Code, Community and Christ
Introduction
In the rapidly advancing world of technology, the NavTech Disciplemaking Community (DMC) has found a distinctive way of merging innovation with a higher calling. By combining their expertise in data and computer science with a deep desire to advance God’s Kingdom, this geeky community actively seeks to give back and grow together. Through outreach and mentoring, they aim to make an impact both in the technology industry and in people’s lives.
Joel Loh and Joel Tio, two committed "tech geeks," share their stories of how their involvement in the NavTech DMC has fostered meaningful connections and opened doors for the gospel and missional discipleship. From weekly outreach efforts to collaborative hackathons (that is, social coding events), their journey demonstrates how faith and technology can unite to serve both the community and God’s greater mission.
How did you get involved with the NavTech Disciplemaking Community (DMC)?
Joel Loh
My current mentor, Roger, who had been part of my earlier years in NavTeens, reconnected with me before I entered university. When I mentioned that I was about to begin my Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, he invited me to NavTech DMC to grow spiritually and use my skills for His Kingdom. The rest, as they say, is history.
Joel Tio
I first encountered the Navigators when I met Roger at Indigitous #HACK in 2016, where he invited me to join a Bible study group with NavTech. However, I had just joined a youth cell group at my church and declined. Before, I had met C, who led my church's tech team. His inspiring stories of miraculous experiences with God deepened my desire to understand my faith. Despite my active involvement in my cell group over the next few years, I realised I had not developed a deeper love for God though my knowledge had increased. Thus, when I reconnected with Roger in 2020, I accepted his invitation to join NavTech, which I now see as a part of God's divine timing and plan.
Joel Tio at Indigitous #HACK back in 2016
Can you share examples or stories of how you have served others, given back to the technology community or positively impacted society through your community?
Joel Loh
NavTech DMC has several sub-ministries, one being our Thursday evening outreach at the One-North district, where many working in technology are in various start-up businesses located there. A few years ago, Roger’s wife, Pearlyn, and I, along with a small team, began reaching out to the people working in that area. It has been an amazing journey. During those evenings, we engage in spiritual conversations with people, share meals with the friends we have made, and dive into the Word together.
Initially, it did feel as though we were moving with little direction. There were times of few fruits borne, and it was easy to question whether we were making an impact. But, as always, God was quietly working behind the scenes, reminding us to trust Him. Slowly but surely, things started to take shape.
One friend, X, comes to mind as an example of how God has been at work. X worked nearby and started joining us regularly for our Thursday dinners. Week after week, I would ask if he was free to join us, and almost without fail, he would take up the invitation to come. One of the Thursdays, I had forgotten to send him a message to invite him, but he took the initiative to ask me if we were having dinner. That simple gesture meant a lot because, for a busy professional, time is incredibly valuable. His consistent presence reaffirmed that our warmth and hospitality were meaningful to him.
X even joined in on some of our activities—whether it was playing board games or learning Japanese (he even brought his own notes to learn together with us!). Although he mentioned that he is not seeking religion at the moment, we trust that God is planting seeds in his heart, even in small ways. It was a reminder to me that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is friendship and a welcoming space.
NavTech DMC has also been involved in annual hackathons, events wherein computer programmers work together over a short but intense period to write code to achieve an intended purpose. Being part of the committee for our most recent hackathon was an incredible experience.
There was so much infectious joy in collaborating with others to make the event a success. Because the hackathon ran overnight, I stayed awake for nearly 24 hours, availing myself to help participants when needed. Watching everyone huddled together and coding away late into the night brought me such a deep sense of satisfaction.
That sight reminded me of the compassion Jesus has for His flock—I felt that same care for the participants. Even in moments of exhaustion, as weariness set in, I held on to 1 Corinthians 10:31, knowing that everything we do should be for the glory of God. It was a long night, but it was one filled with purpose.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
Making quote cards together at One-North
Joel Tio
In 2021 for a few months, I had the opportunity to update the online Scripture memory website that the community used. The previous website was a static page that featured The Topical Memory System (TMS) Packs A to E in a single translation. During the update, I was asked to include more Scripture memory packs with a wider range of translation versions.
I hardly look at the statistics of the number of users on the website. However, every few months or so, I would receive emails about how the website has made memorising Scripture more convenient for people around the world—accompanied by feedback and requests to improve user experiences. These updates always delight me! Often, I would solely focus on matters happening in Singapore, but these emails give me a sense of world vision; I get to witness how our contribution supports ministries globally!
How has your time in the community influenced relationships within your network or sphere of influence in the technology space?
Joel Loh
Being part of NavTech has significantly influenced how I interact with others in the technology space. One of the greatest benefits of being involved in technology is the opportunity to connect with people who share a similar background, whether they are studying in the same field or transitioning into the workforce. These shared experiences naturally open doors for meaningful conversations. My time in the community has shaped the way I intentionally approach these relationships, ensuring that I reflect Christ through my actions and seek opportunities to share the gospel.
In the same way, let your light shine
before others, that they may see your
good deeds and glorify your
Father in heaven.
— Matthew 5:16 (NIV11)
This verse reminds me of the importance of living out my faith in such a way that it points people to Christ.
Being in university offers the perfect setting for this. Spending time with my friends at school has allowed me to share my involvement with NavTech, even though conversations surrounding faith can sometimes be challenging to initiate. Nonetheless, these challenges motivate me to continue praying that their hearts would be opened to hear the gospel. I have also realized that building trust and sparking curiosity about who Jesus is are key steps in leading them to spiritual conversations.
As someone transitioning from school to the workforce, it can be difficult to influence those who are more experienced and established in their professions. This has motivated me to thoughtfully engage with them and learn from their experiences, while also improving my technical knowledge so that I can speak their language and add value to the conversation. In doing so, I hope to create space for them to listen when I share about faith.
Within NavTech DMC, I have also witnessed the power of authentic mentorship. This experience has inspired me to consider how I mentor others in the technology space with more intentionality. It is more than just imparting technical skills, rather, it is about walking alongside someone, helping them grow both personally and professionally, and demonstrating Christ’s love in the process. Whether it is helping others, troubleshooting code or simply holding space to pray for someone going through difficulties at work, my time in the community has transformed how I view leadership and influence in the technology space.
Joel Tio
From my time with the community, I’ve come to a deeper understanding of the Word, experienced what it means to follow Christ and have been convicted to help others do the same. I have a special concern for those who have grown up in believing households but who may not be walking faithfully with God. Whenever there is an opportunity, I try to spur these individuals toward Christ because the day of His return is approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I often used to run in the evenings during my army days. One particular night, I saw J sitting in silence near the track. I approached him after I had finished my run and as our conversation unfolded, he began to share about recent, concerning events that his family had been met with. In particular, they had been confronted with some misrepresentations of the Scriptures. Coincidentally, these were the same Scriptures I had been meditating on in my Quiet Time the same morning.
That day, I experienced how God has equipped me through the relevant knowledge gained from the community—spiritual disciplines such as Bible studies, Scripture memory and personal Bible reading—to assure and empathise with him. I thank God for equipping and sending me so that I could have the privilege of comforting His people.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who
does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth.
— 2 Timothy 2:15
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging
one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
— Hebrews 10:24-25
How has togetherness among members been fostered as a community in your shared mission? In what ways have you witnessed members grow personally and/or professionally together?
Joel Loh
One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of NavTech is doing life together as a community, united by our shared Kingdom values and driven by a singular purpose: to make disciples of all nations through technology.
As technology enthusiasts, being in NavTech naturally means we get to work on coding projects together. Our "project times" are a great example of how we have fostered togetherness. Almost every other week, we gather to collaborate on initiatives designed to help others grow in their faith. Initially, it was difficult to consistently set aside time on a Saturday morning, but I have seen how we continue to encourage one another to press on, knowing that the work we are doing has a lasting impact.
What started as a small, irregular gathering has grown over time, and more people have joined in to support these efforts. It has been inspiring to see the community rally together to use our technical skills for a greater purpose, persevering to spread the Good News in the digital space.
As Galatians 6:9 reminds us,
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Beyond project times, our outreach at the One-North district has also been a testament to our growth as a community. Despite our busy schedules, many are committed to being there for the people God cares about. On the days when we gather for spiritual basics—Bible reading, Scripture memory, and prayer—it has been refreshing to hear everyone share their struggles with work and life and to encourage one another in faith.
It is heartwarming to know that we have a community that not only shares our mission but is also ever-present to pray with and for each other.
NavTech DMC having a joyous baby celebration together!
Joel Tio
In the NavTech DMC, we also celebrate newborns, have housewarming parties, weddings and more. Despite only being in my second year of university—many years away from experiencing these things—the community has always included me.
As often as we can, we try to get together beyond our Bible study groups. Sometimes we go to tech workshops together and fortnightly, we come together to work on projects. We also have NavTech Connect, where we experience life training together at Roger’s home. The primary focus of all these activities is to build up each individual in Christlikeness together.
This is important: it is not about building the project using the person, it is about building the person using the project.
It has been my privilege and joy to see my friend, Joel Loh, grow both spiritually and professionally! Last summer, he spent his vacation time working on a project that stretched his Artificial Intelligence (AI) and website development skills. The project involved very advanced models in web development which were new to Joel Loh whose major in university is data science. Yet, he persisted and completed the project.
Joel Loh has also grown spiritually. When we first came together as a Bible study group, the thought of sharing the gospel seemed distant. Yet, over time, he has grown in his understanding of and commitment to the Great Commission. If it’s truly a calling of such importance, it’s worth embracing a bit of discomfort or even misunderstanding along the way. Now, he faithfully brings the hope of the gospel to those who need it most.
Joel Tio (right) with Roger (left) working on a project together!
Joel Tio (second from the left) spent his New
Year's Day having extended time
with God (ETWG) along with his community
From your involvement with your community and its initiatives, how have these experiences shaped your discipleship journey?
Joel Loh
Being involved with the community has profoundly shaped my discipleship journey, transforming the way I view both my faith and my work in the technology space. NavTech embodies a beautiful blend of technology and faith and being part of this community has challenged me to reconsider how I can use my God-given skills—not just for personal success or career advancement, but for something far greater: God’s glory.
In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, it is easy to get swept up in the race for achievement. The temptation to pursue personal ambition and the “next big thing” can cloud our focus on what truly matters. My time with NavTech has been a humbling reminder that discipleship is about surrendering those ambitions to God’s will, and trusting that His plans are always better than our own.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV11) speaks directly to this,
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
My time in NavTech has reminded me to trust God to guide my path, even when it is tempting to steer it myself.
Each initiative we undertake, whether it is reaching out to people at One-North or supporting fellow tech enthusiasts at our hackathons, has drawn me deeper into a life of servanthood. It is in these moments—when we are serving others—that I have come to realize that discipleship is not just about nurturing my personal relationship with Christ. Instead, it is about stepping into the larger mission He calls us to: making disciples of all nations and helping others grow in their faith.
The community has shown me that every interaction, every project, and every moment of fellowship is an opportunity to grow as a disciple. It has taught me to see my tech skills as tools not just for innovation, but for building God’s kingdom.
Whether I am mentoring others, praying with the ministry, or working on projects, I have come to understand that discipleship is a continual process of both learning and leading, of growing in Christ while guiding others on their spiritual journeys. This has made the discipleship in NavTech not just a part of my faith journey, but the very heart of it, giving me purpose in both my work and my walk with Christ.
Playing board games and enjoying a time of fellowship
Joel Tio
My experience with The Navigators has invigorated my spiritual life significantly. My Bible reading gradually became concrete steps to change my life. It felt like for the first time in my life I had decided to be a Christian. Not know how to be a Christian or try to follow some Christian practices, but be a Christian. Through studying the Bible together with the community, I also grew to dig deeper into God’s Word so that I could continue to learn to apply and live this new life.
I used to question the relationship between God and writing code and how I could remove that separation. When I asked C from my church about this, I was greatly puzzled by his response that there was no separation.
However, from my involvement with NavTech, I think C is right—there is no separation. When Jesus has a place in every atrium, every ventricle and secret chamber of my heart, Christ will shine through my every outworking regardless of whether I am writing code or talking to my friends.
My involvement with the community allows me to keep practising this. Workshops, working on tech projects and going for hackathons inherently have nothing to do with God. But it is our Christlikeness shining from our actions that make them have something to do with God. (Matthew 5:16)
About Joel Loh
Joel Loh was brought up in a Christian family and was first compelled to take his faith more seriously during a Navigators camp his brother invited him to. Some years later when he faced disappointments in life, he experienced God's comforting voice. His increasing experience of God's faithfulness compelled Joel Loh to fully surrender.
Joel Loh is currently in his final year studying Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He loves playing badminton regularly, hoping to become like his “favourite badminton player Loh Kean Yew”.
About Joel Tio
Although Joel Tio came from a Christian background, he did not understand what it truly meant to be a Christian. Through subsequent Bible studies, in which he experienced God personally, he decided to follow Christ in 2020.
Joel Tio is currently a Year 2 studying Computer Science at The National University of Singapore (NUS). He enjoys learning new things, playing computer games, and drinking—while frequently promoting as an avid fan of—Chaffic bubble tea.
Joel Loh and Joel Tio began their involvement with the NavTech DMC around 2020.