My Story

In 2013 I participated in a summer internship under the guidance of a civil engineer in eSwatini (Swaziland), Africa just days after obtaining my own engineering degree.  As a student, I had felt what often seemed like conflicting desires towards both pastoral and design work and was eager to discern how the Lord might use both passions. I had intentions of spending a gap year working in ministry geared towards mentoring and discipleship, but after spending 2½ years working in 3 different ministries I began to think it was time to put my engineering degree to use. I began interviewing at design firms in the northwest only to discover God had other plans.  

Taking a leap of faith, I responded to a request for interns at Engineering Ministries International and in January 2016 set out with a design team to develop a master plan for Victory Heights Bible Camp in Trinidad & Tobago. During this experience, I was amazed to discover personal connections to each of the  ministries I had served in prior (ask me about it!) and the opportunity to pursue discipleship alongside design.  I sensed the Lord's reassurance: “I have you right where I want you and I’ve been preparing you for this all along.”

After spending the last 3+ years working in Colorado, continuing to volunteer with EMI, and growing in expertise as a structural engineer, I had a profound experience of God's provision while volunteering at Nkhoma Hospital in Malawi, Africa. In the midst of my own doubt and sense of control, I watched and listened while the Lord revealed Himself as the grand Architect and sustainer of the 103-year old legacy of this large African hospital. Not our team of designers; not the hospital leadership and maintenance team, but Himself. I wasn't sure I was needed on our volunteer team and the Lord assured me that I was not:

"You're not needed here, Andy, but I've called you all the same. Rest in the serenity & joy of being invited to be both a blessing & blessed with what I am already doing."

Standing atop Nkhoma Mountain in Malawi

As I flew home last fall I journaled for hours about that experience. What did it mean for me to take that perspective in my job as an engineer?  What about with my church community and the opportunities I was striving to lead in? I jumped back into my life in Colorado with an eagerness to look for where and how God was already moving, and to let go of the pressure I constantly seemed to place on myself.  The next few months flew by and I found myself continually reminded to trust and let go.  Little did I anticipate the way the Lord took those same messages I'd heard in Malawi and expand them, not just to my job and social life, but with an invitation from EMI to join their staff. 

I love describing the ministry that EMI is involved in as behind-the-scenes missions work. Everything we do is about equipping people and places. To see people restored to God and the world restored through our passions and careers as designers. And the role that I have the opportunity to step into invites me to set foot in both of those worlds as well.

As I prepare to launch into full time ministry with EMI in the roles of the U.S. Intern Coordinator and Staff Engineer, I will have the opportunity to equip and mentor young adults while continuing to use my training and experience as an engineer to design hope in places that are often, quite literally, dark and without hope.  And I'm thrilled to share some of this journey with you. :)