by Henni Collins

Helping Christian groups reach out to people across political and geographic boundaries through the Internet has been one of the exciting aspects of a Palmerston North man's mission.

Glen Eustace was looking for a way of serving the Lord when he realised that he could use the skills he had built up over 20 years of working in the Information Technology industry in a variety of roles.

"My wife Rosanne and I had tried music ministry - we both sing, I play guitar and Rosanne plays the flute," explains Glen. But they were not satisfied that this was their calling.

Then, while attending a music school run by Jules Riding on Great Barrier Island, they got talking to Jules and learnt that he was frustrated in his ability to access the American 'market' with his music.

"He wanted some way to promote his music in America but found the normal channels - radio and advertising - too difficult and expensive," says Glen. Setting up a web site through a commercial service provider was also too expensive.

So Glen decided to help. After investigating various possibilities, he negotiated an arrangement to get their first computer permanently on to the Internet. He has since entered an additional agreement with an Auckland-based Internet service provider that has provided further opportunities.

Jules was their first client and as a result of having a web site he has established contacts in the United States, sold tapes and CDs overseas.

Glen and Rosanne's local church, St Alban's Presbyterian Church, also uses their services. It has been particularly exciting knowing that the ministry material on this web site has reached people in countries such as the Czech Republic and other former Soviet Bloc states, where restrictive regimes try to prevent Christian material entering their borders.

"It's wonderful, because all those places you can't personally go, the Word can go," enthuses Rosanne.

From the outset it was agreed that clients would need to cover costs and that Glen and his wife Rosanne would not charge for their labour. Glen has designed and built their services and provides the technical expertise. Rosanne provides administrative support. GodZone Internet Services now has about 180 web-sites, including the Presbyterian Church, the Churches' Agency on Social issues, the Student Christian Movement, the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association International, three Anglican dioceses, Salvation Army churches, the Assembly of God youth movement and a number of Christian musicians.

Use of the service has grown slowly by word of mouth. Glen says he's pleased with the rate of growth, which has been manageable. Even so, he spends an average of 20 hours a week on the ministry, on top of his full-time job.

With two daughters aged 10 and 13 to consider, the couple have had to make sure they allocate time for family life. But Rosanne is happy to support the mission, and is confident that their systems are as efficient as possible.

To find out more, check out the GodZone web site - www.godzone.net.nz; or send an email to agree(at)godzone.net.nz; or write to PO Box 8020, Palmerston North.