Three weeks ago, I took on a new role as a liaison for the Tech Resources Department at MAF headquarters. Joining a department whose main focus is on servers, business processes, and network administration was quite dizzying to someone who would never consider herself a techy. I have often thought of technology as confusing, complicated and mind-numbing, and didn’t understand the true heart behind our staff who work tirelessly at maintaining servers and email, and keeping our tech-based MAF world running.
I had the chance to chat with Jon Wilkins, who serves in Tech Resources as a systems administrator. Jon provides server and network support—for our Nampa office and our overseas programs—and travels to various programs to build relationships with MAF’s national staff around the world. When I asked him why he chose to work in information technology (IT) for a mission organization, he was quick to respond.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I would do it for free. I have a passion for technology, I always have. It’s not a job, it’s a hobby I get paid to do. I never thought there would be a day when I could work in nine MAF programs in eight different countries in one day, all while never leaving my desk.
“Working with MAF is not just for the paycheck,” Jon explained. “It enables me to do what I love to do, with an eternal impact. My world is larger and more amazing because God has gifted me with technical abilities!”
After hearing Jon’s passion for technology and how his work was making an eternal difference, it reminded me to view my work the same way. We can all use our gifts to make a bigger impact, one little step at a time. I came to realize that technology is key to connecting the remotest parts of the earth to Jesus Christ. So now I view my new role with the bigger picture in mind. Each and every day at MAF we are building God’s Kingdom, and I am so blessed to be a part of it.
