Computer Coding Meets the Great Commission
Computer science students use spring break to compete in missions-focused Code-a-Thon
For 11 computer science students at Cedarville University, spring break was an opportunity to use technical skills to make a difference. On March 6-10, these students participated in LightSys Technology Services’ Code-a-Thon for Missions in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
LightSys Technology Services is a ministry that provides free information technology (IT) support for mission agencies that lack technical or financial resources. LightSys hosted three Code-a-Thons in March, and more than 50 volunteers completed more than 11 coding projects.
During Code-a-Thon, teams of three to four students coded programs for LightSys. Some teams worked on websites for unreached people groups, while others worked on apps that told Bible stories in other languages.
According to LightSys, the lack of IT resources is a significant challenge faced by almost every mission organization. Many small mission organizations are burdened by the lack of IT resources and support.
“Computer programming is a skill that every organization in every industry needs, and that includes missions,” said Dr. Seth Hamman, assistant professor of computer science. “I was thrilled that so many of our computer science majors decided to spend their spring break serving the Lord with their talents and abilities.”
“I didn’t think that technology could play directly into helping the mission cause, but it definitely does,” said Timothy Smith, a junior computer science major from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, who was part of Code-a-Thon. “Even if you’re not a missionary, you need to be involved somehow.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.
LightSys Technology Services is a ministry that provides free information technology (IT) support for mission agencies that lack technical or financial resources. LightSys hosted three Code-a-Thons in March, and more than 50 volunteers completed more than 11 coding projects.
During Code-a-Thon, teams of three to four students coded programs for LightSys. Some teams worked on websites for unreached people groups, while others worked on apps that told Bible stories in other languages.
According to LightSys, the lack of IT resources is a significant challenge faced by almost every mission organization. Many small mission organizations are burdened by the lack of IT resources and support.
“Computer programming is a skill that every organization in every industry needs, and that includes missions,” said Dr. Seth Hamman, assistant professor of computer science. “I was thrilled that so many of our computer science majors decided to spend their spring break serving the Lord with their talents and abilities.”
“I didn’t think that technology could play directly into helping the mission cause, but it definitely does,” said Timothy Smith, a junior computer science major from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, who was part of Code-a-Thon. “Even if you’re not a missionary, you need to be involved somehow.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.