Engineering Eternity
As I was nearing the end of my engineering degree at the University of New South Wales, a tragedy hit my church. One of the guys in our youth group, who had just recommitted his life to Jesus, fell ill and within ten days died. As one of his Bible Study leaders at the time his death was transformational in my own life. I now understood, first hand, not only the fleeting nature of life, but also the immense privilege and urgency of sharing words of eternal life. Rather than using my engineering to build bridges in an earthly sense, I offered the Lord my life to build bridges that would never spoil or fade but would endure for eternity.
This prayer took me to South East Asia, to work with an organisation serving the poor for what I thought would be a short term stint. I boarded the plane expecting to be away eight months. Almost ten years have gone by, and there has been no looking back.
The organisation I work with stands alongside those who are themselves called to serve, placing in their hands the tools they need to see their calling fulfilled. This help can come in the form of material goods, partnerships, or even fair-trade opportunities. Often these people are serving in difficult environments, either due to poverty, conflict, natural disasters etcetera.
Marty Barrow, known by many of you, is a wonderful example of the type of people it is our honour to serve. His work among the abandoned children of Zimbabwe is strategic and effective, particularly at this time in the nation's history. More than just caring for children, however, his work is a light on a hill that cannot be hidden and many are being drawn to the source of that light in this time of need.
In an effort to help facilitate Marty's work, we will soon be preparing a container full of goods: household items, educational toys, medical equipment, furniture, computers etcetera. These goods will support the Isaiah Umuzi Wothando children’s home as well as some of the other projects with which he's involved. This shipment will enable Marty not only to expand the reach of his work, but also to make a deeper impact in the community, forging stronger relationships with the government and other local institutions.
It is a privilege and joy to stand alongside people like Marty and others like him in over 65 countries to which we have sent aid.
Last year, I had the deep joy of marrying another of our other long term team members, David. We both have a calling to serve the poor, and be Jesus' hands and feet to people in need. Our wedding, then, reflected that longing. The wedding ceremony was held in a slum setting we have built on site to allow people a chance to step into the conditions of those we are serving. Wedding guests were invited to wear clothing from many nations we serve. Food reflected dishes often found in slum settings in Africa and Asia and was prepared by former drug addicts. The music during the service came from five continents.
David and I now continue to serve here in Asia and are grateful for the body of friends and family around the world who help cover our basic living costs as we receive no salary. Although ours is not a luxurious lifestyle, we have a far richer life knowing that each day we have the opportunity to live God’s love to people in need.
As I look back over my life to this point, what has struck me is that no one has an excuse not to serve in some way. Every person, if willing, is able to be used by God for his purposes. I've seen young kids leading others to Christ, retirees with administration skills working for the kingdom, tradesmen serving the Lord wholeheartedly by repairing broken water pipes. Whatever age, background, skill set and experience, anyone can play a role in the kingdom construction that is taking place around the world. We can all be eternal engineers.
Current needs:
- People to join our team! We have some rather large holes in the coming months and are urgently asking the Lord to send more people into this corner of his harvest field.
- Transportation costs, to help send shipments of aid, such as the upcoming shipment for Marty.
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