hewellrobuedu or go to:

http://plaza.obu.edu/hewellr/EdoxRegister.pdf

To learn more about other EthnoArts and ethnodoxology-related courses offered by ICE partners, see the “training” link at the website:

http://worldofworship.org

http://www.tiendaobrerofiel.com/epages/tiendaobrerofiel.sf/es_ES/?ViewObjectID=178038

(That URL will likely “wrap.” If you have trouble copying and pasting it into your browser, just find this item on the web at the link immediately below and use that link to jump to the site.)

http://www.gcommhome.org/2010/

(Thanks to the Global Consultation for sending a gift of $50 to speed Brigada on its way!)

http://wmustore.com/product.asp?sku=W047103

or call 1-800-968-7301 (USA callers can dial toll-free; others can call via Skype-out). Or email

for more information.

To comment on this item, simply click “Comment” below.

http://www.myspace.com/douglucasmusic

Note that you need not register at MySpace to listen or download music there. Note that Doug arranged and recorded each piece, using only a Yamaha keyboard to make all those unique sounds. (Exception: On a couple of the songs, Doug’s 22-year-old son pitched in on a real guitar; those are noted.) If you’d like us to lash up a CD and send it your way, please just add an extra $10 to your donation and we’ll get one out the door to you as soon as we can make it happen. (The alternative would be to download the songs and put them directly on your MP3 player, if you use that sort of thing.) Either way, if enough folks get a kick out of this, we’ll be glad to do a set of Christmas songs (a Christmas CD) as well. It’s just hard to know if anyone would really want to listen to this sort of stuff. Thanks in advance for anyone who tries it out.

Want to donate (either in the name of music, or not) to help get Brigada out the door? Just just click one of the pushbuttons at the right-hand top of the home page… or use the PayPal link on the upper left if you prefer. Either way, you can also click on the “Donate” page in the link at the top of the webpage

http://www.brigada.org/1995/01/contribute.html

Again, you can choose to use PayPal or any major credit card (to do the latter, when it asks for your PayPal account, just erase the user name and password, then, at the bottom of the page, where it says “Use any major credit card”, just click there and fill it out like a normal form at any other payment web form. On the other hand, if you want to use PayPal, just fill in the info for your account. Or if you prefer, just send an old-fashioned check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. (Team Expansion is a 501(c)3 incorporation so for USA citizens, your checks made out to Team Expansion are tax-deductible.) As always, be sure to let us know if you’d like us to promote any particular service or ministry, or if you’d prefer your gift be anonymous. And thank you in advance for helping.

Comment on this item at:
http://www.brigada.org/2008/09/9-regular-monthly-givers.html

http://www.sbts.edu/ethnodox

or for more information, call 1-800-626-5525 (extension 4115) or email ecrookshank(at)

sbts(dot)edu. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the address onto one line.] And thanks to “ICE” for sending a gift this past week to Brigada!

http://gs.bethel.edu/musicology/courses.html

or contact j-benham(at)

bethel(dot)edu [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the address onto one line.]

http://www.eurotp.org/UK/index.asp

or write to julie_taylor(at)

sil(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the address back on one line.]

http://www.youtube.com/HSIOM

Many more videos are to be added in the weeks and months ahead. Available for viewing are worship clips from Azerbaijan, Congo, India and a ton of others. You are welcome to subscribe to the channel, after which you will be notified as new videos are added.

1. WORLDCONNEX CAN HOOK YOU UP WITH UNREACHED PEOPLES
2. MICROFINANCE AND MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
3. GET STRATEGIC COORDINATOR TRAINING DOWN UNDER
4. LEARN DENTAL CARE AT HOME
5. IN SEARCH OF A LATINO ETHNOMUSICOLOGIST
6. IN SEARCH OF RUGGED LAPTOPS
7. UNENGAGED PEOPLES OF NAMIBIA
8. FUND RAISING BLOG / SALE ON VIDEO TRAINING
9. ESL/EFL TEACHER TRAINER WORKSHOP, JAN 3-5, 2008
10. IN SEARCH OF MATRIARCHAL PEOPLE GROUPS
11. PERSPECTIVES COURSES POPPING UP EVERYWHERE, LIKE JAX!
12. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
13. MAKING PROGRESS; CAN YOU PUT US OVER THE TOP?
14. THE BACKPAGE: WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON BORROWING?

WORLDCONNEX CAN HOOK YOU UP WITH UNREACHED PEOPLES — WorldconneX works across denominations, agencies and networks. Their only agenda is to help your church connect with its calling, providing as much or as little assistance as you need. They do this in three ways: (1) Activation – Host an Inside Out Weekend event and discover the resources that God has placed inside your church members. WorldconneX will help you discover the uniqueness of your vision, people and resources — then create a plan that leverages those distinctives. They can also assign a certified coach to walk alongside you for a few months up to a year as you implement your strategy. (2) Front Line Services – Whether your church is sending its own or would like to support other church’s missionaries, WorldconneX can help you access resources to successfully plan and execute long term missions. (3) International Connections – WorldconneX is networked with leading missions practitioners throughout the world. They connect you with individuals and resources you might never find on your own. Join one of their Affinity Groups or take a Pastor PLUS vision trip with WorldconneX. Learn more at

http://www.worldconnex.org

or email info(at)worldconnex(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the address back onto one line.]

MICROFINANCE AND MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT — For those ministering to the poor in the Two-Thirds World, the Chalmers Center offers a series of three distance courses on conducting Christian microfinance and microenterprise. The initial course is called “Foundations and Principles of Holistic Ministry” (Two-Thirds World section). The “Foundations” course helps you understand appropriate goals and strategies for conducting Christian economic development in poor communities within the Two-Thirds World. The course will actually benefit anyone preparing for Christian outreach and ministry among the poor, whether they plan to implement an economic development strategy or not. This course will be offered on Feb. 4 – 29, 2008 and again on April 28 – May 23, 2008. Cost of this four-week course is $75 (USD) plus the cost of separately ordered course material. Additional courses are available as follow-ups.

To register or to learn more about the distance learning courses, including information about group discounts and a Two-Thirds World discount, visit

http://www.chalmers.org

When registering, we’d love it if you’d let them know you heard about it on Brigada. For questions, email

chalmers(at)covenant (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 reassemble the address onto one line.]

or call 1-706-419-1805.

GET STRATEGIC COORDINATOR TRAINING DOWN UNDER — It’s slated for 17th February to 7th March 2008 in Perth, Western Australia. Strategic Coordinator Training is about planning and implementing evangelism and church planting among your favorite segment of society. It’s an intense 3-week seminar led by veteran missionaries experienced at implementing people- and city-transforming strategies. Create a working plan for the evangelization of your focus population; be it gothic youth in London, indigenous peoples of Australia, an unreached people group in Africa or a mega-city in Asia. Learn more at:

http://www.ywamperth.org.au/life/?events-44

(We’re also grateful for the $20 gift that this training program sent to Brigada as a thank-you note! Yay! :-) )

LEARN DENTAL CARE AT HOME — Take our multi-media home study course! Basic dental care can help win hearts wherever you go. No drills, injections, electricity, or sophisticated equipment needed. Do you have a compassionate heart and are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone? If yes, then this is for you! see their video on youtube.com -type “Simplified Dental Care.”

http://www.dentaltrainingformissions.com

or email: dentaltrainingformissions(at) yahoo(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the email address on one line.]

IN SEARCH OF A LATINO ETHNOMUSICOLOGIST — Brigada sometimes helps search for those “needle-in-a-haystack” personnel needs. Here’s one: A Christian worker is search for a Latino ethnomusicologist. (If you don’t know what that is, no need to reply. :-) ) If you *do* know… or that is, if you have a lead, please ask the cross-cultural musical teacher to drop an email to: danieljohnson(at) iibet(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the email address on one line.] Dan thanks you in advance!

IN SEARCH OF RUGGED LAPTOPS — (Thanks to Tony, who saw this note by Greg Slade on CamSOC.) Apparently, for some years now, Greg has had an interest in “ruggedized” notebooks for use on the mission field. His interest was sparked even more by two recent camera failures, presumably due to too much bouncing around on bad roads in the developing world. Now, “ruggedized” notebooks cost significantly more than more common ones, and run more slowly, because they use milspec parts, which are never “bleeding edge”. But, the tradeoff is that “ruggedized” systems have better components, and are much less prone to fail. Brands and models he mentioned included:

Rugged Brands:

• Dolch: http://www.dolch.com
• Getac: http://www.getac.com
• TerraLogic: http://www.terralogic.co.uk
• Xplore Technologies: http://www.xploretech.com
• Amrel System LLC: http://www.amrel.com

  Rugged Models/Lines:

• Dell: Latitude ATG: http://www.dell.com/ATG
• NEC: http://www.nec.com
• Panasonic Toughbooks: http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/products.asp
• Toshiba Tecra: http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cfam.to?coid=-26374

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UNENGAGED PEOPLES OF NAMIBIA — The Herero, the Namibian Coloureds, the Nama/Damara, and the Mbalantu are all precious people in God’s sight. Pray for those who have heard but do not understand or have not accepted Him as their Personal Savior. Pray for people to come and share the Love of Jesus with them. With no evangelical witness, no workers, no volunteer groups, no one to tell them, many will perish. Please join us as we pray for the Lord to continue to build up prayer support for these unengaged peoples. Pray that all barriers to the Gospel will be removed. To adopt one of these people groups for prayer for to find out more information please contact

http://www.forgottenpeoples.info

or email forgottenpeoples(at)telkomsa (dot)net [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the address onto one line.]

FUND RAISING BLOG / SALE ON VIDEO TRAINING — Now you can get even more practical advice from Bill Dillon, President of People Raising. Learn from his more than 35 years of fund raising experience. Whether raising individual support or organizational support this resource could be invaluable. Pass this important resource on to team members and friends. Also take a look at the award winning 6-hour fund raising training program available in DVD/CD/Video/MP3. Normally priced at $299.99 it is on sale at the low price of $69.99 through Dec. 31st. For more information go to

http://www.peopleraising.com/blog/

or e-mail Bill(at)PeopleRaising (dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the address onto one line.]

ESL/EFL TEACHER TRAINER WORKSHOP, JAN 3-5, 2008 — Get professional training for English language teaching as ministry in any country. This workshop, slated for Colorado Springs, demonstrates foundational principles, interactive methodologies and practical applications to improve your own teaching skills or so you can train your staff to teach English with quality and build program credibility. A new ESL/EFL Training DVD will be premiered and it’s ASCI accredited. Local transportation and host homes are available in some situations. Further details can be found at:

http://gemtefl-3.blogspot.com

or send an inquiry to gemtefl(at)gemtefl (dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the address onto one line.]

IN SEARCH OF MATRIARCHAL PEOPLE GROUPS — One Brigada participant is looking for good mission resources that talk about how to reach matriarchal people groups? Got any leads? If so, log on to

http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=47

Dave will appreciate it. And thanks for using Brigada!

PERSPECTIVES COURSES POPPING UP EVERYWHERE, LIKE JAX! — They’re about to start, all over the country. Like… suppose you live in Jacksonville, Florida. Youth With A Mission is hosting the course there. Recall that Perspectives is an internationally-respected 15-week study program developed by the U.S. Center for World Mission. Featuring an experienced speaker each week, you will cover topics such as the Biblical perspective on mission, the spread of Christianity in history, mission strategies, and the mission task remaining. Classes start on January 6, 2008. You can register online at

http://www.perspectives.org

Or in the case of JAX, just call 904-384-8400 or e-mail perspectivesjax(at)yahoo (dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . and reassemble the address onto one line.]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! — We’re so grateful for those who keep the lights burning here! We’ve recently received these gifts:

• $45 from Bridge Builder Ministries Int’l ! Thanks Doug!
• $20 from a Brigada participant who started back in 1995!!!
• $20 from a Brigada participant “down under”
• $100 from a participant in Ukraine! Thank you!
• $300 from WorldconneX Mission Network, www.worldconnex.org . Whoa.
• $25 from Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyers, http://www.lawyernc.com
• $25 from New York Mesothelioma Lawyer, http://www.mesotheliomahelp.net (And thanks to Mike at www.consultwebs.com for relaying their gifts!!!)
• $25 from Mission Travel
• $25 from Cayucos, CA
• $50 from from a grateful mission leader in UK
• $25 from a full-time missionary in Thailand who wrote, “I am blessed to be able to contribute to Brigada. I love Brigada and all the resources available through it. I pray that God will meet your needs above and beyond what you could ask or think.”
• $100 from a participant in Worthing, West Sussex, UK
• $25 from a friend in Blacksburg, VA
• $25 from an encourager nearby in Jeffersonville, IN
• $100 from a friend laboring in Thailand
• $200 from a saint focusing on an unreached people group in Iran. (Please pray for Iran on their behalf.)
• $30 from Magazine Training Int’l — http://www.magazinetraining.com/
• $9.90 from ISA because Sidney & Eric bought insurance for their trip through them at http://www.missionaryhealth.net/brigada.htm
• $200 from Westwood Baptist Church in Olympia, WA http://www.westwoodbaptist.com (Please give thanks for them today!)
• $350 from Hebron Missionary Advocacy Fellowship http://road2hebron.jesusanswerscom Please visit their site. Thank you so much for your ministry!

  We’re sooooooooooooooooooooooo grateful to these partners! May God bless them in ways beyond belief!

MAKING PROGRESS; CAN YOU PUT US OVER THE TOP? — Whoa. In the last Brigada Today, we reported that we were hovering at $6,752.87 toward our 2007 budget needs of $17,150. Suddenly, we’re within reach! We now have $8,452.77. Just think… if your church or group, or if you as an individual were to have *any* contingency tithe money left… Would you consider investing in something that is mobilizing and resourcing for the unreached… since 1995? If you have ever found something in Brigada to by helpful… or if you’d like to underwrite Brigada for someone who lives in a faraway land who cannot send funds on his or her own, please just click on the “Donate” page.
We’ve made progress, but still need the following gifts to meet our needs…

• 1 of 1 1000 1000 (1 gift of $1000)
• 3 of 5 500 2500 (3 more gifts of $500)
• 10 of 250 2500 (10 more gifts of $250)
• 11 of 13 100 1300 (11 more gifts of $100)
• 26 of 27 50 1350 (26 more gifts of $50)
• 60 of 70 25 1750 (60 more gifts of $25)

You can pull the money from your PayPal account or from any major credit card. Or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. (Team Expansion is a 501(c)3 incorporation so for USA citizens, your checks made out to Team Expansion are tax-deductible.) As always, be sure to let us know if you’d like us to promote any particular service or ministry, or if you’d prefer your gift be anonymous. And thank you in advance for helping.

THE BACKPAGE: WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON BORROWING? — Our organization is about to commit to building a new Prayer Center & Atrium at our new campus called Emerald Hills. (You can read more, by the way, at

http://www.emeraldhills.info

So we’re about to commit to a construction loan. What’s your strategy & philosophy on all that? This is a roughly $700,000 project. We have cash and/or commitments in hand for about $350,000 of that amount. As for *our* board of directors, they like for us to have the “stream identified” before borrowing… and, in general, they advise us to only borrow up to the amount equal to what the stream could repay. Is your philosophy similar … or different? What scriptures play into your decision, when you’re tackling something big like this? (This is big to us at least. :-) ) Please stop by and drop a comment at…

http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=48

Thanks for sharing your approach.

1. NEW MISSIONS AWARENESS TOOLS
2. GO ONLINE, DOWNLOAD, LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
3. VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS
4. BUILDING A MISSIOPEDIA
5. MISSIONARY VIDEO CHANNELS
6. TWO ACMC CONFERENCES GOING FORWARD AS PLANNED
7. CORRECTED CONTACT INFORMATION FOR “MORE MISSIONS DRAMAS”
8. AND *MORE* DRAMAS
9. TRAINING IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY
10. RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN TEACHERS
11. LAUNCHING A CHURCH PLANTING MOVEMENT AMONG AN ORAL CULTURE?
12. DO YOU PLACE OVERSEAS CALLS FROM YOUR USA-BASED CELL PHONE?
13. HELP ALAN GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
14. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR VOLUNTEERS
15. LEARN A PRACTICAL SKILL FOR MISSIONS
16. ONLINE MAGAZINE CORRECTION
17. INDEBTED TO PARTNERS
18. KEEP BRIGADA PUMPING
19. THE BACKPAGE: MANY MOURN, SOME MOBILIZE CALEB PROJECT/ACMC
20. CLOSING STUFF

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1. NEW MISSIONS AWARENESS TOOLS — Good News Productions, International has two new missions awareness tools to get youth excited about missions. The first is an exciting new children’s program called GNPI Kids Live that will work in conjunction with any VBS program. It is a five-part digital DVD presentation of missions from a kid’s perspective. It is fashioned after a talk show in which the presenter is a puppet character named Rocky Surface. … To preview this material, go to

   http://www.gnpi.org/kidslive

   The second tool is a movie called All Things New. It is being marketed as a fundraising tool for youth to raise funds for missions trips or Christ In Youth conferences, while also raising funds for Good News Productions, International and Christians’ Haven (The ministry in the Philippines on which the movie is based.). As Matt Proctor, President of Ozark Christian College, put it, “This movie will call viewers to risky obedience and the need to put hands and feet on their compassion.” To view the trailer and get other information on this film, go to

   http://www.allthingsnewmovie.com

   You can also get more information on these tools by calling 800-457- 4674 and asking for Amber.

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2. GO ONLINE, DOWNLOAD, LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE — If you have a broadband connection and a computer, you have access to a world of foreign language instruction — for free. And if you have an MP3 audio player, you can even carry lessons around with you to listen on the bus, in the car or anywhere else you listen to music. All kinds of language lessons are available in free “podcasts” (which are like radio programs you download from the Internet.) In his Chicago Tribune column “On Language” this week, Nathan Bierma lists the web sites for learning a major foreign language with the best quality, free language podcasts he could find. It is available at:

   http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0701230287jan24,1,5624467.story

   If that URL is too long, you can access the same web page with this link:

   http://tinyurl.com/2kz323

   Nathan includes resources to learn Mandarin Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, Greek, Latin and English as a Second Language. (Thanks to the anonymous friend who tipped us off to this item!)

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3. VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS — High school youth around the world have a chance to learn the video production process from start to finish, creating programs with powerful Christian content in the process. Good News Productions, International is leading this innovative program called Media Challenge as a way to engage techno- savvy youth around the world in the process of reaching their peers using the tools of the media. The goal is to challenge Christian youth to speak out about issues of faith and practice, using the specific cultural context in which they live as the background for their programs. The workshops offer more than technical training; significant time is devoted to script development and writing to assure the content is on target and effective. For 2007, two USA based workshops will be held; one on the campus of St. Louis Christian College (July 1-7) and a second at Cincinnati Christian University (July 8-14). Two international workshops are scheduled; one in Zakosciele, Poland (July 22–August 4) and another in Chiang Mai, Thailand (June 17-23). Information about the USA workshops, including the curriculum and application process, can be found online at

   http://mediachallenge.org

   Information about the International workshops can be obtained by writing to director(at)mediachallenge(dot)org. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Churches and missionaries who would like to host and/or sponsor an international workshop are also encouraged to contact the director, Bob Sartoris, at the address above. If you’d like to be involved in the workshops this summer, better hurry. There’s an end-of-March deadline coming up quickly.

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4. BUILDING A MISSIOPEDIA — It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 7 years since the 2nd edition of the World Christian Encyclopedia was published. What’s the next generation of mission dictionaries, encyclopedias and atlases? Is it possible to do for mission reference works what Wikipedia did for human knowledge? Will we know unless we try? Justin Long has launched an experimental Missiopedia at

   http://www.momentum-mag.org/wiki/index.php

   If you have something you think should go in an encyclopedia about missions – an article about a country, a people group, a province, a city, a denomination, a ministry, or what have you – then now is the time for you to step up to the plate and participate.

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5. MISSIONARY VIDEO CHANNELS — Recently Justin Long asked if anyone was doing missionary videocasting on YouTube or Google Video. Justin got a few responses and, in order to make it manageable, he’s added a relevant page on the new Missiopedia wiki that he is developing (which might be blank so far, but let’s grow it). Anyone can add to the list by clicking to the page and clicking ‘edit’ at the top. See it (and the whole Missiopedia) online at

   http://www.momentum-mag.org/wiki/index.php/Missionary_Videocasting

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6. TWO ACMC CONFERENCES GOING FORWARD AS PLANNED — Here are at least two conferences on March 15-17 in Delaware and Detroit that are still going forward as planned. Perhaps they represent historic “last conferences” of ACMC. Though the conferences will not be, for legal reasons, under the banner of Initiative360, the content, speakers and resources will be the same as listed in the brochures. (Note that the Austin, TX conference on March 3 was cancelled.) Organizers reported that after last week’s Brigada, “People began calling in like crazy,” asking for information. For info on the Detroit Conference go to

   http://www.davidmays.org

   For the Delaware Conference, see the brochure at

   http://www.gracextensions.org/files/ACMCWilmingtonDE07.pdf

   or call 800-959-3523 (Tom Telford) or 410-561-8424 xt 210 (Joe Steinitz).

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7. CORRECTED CONTACT INFORMATION FOR “MORE MISSIONS DRAMAS” — [We recently featured an item "MORE MISSIONS DRAMAS" (Jan. 19th edition), but apparently the contact information was faulty. Here's the item again, but the contact person has now provided us with a working email address.] As a follow-up to the BACKPAGE in the Brigada Today of January 5, Wycliffe Bible Translators also offers a series of 20 mission-themed skits called “World Class Missions Dramas” written by Blackie Blackwell and Amy Jung, edited by Ron Binder. These were specifically written to accompany Perspectives on the World Christian Movement lessons, so they are short, don’t need elaborate preparation in terms of set or props, and are dialogue-driven like a readers’ theater. They are available as an email attachment, on CD, or hard copy from Wycliffe Southwest in Temecula, CA. Contact Media Resources by phone at 951-719-1105 or email: media_resources_wsw(at)Wycliffe(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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8. AND *MORE* DRAMAS — Get even more ideas for dramas over at…

   http://www.dramashare.com/

   where organizers seek to cater to those involved in missions and outreach and have many non-verbal dramas among the 1600+ scripts in their database.

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9. TRAINING IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY — Want to do some serious study to be equipped to help others utilize their heart music? Attend the graduate- level courses in Ethnomusicology at the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL) in Dallas, Texas. Three courses will be offered this summer: Applied Ethnomusicology (June 11-22), Field of Ethnomusicology/Anthropology of Music (June 25-July 13), and Analysis of Non-Western Music (July 19 – August 15). Learn more about them at:

   http://www.gial.edu/courses/ethnomusicology.htm

   or e-mail ethnomusicology(at)sil(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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10. RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN TEACHERS — You can find materials to help Christian teachers, including parents, relate everything they teach to God and the Bible at

    http://www.transformingteachers.org

    Check out the Visual Valet, online articles, and downloads. The site has links to Christian teacher and school organizations around the world. If an organization you know about is not listed, please send suggestions to hklassen(at)janzteam(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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11. LAUNCHING A CHURCH PLANTING MOVEMENT AMONG AN ORAL CULTURE? — Scriptures In Use

    http://www.siutraining.org

    is holding two workshops this spring that you should consider. March 30-31 will be an Orality Awareness Workshop at Word of Grace Church, Mesa., AZ that starts at 7 p.m. Friday night and ends by 3 p.m. Saturday. They’re asking $25 for lunch and materials. Contact briannah(at)wordofgrace(dot)org to register On May 10-12 “Communications Bridges to Oral Cultures” will be offered at First Christian Church, Phoenix, AZ. Sessions will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The class is designed for CPM Coaches and trainers. $75 for lunches, breaks and materials. Cindy(at)fccphx(dot)com to register. For more information on SIU and the training — jimbowman(at)siutraining(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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12. DO YOU PLACE OVERSEAS CALLS FROM YOUR USA-BASED CELL PHONE? — If so, check out Nickel Talk, if you haven’t already.

    http://www.nickeltalk.com/

    It’s pretty straight-forward — 5 cents per minute, with no connect fees, on all mobile calls to Europe, Latin America, Asia & Australia. No monthly fees, no prepayment, no contracts, no phone cards, no pins, and keep your existing service. What could be simpler? (Note that we’re not referring this to earn some kind of sponsorship or affiliate bonus. This is just one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread.

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13. HELP ALAN GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THE PERSECUTED CHURCH — Got a video or a recorded testimony on the persecuted church? Alan is a Missions Minister from Indiana who would like to get the word out. If you have a resource or a referral, click on over to…

    http://www.momentum-mag.org/wiki/Persecution#Get_the_Word_Out

    Let’s build a great list of interview footage, stats, worksheets, hand- outs, websites, … anything and everything that will help him get the word out about the persecuted church. [What's the use in duplicating Justin's great wiki! :-) Let's ride the wave! ]

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14. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR VOLUNTEERS — OM Ship’s new vessel, the Logos Hope, is close to being ready for full-time service bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. They are looking for volunteers, who can join them for two weeks or more, to complete the last projects required to get the ship out of the shipyard. Volunteers are asked to cover their travel, health and insurance expenses but food and lodging after arrival are provided.

    For more information about this opportunity, please visit:

    http://www.omships.org/go=2

    or you can contact OM Ships at info(at)omships(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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15. LEARN A PRACTICAL SKILL FOR MISSIONS — Simplified dental care can open many doors to evangelism and relationship building among the unreached. No drills, injections, electricity, or sophisticated equipment are involved – only simple hand instruments, a compassionate heart, and two weeks of your time. Now you can bring greatly needed dental care to your community. Courses offered monthly in Texas.

    http://www.dentaltrainingformissions.com

    or email dentaltrainingformissions(at)yahoo(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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16. ONLINE MAGAZINE CORRECTION — Catch INTERLIT Magazine, which helps those publishing Christian literature in the non-western world, at:

    http://ccmipartners.org

    In the Feb. 12th edition, the contributor’s original submission had left out a strategic “n”. Please pardon any inconvenience. (Thanks Tim!)

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17. INDEBTED TO PARTNERS — Thanks to those who make Brigada happen through their prayers and financial partnership. This past week, Good News Productions stoked the fire with a $100 gift. Learn more about their ministry of media development and distribution at:

    http://gnpi.org/

    Insurance Services of America added fuel by sending sponsorship gifts in the name of Jason and Jon, who each had purchased insurance with them. So ISA promptly sent $20.95 in their name. It’s that simple. Purchase an insurance policy or trip interruption insurance with ISA and they’ll immediately help Brigada. Learn more at:

    http://www.missionaryhealth.net/brigada.htm

    Note that you must use this link or *tell* them in order for the sponsorship to happen. Thanks!

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18. KEEP BRIGADA PUMPING — Want to help Brigada pump out weekly editions to mobilizers, church members and mission professionals around the world? Just click on “Sponsor/Donate” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. (Team Expansion is a 501(c)3 incorporation so for USA citizens, your checks made out to Team Expansion are tax- deductible.) As always, be sure to let us know if you’d like us to promote any particular service or ministry, or if you’d prefer your gift be anonymous. And thank you in advance for helping.

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19. THE BACKPAGE: MANY MOURN, SOME MOBILIZE CALEB PROJECT/ACMC — This past week, I felt as if I were standing in a visitation line at a funeral home. Countless fellow-strugglers identified with last edition’s “BackPage” item about the passing of Caleb Project and CMC (and the associated “Initiative 360″ merger). One Brigada participant from San Jose, CA, wrote ” I, too, was stunned when I went to the i360 site and found that message. … I was especially concerned about them personally. … Let’s keep praying and pushing–can’t let the Devil have a good day!” A reader from Plano, TX, shared, “I read today’s issue of Brigada quickly when I saw the subject line. I was an advocate for ACMC since I can remember attending a conference in the 1970′s. Initially, individual members received a copy of every publication they created. … Why is it a surprise to you that ACMC had trouble making ends meet when it takes an entire year for you to raise $17K per year for Brigada? You are reaching how many people via email regularly? I will attempt to restrain myself from my soap box speech. Everyone thinks that ‘someone else’ will support the ___ ministry. (And, I’m guilty of this also.) Thank you for your continued faithfulness to the Lord, and your efforts to help keep the global Christian community updated with Brigada.” This friend’s note reminded me how vulnerable… how fragile our respective ministries all are. We all need to constantly work hard to keep them fueled. Gulp.

    Another participant from Oregon wrote, “I so appreciated your ‘eulogy’ about ACMC/Caleb Project. I went to my first ACMC conference in the early 90′s. That’s where I first learned about missions, the Perspectives class, met great people like Paul Borthwick and David Mays, and where I learned my first steps in ‘doing missions’. … I began using Caleb Project materials at about the same time. I was able to use them as a resource for our children’s pastor to teach missions to kids. They have been a great resource on unreached peoples materials. … All I learned from ACMC … I’m still using and always will. I remember doing conferences in my area and having people remark over and over how they didn’t know ACMC had such a great network of resources and people. … I too don’t understand what took place, even from the folks that were a part of it but God’s still in control.” Well said. One Caleb Project staffer wrote, “I just want to express my appreciation for the letter in Brigada yesterday. This has been a very difficult time for all of us, made more difficult by frustration and confusion and the speed with which things happened. … Thanks for the note Doug. I appreciate your heart. Thanks for speaking plainly and passionately. We do hope others can learn from our experience.” David Mays, a long-time ACMC consultant wrote, ” Thanks much Doug. You are a great encourager.” He has filed his own take on the ill-fated merger at

    http://www.davidmays.org/i360.html

    (I asked for and received permission from him to share the URL.)

    Throughout these and many other notes, there was one common theme — a flood of memories of all the great services these two incredible organizations had provided down through the years. Another theme: trying to make sense out of their passing. So far, there were few answers.

    However, all is not lost. Bravo to organizations like Pioneers and Team Expansion who are doing their best to provide options for former staff from both agencies. Pioneers, in particular, is trying to create a semi-autonomous working unit that would pick up employees and dreamers from both networks. Watch future Brigada Todays for more news as these and other developments unfold. And above all, keep praying for these precious — and hurting — souls.

1. RETHINKING HINDU MINISTRY GATHERING IN ATLANTA
2. WHEN WILL WE UNDERSTAND GOOGLE? (“RANKINGS” UPDATED)
3. A GOD OF COINCIDENCE?: THE NAMA/DAMARA PEOPLE
4. FREE CHRISTIAN MUSIC CASSETTES?
5. YEAR-LONG PRAYER & HARVEST INITIATIVE TO UNREACHED PEOPLES
6. LOOKING FOR A MK/TCK RETREAT ON THE EAST COAST?
7. GENESIS – THE SEED-BED OF THE BIBLE?
8. AIMS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
9. INDIAN POWERVISION TV
10. BOOK HIGHLIGHTING MINISTRY IN INDIA
11. OPPORTUNITIES AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF GUATEMALA
12. OPTIONS IN GHANA
13. WE GET MAIL
14. THANKS TO OUR EMPOWERING PARTNERS
15. THE BACKPAGE: “24″ AND PRIVATE PAIN
16. CLOSING STUFF

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1. RETHINKING HINDU MINISTRY GATHERING IN ATLANTA — From June 16 – 18, 2006 the Rethinking Forum will sponsor its 4th annual conference on the Hindu-Christian interface from the perspective of the Rethinking Movement in Indian church history. The consultation will present various stimulating perspectives on service for Christ among Hindus. Although scholarly resource people will be present the focus will be on practical service. This Atlanta area gathering will commence at 1 pm on Friday and conclude at 5 pm on Sunday. For more information contact info(at)rethinkingforum(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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2. WHEN WILL WE UNDERSTAND GOOGLE? (“RANKINGS” UPDATED) — In our ongoing quest to understand how Google ranks mission pages, check it out again… Go to

   http://www.google.com

   and type in (without quotation marks) “emerald hills”. It *looks* like our Emerald Hills Prayer, Retreat, and Learning Center has now climbed up to #6 in the rankings, out of some 4 million pages, supposedly. How does that happen? If you don’t mind, after you search, would you consider clicking on the Emerald Hills link in the search results and taking a look at the front page of the new campus where Brigada will be based? (Click on “FAQs” in the top-line menu to see an FAQ entry about Brigada being based there.) Could it be that Google somehow can track those click-throughs after all? Someone asked why we even care about rankings on Google. I guess it’s a minor thing really… Just that… if anyone wants to find Brigada’s future base (maybe by this Christmas), and if they’ve only heard of “Emerald Hills”, it’ll be *lots* easier to find if it pops up as #6 rather than as the one- thousandth page down the list. Thanks for whatever part your click- throughs have played in helping raise our profile??? I’ll never understand it. :-)

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3. A GOD OF COINCIDENCE?: THE NAMA/DAMARA PEOPLE — The place was central and southern Namibia in Africa. Three members of a survey team came upon a group of tough looking men in Karasburg. They were prisoners from the nearby jail. As they began to explain the gospel to the men, they were stopped by the guards who said it was time for the men to go back to their cells. The men were given tracts. The families who were visiting with the men asked the three to tell them the gospel. Sadly, several of them spoke a language which none of the three could speak. The Lord had provided the answer! A Christian man who was visiting a prisoner could speak that language as well as their language. They then presented the gospel. When asked if any of them would like to ask Jesus in their heart, all twelve raised their hands! Adopt the Nama/Damara people for prayer by visiting

   http://www.forgottenpeoples.info

   or write lynchdp(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 .]

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4. FREE CHRISTIAN MUSIC CASSETTES? — Compu-Books (software developer and publisher of ‘Church Missions’ software) has a collection of 100+ Christian music cassette tapes they would like to donate to a missions based organization that could distribute these tapes to their missionaries.

   Many are Hosanna worship tapes, other worship music collections and contemporary Christian artists. Some of the tapes are brand new and unopened, all English, all Christian. If your organization could use these tapes, please contact

   Linda(at)compu-books(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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5. YEAR-LONG PRAYER & HARVEST INITIATIVE TO UNREACHED PEOPLES — The recent Ethne06 gathering in SE Asia of 350+ UPG-focused individuals, churches, and ministries launched an unprecedented year-long prayer and harvest initiative to begin immediately following the Global Day of Prayer, Pentecost Sunday, June 4. Beginning with Least-Reached of the South Pacific in June and moving east to west, Ethne links prayer with outreaches to the least-reached for the 90 days during and immediately following the month of prayer (see map at

   http://www.ethne.net/HeLPS/Overview

   Ethne’s newest Volume 1 dvd with resources and video testimonies is NOW available and permission is given to duplicate and distribute.

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6. LOOKING FOR A MK/TCK RETREAT ON THE EAST COAST? -– Missionary Resources Connection is hosting a retreat for Missionary Kids (MK’s) and Third Culture Kids (TCK’s) this upcoming August 7-15, 2006. The retreat is geared towards those who are making the transition between high school and college, or those within the same stage of life. The cost for the retreat is $350/person and includes lodging & food at a beautiful retreat in Gaston, SC (located 30 minutes from downtown Columbia). Registration and deposit of $50 is due by June 1, 2006. For more information, visit MRC’s weblink:

   http://www.mresourcesconnection.org/seminars_and_retreats.htm

   and click on “MK Re-entry” or call at (803)254-3313 or email

   info(at)mresourcesconnection(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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7. GENESIS – THE SEED-BED OF THE BIBLE? — Now the book of Genesis is available in easy English at:

   http://www.easyenglish.info

   Download Genesis from the list of Bible books. In fact, you will find a wide selection of files to help you enjoy this exciting collection of biographies. Choose from Alun Owen’s translations in Level B EasyEnglish (2800 word vocabulary) with a commentary or Christine Muir’s version in Level A (1200 word vocabulary) with short, helpful notes on the text. There are also items at Level AEE (Accessible EasyEnglish) using very simple words in short sentences. These are excellent for anyone who finds standard English too difficult.

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8. AIMS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE — Accelerating International Mission Strategies (AIMS) has introduced a new website at

   http://www.aims.org

   Learn about strategic, new epicenters focus and the latest news about how God is using the AIMS ministry around the world. Download free informational brochures, bulletin inserts to help your congregation pray for the unreached, and tips on planning your next missions conference, or shop for missions books, videos, and other resources in their online bookstore. Plus, find out how you can get involved through short-term missions trips, upcoming conferences, and even strategic prayer.

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9. INDIAN POWERVISION TV — Powervision TV is a multilingual Satellite TV Channel, launched from New Delhi, India to reach unreached people in India with the gospel. This TV Channel needs high quality, excellent Christian TV Program such as Sermon, Musical Show, Films, Dramas, Cartoons and Skit in English or Hindi. Powervision TV prefers any Program aiming to reach Kids and youngsters with the Gospel in attractive format. The mode of the Channel is DVCAM/DV Tapes (PAL). If you’ve got some programming, write kcjohnpowervision(at)yahoo(dot)com or log onto

   http://www.kcjohn.org

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10. BOOK HIGHLIGHTING MINISTRY IN INDIA — Want to read an exciting true story of 31 years of Ministry in India caring for leprosy sufferers, widows, orphans and the disabled? It is an account of real persecution, including one martyrdom, prison experiences, economic standards lower than those of the people served but above all, real Victory for Christ. You may read all about it in “FAITH+ACTION=MIRACLE”, published by LULU.com and available at the following website

    http://www.lulu.com/higges

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11. OPPORTUNITIES AT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF GUATEMALA — CAG, which serves the missionary community of Guatemala, has the following positions available for 2006-7: Elementary Classroom Teacher, Girls PE (K-12), Guidance Counselor, Secondary English Teacher, Secondary Social Studies, Computer Instruction, Computer Systems Coordinator, and Development Director. CAG has an enrollment of over 200 students, and although staff members are responsible for raising their own financial support, a monthly stipend of $150 is provided. For more information, log on to their website at

    http://www.christacadguate.org

    or email the school at cagrecruit(at)christacadguate(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with.]

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12. OPTIONS IN GHANA — American International School, Accra Ghana, is an exciting new NICS school. Check out

    http://www.nics.org or

    http://www.aisaccra.org Applications are now being accepted for students grade pre-K-12. Also accepting applications for teachers. School year 2006-2007 has a limited enrollment for its “soft start” so don’t delay. Contact

    CharleneBerry(at)nics(dot)org or call +233-277-549905 for more information. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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13. WE GET MAIL — Thanks to those that have written in with encouragement about the “24″ series in the “BackPage” editorials. One gentleman wrote, “I’ve been reading your newsletter for over 10 years I think. We were in China and needed something in regard to retired persons serving in the field and was given your site. We have been reading ever since…. Tonight I read your latest and the article on “24″ really excited me, especially your use of the underlying urgency. … I am also pleased that the writers make a sharp distinction between right and wrong and how that impacts the events in the show. Good job, keep up the good work. God bless.” (Thanks brother!) Another friend wrote, “24 — Another good one! I love it. Just one suggestion. In keeping with the 24 motif it really should begin with “Previously on 24 …” :-) Keep up the good work and plugging the need for getting the message out to those who have never had a chance to hear!” Thanks Bob. We’ll take your advice! :-) Shawn wrote, “Wow, thanks for the 24 analogy. I had to quit watching it for a whole season — I was so caught up in the show I found myself praying for the characters! But now we are watching again, and I, too, am encouraged spiritually by the show. Mainly by Jack’s passion and courage and willingness to do whatever it takes to complete his mission, regardless of personal expense. I’m often convicted by my own passivity after an episode. Thanks!” Shew — praying for the characters… now *that’s* dedication. :-) Love it.

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14. THANKS TO OUR EMPOWERING PARTNERS — Tonight we’re grateful to Blessed Hope for sharing $10.70 from those who have talked on their phone service. Please, … if you need a long distance service anyway, consider using Blessed Hope at:

    http://www.lowermyphonebill.com/brigada

    Thanks, too, to Insurance Services of America, who sent $16.38 based on sales of insurance policies too! If you need coverage, short- or long- term, please consider using them by clicking to this link:

    http://www.missionaryhealth.net/brigada.htm

    You can get term life, medical, even trip cancellation insurance… They have it *all*.

    Thanks, too, for the anonymous friend who sent $25 this past week.

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15. THE BACKPAGE: “24″ AND PRIVATE PAIN — Previously on “24″ (in our BackPage Editorials), we’ve discussed courage, patient wisdom, speaking the truth, freedom, accountability, and a sense of urgency. Today I’d like for us to focus on “private pain.” In the final episode of season 3 (originally aired May 25, 2004), as federal agent Jack Bauer completes 24 straight hours of some of the most hectic and demanding moments of his career, he climbs into his SUV, throws his keys on the dash, and pretty much collapses with the emotion of the day. The truth is, in the privacy of the moment, he weeps, sobs, and pounds his steering wheel. Everything that has happened… all the tough choices, some of which cost his peers their very lives… it all came crashing down at once. He shares his feelings with no one else. Nevertheless, in his own way, he is doing his own “debriefing.” The walkie-talkie then crackles with a request to return to headquarters and help interrogate another bad guy. After a moment of thought — just a moment — he gathers himself, answers that he’s on his way, and starts his truck. Except for a brief off-season breaks :-), his job is never done.

    After watching the scene and taking in “the private pain”, the thought occurred to me that we all have probably known missionaries experiencing something similar. In fact, some of us have sat in that very seat, experiencing that same private pain in one form or another.

    One thing’s for sure: we don’t all grieve in the same way. I remember a chaplain walking up to me after my father passed away. I was alone with him at the time. It was late at night. Both my brothers and my mom had already gone home. It’s true I felt the weight of the situation on my shoulders. But I didn’t cry. I didn’t even let on that I was troubled. I kept trying to make sure the doctors and nurses were doing everything they could do to help him. It was my first time to be with a living soul as he passed from life to death. The chaplain soon approached me and said, “Son, you can’t keep holding this in. Let it out. Go ahead and cry.” What he failed to understand is that not all of us process pain the same way. My advice to all the debriefers and counselors of the world is to realize that not *everyone* needs to cry or air their pain publicly in order to process it. Some of us handle it like Jack did, grieving privately. Some even handle it like I did at my father’s death, focusing on the practical rather than on the emotion itself. There’s probably no one effective way to handle heavy emotions. The important thing is that we must know ourselves well enough to predict with a bit of certainty which methods are effective and which are ineffective. Maybe nobody else will ever know for sure.

    Can we spot those who are *not* handling private pain effectively? Sometimes. They hide it in alcohol or overwork. They take drugs, or become super-irritable at their spouse or children. They over- or under-eat. Any time we notice these or other radical changes of behavior following painful experiences in a friend’s life, let’s gently approach him or her. Some of us don’t know how to handle private pain. When those times come, let’s hope we can be there for those we love. So look around you. Be aware. Let’s bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.