The next project I’m building means a lot to me. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for a while. I'm building a platform to support missionaries.
After lots of thought, building in different frameworks and environments, and praying through it, I’m choosing Ruby on Rails.
Here’s why:
1. I Love to Learn
I’ve always been the kind of person who learns by building. New ideas spark something in me. Rails has that spark. It’s full of thoughtful conventions, developer joy, and a philosophy that just makes sense.
I’ve spent most of my web dev journey in vanilla JS, HTML, and CSS. I spent many years building custom sites using WordPress. In the last 12 months, I've explored the Laravel ecosystem and shipped a few sites including this one. I've experimented with just about every JS stack too, but Rails is something I’ve never truly built in, and that really excites me.
It’s not about chasing the “best” tool. It’s about growing. Stretching. Becoming a better builder.
2. Community Matters
I’m not just picking a framework, I’m stepping into a community.
Rails has one of the strongest, most passionate communities in web development. It's full of people who care deeply about craft, kindness, and mentoring others.
That kind of environment is exactly where I want to be while building something I care deeply about. I'm not doing this alone. I'm joining a group of people who want to build good things, and build them well.
Shout out to the Laravel community too! They are also great people!
3. I’ve Never Built in Rails Before… But I Have a Feeling I’ll Love It
Sometimes your gut just knows:
- From the moment I opened a fresh Rails app, I had this sense: “This is going to be good.”
- It’s elegant without being flashy.
- It’s productive without being messy.
- It’s opinionated in all the ways that make sense to me.
I’m sure I’ll hit some walls. I’m sure I’ll get stuck and wonder if I made the right choice. But that’s part of the process and I’m here for it.
So, What’s the Project?
I’m building a missionary support platform. A place where missionaries can:
- Share updates
- Receive prayer
- Communicate with supporters
- Feel encouraged
The Church needs tools that support relationship, not just donation links. I believe Rails is going to help me build something that lasts and serves.
Let’s See What Happens
I don’t know exactly what the next few months will hold. But I’m fired up. Focused. And full of faith.
Rails is the tool. This is the project. I’m ready to build it.
Follow along if you’re curious. Pray if you’re led. Reach out if you’ve built in Rails and want to share some wisdom. I’m all ears.
Let’s go!