My favourite subject in high school was drafting. In grade 12 I even won a desk and scholarship in a city wide competition put on by one of the technical institutes in Calgary. Drafting however was something that I never pursued after I graduated high school in 1994.
One of the advantages of being in YWAM for as long as I have is that I have the opportunity to meet many people from around the world, with many different skills and expertise. One of the people that I worked with at YWAM Townsville for many years was trained in design and architecture. She never had the opportunity in Townsville to use that training, but since leaving YWAM she has gone on to use those skills in very exciting ways.
Something that would be evident to most missionaries around the world is that often there is a lack of quality and dependable facilities. This is where drafting, architecture and design skills can be used on the mission field …
There are many missions fields around the world in need of design, architecture, and drafting. One non-profit architecture firm that is taking up this challenge is 100 Fold Studio out of Lakeside, Montana.
In describing why they choose to serve God through architecture this is what they have to say:
We believe that all people deserve safe, efficient & inspiring structures regardless of their ability to afford an architect. Also, quality design does not create additional costs. Our local & international projects have proven that a well-designed building can be affordable – literally saving millions of dollars. Through innovative design, limited resources can be multiplied towards serving people and sharing the Gospel.
As the Gospel advances, new orphanages, schools and churches require a building. Most ministries & churches will need an architect to meet local requirements for safe structures. 100 Fold Studio guides pastors & missionaries through complex design decisions, so they can stay focused on their outreaches and make wise decisions for the future of their ministries.
100 Fold Studio is engaged in architectural projects around the world, including:
- El Salvador – Orphanage
- Zimbabwe – Learning Centre
- Cambodia – Campus Master Plan
- USA – Missions Centres
- Togo – Soccer Complex
- Haiti – Agricultural Training Centre
- Thailand – Accommodation
There are also other projects in various stages of development around the world including Israel and Uganda.
If you have training in the area of architecture, drafting, and design and want to use those skills in missions I would highly recommend checking out 100 Fold Studio to find out more about their ministry…
In this episode of The Accidental Missionary Podcast I reflect on a book that I have been reading and challenged by called “Don’t Waste Your Life” by Dan Carlin. With this, and other things that have been occurring in my life, I feel that God has been confirming and reminding me about what God wants me to be doing, and where He wants me to putting most of my effort…
