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Hayes, a parishioner at Valley Bible Chapel in Washington Township, joined a missionary trip to Niger as part of a ministry organization and with his church. While there, Hayes taught the locals about spirituality, plus music and coloring classes.
"It's great," he told Daily Voice. "It has its great things and its difficult things. It's definitely broadened my perspective on the world for sure.
"It's interesting to see the things that at first surprised me but just became normal. Little stuff like how people drive or pack on their car roof 30 feet up."
Hayes graduated Hawthorne High School in 2006 and studied math at Montclair State University. He worked with the campus ministry at MSU and his faith became even more important to him, he said, leading to his voyage to Niger.
Niger is a poor country, but the people are friendly, Hayes said.
"People have time, they love to talk," he said.
He studied French and Zarma, a small language spoken in the area, before his arrival. The majority of people are Muslim, so Hayes said many are unfamiliar with Christianity.
Around 100 to 200 people can sometimes attend the classes with Hayes.
The schools in the area do not offer arts like in the United States, which was why his group taught music.
"A lot of it is just being involved in people's lives," he said.
Hayes was part of a group of 11 to venture to Niger. He met his wife, April, while there.
"I'm really thankful to be here and consider it a blessing," Hayes said. "It's definitely been a growing time for me."
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