Not Needed Anymore

For nearly three decades, ITEC has been advocating for the indigenous church, knowing they are best equipped to reach their own communities and beyond. Too often, though, they lack the tools needed to gain access—especially to unreached people groups.

Several years ago, during an interview with a friend from Central Africa, he shared a vision: “Come and train us, then follow up to sharpen our skills. After that, go somewhere else—because we won’t need you anymore.”

The truth is, we like to be needed. We want to be needed.

On a recent trip to East Africa, we conducted both Dental Extraction and Optometry trainings. For the first time, the dental training was led entirely by Africans—a professional dentist who has partnered with ITEC for many years, a doctor we trained in extractions eight years ago, and a nurse we trained just this past January.

As I watched Africans training Africans, I saw clarity in communication because they spoke the same languages. I saw openness because they shared similar cultures and communities. And in that moment, I realized—they don’t need us anymore.

If you and your church want to see how you can have a long-term, sustainable impact on a short-term trip—while working yourself out of a job—we’d love to connect with you.