Fall 2015 SonLight Power Training Workshop: Equipping to Empower
There are many keys to the success of SonLight Power and the joy of light that has empowered thousands – our faith in God and laser focus in fulfilling His mission are paramount. A big part of that mission is ensuring the work we do is completed correctly, on time and on budget.
And so, before we go anywhere, we eat together, talk together, pray together and we train together.
In mid-September, an excited group of 12 people gathered at SonLight Power’s training facility at Camp Amakanata in southeast Indiana for hands-on learning of the ins-and-outs of successful solar power installations.
Their teacher was SonLight Power’s founder and director of programs, Allen Rainey. In fact, Allen’s inspiration for creating SonLight Power came from his experience deploying solar power to energize Camp Amakanata after assessing the costs of bringing a power line onto the remote 40-acre setting.
“Our goal here is to make sure everyone who goes out in the field is ready and able to do an installation,” Allen explains. “We don’t want to send anyone out who isn’t trained and doesn’t know what to expect.”
The Amakanata trainees arrived on a Friday night for fellowship and devotion. The evening rain may have washed out the campfire but it didn’t dampen their spirits. After a good night’s sleep – some in tents; others in cabins – it was time to learn.
The class was diverse. Six college students from Michigan, Texas and Ohio participated because they aspired to join future SonLight Power mission trips. One of the trainees was a professional engineer interested in serving the Lord. Two others were interested in installing solar on their own rooftops. Another was an active missionary looking for an opportunity to add solar power to future mission trips..
Students learned first about the components that make up a solar power system and how they work together. Then, they received training on battery maintenance and testing, how solar panels are installed and how a system is designed to meet the specifics of the project.
The team also worked on an innovative mobile solar trailer that will allow mounted solar panels to be placed in positions to gain maximum exposure to the sun.
“We want our students to leave here feeling confident and ready to serve the Lord,” Rainey said.
The camp works. Eyes that looked apprehensive on Friday night transitioned to understanding on Saturday morning and eventually to enthusiasm by Saturday night. For the trainees, the link between using light to empower those who live in darkness and their Christian faith became obvious.
Graduate trainee Noelle Streetman put it best: “Missions have always been really exciting to me and I think the connection between the light of the gospel and literally empowering them with light is so cool!”
For more information about SonLight Power solar training workshops and how to register, visit Solar Training: Workshops at Camp Amakanata
For more information and on-site photos of this and other SonLight Power mission trips, visit and 'Like' the SonLight Power fans page on Facebook
Does your family, church, or workplace want to join or sponsor a SonLight Power mission trip? Connect with us at +1 or e-mail [email protected].
