Joining God’s Work in the World: Jacob, TWR mechanical engineering intern
Originally from Troy, Michigan, Jacob Stark studies mechanical engineering at Ohio University (OU). He’ll begin his junior year this fall, continuing to be actively involved in OU’s Cru organization. This summer, he is serving with TWR in West Africa as a mechanical engineer.
Jacob grew up in a Christian home and became a believer at a young age. But he only began to truly live out his faith as an 18-year-old.
“When I really started to take my faith seriously, I couldn’t help but see the need around the world for the gospel and that in some way we are all called to support that mission. My dad worked for our church as a video director and filmmaker, so he traveled the world documenting the missions work of our church and church partners. So all this combined really fed into and stirred my heart for missions.”
During the fall of 2022, TWR representatives came to OU, and that was Jacob’s introduction to the global media ministry. Early on, he felt a definite calling on his life to use his engineering skills in missions. He anticipates his time in West Africa will provide a clearer call from the Lord as to where he should serve in the world.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how God develops me for a future in missions! This is my first overseas missions experience, and the Lord has provided this opportunity for me to take my first big leap of faith,” Jacob shared.
Because he feels God calling him to cross-cultural service, Jacob is eager to get some real life experience this summer in Africa. He said:
“This opportunity has enabled me to combine my passion for missions with engineering. And I am very excited to step into the unknown, leave my comfort zone, and hopefully, better hear from the Lord where he is calling me in the future.”
It is the people that Jacob loves most about working with TWR. He has already heard many unique stories of missionaries who have been called to ministry around the world. He loves the warm welcome he has received and the wisdom offered as a result of the staff’s countless years in ministry. “It truly does feel like a family,” he said.
Garth Kennedy, TWR Director of Transmitting Operations in West Africa, says,
“Jacob has settled in well and has been very busy this past month. His team has already have been involved in numerous projects here at WATS [TWR's West Africa Transmitting Station] and in other ministries. Some of the projects he has been involved in include fixing the 4-wheeler and working on the Broadcast Chain.”
Jacob misses his strong community of friends at OU, where they serve daily by sharing the gospel with other students on campus and encouraging each other in the faith. Like most loyal metro Detroit natives, he is a die-hard Detroit Lions fan and loves the outdoors, backpacking and all kinds of sports.
One major challenge for Jacob this summer will be living and working in a country where he does not speak the local language - French. He trusts the Lord will use him regardless of the initial language barrier. Cuisine, however, might not be such a barrier. “I think food might just be one of my greatest earthly loves,” says Jacob, who anticipates many adventures with local African cuisine, including trying different dishes and experiencing new flavors.
In fact, it’s during all of this talk of eating when this mechanical engineer’s creative side shines through. Jacob shares that he has created his own homemade barbecue sauce brand: Stark’s Sauces.
Images: (top, left) Jacob Stark gets a taste of West African transportation as he hitches a ride with fellow intern, Ben Hand, (middle, right) Jacob and fellow West Africa intern, Ben Hand, begin their journey to serve at TWR's West Africa Transmitting Station, (bottom, left) Jacob spends time working alongside local missionaries fostering programs in West Africa. [Images courtesy of Jacob Stark, TWR]
