How an Engineering Degree Became a Tool for Global Ministry
After graduating from high school, Daniel had a deep desire to serve God cross-culturally. He wanted to take the gospel to places where it was needed most. But his skill set was engineering, and he wasn’t sure how that could fit into ministry. Daniel trusted that God would eventually show him how his career and calling to ministry could go together. So, he decided to pursue an engineering degree first and then pursue global ministry.
During Daniel’s first year of college, a professor shared an unexpected opportunity. He said a group of students were being recruited to design and install a solar electric system in West Africa with SIM USA.
Daniel joined the team. For two years, he worked with other students to design the system. Then, he was selected as one of the students who would travel to West Africa to install it.
That trip changed the way Daniel saw his future. It allowed him to work alongside others, build relationships, and see how engineering skills could become a bridge for ministry.
“God kept showing ways in which people with technical abilities can help and be part of this. So, I knew from that first trip that this is likely what I would be spending the rest of my life doing,” Daniel said.
After this experience, Daniel helped start a campus group that continued finding ways for students to use their engineering skills cross-culturally. Through this group, Daniel met Hailey, who also wanted to use engineering to serve God. The two later married and pursued global ministry together.
Today, Daniel and Hailey serve with SIM USA in West Africa. They use well drilling and construction management to meet practical needs and build relationships in their community. Through their work and daily lives, they share the love of Jesus and seek to be faithful witnesses.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Engineering in West Africa: A Story of Faithfulness, Partnership and God's Provision
For Daniel and Hailey, engineering in West Africa is an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen churches. Through each project, they have learned that God can use engineering to accomplish more than they ever imagined.
Recently, a local pastor was planting a church in a small village where ministry was difficult. The surrounding community had begun using the church grounds to dispose of garbage. Animals also roamed freely on the grounds, making it difficult for the church to gather.
Daniel, Hailey, and their team partnered with the congregation to build a fence around the church grounds. This fence would keep animals out and give the pastor a space to grow crops. They also hoped to build a well for the church.
But after drilling deep into the ground, they discovered the water was unusable. The salt content was so high, it couldn’t be safely used for drinking or farming. In fact, it was the highest salt level the team had ever seen.
Although the well didn’t provide the water they hoped for, the project wasn’t a failure. Through the process, Daniel, Hailey, and their team built relationships with the church and continued walking alongside them.
“We didn’t know how we were going to help,” Daniel said. “But we kept coming back, kept visiting them, and kept trying to encourage them.”
Several months later, a major storm swept through the region and damaged the church’s roof. Daniel, Hailey, and their team stood with the congregation. They helped repair the roof and reminded the church they had not been forgotten.
Encouraged by this help, church members invested their own resources to improve the rest of the property. As the church grounds were transformed, the surrounding community took notice and agreed to stop using the land as a trash site.
The church celebrated these changes with a dedication service that drew many Muslim neighbors. This created new opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel. Later, another ministry organization learned about this church. They partnered with them to construct a second building on the property. This building now serves as a larger sanctuary. The original building is used for school and other ministry activities.
“The pastor has gone from being isolated and not even able to grow crops to blessing, after blessing, after blessing. Even though the well didn’t work, we’re just seeing the way God has provided other opportunities to really help this church grow and have a bigger impact on the community,” Daniel said.
When gifts and skills are placed in God’s hands, He often accomplishes far more than we could have imagined.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Use Your Skills in Global Ministry with SIM USA
Are you interested in serving God cross-culturally? SIM USA has a place for you.
God uses all kinds of gifts, skills and experiences in global ministry. Whether your background is in engineering, media, agriculture or another field, your abilities can be a tool to serve others and share the hope of Jesus.
“We’re both engineers—that’s our background. God can use anyone in ministry,” Daniel said. “Whatever your gifting is, there is a way to use that in service to God.”
Connect with a SIM USA mission coach and attend a Connect event to learn more.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8
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Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a content creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.