By Kyle Carruthers
Three decades ago, Wally Roth, the founder of the computer science department at Taylor helped install the first computer systems for a ship christened the Doulos for the evangelical organization Operation Mobilization (OM).
During J-term, seniors Andrew Ketchum, Noah Bresley, Colin Akard, Curtis Reimer, Andrew Dillon, Paul Nurkkala, Matt Witt and Ashley Crutcher and juniors Blake Williams and Phil Brocker, continued his legacy of charity, guided by Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Tom Nurkkala and his wife, Darci.
The students devoted the term to serving Logos Hope, one of OM's newer ships, while gaining relevant career experience. For seven of the 10 computer science, computer engineering and systems students, the missions trip was a first experience combining practical skills with Christian service.
"My first thought when I heard about the trip was, 'Hey! I could get my CC credit out of the way while doing something fun with my major!'" Akard said.
The purpose of the ship is to spread knowledge, help and hope by traveling to different international ports and providing special events and opportunities for residents of those cities.
The group was supposed to meet the boat in Taiwan, but because of engine troubles, it had to turn back to its previous destination, Hong Kong. The students then flew to Hong Kong to meet it.
The students, while contributing some to the ship's evangelical mission, were able to focus their talents on improving the database and Internet of the ships using Django, a Web development framework. Tom Nurkkala said the students implemented nine new features during their time, surpassing their goal of three.
Tom Nurkkala said that Taylor students likely understand the potential for technology in evangelism, "but until they actually see it happening they really don't get that."
Tom Nurkkala is also the Director of the Center for Missions Computing, a center that allows CSE and systems students to connect with real-world needs while honing their skills, allowing them to see how such skills can glorify God.
The center cooperates with the CSE department and develops a trip every two years. In 2011, Tom Nurkkala led the first such trip to Carlisle, England, where students worked at OM's headquarters. There is no set date or destination for the next trip.
Last week, Crutcher accepted a job working with another ministry, Global Media Outreach. "I just want everyone to consider how their particular talents can be used in ministry," Crutcher said. "It's so much more than evangelizing. I mean, who would have thought that I could program for God? You can definitely make a difference through a mission organization."
Although the trip is over, CSE students will continue to improve the systems of the Logos Hope remotely, gaining experience and learning how to integrate the world of technology with the world of faith.
"I also learned that there is a lot of need for people in computer fields in missions," Akard said. "People in IT fields can help provide a backbone for missions organizations to run on."
