The Power of Service: How Kingdom Workers Changed My Life

Kingdom Workers transformed my life. In 2005, I was three years into college at a public university. Despite growing up in a Christian family, my college life didn’t reflect that. Most of my friends wouldn’t have recognized me as a Christian, and I wasn’t sure I would have acknowledged it myself. I was drifting further from Christ, contemplating what life would look like after graduation.

I was raised in a family of called workers within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. From kindergarten through high school, I attended private Christian schools, including Luther Prep School in Watertown, WI, where students are trained for ministry. Yet, after years in deeply Christian environments, I found myself longing to explore the broader world. Despite encouragement from my parents and teachers to consider a path in Christian ministry, I pursued a different route, eager to understand the world beyond my familiar faith community. I studied Latin, German, and Spanish in high school, then shifted my focus to the physical sciences, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Through it all, God was patient and gracious, keeping me connected to Christian friends and family who supported me, even as I explored other interests.

Then, a pivotal moment came when a friend invited me to volunteer with Kingdom Workers in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Serving alongside Builders for Christ volunteers was my first encounter with Christians from diverse backgrounds—accountants, construction workers, business managers—all united in their faith and openly talking about Jesus. It was the first time I felt comfortable discussing my faith with others as an adult. These volunteers, though not pastors or traditional ministry workers, were deeply committed to proclaiming the gospel and living out their faith in the “real world.” Their example inspired me, and during the last three semesters of college, I spent every break traveling to New Orleans to serve. I was drawn not only to the work but also to the vibrant community of believers who were actively sharing Jesus outside the church setting. That experience motivated me to become a missionary in China, where I spent five years after graduation.

Dan, far right, with Kingdom Workers team members and scholarship recipients in Indonesia

Today, I serve as the Asia Regional Director for Kingdom Workers. My role is to set the vision for our team, empowering Christians in Asia to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their communities. I work to build networks of Christian lay leaders who will carry on the mission of sharing God’s Kingdom with future generations. Across Asia, our projects—ranging from clean water access to health education, and support for families with children who have learning disabilities—always prioritize sharing the love of Christ. As of August 2024, we have active projects in Indonesia and Japan and are working to establish new partnerships in other parts of Asia.

My experience with Builders for Christ illustrates how Kingdom Workers not only serves communities but also fosters discipleship among volunteers. God graciously placed those Builders for Christ volunteers in my life at a critical time, reigniting my faith when I needed it most. I hope my story encourages young people to get involved with Kingdom Workers and embrace Christ’s call to carry out the Great Commission.