What is #Hack4Missions?
Each afternoon during the conference (December 28-30), participants will:
- team up, helping missions organizations tackle real-world technology challenges
- hear about ground-breaking technological innovations spreading the Gospel
- connect with mentors to receive prayer and guidance
- present their projects to judges and leaders in the industry
Why have a hackathon at a missions conference?
We often think that only specific people can be used for missions: preachers, teachers, translators, and doctors. But in the 21st century with more and more missions organizations relying heavily on technology to run their operations, the need for technologically-gifted, mission-minded servants has increased exponentially. #Hack4Missions gives you a glimpse into how God could be calling you to join his mission using your passion for technology.
Who should join #Hack4Missions?
Do you love technology? Do you want to use your gifts to serve God’s global mission?
If you answered “yes,” then #Hack4Missions is for you! We’re looking for:
- Software developers
- Digital designers
- User experience analysts
- Game programmers
- Project managers
- System administrators
- Graphic designers
- Anyone else involved in building and shaping technology
Timeline
April
4 | Hackathon applications available (Spots are limited. . . Don't Procrastinate!)
June
29 | Mentor application deadline
August
17 | Exhibitor challenge deadline
September
Challenges announced
October
27 | Participant application deadline
November
1 | Participants accepted
16 | Project preference forms due
23 | Team assignments announced
December
28-30 | H4M
31 | Project presentations
What was the Urbana 15 #Hack4Missions like?
Quotes from past participants
“It’s not often that I get to meet other Christians passionate about being nerds for Jesus.”
—Olivia, St. Charles Community College
“I just feel more confident in how I can use my talents to really further God's ministry!”
—Brandon, University of California
“It really helped me believe and see that God can use technology for His mission. I saw I could design for Jesus!”
—Isaac, California State University, Long Beach
Previous Projects
Mission Aviation Fellowship Connect Box
The team was given a set of $20 routers and started hacking the firmware, loading the routers with materials on evangelism and discipleship in different languages. These routers could then be shared in restricted countries and the materials downloaded.
Wycliffe Rapid Translation Toolkit
Bible translation typically takes around a decade. The Wycliffe #H4M team paired up two languages (one known and one unknown) to help speed up the translation process.
Curious about the other challenges from 2015? Check out the full list.
