Interns With Impact 2024: Ryan, Engineering Intern

Ryan walks along the Bonaire transmitter field where he is serving this summer as an engineering intern.

A junior at Michigan Tech studying mechanical engineering, Ryan brings his skills to Bonaire to serve with TWR this summer. His work on Bonaire involves maintaining the towers and equipment to ensure that the transmitter is efficient and effective.

Ryan first heard about TWR last fall when The Traveling Team, a missions-focused group of young people, came to his school. They gave him a glimpse of the vision for global missions and opened Ryan’s eyes to opportunities in which he could use his engineering background for the kingdom of Christ.

“I am excited to be able to use my engineering skills to further the gospel through the work I am doing,” Ryan said.

Q: What is the most challenging thing for you this summer?

The most challenging thing for me this summer has been to learn to slow down. At school, I am used to moving at a very fast pace and working constantly, but here on the island everything moves a bit slower. It has been a challenge but has really been a blessing.

Q: What are you most excited to do during your internship? Work or personal?

I am super excited to explore the island during my personal time. It has been really cool to explore God’s creation here and get to know the people who live here. I also am excited to hopefully climb the towers.

Q: At this point, what is your favorite thing about TWR?

My favorite thing about TWR is how far they are able to reach with the gospel using radio and other mass media. They broadcast the gospel into areas where it would be very hard for a missionary to go and to a great number of people who might not otherwise have access to the gospel.

Q: Is this your first ministry/missions experience? If not, where have you served?

This is not my first missions/ministry experience. I am also working as a student intern with InterVarsity at Michigan Tech, where I attend school. With InterVarsity, I have the opportunity to lead a Bible study, help to plan retreats, organize and encourage discipleship, and some other things as well.

Q: What was the biggest sacrifice you made to be here this summer?

I would say that the biggest thing that I gave up being here for the summer was going to a friend’s wedding. One of my best friends from high school got married this summer, and unfortunately I couldn’t be there.

Q: What is your favorite hobby that you have or hope to develop this summer?

A couple of hobbies that I enjoy are hiking and rock climbing, both of which I have been able to do a little of on the island. One hobby that I have been enjoying more over the summer is reading. It isn’t something I have done a lot since middle school, and it has been good to read in my free time.

Fun Fact: Ryan is hoping to try iguana stew this summer!

Images: (top, banner) Ryan walks along the Bonaire transmitter field where he is serving this summer as an engineering intern, (top, left) Ryan [left] and fellow Bonaire intern, Zach [right] exploring the island of Bonaire, (middle, right) Ryan explores the island of Bonaire, (bottom, right) Ryan works on a piece of wire at the transmitter site.