Last week we had the opportunity to interview Titus Blair of the recently launched NeedSharing.org:

What is your web application/service about?

NeedSharing.org is all about people helping people. We wanted to allow people to help individuals directly so NeedSharing.org was created as a tool to help make that happen.

Why did you start this project?

In 2000 I wanted to give to help those in need as Jesus calls us to do (Matthew 25:31-46) but I found it hard to locate people in need on a large scale. I decided then and there that I wanted to create a website someday that would allow me to search for needs of all kinds in all areas of the world and help those people in need directly.

Give us some highlights of your background that have prepared you for this project.

I created the website WeaponMasters.com from scratch in 1998 and ran it until last year when I decided to devote myself 100% to the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ. I have always been interested in the Internet and technology every since I was a little kid. When I was 18 I taught computer animation and programming courses at College of the Canyons, Valencia CA and also created a cool computer coloring book for kids which sold on QVC. I had never truly devoted my skills to the Lord until 2006 and now my life is so amazing and I believe I am on a course I should have been on from the first day I became a Christian.

What is the size and makeup of your project team?

There are presently 3 people on the board including myself and 1 Ruby on Rails developer and 1 designer. The developer and designer are both amazingly talented and the developer is also a Christian which is really cool!

What technologies do you use in this project?

We presently use Ruby on Rails and Fireworks for graphics.

Any feature requests from users since launching last week?

Mainly our users want to add the ability to tell friends, watch a need, ask questions to people who are posting need, and flag spam needs. People also want to be able to help people whose needs are from “trusted” (verified) sources like Churches, etc. and this is under development. We want anyone and everyones ideas and suggestions as well as comments so we can build on to the current application and make NeedSharing the best it can be.

Where do you see the project heading in the next 6 months? How about the next 2 years?

Right now we are in upgrade stage and want to add new features to the site every 2-3 months. We are also in marketing mode and are working in a grass-roots marketing campaign to all churches in the USA as well as Christian non-profits. If anyone can help spread the news about NeedSharing.org we would love it! I want to personally thank you Faithable for all you are doing to help us! In the next 2-3 years I see thousands of people helping and being helped at NeedSharing.org!

What is the one thing holding you back from reaching your vision?

This is a good question. I do not believe anything is holding us back and the cool part is we are putting this 100% in God’s hands so His will is going to happen, whether that means NeedSharing.org goes huge or does not. I would say one thing that is a minor holdup is the fact that it is hard to get Ruby on Rails programmers these days!

What is the one thing you are most proud of about the project?

I am most proud of the fact that we actually have the application up and running! We are totally on board with the Get Real philosophy and Agile Development. I also love the actual design of the website and the fact that the cross is our logo! The smiley faces are really cool too and I can not wait to make and wear some “Give Now” t-shirts (see image)!

What would you say to somebody who thinks time and money have no place being spent on web ministry?

I would say that 100% of your time and money need to be spent to spread the good news to all the world. I think in some cases people abuse the non-profit and Christian/Church status to purchase very expensive houses, cars and live a very luxurious lifestyle laying up their treasures here on earth. Christians should not be about storing, they should be about giving and sharing. We want to devote 110% of all of our resources to God’s work. The Bible says it best in Luke 12:23-34 and Matthew 25:31-46.

Other than your own, what are some sites that you visit everyday?

I sometimes visit Digg.com, TechCrunch.com and am looking for the perfect Christian Drudgereport.com. It is hard to find good Christian News and Technology websites but I am always looking, let me know if you find some (www.titusblair.com)!

I want to say thank you again to Faithable and God Bless you all!