him. The student interns are there during one of the rainiest months, according to Sheila Leech, vice president of international healthcare, who is leading the five-member team that will serve in Ghana this month.

"We'll trust that the Lord can manage to put a positive spin on the heat and the sweat," wrote Dr. Steve Nelson, who together with his wife, Dorothy, is helping with the interns.

Brandon's twin brother, Bryan, is spending his summer at the HCJB Global Ministry Service Center in Colorado and their parents, Curt and Karen Cole, are directing spiritual formation for the Ghana team. Curt is one of the mission's vice presidents of international ministries.

"I know Brandon has wanted to be a doctor since he was small because of his grandfather's medical work in Africa. That has deeply impacted him," said Curt. "He sees this as an opportunity to serve and learn about medicine in Ghana and learn a bit about his grandfather's passion." Now a medical school student in Kansas City, Brandon grew up in Ecuador where the Coles served before Curt's work took them to the mission's international headquarters.

It was on the African continent where the Coles first met in 1976 as students at a missionary school in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Now they travel back periodically to conduct workshops and seminars.

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.