As a service organization to missions, missionaries and Christian organizations, Missionary TECH Team has opportunity to be involved in a variety of ministries. God has called TECH’s staff to more than technical assistance as they become co-workers with the clients to define goals, work through challenges, pray through difficulties, and then to rejoice in victories resulting from projects accomplished.

Robert Mach is a missionary with BIMI (Baptist International Missions Inc.) to Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). He approached Graphic Services with requests for a display and prayer card, in preparation for his upcoming furlough in the States. Like other missionaries, Robert considers these items to be vital tools in sharing details of his ministry and needs so that others can partner with him in fulfilling the Great Commission.

As a first step, the staff in Graphic Services emailed several designs for his consideration. Email is a luxury not easily accessible to some missionaries due to financial, political or geographic situations. Robert’s email was sent to a fellow missionary, at whose location he intended to view and approve the artwork. Graphic Services could then produce and ship the materials, which would be waiting for Robert when he arrived in the States. However, a dangerous set of circumstances impeded this process. War broke out in the streets of Cote d’Ivoire and many people were killed. Robert called to say that it wasn't safe to travel to review the files or even leave his house. Finally, in December enough peace was restored to allow Robert to phone with news of his safety and an expected arrival date to the States. Thank God for His protection. Pray for the missionaries we serve, that the trials they face would result in a greater spreading of the Gospel.

Acquiring and maintaining a vehicle is often an insurmountable necessity for missionaries, especially those on furlough here in the U.S. Missionary TECH Team's Mechanical Services division provides a safe and reliable transportation solution through their unique service ministry. Although the vehicles leased, sold or repaired are not referred to as projects, each missionary served becomes part of our concern.

Our inventory is in constant change: vehicles are leased, donated, vehicles come and go, and older vehicles are moved out of the fleet. Individuals interested in supporting worldwide missionary work have given many of our current fleet vehicles. Recently, various churches agreed to place an informative flyer in their bulletins about the needs of Mechanical Services and how to donate vehicles to our fleet. In December, TECH placed an ad in the local newspaper with a similar appeal. As a result of this campaign, several donations have been received. We rejoice in the response to our needs. Through these gifts Missionary TECH Team can continue to meet the requests of many missionaries.

Occasionally the way a project comes about is as interesting as the project itself. Computer Services Manager, James Wood, became acquainted with a couple in his church who are appointees with Avant Ministries and will be going to Spain to work at the Málaga Media Center. They were to fly to Spain for a visit on a recent Saturday.

A few days prior, James had received an email inquiry about the possibility of providing services for the Media Center. They were in need of someone to review their computer systems and network, and to make recommendations for further computer development. (MMC currently has an Arabic web site that provides radio programs, on-line Bible correspondence courses, Arabic songs, Arabic Christian music videos, and answers to common spiritual questions.) The individual making the request did not know the local couple nor that anyone from Texas was to soon arrive in Málaga.

James was able to discuss the possible project with his traveling friend, who has since returned with a great amount of information that will make the project move along smoothly. James says, “The exciting element is the possibility of going to Málaga, Spain, some day in the future to work with him on this or another project. The way this ‘fell together’ was a surprise to each of us but not to God!”

Facilities Planning Services is currently working on a Master Plan for Red River Valley Bible Camp, a ministry of East Paris Baptist Church, near Paris, Texas. TECH’s services include design development drawings for a new site layout plan, in addition to plans for each of the proposed new buildings (14) and multiple cabins (3 groups with 4 apiece). The challenge, however, goes beyond drawings. TECH’s goal is to help the camp progress from a small ministry to an effective outreach with a potentially large impact. The 50-acre camp has 6 existing buildings and 6 RV sites, with a total occupancy of 80-100. The ministry’s goal is to be able to serve 300 youth or adults in camp/conference-type ministries and to have 20 RV sites available.

Facilities Planning Services began the camp project with a Ministry Definition session in January of 2003. Interns Eric Livingston, Michael Herdegin, Arthur Goh and Keith Kruger have worked on the project alongside staff members Bob Schill, Jim Collins and Bill Daniel. One unique aspect of this project has been a partnership with a Construction Science class at Texas A & M University. Under the supervision of TECH Mechanical Engineer Les Brown, the class developed plans for the mechanical and electrical plans for the proposed new Cabins, as well as the expanded Dining and Assembly Hall.

Completion and delivery of the design drawings is expected soon. Construction of any of the camp facilities will be dependent on raising funds to implement the construction. The camp is currently looking for a director, which is an important factor in this process. Once again, we are allies in prayer for these needs.

We are grateful for the privilege of serving those on the frontline of missions and Christian ministry. As you join us in prayer, you, too, serve to further the cause of Christ throughout the world.