My story with web development goes all the way back to when the internet began. I don’t even remember what age I was when I started playing with HTML and CSS, but I know I was young and hooked early. I’ve been building websites ever since.
My first site was built in a plain text editor and hosted on a free provider. From there, I remember using Microsoft FrontPage and later Dreamweaver. I learned to create Flash animations, write dynamic PHP, build custom navbars, and design interactive experiences with JavaScript and jQuery.
I eventually built full programs hosted on local office servers, I helped maintain a large one for a law office called CaseTracker that my dad built. I also worked on API integrations with programs like QuickBooks for invoicing systems, and built a variety of unique tools for real-world problems. I spent years in the WordPress world freelancing and consulting before recently discovering the Laravel ecosystem, where I finally felt at home.
For 9 years, I worked alongside my dad in his computer shop. I later ran my own computer consulting business for 12 years. But eventually, I laid all that down to pursue ministry.
Today, I still code but I do it for a different reason. I build tools for the Church. I help others when I can. I create systems for ministries. And I see this work as an extension of my calling: to serve, to build, and to bring glory to Jesus.
DevChase is my story and my prayer is that it inspires someone else out there who's called to create for the Kingdom too.