It Started with a Video Game

Jim Kaminski, Connecticut native and recent high school graduate, was without direction in life. Playing a video war game with soldiers rappelling out of helicopters, he thought, “That looks like fun!”

Inspired, Jim enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Campbell, KY, where rappelling out of helicopters is a way of life. While there, he began following Jesus and realized how difficult it was to walk with Christ in the military culture. He prayed, “I need to make a bunch of Christian friends and fast!”

The next day while Jim was walking on base, Navigator Jim Smith, offered Jim a ride and invited him to the Nav meeting at the base chapel. Jim K. declined, but back in his room God reminded him of his prayer. He quickly set out for the base chapel and met the Fort Campbell Navigators.

Fellow soldiers invested in Jim, helping him follow Christ, know the Word, and share his faith. He also learned how to help others grow in Christ. Jim’s relationship with Jesus grew deep in the crucible of two Iraq tours.

After the Army, he noticed the students at nearby Manchester Community College and began to walk around campus. As opportunities allowed, he talked about Christ. No one seemed interested until one day he spotted students reading the Bible. They were starting a Bible Club, which Jim joined.

Seeing that the leaders could use some basic ministry skills, Jim offered to share some of what he‘d learned. He met one-on-one with several of the leaders, helping them grow in Christ.

A year ago, Jim linked the group to NavFusion. Jim’s NavFusion coach, NavStaff Jeff Kraines, is watching God impact the lives of these students through Jim. Jeff adds, “God raised up a NavFusion laborer and he used a video game to start the process.” Pray for laborers! Who knows what God will do?