Every summer iGo employs mobilization interns (Jimmy is what we call them) to assist us in the complex tasks of training, mobilizing, recruiting that take place throughout the summer months. These college students get to learn first hand what it looks like to be on this side sending out teams. This summer we had six mobilization interns, one design intern, and one media intern. Cody Hale (media intern) shares about his experience. 

In April, I had never even heard of iGo Global. Come May, I had been sucked into the wonderful world of Jimmy. How that came to be is a little complicated and unnecessary to explain in detail, but I will say that the plans I had for the summer fell apart at the last minute and, in God’s awesome provision, an old friend informed me of the Media Jimmy position. I applied with very limited knowledge of missions, what I would be doing, or what iGo even was. New and unknown things have never scared me before, and applying for this position was propelled primarily by a “sure, why not?” sort of inclination. Two weeks later, there I was.

As someone who has had the privilege of traveling quite extensively in the last few years, I was really excited to be a part of an organization that sends people all over the world. I love sharing my passion of travel and adventure with others, so this seemed like a good fit from the start. What I had not considered was how truly rewarding the mobilization process would be.

Many, including myself, often do not consider those who send when discussing missions. The focus is almost always placed primarily on those who are going, at least from what I have experienced. There is nothing wrong with that; those who go are a vital and imperative part of fulfilling the Great Work that God has called us to do. What I soon learned, though, is just how essential the mobilization process is, too. There is a reciprocal relationship that exists between those sending and those being sent, in that one could not be done without the other, and I have a new level of appreciation for the entire missions process after experiencing it from both angles.

As the Media Jimmy, I was able to use the skills I have learned and studied over the years to create both informative and entertaining videos for those at Base Camp, as well as public audiences. Like my previous internships, this summer with iGo has been an excellent learning experience that has allowed me to strengthen those skillsets. This was my third internship, and while each one has centered primarily on video production, the subject matter could not be more varied between each. Through these vastly different settings, I have learned that it really does not matter what the content is that I am shooting or editing but simply the process itself that I enjoy.

Working at iGo has differed greatly, however, in that there is an inherent joy in the staff here that can only come from the Lord. I have been blessed with really awesome jobs in the past and have had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people, including Christians, but working for an organization whose bottom-line goal is to give glory to God and share Him with the nations has helped me grow in ways that go far beyond anything I could ever learn with a camera or sitting at a computer. Being surrounded daily by real people who have similar struggles and are pursuing Christ creates spiritual growth and accountability in a way that nothing else can. This aspect is without a doubt the most redeeming thing I will take with me once this summer is over. Being an iGo Jimmy resulted in a real tipping point in my faith, and it has helped me form habits that I hope will stay with me forever.

Looking back on the summer is extremely bittersweet. It has gone by so fast and been so full of memorable times with lots of people I can now call best friends. I have known the seven other Jimmies for only a few short months, but it feels like years. Thanks to iGo Global, I have an entirely new understanding and appreciation for the mobilization and training of those who are willing to be sent, and I would not trade this summer for anything.