Burke Murray Experiences Missions On Bonaire
[Estimated reading time: 3 minutes]
Burke Murray (left) is spending his summer working on engineering projects for TWR's transmitting site on the Caribbean island of Bonaire.
God knew Burke Murray hadn’t traveled out of the United States before, but he still called the young man to missions on Bonaire, a small island right above South America. As a rising junior studying electrical engineering at the University of Maryland, it would have been easy to stay in his home country, but Burke was willing to expand his horizons this summer.
On Bonaire, Burke works in Broadcast Operations with two other interns, helping with fencing, security cameras and other projects. On his free days, Burke has enjoyed exploring the beach and spending time on a catamaran.
What led you to joining TWR?
I heard about TWR from The Traveling Team, a group of itinerant Christian mobilizers, when they came to Cru, a college ministry. I thought I could put my electrical engineering skills to good use by doing a mission trip. It was also an opportunity to see if I enjoy mission work and if it was something God had in store for me.
What are you looking forward to while working at TWR?
I’m looking forward to gaining more knowledge about radio and to apply my engineering skills to my faith to grow with God.
What is one of your biggest challenges this summer?
The biggest challenges are the heat and meeting new people, because I’m relatively shy. God has been teaching me how to deal with temptations and patience, mostly toward other people.
When and how did you get interested in missions?
My Cru group talked about how much they enjoyed the missions trips they went on, and it inspired me to try it out and see how I would enjoy it. Being on mission is important because Jesus called us to share God’s love for his creation by spreading the gospel. So far, my experience has been a blessing.
How is this internship preparing you for your future?
By giving me a taste of the reality of the engineering world and preparing me for what my life could entail ahead.
How are you finding Bonaire?
So far, the most shocking thing I’ve found is how slow and unrushed everyone is. They call it island time. Having grown up on the northeastern coast in America, I’ve been in a high-stress, high-expectations and quick-mentality setting my whole life. So, when I first came here, it was like a massive weight had been lifted off my back.
We asked Bryson Browning, another intern on Bonaire, the important question:
If Burke were a Disney character, who would he be?
His answer: If Burke were Disney character, he would be Olaf. He makes jokes over the trip, and sometimes he says things that are super funny in the most normal tone.
Fun fact: Burke plays rugby at his university.
Images: (banner, top) Burke Murray (left) is spending his summer working on engineering projects for TWR's transmitting site on the Caribbean island of Bonaire; (middle, right) Burke (left) and fellow intern, Olly Simons (right), recording in one of the studios at TWR's Bonaire station.
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