I've decided to start this thread as a way of keeping you all informed on current progress towards completing v3.0.
I also wanted to give you all an honest explanation of the situation we're facing at the moment, and some idea of where things are heading.
Unfortunately, software development is a slow process. It's even slower when it's a 'spare time' activity, and many other commitments compete for that spare time.
At the moment, there are just 2 people actively developing ZionWorx: myself and (during the past few months) Tim. This means that as soon as we stop for whatever reason, development stops. Edd has also worked like a champion for well over a year now, managing this website, the support forums, and the automated registration facility - and for his contribution we are extremely grateful.
But the truth is that if I think about this whole project too much, I become totally overwhelmed. ZionWorx belongs to God - not to me or anybody else. It was His idea in the first place, not mine - I was just the person He challenged to start the ball rolling. And now the ball has been rolling for well over 2 years. The user base has grown beyond all my expectations - in fact I didn't even have any expectations at the start. Yet there are now thousands of registered users worldwide, and I have done nothing to make that happen.
So, where from here?
Time for some reflection...
I know 4 things for certain which I'd like to share:
- 1) I believe God wants ZionWorx to continue being developed for His glory, and as a practical service to the worldwide church.
2) There is far too much work here for 2 people to do alone. In fact, even if we worked full-time on it we would be kept very busy.
3) ZionWorx must remain as free software.
4) God's work done in God's way never lacks God's provision - through Him all things are possible.
So, how should we move ZionWorx forward?
At least one user has suggested in the past that it should become an 'open source' project. We've never ruled this idea out, but such a change would bring with it other complications - not least 'management' which would require even more time on our part...
If you have some spare time and share our values, then please consider praying for the needs of this project - asking God to guide us clearly in the direction He wants us to take.
If you have some experience with Windows programming using Borland Delphi, and have the time and desire to get involved, then please get in touch with me by email.
In the meantime, Tim and I will press on developing what we can, when we can for v3.0. I'll close with some food for thought that I read today:
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.
[Romans 11:33-36]
Thanks for reading - please feel free to post any comments in the 'Feedback' forum...
Christian.