In this issue…

1. [DRUM ROLL] THE FINAL TALLY FOR 2004 (THANKS!)
2. MISSION NANNYS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO CARE FOR MISSIONARY KIDS
3. WHOA… UPDATED AND EXPANDED BETHANY PROFILES RELEASED
4. HELP: JOSHUA PROJECT INVITES INPUT ON NEW PROFILES
5. LEADER TRAINING STUDIES FOR CHURCH REPRODUCTION
6. MEMBER CARE IN THE CHINESE WORLD
7. SENDING IN AN ITEM FOR BRIGADA?
8. INSURANCE FOR SHORT TERM MISSION TEAMS
9. GOT A HAMMER? VISIT THE INDIAN OCEAN
10. UNREACHED PEOPLES CONSULTATION (FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD)
11. AN OPEN HEART: THE MBALANTU of NAMIBIA
12. 2020 VISION: NEW BOOK ABOUT GOD’S WORLDWIDE WORK
13. D&D MISSIONARY HOMES
14. MISSIONARY-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM AT BEESON DIVINITY
15. ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONS TRAINING CAMP
16. INTERNET EVANGELISM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
17. THE BACK PAGE: A “RIP IN THE TIME/SPACE CONTINUUM”
18. CLOSING STUFF

1. [DRUM ROLL] THE FINAL TALLY FOR 2004 (THANKS!) — In this first edition of the new year, we’re humbled once again by the special gifts of those who make it possible for us to keep Brigada on your screen and out the door on time. Prior to the secretarial help you’re providing, we sometimes ran 6 months behind. Bottom line: your help keeps us going! Sure we ran short, but at the same time, we made progress! There were a lot more gifts in 2004 than there were in 2003. And besides… the way we see it, $9300 worth of secretarial help is still a tremendous encouragement. And — we’re not running 6 months behind any more!!! :-)

Final gifts included anonymous donations of $100 from Manhattan, KS, $20 from an I.T. guy for 3 major Christian ministries, $5 from an overseas worker in Sweden, $50 from Concord, CA, who volunteers with SERVE (“Sending Experienced Retired Volunteers Everywhere”), working especially with professionals working with disabled children in a mission outreach, and $100 from the Director of Mission Nannys (Thanks Betty!). See their item below. Dial-Abroad sent $199 for November phone calls (Please keep talking!!! :-) ) The team at http://www.thebiblechannel.org the Bible Channel sent $25. “We pray for God’s blessings on your ministry and trust that God will meet all your needs.” Finally, thanks to the anonymous donor from Hungary who gave $25, the last gift of 2004. And so that ends a good year of sponsors for Brigada. The final tally for 2004, at the end of it all, was $9,384.79. It’s a great encouragement. Thanks to one and all. If you’d like to help kick off the 2005 year, please click on “Sponsor” in the top menu. Thanks!
2. MISSION NANNYS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO CARE FOR MISSIONARY KIDS — Mission Nannys, a Brigada sponsor, needs women 50 years of age or older to go overseas and help in domestic situations including homeschooling, child care, and just being extra hands for someone. To learn more, visit: http://www.MissionNannys.org (Thanks again, Betty!)
3. WHOA… UPDATED AND EXPANDED BETHANY PROFILES RELEASED — I’ve had the hardest time keeping this a secret. :-) Over the past few months, I’ve been watching this project grow… and just as it has taken on momentum, so has my heart jumped for joy! You see, in cooperation with the Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse and the Bethany World Prayer Center, Joshua Project has released updated and expanded versions of the original Bethany People Profiles at:

http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php

The original Bethany profiles have been matched with updated statistics. There are over 1,700 maps, 1,100 photos (several hundred of them are new), and 1,450 textual descriptions profiling unreached people groups. New non-Bethany profiles have also been added. The easiest place to start might actually be on the listing of people groups in a particular country. For example, see Turkmenistan:

http://www.joshuaproject.net/countries.php?rog3=TX

The columns on the far right show which people groups have a photo, map and text integrated with updated statistics. Any column can be sorted by clicking the column header. Clicking the people name on the far left will drill down to the specific profile. The Turkmen of Turkmenistan is a relatively complete profile with photo, map, text, statistics and links to other profiles and online audio. See:

http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=110306&rog3=TX

Three cheers to Dan Scribner for the incredible late-night work this project has probably caused in his life. There’s no way this kind of thing can happen without somebody laying his life on the line. Only the Lord knows the number of hours Dan and his cohort(s) have struggled, getting this interface just right… collecting data… bartering with those who owned the rights… Tonight I give thanks for Dan’s work, as a form of worship to the one who deserves the labor Dan has offered up — may it be like a sweet-smelling sacrifice to the Savior of souls!
4. HELP: JOSHUA PROJECT INVITES INPUT ON NEW PROFILES — Joshua Project welcomes updated photos, maps, text and statistics. Have some great mission trip photos? Send them to Joshua Project at photos(at)joshuaproject(dot)net. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Done a Perspectives profile of a people group and want to share it? Send it to profiles(at)joshuaproject(dot)net.

Joshua Project is also looking for web surfers who would like to help collect additional photos, maps, text, stats or links to display on unreached peoples profiles. If interested please contact Joshua Project at info(at)joshuaproject(dot)net .
5. LEADER TRAINING STUDIES FOR CHURCH REPRODUCTION — These just- completed “Paul-Timothy” studies are for use by trainers with shepherds whom they coach for reproducing congregations and cells. Trainers use a provided “menu” to choose studies that fit trainees’ needs. Each topic has a shepherd’s lesson and a corresponding children’s lesson. Studies assume non-Christian, non-Western, non-Anglo background. Short studies can quickly be translated. They allow free download and free copying. Available as Word(r) documents and .PDF files, letter and A4 formats. Learn more at http://www.paul-timothy.net . If you require a CD-ROM disc, then write to gpatterson(at)paul-timothy(dot)net [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
6. MEMBER CARE IN THE CHINESE WORLD — Catch the Asia Member Care Conference in Hong Kong Feb 16-19, 2005. This will be a great opportunity for counselors and member care people in Asia to network, learn, and exchange ideas. The keynote speakers will be Dr. Kelly O’Donnell and Mrs. Kathy Narramore. Topics including:
*** Member Care Update: The Flow of Care and the Flow of Flaws.
*** Best Practice Guidelines for Sending Organizations and Member Care Workers.
*** Field Counseling – Core Issues and Practical Tools.
*** Crisis and Contingency Management.
*** Practice of Pastoral Member Care
*** Cultivating a Caring Community The cost of the conference including lodging and food at the YMCA of Hong Kong is US$300. Register NOW with Scott Geisel at: ccg(at)attglobal(dot)net [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
7. SENDING IN AN ITEM FOR BRIGADA? — Please read the Submission Guidelines *first*. Some of the most-often missed components?
*** Please turn off publisher’s quotes before composing in Word
*** Hold your item to 8-10 lines (then give a website for more info)
*** Please use 3rd person (don’t say, “We” or “I”; say “They” or “She”)
*** Please *don’t* use classified ad language. We use sentences here.
*** We don’t open attached files — you’re wasting your time. :-)
*** In general, we don’t publish appeals for support. OK… so maybe we try to float one staff person (part-time secretary). But that’s it. :-) See the complete list of Submission Guidelines at: https://brigada.org/submissions.html
8. INSURANCE FOR SHORT TERM MISSION TEAMS — Are you sending teams on short term trips this year? If you are, be sure to have them insured for medical expenses and medical evacuation! If you currently have a plan for them it is always good to make sure that you have the best plan for your needs. Insurance Services of America can “tailor-make” a plan to fit your teams’ needs. They can put together a proposal that you can use to compare with your current plan and they can include the benefits that you want and need for your people. Many times they have put together plans for organizations that cost less than a dollar per day per person! Not a bad deal, considering all of the coverage that is available. For details, a free quote and to discuss your needs, email them at health(at)missionaryhealth(dot)com, [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] or call them at 1-800-647-4589 (1-480-821-9052 outside of North America) and ask for Mark. Insurance Services of America is a Christian organization that specializes in helping missionaries and mission organizations find affordable healthcare. They have a wide range of plans for missionaries, mission groups and churches, so be sure to contact them to see how they can “shop around” for you to help you save money on your health insurance needs.
9. Learn more at http://www.missionaryhealth.com/ GOT A HAMMER? VISIT THE INDIAN OCEAN — In response to this major catastrophe, CNFA is looking for potential volunteers to the Indian Ocean region. As a Farmer to Farmer (FtF) implementer, they are searching for people who have experience with post-disaster reconstruction. However, candidates don’t necessarily have to have the typical FtF volunteer credentials. USAID is compiling a roster, and it appears that many people will be called to assist with the recovery from the tsunami. If anyone is interested in helping or knows anyone who is interested in helping, please share those names and contact information immediately by emailing dphillips(at)cnfa(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] By the way, the USAID might kick in financially for those willing and prepared to participate.
10. UNREACHED PEOPLES CONSULTATION (FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD) –- Do you want to see a breakthrough among Muslims around the world? AFMA in partnership with AIMS, CBN, and Regent University presents “Breakthrough Among Muslims,” an unreached peoples consultation at Regent University in Virginia Beach, March 14-17, 2005. Learn how to effectively share good news with the Muslim world from people who have ministered successfully there. Early bird discounts are available through 2/14/05. To request a brochure or to secure your registration, call AFMA at (757) 226-5850 or send an email to afma(at)aims- usa(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] For more information, visit AFMA on the web at http://www.theafma.org.
11. AN OPEN HEART: THE MBALANTU of NAMIBIA — Jason is a young Mbalantu man beginning the life of adulthood. Two believers shared the Gospel with him outside his traditional village home. He prayed for Jesus to save him that day. Then he sincerely thanked them for coming and sharing the Word of God. Please pray for Jason to grow in Christ. Pray for the Lord to build prayer support and call missionaries for the Mbalantu, an unengaged people. To adopt the Mbalantu people for prayer or for more information, please visit http://www.forgottenpeoples.info or email swacsc(at)iafrica(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
12. 2020 VISION: NEW BOOK ABOUT GOD’S WORLDWIDE WORK — It’s happening, but you won’t get the details on the news. In 2020 Vision find out how the Gospel is reaching people in some amazing places! Exciting breakthroughs in new harvest fields are highlighted, along with scriptural insights into God’s heart for the nations. Read about the Black Berbers, the Parmiri, and the Meo people and also that the percentage of born-again Christians is growing fastest in places like Cameroon, Aruba, and Togo! Written by Bill and Amy Stearns, 2020 Vision is an invaluable tool for God’s people, providing not only in-depth updates on missions today but also practical ways for individuals and churches to get involved. Ideal for adult Bible study groups focused on reaching the whole world for Christ. For more information, an excerpt, and the Table of Contents visit: http://www.bethanyhouse.com/2020vision. To order, e-mail orders(at)bakerbooks(dot)com or call 1-800-877-2665 or (616) 675-9185 (Bethany House ships internationally as well.)
13. D&D MISSIONARY HOMES — Have you ever come across these guys, who have put together a center in the St. Florida so that missionaries on furlough can have a place to lay their heads? Check ’em out at 4020 58th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714-1133. tel. 727-522-0522, fax 727-522-0524. email ddmissionaryHomes(at)juno(dot)com, or better yet, see their site at http://www.ddmissionaryhomes.org (I’d hate to wind up in the crossfire of that little girl about to hurl the orange at http://www.ddmissionaryhomes.org/beach.htm “Run for your lives!” Yikes! :-) LOL
14. MISSIONARY-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM AT BEESON DIVINITY — Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School (Birmingham, Alabama) recently announced the inauguration of a missionary-in-residence program to begin with the 2005-06 academic year. In exchange for teaching two, two- or three-hour, semester-length courses and speaking in various campus forums, the individual chosen as missionary-in-residence will receive a stipend of $15,000, a four-month auto lease, plus auto insurance, valued at up to $5,000. What’s not to like about that! :-) You’ve gotta have 5 years in the field, and an earned doctorate is preferred but not required. Learn more — and apply — by writing to: global(at)samford(dot)edu [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] and see more about the university at http://www.samford.edu/groups/global
15. ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONS TRAINING CAMP – Here’s a four-day consultation from February 24-27 near Valentine, Virginia. The consultation introduces realities, necessities, models and methods. A close look is given to the personal profile of the missionary and developing relational abilities. The goal is to help provide a road map into missions involvement and motivation for the journey. Prayer is central to the training. Skills are also presented. Furloughing missionaries and missions leaders have also found this time to be of great value for resolving difficult issues. The Elijah Company manifesto is posted on the newly edited web site at http://www.elijahcompany.org. You can get more information and applications by writing to info4(at)elijahcompany(dot)org or calling (757) 226-3507 in the USA.
16. INTERNET EVANGELISM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY — This conference will be held April 1-2nd at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. There will be workshops and well known speakers such as David Bruce of HollywoodJesus.com. Visit http://ie-21stCentury.com for more information.
17. THE BACK PAGE: A “RIP IN THE TIME/SPACE CONTINUUM” — Remember in Star Trek, when there would be a “rip in the time-space continuum”? What was that, anyway? I guess… it meant that there was such a disturbance that it threw all nature out of balance. I’ve been thinking about how big of a disturbance has been wrought by this terrible earthquake. Weird… the quake would have cause terrible devastation if it were to have hit in a major city. But it didn’t. It hit in the middle of the ocean — a seemingly innocuous place. Nevertheless, its repercussions were then meted out to practically anyone with real estate bordering the Indian Ocean!

In the same way, life often hands out a similar blow. The strike will take place in the form of the death of a loved one, or maybe a best friend’s chronic illness. But the impact of that upheaval will, in turn, send shock waves throughout the rest of our existence.

Tonight I pray that God would comfort the fallen, lift up the weak, and strengthen the feeble knees … not only of those that have been struck, not only of those who have lost loved ones… but also of those who are now sacrificing to serve the fallen. The onsite workers, the pray-ers, and the givers… and all those who have longed for help to come to the Indian Ocean shores. Thank you Lord, for being where most of us can’t. Amen.

PS. Don’t miss next week’s Brigada Today, when we begin gearing up to celebrate our 10-year birthday on Jan. 25!