Daniel

When Kristina shared her idea with me, I was both excited and skeptical. This was something fresh and new—I still remembered how interesting the Reflections from Kokanee slideshow had been. However, I was concerned knowing the risk of disaster when embarking in this type of ministry. I decided to test the waters and see how God would lead. Being a web developer and programmer, the first thought that came to mind was that Kristina needed a website. I enjoyed designing websites, but I had stopped doing free computer work for people. It always turned out to be more work than I'd bargained for. I decided instead to teach her how to create her own website. This way I could have the fun of teaching and still help the ministry. My offer was a bit half-hearted at first. I figured that if she wasn't serious about having a website, she would soon give up learning. If she quit, I wasn't going to just create the website for her.

We needed a way to host the website, and to do all we wanted we really needed our own web server. But I didn't have a server, and a new one would be very expensive. That night I prayed, "Lord, if it is Your will that we should build this website, please help us to find a server."

On Sunday I was helping a friend setup some computers, and mentioned that I was looking for a web server. He said he had a couple very old machines that he might be willing to sell me. On Monday, I saw him again and asked him what he wanted for his old system. After thinking a bit, he looked at me and said, "Actually, I'll just give it to you."

I was speechless. I had hoped to get a server fairly inexpensively, but I hardly expected someone to just give one to me—much less the very next day!

Daniel

When Kristina sent me the Word document website, my first thought was, Oh no... How am I going to teach Kristina anything with this? I didn't back down on my bargain, but I knew that she would have to be very determined if she wanted to succeed. I decided to teach her the same way I learned—by a lot of experimenting and perseverance. I wonder how long she will last...

Daniel

After the server miracle, and seeing Kristina's dedication, I realized this ministry was for real, and committed to doing my part in making Discovering His Treasures a success. I juggled my classes, work schedule, and speaking appointments, and still found time to help Kristina. We worked against a deadline—in December I would graduate with my Associate degree in Information Technology, and in January I would be leaving for Africa.

Shortly after we started the website, Kristina asked me if I was going to GYC, an Adventist youth convention held annually in different places around the US. This particular GYC would be in Chattanooga, TN, only a few hours drive away. What a perfect opportunity! Not only would it provide fellowship with other young people, but it would be a wonderful spiritual retreat before beginning my mission venture. So with my brother Timothy and two friends from Kentucky, I drove to GYC.

Daniel

GYC was a very special time in many ways. On Friday evening, I went forward and dedicated my life to ministry and mission service. On Sabbath afternoon, we went together on the GYC outreach project. I'll never forget Kristina's enthusiasm as we ran from door to door! It was truly a blessing to get better acquainted as we witnessed to the people of Chattanooga. Yet I knew that there were many things the Lord was calling me to, and made a commitment to stay focused on His mission. We parted, being confident in God's care and the assurance of our prayers.

A little over two weeks later, I boarded a plane for Namibia, leaving behind everything familiar to embark on a new mission in a new culture among the Himba people.