Volunteer Appreciation: Mike Clark, the (Indispensable) IT Guy

While all of Hope Alive!’s board members contribute their time, resources, and expertise to the ministry, Mike Clark has taken it to the next level. A software engineer with more than 35 years in the tech industry, Mike is our longtime webmaster, database administrator, and cyber security expert; he’s done everything from set up whole new systems to helping individual sponsors troubleshoot problems with their monthly credit card donations. 

Mike has traveled to Uganda five times, sometimes with his family as part of a ministry team, and sometimes on his own to set up or upgrade technology systems for the county office and the ministry sites. He’s committed to expanding educational opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathmatics) for Hope Alive! students and increasing their access to low or no-cost digital educational platforms like Khan Academy. Mike is always thinking of more ways to support and improve the ministry. He’s conducted book and puzzle drives for Hope Alive! with his friends, made presentations at U.S. churches about the joys of sponsorship, and loves to teach when he’s in Uganda, sharing God’s truth and love with the mentors and students. 

Even though most of Mike’s volunteer support for HA! is around technology, he says his biggest joy in volunteering comes when he travels to Uganda and spends time with the HA! staff, mentors, and students.