IT Personnel are to Computers what Mechanics are to cars!

Ira Hopkinson never knows how his day is going to turn out.  Three days a week he is at the Wycliffe NZ office in Manukau, in charge of computer and phone support for the five mission groups at the centre, as well as working with new inquirers to Wycliffe.  If you were to watch him during the day, you would note that he rarely sits at his desk for more than 20 minutes.  The more people in the office, the shorter his stint in front of his own computer.  On a regular basis, you are likely to hear “Ira! Help!”  On hearing this, Ira is up with a charming smile.  “What seems to be the problem?”

John Rentz, Ira and Helen

The phone rings.  “Hi Katy” John Rentz says with a slightly embarrassed laugh.  It is about seven on a weekend evening and Ira is just about to eat his dinner.  “This better be good John because Ira hasn’t yet eaten…”

John and Ira’s conversation lasts about half an hour as Ira helps John work out why his data projector is not working.  It is very urgent as John is in the middle of his daughter’s 21st party.  He wants to show everyone the photos of her life but despite all his efforts, his equipment won’t work.  Ira saves the day again and the party continues with much laughter.

Thank you Lord for providing IT support people – just when and where we need them!