I-TEC is made up of volunteers who love the Lord and want to serve Him.

We decided to “interview” two of our most recent volunteers who served on our Egbe Team in Nigeria.

We trust you’ll be encouraged as you read about their time helping with I-TEC. 

How did the mission trip to Egbe affect you?

From the moment we stepped out of the van onto the Egbe E.C.W.A. Missionary Compound, several local pastors welcomed us in the name of God. From that moment on, everyone we saw encouraged us in our work, prayed for us or greeted us. I saw the Lord’s hand in most of what I was working on, and that was special for me. It was difficult to return home to “normalcy” and have to work to recognize God’s hand in my everyday life.

How did the mission trip to Egbe affect you?

This mission trip not only helped me learn more about solar power and electrical work, which I knew very little about beforehand, but it also helped me refocus on the reason I and many others do this kind of work in the first place. I realized that, more than the excitement of a new adventure, I want to desire God’s heart for the nations and, in that, seek to share His love and redemption with others.

What stood out most about being a member of the I-TEC Team?

The men and women on this trip truly love God, truly want to do His work, and desire to represent Christ through their words and deeds. Scripture tells us we should be salt and light. Our interactions as a team were Christ-honoring even though we usually like to get our own way. However, we put ourselves under Christ’s control and submitted to the labor we were asked to do. Nobody balked, but worked as unto the Lord. Most of the team cleared dishes and cleaned up after meals without being asked. All had servant’s hearts. We physically worked to bring literal light to Egbe, and we brought salt and light to a place where God was already working!

What stood out most about being a member of the I-TEC Team?

What stood out to me most was the way each of those on the team went out of their way to serve one another. Whether listening to someone’s story, letting everyone else go first in line, or cleaning up dishes, this servant-heartedness was evident to me each and every day of our time there. 

Did the trip push you out of your comfort zone?

This trip definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was away from my wife and children. Even though I tried to stay hydrated, my muscles cramped a lot during the first three days. Thankfully, rehydration packets helped solve that problem. I witnessed poverty and heard about military checkpoints on roadways, but God’s hand was present in these things. People were thankful for what they had and didn’t expect things or feel entitled. I have a new appreciation for what I have. More importantly, God reinforced my love for the people in my life. 

Did the trip push you out of your comfort zone?

Being a part of this trip challenged me in ways that I had not been expecting. My experiences, including interacting with the local people and reflecting on my motivations and heart posture, made me more aware of my shortcomings and need for God’s grace to continue growing as a believer.

Did it reshape how you view your skills, resources and purpose?

I have been a Christian for 24 years, and the anniversary of my conversion fell while I was in Nigeria. If you had told me 24 years ago that I’d be in Nigeria 24 years later, I would have scoffed. I have done small mission trips and volunteered with my local church and several ministries, but I have never gone anywhere like Nigeria. I didn’t have the skill set most of the team had, but intended to lend whatever strength I could to God’s work. I feel that God used me and He blessed me! I can’t imagine a more welcoming and loving experience than the one we met in Egbe, but I will continue to work for God regardless of the welcome or the outcome.

Did it reshape how you view your skills, resources and purpose?

Though I’ve been working in full-time missions as an engineer for several months, this trip reshaped my view of what that could look like on a practical level. It helped me to see that God is able to use anything He’s given us to advance His Kingdom. One theme that seemed to surface during our trip was the asking of the question, “What is in your hand?” found in Exodus 4:2. No matter what we think we know or don’t know, the Lord can do exceedingly abundantly beyond what we imagine with our talents when they are offered up willingly before Him.

What was your most meaningful memory?

Meeting a king was one of the most memorable things I’ve done in my life! However, the most meaningful memories revolve around two things. First, one of the team members was always first to clear dishes for others, clean up, provide help and instruct those who wanted to learn. He was a wonderful example of Christ amongst the group and will receive his reward in heaven! The second memory was of the student nurses who sang a medley of songs praising God and thanking Him for the work we had done on His behalf. There was such joy. There was wonderful musicality. I will remember that moment for a long time! 

What was your most meaningful memory?

My most meaningful memory from the trip was being able to hear peoples’ stories, both of those native to Nigeria and those on the I-TEC team. From having the opportunity to talk with several hospital staff and patients, we were able to get a clear picture of the importance of the Egbe mission hospital in the lives of so many. Although many of my co-laborers began the trip as strangers to me, over the time we were there I experienced fast friendships because of the common mission God had given us. Being able to see their hearts through conversations and their desire to serve others was both challenging and inspiring to me in my own walk as a believer in Jesus Christ.