At the end of June, Senior Lecturer of Management, Édouard Boccoz, traveled to West Central Asia to help Trans World Radio with their missions efforts. Below is a bit more information on his experience during his missions trip.

Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to West Central Asia for a week to an undisclosed former Soviet Union country where my missionary organization, for which I regularly volunteer, is conducting a special project to spread the Gospel more effectively in closed or hard-to-reach countries in the region.

Specialized in reaching nations using long-distance and local radio broadcasts, as well as the internet and other simple technical means, Trans World Radio (TWR.org) gave me the opportunity to assist some of their full-time missionaries in deploying and installing a state-of-the-art new transmitter in the current dedicated station, which was previously used for quite different purposes during the Cold War! Using some basic handy skills that I didn’t know I possessed (electrical work), the purpose of that work was to better understand both the technical aspects and the business of such TWR activities in the field, as well as the relationship dynamics with local partners. I usually offer this 70-year-old organization, which reaches 190 countries in more than 200 languages, my business administration expertise in continuous improvement, project management, and change management.

When God gives direction, everything falls into place perfectly. Besides reaching the goals of my trip, almost every day and in unexpected ways, I have been continuously blessed with small and great blessings that I deeply feel are God’s presence: from helpful strangers sitting beside me on planes to a fully funded trip with no additional stress and burden, as well as receiving an immediate warm welcome, generous care, and genuine interest in my specific contribution. The week went fast with really no time to explore the country, but with enough excellent occasions to get to know the people and workers of the station and to have a glimpse of the local and wonderful culture of this ancient and first-ever Christian nation. I am sincerely grateful for all the help I received from my friends and supporters, and I wholeheartedly thank God for this wonderful opportunity to serve with my talents and (new) skills.