Reflecting on 2025 is complicated because it has been a year of profound contrast. In the same year, I’ve spoken on global stages and sat alone with a heavy, broken heart. My channel started the year with great momentum but ended with the lowest numbers I’ve seen in four years. At the beginning of the year, I was invited to speak in more places than ever before and had opportunities for TACO to partner with multiple organizations, but I had to cancel most of them in September.
Many of you walked with me through this as I shared the ups and downs along the way, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Your prayers, encouragement, financial support, and consistent care have shown me God’s love in myriad ways. I’m very thankful for you being in my life!
Here’s some of what happened in 2025:
Quarter 1: Global Audience & A Great Collaboration
The year began with the surprising realization that my digital ministry was having a global strategic impact.
The Thailand Gathering: I was asked by the Virtual Neighbourhoods committee to write a digital missions primer, which I called “Where the Church Won’t Go,” to be sent to national leaders at the global Alliance gathering in Thailand. It was surreal to get an email from a pastor friend across the world who said he saw my face on the screen featured in the presentation! The presenter said that my document and ministry “opened up the eyes of many churches and individuals to think differently about online ministry.” Others said they were “encouraged, inspired and more equipped by Xtianinja… and your heart for reaching the online community.”
Speaking of the Virtual Neighbourhoods Committee: Adam Crichton, an Alliance denomination head-office tech leader, said: “I’ve been meeting with Al for a digital neighbourhood ministry group over the last few months and have been struck by his unique and robust understanding of digital ministry… His exuberance to reach the marginalized in online communities flows through his engagements and inspires others into engaging in online ministry in new ways.”
The Launch of CHRP: In March, I was invited to help the public launch event for the “Christ Honouring Role Play” (CHRP) GTA V server. This wasn’t just “playing a game”; it was a simulator where dozens of people played as first responders helping people all over the GTA V map. It included voice communication and a variety of jobs like police officers, ambulance drivers, tow trucks, search helicopters, and more. It’s a great place for people to hang out together, and I’m so glad I was asked to help kick it off!
Quarter 2: A Wild Opportunity & a TACO Party
As spring arrived, I was able to connect with my city’s Christian radio station and celebrated the TACO community.
The “Wholehearted Warriors” Documentary: I was invited to have a long chat with the leads at CHRI to discuss ways they can expand their digital reach. I was very surprised and honoured when René Fortier, their video director, wanted to film a mini-documentary about my life and ministry. They’re still working on it, but it should be available sometime this year. I promise to let you know!
TACO’s 2nd Anniversary: On June 27th, we threw a massive party! With special guests and huge giveaways (like Clair Obscure: Expedition 33), we celebrated two years of the TACO Network serving, equipping, and sharing God’s love with Christian content creators around the world.
Serving Creators: We ran the TACO Training Course twice this year. Both times, it filled up very quickly because the need for discipleship is so great! We transitioned to a virtual format to include more people and to alleviate the difficulties I was having doing 8 weeks as a live class. I really, really hope to teach it live in 2026 again.
Quarter 3: The Roller Coaster Hits a Wall
September was when things got really rough as my wife, Anita, faced a severe health and mental health crisis that required me to take an emergency sabbatical.
The TACO Tribe: During my “meltdown” and subsequent sabbatical, the TACO leadership and community didn’t just support it —they encouraged it. I’ve often said I only have two gears: full-throttle and dead-stop, so it was good that they made me pump the brakes before I hit burnout. Each member of the team understands what it’s like to have a crisis at home and mental health struggles, and they were amazingly patient and caring.
The $30,000 Miracle: When we were at our lowest, God showed His love for us as you responded with incredible grace. As my wife sat in the hospital not knowing what would happen next, a friend kicked off a GiveSendGo campaign to send her to a very expensive care facility we never considered as a possibility. Then, in only a week and a half, you raised enough to cover the full medical expenses for a month—and then doubled it so she could stay for 60 days. Because of your generosity, I was able to get the emergency rest I needed, and she was able to get direct and very special care. I can’t express enough how powerful that time was. Thank you.
Quarter 4: Orlando & Toronto
Before my wife even got home, I was off to speak at the most important Christian creator event in the world and an incredible Canadian conference.
ReachConf 2025 (Orlando): This was the highlight of the year. The community came together to raise the funds to fly both me and my daughter, SnackGirl, to Orlando! We had a blast—I ended up in a dunk tank, we dyed Uke’s hair blue, shaved Quiz, made-over Samus, and gave away Silksong! Beyond the fun, we ran the TACO Tranquility Room, a safe place for overwhelmed creators to decompress. I also delivered a keynote to the world’s top Christian creators on “Merging who God created you to be with who God called you serve, through the content God wants you to create.”
Indigitous #HACK2025: I was given the chance to give a virtual talk at Wycliffe College, sharing how God works in the digital space. Charlene, one of the main organizers, said: “Allan ‘XtianNinja’ Descheneau gave an extremely fruitful talk… He pulls in his audience with honest storytelling… The hackathon participants greatly appreciated his vulnerable sharing and felt encouraged hearing the raw stories of how God works in the digital space!”
Rethinking Influence: After a LOT of prayer and consideration, I officially rebranded my YouTube channel and launched a new video series called “Rethinking Influence,” intended to focus the content on creative videos that cover topics content creators rarely talk about.
Here’s the first video: https://youtu.be/dIN2DsY2PuY
The 2025 Impact: By the Numbers
For those who like to see the “reach” of their investment, here is how the ministry translated into digital footprints this year:
– Over 93,800 “impressions” on Twitter/X.
– I spent 638 hours live on Twitch, and the videos were watched for 14,300 hours.
– While I do play a lot of games during the year, my most-used category was “Just Chatting,” where deep conversations, prayer requests, and discipleship happen. Of course, the games are often interrupted with those moments too!
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we close the year, we are preparing for a “graduation” of sorts. On January 31, 2026, our two-year discernment period with New Ventures concludes. We are working with the Eastern Canadian District to transition our support church within the denomination.
My prayer is that my home church, Cedarview Alliance, will take up the mantle. I’ve already talked extensively with a pastor and elder, and both have said they think it’s a good possibility, but no decision has been made yet. If they choose to, then it’ll be smooth sailing in February. If not, then I’ll lose my non-profit status, potentially lose my pastoral licensing, and have to find another way to get financial support. So yeah, it’s a big deal. I’m sure God has a plan, though.
While the TACO Talks podcast ended this year, the amazing BornAgainGamer is currently recording the full audiobook of my book, The Art of Digital Influence. It should be done by mid-2026.
Well, that’s 2025 in a nutshell. Whether you gave $5 or $5,000, prayed for us during September, joined us live, or watched the YouTube videos—you are how this ministry exists. Thank God and thank you!
