When God Calls a Welder

Sometimes God prepares a way for us to serve long before we realize there is a need. 

For Todd Rowell, a welder from Tivoli, Texas, an unexpected change of plans opened the door to a mission trip to Belize, where his skills became an answer to prayer.

Todd owns a propeller shop in Tivoli where he manufactures and repairs boat propellers. He and his family are active members of First Baptist Church of Tivoli, a congregation that faithfully supports STCH Ministries, including through its adult Sunday school class’s

 sponsorship of a child in the Dominican Republic through Samuel’s Fund.

Todd had long been interested in missions, but a trip to Belize was not originally on his calendar. At the beginning of the year, his father-in-law invited him to spend October on an elk hunting trip to Colorado. However, when Todd’s name was not selected in the state’s spring hunting permit drawing, he reconsidered his plans.

Then Tim Williams, STCH Ministries Director of Church Relations, visited FBC Tivoli to preach. Todd took this opportunity to ask about the ministry work happening in Belize. When Todd heard about an upcoming October mission trip, he felt the Lord was opening a door for him to serve. He contacted STCH Ministries and joined the team.

The mission team had plans to prepare a building to serve as a construction shop. They didn’t realize they needed a welder for this project, so Todd had no idea his skills would be essential to the trip. But God knew, and He was already directing Todd to serve in the right place at the right time.

Once in Belize, Todd spent four days working alongside George Alvarado, a local man who assisted him with the roofing project for the construction shop. Their time together became an opportunity to witness how God uses relationships to draw families to Himself.

George had spent much of his life without a personal relationship with God or hope for the future. A few years ago, his son Austin attended a Vacation Bible School at Ebenezer Church, one of STCH Ministries’ partner churches in Belize. After VBS, Austin asked his parents if he could continue attending church on Sundays. His mother and sister soon began attending with him, and before long, George joined, too.

As Austin grew in his faith, he began attending youth group and eventually gave his life to Christ. During a spring break mission trip, Austin was baptized. His growing relationship with the Lord also helped lead his father to faith. Now George is preparing for baptism himself.

George’s joy was evident throughout the week, and he became a tremendous blessing to the mission team. As he and Todd worked side by side on the roof, their partnership reflected the greater work God was doing in Belize: building relationships, strengthening local churches and bringing hope to families through the love of Christ.

What began as an unexpected change of plans became an opportunity for Todd to use his God-given abilities where they were needed. And what began with a young boy attending VBS has grown into a family’s journey toward Christ.

God was at work long before Todd arrived in Belize. Through willing hearts, open doors and faithful partnerships, He continues to bring people together for His purpose. Thank you for making these opportunities possible through your support of STCH Ministries and its ministry partners.