The Founder's Backstory

Hey there!

I'm Derek J, the founder, and this is how I came up with the idea for Harvous.

It was summer 2021. There I was in a great room at the house church I was attending regularly. An evangelist, Alex, had come to visit, to share his testimony, and to lay his hand on us with words from God for us, that he didn't understand.

Then it was my turn.

Alex and I had never met, but because of and through God he knew the just of what I've been through and what my enact gifts are for His kingdom. He said that he sees me using creativity and technology with great impact.

I had received a prophecy for my work. But, the idea of Harvous was not yet born.

Fast forward many weeks and I would start using the language learning app, Duolingo again. As a designer and one that appreciated good branding and experiences I respected this app. I'd spend 15-20 minutes every morning and night learning Spanish and Italian. I was having fun and actually retaining what I learned. Oh, and if I was away it would double-check I still knew what I had learned.

Then I thought... what about a Duolingo for Bible study?

Around this time at church we were going through our annual Holy Spirit series. At the end of each sermon and session we'd be challenged to memorize the verse for that week.

In Colossians 3:16, Paul writes: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God.”

The idea for Harvous was now born.

You see, during most, if not all, Bible studies I'm lost, bored, or overwhelmed and so I stop. I know I'm not the only one and with that I'm eager to help as many people as I can with the help of other Christians like myself.

Harvous is as much for me as it is for others.

And so, since 2022, in my free time, I've been building...