Every morning at 5am, in some corner of the world, a devotional from Des Yaninen arrives in somebody’s inbox.
Des’s digital ministry began six years ago, inspired by his late father David, who spent more than 50 years in ministry across Papua New Guinea—planting churches and leading many people to Christ. Yet even after decades of service, he felt there was still more he could do.
When David received his first smartphone a few years ago, his response was immediate.
“He was like, wow . . . imagine what I could do with this for God now,” Des said. “He spoke to me and said, ‘How can I use this device to reach more people? I want to do more for God.’”
So together, they began.
In 2020, they launched a simple Facebook page called “Walk Godly”, inspired by Genesis 5:24, “And Enoch walked with God . . .”
What started as a prayer ministry—sharing Bible verses and encouragement—gradually grew into a daily devotional platform reaching people far beyond what they had ever imagined.
About a year ago, David passed away, but not before challenging Des to continue the ministry. Since then, Des has refined the content, expanded the platform to include a website and committed himself to posting consistently.
By 2025, Walk Godly had:
- 57,000 website visits
- 558,000 Facebook devotional readers for the year
- 3100 active users
- A mailing list of more than 500 daily readers across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas—even Alaska.
However, for Des, the ministry is about far more than numbers.
“I made a commitment that I would share God’s Word every single day . . . and people are saying, ‘What you shared today is exactly what I needed.’ It’s really powerful how the Holy Spirit is able to use these daily devotionals to encourage someone.”
Through the ministry, Des has built connections with people around the world, personally ministering to many of them. Messages regularly come in requesting Bibles and prayer.
Des, who formerly worked as a bank CEO, sees digital ministry as a significant mission field—especially in a place like Papua New Guinea, where online spaces can often be filled with negativity.
He has also focused on encouraging young people to use social media for positive impact. One young man, Steven, was given a phone by Des and taught how to share short devotional videos. Today, his content reaches up to 300,000 people.
“I can’t wait to tell [my father] when we get to heaven about the powerful impact of the ministry he suggested to me,” Des said, “Perhaps together we will meet others who have been led to Christ by it.
“Heaven is the goal—and saving every soul!”
Tracey Bridcutt is the communication director for the South Pacific Division.
