Brigada » Elijah Company

5) Ekballo-Elijah Company Equipping Conference

Editor — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:55:32 +0000

This is a four-day intensive with optional ongoing coaching. Designed to launch workers into strategic fields, providing a knowledge base for issues related to being sent, personal impartation and practical application. Catch it October 29-November 1, 2009 in Virginia (Apply by September 28). One cost covers conference, materials, housing, meals. Specific content, testimonials, descriptions, application forms can be viewed and downloaded online or call 757-333-0446 or write

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http://www.elijahcompany.org

Missionary Training Camp by Elijah Company

Editor — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:27:00 +0000

It happens during four days from June 19-22 in Virginia, covering the major areas of need to go and stay in the call of God. They emphasize relationships, spiritual warfare, intercession and support, and, with Intercessors Arise, they offer mentorship and training in missions and prayer. Short- termers as well as furloughing missionaries have gained needed tools for their work. Their web site

http://www.elijahcompany.org/ has a description of the training and curriculum and applications. Write to us at training(at)

elijahcompany(dot)org or call 757-333-0446. (Replace “at” with @, “dot” with ., then reassemble the email address onto one line.)

20060122 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 03:35:00 +0000

In this issue…

CHECK OUT COVENANT COLLEGE — Hats off to the people at Covenant College:

http://www.covenant.edu/

They are great friends of Brigada (They just sent a $600 gift to say thanks for the students we sent their way in 2005. Whoa.) In particular, check out the Chalmers Center:

http://www.chalmers.org/site/index.php

They specialize in community economic development, giving you practical training that equips you to implement programs in your church or community that truly empower the poor. The Institute offers you a choice of 3-5 1/2 days of courses in both the 2/3 World and U.S. contexts, taught by real-world practitioners. I notice they have video and DVD material and a full distance learning program. Cool. Think about a degree in Economics and Community Development. They even have men’s *and* women’s soccer.

HOW TO LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES — Jeff and Doug at Good Neighbor Insurance can get quotes from eight different international health insurance companies for international health and life insurance, short- term, long-term and short-term team mission trips. Get group insurance quotes for small and large groups, plans for non-Americans coming to the USA and Americans living in most USA states.

http://www.gninsurance.com/brigada.asp

Jeff and Doug have pledged to give an offering to Brigada from every new sign-up. They really are “good neighbors!”

HAVE YOU SEARCHED VIVISIMO? MSNSEARCH? — Thanks to Dale for giving us the tip. I’m ashamed to say — I don’t think I had ever been there before. He suggested I try searching for “Emerald Hills” there (remember our item a couple of weeks back? :-) ) I put in the search criteria “Emerald Hills” (without the quotes) at:

http://www.vivisimo.com

and lo and behold, a cluster about Team Expansion’s retreat center ranked as #12 in the list. So… pretty impressive that it had figured out relevancy that quickly. Interestingly, if you put the same words in at:

http://www.msnsearch.com

Brigada’s future new home (Emerald Hills) is *first*. Whoa. Cool. :-) Not sure what that proves, except… that maybe they have good taste in trees? Either way, it’s worth bookmarking both of them. :-)

WHAT’S CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY TECHNICAL SERVICES? — Sure looks interesting. Thanks to Tony for tipping us off on their website:

http://www.cmtsministries.org/

They apparently arrange loaner cars for missionaries and, in general, just try to procure hard-to-obtain items for missionaries in general. Let’s remember to check ‘em out, next time we can’t find something we need. Again, thanks Tony.

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL — Are you seeking greater intimacy with God and a taste of cross-cultural missions? If you are age 30 or more, or a family with children, enroll today in the Crossroads DTS at Youth With A Mission, Lebanon, PA, USA. This 20-week dynamic journey includes 12 weeks of life-changing teaching covering Christian world missions, the Father heart of God, how to hear God’s voice, intercessory prayer, spiritual warfare, and godly relationships. Students travel to Crimea in Ukraine for 8 weeks to work among an unreached Muslim people group. The lecture phase is April 19-July 14, 2006 with outreach to Ukraine, July 17-September 8, 2006. Find details and application forms at

http://www.ywampa.org

or email ywampa(at)comcast(dot)net or call (717)274-9010 [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

A VPN THAT MAKES YOU MONEY? — Do you frequently check email in hacker-infested locations such as hotels, airports, or cafes? Are you a missionary who works in a high security country? Does your missions agency need to offer secure internet access? If you said “yes” (even once) a Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) service may be your most affordable *and* comprehensive solution. HotSpotVPN.com’s service is reliable and if you register for affiliate status, you can even earn the small commission on your own purchase! Or, if you don’t want to hassle with becoming an affiliate, consider using this link to sign up for an account:

https://sales.hotspotvpn.com/info.asp?rid=b2b&pid=2&tc=1

In addition to securing all your internet activities, you’ll be helping support missionary work in an Islamic country.

ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONARY TRAINING — Here are four days focused on preparing people to go to the mission field. They’ll give simple steps people need to move forward on their call. Study relational skills, cultural principles, spiritual issues and practical teaching such as developing a prayer and financial support base. Over 165 people have been trained in MTC in just the last five years. Already, 51 are now on the field somewhere in the world. Furloughing missionaries and missions leaders have also found this time to be of great value for resolving difficult issues. Find the Elijah Company manifesto and training info at

http://www.elijahcompany.org

You can get more information and applications by writing to elijah(at)elijahcompany(dot)org or call (757) 226-3507. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

EVANGELICAL TRAINING DATABASE — Ian of the Missionary Training Service reports, that, by God’s grace, they are making good progress with the Evangelical Training Database. Hopefully launching in English and Spanish in February this year, all evangelical institutions world- wide will be invited to put information about their courses on the website, so that those who need training will be able to find out what is available in their country and language. This is an ambitious project aiming to run simultaneously in all major languages. It is committed to being a free service to both providers of courses and those searching for them, though they hope that people will make donations to the project. Find more information at

http://www.missionarytraining.org/news.htm

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

ACTING ON AIDS SUMMIT — Acting on Aids (AoA), a national collegiate movement among schools within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities will hold its 2006 Leadership Summit at Taylor University (Upland, Indiana) February 2-4, 2006. The Summit will be a chance for students to be together in the same place to collectively learn about the global AIDS pandemic from HIV/AIDS experts. Acting on AIDS is a program started by Christian college students to create awareness and activism of the global AIDS pandemic at colleges and universities across the nation. With the support of World Vision, Christian college students have formed a network of Acting on AIDS chapters which seek to change hearts on campuses, create awareness in communities, and advocate for those impacted by the global AIDS pandemic. In addition to learning about prevention, advocacy and care, students will share with their peers about the work they’re doing on their campuses and work together to find new ways they can get their campuses, communities and local churches involved and invested. For registration information visit

http://www.actingonaids.org

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

YAHOO “WEB BEACONS” NOT SO BAD? — I received several emails from Brigada participants who observed that the “web beacons” we mentioned an edition or two ago (“YAHOO IS TRACKING GROUP MEMBERS” in the Jan. 13th issue) probably weren’t as bad as we imagined. First, they apparently only track us while we’re in the Yahoo system of shopping sites and groups. Second, apparently web beacons are much more pervasive than we imagined:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_beacons

(thanks for the site, David). So I guess we should at least be glad Yahoo is man enough to admit it. :-) It’s still perfectly wise to opt out, since we’re given the opportunity to do so, however.

GO TO THE NATIONS… AS AN ENGLISH TEACHER — Here’s an exciting and intensive 4-week TESOL course equipping you with effective English teaching techniques, sponsored by Youth With A Mission in Lebanon PA USA. The dates are March 13-April 7, May 8-June 2 and June 19-July 14, 2006. Get a certificate upon completion. Find details, application forms, and alternate dates listed

http://www.ywampa.org

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

“IMAGINENATIONS” MISSIONS CONFERENCE — PenrithCLC in Sydney Australia are about to launch their 10th annual first priority missions conference. Senior Pastor Jack Hanes is well known for his ability to release finances for world harvest and stir a passion in Christians for the lost. Each year the Conference aims to inspire a passion for mission and see the releasing of finance into world harvest by challenging the church for local and world evangelisation. ImagineNations is 100% missions and runs from 19 to 24 February. To see who the guest speakers will be, view their promotional movie and register for the conference simply go to

http://www.penrithclc.com/imaginenations

or call PenrithCLC on +61 2 4736 3000 or email the conference team at missionsconference(at)penrithclc(dot) com. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

OMF BAY AREA MISSION CONFERENCE — On April 28-29, 2006, in Redwood City, CA, you can catch this conference with the theme, “Planting Christ’s Church in Asia!” at Peninsula Covenant Church. Dr. Patrick Fung, OMF’s new General Director, will speak. There will be 10 church planting workshops, children’s Win Our World program and fellowship with visiting missionaries. Check out the group and individual registration rates (discounts for students and seniors). Download the conference brochure and speaker schedule from our site:

http://www.us.omf.org/northwest

Or contact Julie omfconference(at)yahoo(dot)com or call 925-459-0734 in the USA. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

THE BACKPAGE: DOUG ON THE WARPATH ABOUT SIGNING OTHERS UP — I’m am *sooo* tired of the way the Internet allows others to sign me up for mailing lists. Those folks at DARPA who designed the original architecture of the Internet had no idea what would come of their brainstorm. I think they must have thought it would mostly be military- types who would use this network. Because they gave us precious little control over our address. Virtually anyone can sign us up for a newsletter or mailing list. And what’s more, just about anyone can “hijack” our address and use it as a “from:” address to send a virus or attachment. For this reason, we ask that everyone follow the simple courtesy — please, please, please don’t sign others up for regular mailing lists. It’s outa’ hand. Feel free to send someone the invitation — but unless they specifically ask (or unless they work for you or are on your team :-) ), for goodness sake, please don’t spam them. Here’s a “warpath” letter I sent to Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) this past week. Who knows if a human even saw this. I received no reply. :-( — To the Asst. to Chancellor/Chief Operations Office Reformed Theological Seminary RTS.edu Tel. 601-923-1600 EXT – 655

Dear Mr. Bailey,

Someone from your school seems to have added me to your newsletter mailing list without my permission or without my request — and without my approval. To you, sir, with all due respect, this must seem like a very small thing. To me, this is happening over and over again by well- intentioned marketing folks.

In case you’re wondering, I did go to the trouble to unsubscribe. But even that’s a hassle. Because your instructions say “click here to unsubscribe”, rather than giving me the actual link to use, I had to go through the trouble of opening your email in a browser window, then viewing the source code, then copying and pasting that source code into my browser “URL box” manually, then going to the unsubscribe webpage. Why did I have to go through all that? Because so many email “worms” are spread by asking people to click on a link in the email that — readers in my situation are now scared stiff to click on any link in an email. We don’t know, any more, if the link we’re clicking on is actually a true site from your seminary, or if this is a contrived email with a fake “Phishing” link– or worse yet, … some pornographic online service that’s going to try to install malware of some kind on my machine. So even your attempt to make it easy for me to unsubscribe (from something to which I never wanted to subscribe) is a hassle, is misguided, and shows your seminary’s insensitivity to email users across the board today. Yes I’ve unsubscribed… but a) I shouldn’t have had to in the first place, and b) you made it harder for me than it had to be.

In addition, now I’m setting my anti-spamware to reject anything from your domain. So even if your marketing department *does* try to contribute an item to Brigada Today in the future, now I won’t even see it. Except for one sole address — yours… I’ll leave it open, just in case you have a moment to write back. And if you do, I’ll happily consider publishing your reply too. It’s only fair. (Note to all the others who subscribe us to your prayer lists or newsletter lists or whatever lists, without our permission: Now you see why we aren’t publishing the items you later try to send in to Brigada Today. We’ll never see them… because we’ve black-listed your address in our spam prevention software.)

Please, please change your practices and begin living by the same laws by which our commercial businesses are supposed to live. Don’t spam us.

Sincerely, and wearily,

Doug Lucas Editor, Brigada Today

>…IN THIS ISSUEIssue#3 -January 24, 2006 … — [end] (Note: I’m sure that’s more information than he wanted to see… if his spam software even let him see my reply. :-) )

20051127 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 02:16:00 +0000

In this issue…

1. MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMP
2. “STUFF VOLUME IV” NOW AVAILABLE
3. GLOBAL CONSULTATION ON MUSIC AND MISSIONS 2006
4. SUMMER MINISTRY WITH MUSLIMS
5. SPECIAL PRAYER WEEK FOR UNREACHED DEJING ZHUANG OF CHINA
6. ANOTHER OPTION (BETTER?) FOR ANONYMOUS INTERNET WORK
7. THE NORTHERN CAPE COLOURED OF NW SOUTH AFRICA
8. BRIGADA BY THE NUMBERS
9. WANT TO HELP LIGHT A FIRE FOR BRIGADA?
10. THE BACKPAGE: “SYSTEMS” CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
11. CLOSING STUFF

1. MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMP — Elijah Company’s next Missionary Training Camp is February 23-26, 2006. During those four days, they’ll share crucial highlights for missionary preparation and sending. See their web site http://www.elijahcompany.org for what others have said, their manifesto, course content and more. For applications write to elijah(at)elijahcompany(dot)org or call 757-226-3507.
2. “STUFF VOLUME IV” NOW AVAILABLE — “Stuff IV – Yet More Stuff you need to know about Doing Mission in Your Church” is the fourth volume of an encyclopedia of all the things you wanted to know about doing missions but didn’t know where to find. It is a compilation of one-page concepts, lists, outlines, forms, samples, and resources covering everything from Becoming a World Christian to Missions Web Sites. “Stuff” is available only on CD in Microsoft Word. A CD of all four volumes with cumulative index is available for $26 each (including shipping). Send a check (in U.S. Funds) to ACMC, Box 221, Brownsburg, IN 46112. Specify the “Stuff CD” and provide your postal address. See portions of the first two volumes and the cumulative index at http://www.davidmays.org/Resources/resmays.html
3. GLOBAL CONSULTATION ON MUSIC AND MISSIONS 2006 — The Global Consultation on Music and Missions will be held July 11-15 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Celebrate what God is doing world- wide while learning about music and missions from such recognized experts as I-to Loh, Roberta King, Ronald Man, Mary Oyer, Steven Fry, John Witvliet, and others. Choose from over 30 informative breakout sessions on topics such as syncretism, promoting unity in blended cultural contexts both at home and abroad, and other facets of using culturally relevant music to reach and encourage others with the good news. GCoMM attendees from sponsoring organizations will be eligible for a 10 percent discount on the registration fee. Subscribe to receive free email GCoMM updates at http://www.gcommhome.org . For more information or details on how your church or organization can become a sponsor, write to info(at)gcommhome(dot)org . [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] GCoMM 2006 is made possible in part through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
4. SUMMER MINISTRY WITH MUSLIMS — Come join a two-, four-, or six-week ministry team to Muslim students and business people in Istanbul, Turkey June 15th to July 20th 2006. This is an opportunity to join an experienced/ministry team, make friendships with English speaking Turkish students and business people, do friendship evangelism, work with local churches and visit and historical sites in Turkey. The aim of the project is to work with local ministries and churches to help build the local churches. This is an ideal opportunity for a church group or for individual interested in getting started in Muslim ministry. For more information contact Doug dougnann(at)compuserve(dot)com or (509) 302-0027. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
5. SPECIAL PRAYER WEEK FOR UNREACHED DEJING ZHUANG OF CHINA — Though they are part of a Gateway people group and receptive to the gospel, the Bible-less, unevangelized 1.1 million Zhuang in the Dejing dialect area continue to be greatly overlooked. If you’d like to bless the Dejing Zhuang with one of the most significant Christmas gifts possible, then join this prayer effort by e-mailing dejingzhuang(at)pobox(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] If you write “Send printable 2 page guide” in the Subject box they’ll email you a printable 1 page(front and back) PDF file with the prayer requests for all 7 days. If you write “Send me e-mails December 17-24″ in the Subject box they’ll e-mail you one short prayer entry with a picture each day for seven consecutive days beginning December 17.
6. ANOTHER OPTION (BETTER?) FOR ANONYMOUS INTERNET WORK — Thanks to Paul in France for suggesting an alternative option for anonymous emails and browsing: Portable Apps Suite. This download allows you to carry all your standard applications on a USB thumbdrive, iPod, portable hard drive or any other portable media. It contains a portable web browser, email client, web editor, office suite, word processor, calendar/scheduler, instant messaging client and FTP client… all in one package, all preconfigured to work portably and be easy to back up. Find it at: http://johnhaller.com/jh/useful_stuff/portable_apps_suite/

Paul has tested it himself and the performance is certainly acceptable. A very good link that discusses this topic: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1849710,00.asp. There you will also find link to encryption tools for USB drives and other security tools.
7. THE NORTHERN CAPE COLOURED OF NW SOUTH AFRICA — Christian workers arrived in the small, desert village just on the border of Namibia and South Africa. If it is possible, this village was even poorer than the previous ones visited that week. One family lived in the shelter of a tree and everyone carried water from community taps. But even in this harsh climate, God is working. The Gospel was presented and a young man found new life in Jesus Christ! He was given a Bible and encouraged to grow in his newfound faith. The Christian workers pray that the next time they visit this village many others will want to know how they can have a new life in this desert. Adopt the Northern Cape Coloured people for prayer. Contact http://www.forgottenpeoples.info or the new email sf_swac(at)altonet(dot)co(dot)za [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
8. BRIGADA BY THE NUMBERS –
*** Total number of editions of Brigada Today since starting: 568, including this one
*** Total pages of text written so far this year: 251
*** Total subscription cost charged to all users since beginning: 0
9. WANT TO HELP LIGHT A FIRE FOR BRIGADA? — You can do it with $25 or $250 or $2500. Just go to “sponsor” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or just send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. 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.
10. THE BACKPAGE: “SYSTEMS” CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE — If you’re like I am, “systems” can make a huge difference in your life. When I say “system” I mean that you’ve worked out a particular way of doing things and you do it that way every time, or you’ve decided to keep a particular thing in a particular place and now you always know where it is. Here are a few examples of “systems” that I’ve had to work out so I don’t drive myself crazy:

a) In the briefcase I use for my laptop, I have a little pouch in which I carry a “clicker” (radio-controlled rather than infra-red) to advance Powerpoint slides. I keep it there year-round, even though I actually only do an average of 2 or 3 presentations per month. But I noticed time and time again that I’d be up in front of people before I realized I had forgotten to pack my clicker. Now, even if I’ve already started the presentation, I can easily continue the generic intro. while I fish the pouch out of this particular pocket — and never break eye contact with the audience. So I have a system to keep me in business.

b) I try to get rid of all those little message slips or other notes that can accumulate from phone messages or reminders. I just transfer them to my to do list — in one place — along with all the associated phone numbers or other data. (I keep my to do list on my Treo cell phone/PDA, but a paper Day-timer or other calendar/journal would work the same way.) That way my life is all on one list, ready for action when I have the time.

c) I save up and purchase an 2 extra AC adaptors for my laptop, so I have 3 in all. I keep one plugged in at the office, one plugged in at home, and one packed all the time in my briefcase. In this way, I never have to pack up AC adaptors — ever. When I arrive at home or the office, I just plug in . . . and when I’m on the road, I feel relieved that I didn’t have to remember to pack it up before leaving home or the office.

These are 3 examples of simple systems. Maybe to you they seem rather elementary. If so, you probably have your life broken down into systems already. But for the rest of us, we could probably all use some work developing these approaches or routines. Start by identifying something that bugs you… something you forget, or something that seems jumbled or garbled. Then “think outside the box” to try to figure out a solution so you can handle it the same way each time you approach it. Take whatever steps necessary to build that system, then start with the next challenge.

In this way, life gets simpler as each day goes by . . . and less stressful. And less stress is good, because there are enough real reasons to be stressed beyond those that we could resolve more simply anyway. Beside… dealing with life by “systems” can cause us to feel like we’re in control . . . like we have impacted our reality, rather than becoming a victim of it.

So good luck. Go build a system and then celebrate the small stuff. :-)

20050828 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 01:25:00 +0000

In this issue…

1. TEACH ENGLISH TO REACH NATIONS
2. NEW BOOK EXPLORES LIVES OF EARLY JEWISH BELIEVERS IN JESUS
3. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF RECONCILIATION STUDIES
4. RELEASING KINGDOM PROFESSIONALS TO IMPACT THE NATIONS
5. A NEW QUESTION: THE NAMA/DAMARA PEOPLE OF NAMIBIA IN AFRICA
6. MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMPS
7. WATER PURIFICATION INFO
8. THE ZHUANG OF SOUTHERN CHINA
9. DEBATE ON GOOGLEMAIL CONTINUES
10. TURBO-CHARGE BRIGADA
11. REFLECTIONS ON A HURRICANE AND RESULTING OFFERINGS
12. CLOSING STUFF

1. TEACH ENGLISH TO REACH NATIONS — Nations are crying out for English teachers. You can reach them with the gospel as you teach English. YWAM/PA can train you to teach effectively in their TESOL course. The next course will be offered October 3 through October 28 at Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA. Additional information and application forms can be found at http://www.ywampa.org or email questions to ywampa(at)comcast(dot)net [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
2. NEW BOOK EXPLORES LIVES OF EARLY JEWISH BELIEVERS IN JESUS — Now is your chance to pre-order the much anticipated book, “We Have Found the Messiah, The Jewish Believers in Jesus of Antiquity,” based on Volume One of Dr. Oskar Skarsaune’s ground-breaking research on the history of Jewish believers in Jesus. Get a real sense of how the Jewish believers integrated with the rest of the Church, and learn how this work has potential to reestablish a sense of legitimacy for this group — both within the Church and the Jewish community — that has been owed it for generations. Caspari Center for Biblical and Jewish Studies is publishing this outstanding work as the December 2005 issue of the journal, Mishkan. Single copy price is US$19.00, with volume discounts available for 20 copies or more if ordered before October 15, 2005. Delivery in December. Call (630)668-3328 or email caspariusa(at)caspari(dot)com. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
3. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF RECONCILIATION STUDIES -— Here’s a web- based, 9-12 month, self paced school for leaders that is accepting applications 24/7/365. Faculty includes YWAM President, John Dawson, and other significant reconcilers from around the world. Mention Brigada when you register. You get world class training in reconciliation and, according to organizers, Brigada will be blessed as well. (This is a class you won’t want to miss! :-) ) Check it out http://www.gracebridge.org or contact fawn(at)reignbridge(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
4. RELEASING KINGDOM PROFESSIONALS TO IMPACT THE NATIONS — Again this year Carol Davis is hosting a conference to link professionals with global opportunities in their professional “domains” of business, health care, arts, education, technology, law-government and science. ** Along-side Consultations are for senior pastors to help churches identify, equip and release strategic professionals from their congregations; and for mission pastors and mobilizers to help them better mobilize this strategic work force. ** Each event is two days, and the three events overlap over three days (Oct 20-22nd) at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond (Seattle), WA. ** Discounted registration ends 9/14, so spread the word quickly! Visit http://intersectionconference.com or email information(at)intersectionconference(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
5. A NEW QUESTION: THE NAMA/DAMARA PEOPLE OF NAMIBIA IN AFRICA — While on a research trip among the Nama/Damara, one believer encountered three young men. He asked them what they would do when they stand before God after they die. These young men had never heard such a question. They gave all their attention to hearing the Gospel. They eagerly prayed and asked Jesus to save them and be their Lord. Pray for the Lord to build prayer support and call missionaries for the Nama/Damara, an unengaged people. To adopt the Nama/Damara people for prayer or for more information, please visit http://www.forgottenpeoples.info or email swacsc(at)iafrica(dot)com
6. MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMPS — Elijah Company conducts these four day consultations for up to thirty people presenting practical steps and important concepts. Topics include spiritual development, character issues, relationships, culture and steps to move forward. Participants may also receive personal words and prayer for encouragement and direction. Many have already received this valuable training and are on fields around the world. The next camps are Virginia, October 27-30, 2005; El Salvador November 2005; Guatemala, February 2006. For more information see their web site at http://www.elijahcompany.org or write to elijah(at)elijahcompany(dot)org. To subscribe to Elijah Company mentorship network sent a blank letter to elijahcompany- mentorshipnetwork-subscribe(at)strategicnetwork(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
7. WATER PURIFICATION INFO — Check out this site: http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~rael/uvtube/uvtubeproject.htm Learn to blend the technical with the available. (Thanks to the anonymous Brigada reader, F.H., for the link! :-) )
8. THE ZHUANG OF SOUTHERN CHINA — October 1st will begin a month long prayer emphasis for the over 17 million unreached Zhuang of Southern China. They are the largest people group in the world without a Bible in their own language. Each month on the first is a time of prayer and fasting on behalf of Zhuang, but in the month of October each year there is a special emphasis. There is a full color prayer guide “31 Days for the Zhuang” available in several languages. The price is US $1 per book for one to fifty copies, after 50 copies it is sixty cents a copy and the postage charge to mail them. Please join with others around the world on October 1st for the October 1st 2005 Day Of Prayer for the Zhuang. To be added to the list of those who will take part, or to receive the prayer guide, please write: zhuang(at)pobox(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
9. DEBATE ON GOOGLEMAIL CONTINUES — Many still view Google’s mail service as ideal, with privacy being, in their opinion, plenty good enough. One reader commented on the item in last week’s Brigada, “One of the sites listed was www.google-watch.org. Most of what I saw there was hate for the big corporations and micheal moore type of name calling and conspiracy theory stuff. They did have a few interesting points about info gathering but to be honest it really turned me off more than anything.” The important thing is to find tools and resources that look and feel secure enough for your context. Just make sure you know exactly how “exposed” you are. Frankly, just about *anything* is better than the unguarded Internet.
10. TURBO-CHARGE BRIGADA — Our 2005 total giving is actually pretty good. At $7,664.18, we’ve got a ways to go (to reach our goal of $16,576 for the year), but year before last, one single donor gave $9,000 in one fell swoop. Perhaps you couldn’t ever imagine doing that… but do you know someone who could? Remember, we *limit* donations to the $16,576. Any excess gifts are escrowed for the next year — and once we make our goal, we no longer mention the appeal in future Brigadas for the remainder of the year. We intentionally try to receive only the *exact* amount needed. These funds encourage Brigada by under girding costs like webspace, secretarial help, and a small amount of advertising and promotion to help get the message out about Brigada’s resources. To chip in or make a substantial donation, just click “sponsor” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or just send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. 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. If you *do* know of someone who might help with these expenses, please feel free to relay this update to them. And thanks for any support you can give.
11. REFLECTIONS ON A HURRICANE AND RESULTING OFFERINGS — Maybe somebody living on Mars might have somehow escaped hearing about Katrina, but actually, I imagine Hurricane news would have traveled even there. Some of the best fund-raising for the hurricane has actually taken place at the hands of reporters for the major news networks, whose ratings probably skyrocket in times like these. Either way, viewers see the needs and are moved toward action, even before various aid organizations send appeals. Like many missions committees, the one I lead (at the local church I attend when I’m not traveling) stepped up to the plate, appealed for a matching gift grant from a great foundation, and 7 days later — bam — there was $70,000 ready to mobilize toward the two focal points we had chosen. And so, like many other participant/observers, I came away from the experience with a few conclusions:

*** The book of James (James 4:2b in the New Testament) is right: sometimes we don’t see great offerings because we just don’t ask. (Where would all these people have sent their money if our missions committee hadn’t given them the chance?)
*** Donors are moved by matching gift requests. The one I approached is geared toward the fellowship of churches that I attend. But you can find tons of similar organizations online at Google.com. A simple search on the terms, “grantmaking foundations,” yields half a million pages of results.
*** Donors like it when they know their money will make it to the scene of the tragedy. We made arrangements so 100% of ours would make it to the field. (literally zero overhead) A couple of our staff even accompanied the first wave of ministry implementation (paying their own way). Our response was incredible. Donors have heard about scams where previous collections have been misused and they’re eager for a simple solution that bypasses a “big business” approach.
*** Special offerings for tragedies don’t have to negatively impact regular weekly tithes. We emailed our congregation’s members in advance, to tell them a Hurricane relief offering would be collected at the close of the service. The regular offering was one of the best ever . . . and the hurricane relief offering was remarkable. The Lord and his people are very generous.
*** Unchurched people want to give too. One of our church’s members said she took the appeal to her business place. She intentionally approached non-Christians, several of whom were eager to take part. They explained that they had wanted to help but didn’t know whom to trust. This particular business owner came back with $1200 in 48 hours. Another friend of a friend wrote a head coach of an NFL franchise; lo and behold, the coach immediately offered to give $10,000! If our friend hadn’t approached him, would he have ever gotten around to making such a gift? No one knows.
*** Donors like action. Our entire project, from beginning to implementation, required no more than 10 days. We didn’t ask for pledges over time.
*** At the same time, donors like to know long-term care will be granted. We assured donors of our regard for this by finding room in our budget for long-term hurricane relief funding as a part of the general missions budget, which is funded by regular Sunday offerings. In this way, we hope our members will be further motivated to keep giving their missions dollars to the regular Sunday offering.
*** Empower your missions committee chairman to *act*. Funny… in this particular case, I had been appointed chairman the very week of the hurricane. The chairman of our board and the chairman of the elders gave me a mandate to get the church involved in Katrina relief. I took that to be a clear assignment and proceeded to act pretty decisively, but all the while (daily, in fact), I sent out regular emails of the steps I was taking. These emails went to leadership in all cases, and in some cases, we sent those emails to the entire church membership. In this way, they could see that their agent was taking steps… quick steps. My theory on this was that they would be forgiving of me if I moved forward, forsaking regular monthly missions committee meetings in favor of an action orientation for the here and now. Everything I’m hearing, after the fact, says it was the right thing to do. Act — but keep everyone informed. Don’t wait for a committee meeting. Find out your mandate, then jump in and make it happen. (Example: I applied for the grant the very morning after being appointed, writing as if I represented the church.) Disclaimer: I also set up a meeting one week in the future where I told the committee members I would review the steps I had taken and, as a committee, we would be able to look at the entire project at the 7-day milestone. So they all knew that meeting was coming.

Bottom line: When tragedy strikes, my theory is — people want leadership that takes quick and decisive action. During those first couple of weeks, they’ll be *very* forgiving if someone acts without getting all the normal permissions and approvals, as long as everything is done with good integrity and good ethics, naturally. The key is to understand the mandate, the extent of the expectation to *deliver*, and the “reasonable checkpoints” with the right decision-makers. The corollary of my theory? In catastrophic situations, group members have little toleration for indecision, slow implementation, and wasted time. (View the feeling toward FEMA and other gov’t reps in New Orleans.)

Hurricane Katrina may well turn out to be one of the worst natural disasters to ever strike USA soil. But the response of kind-hearted people from all over the world is helping make a difference today… and it can do so in future catastrophes too.

20050109 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 02:47:00 +0000

In this issue…

1. DONORS HELP US CRANK OUT BRIGADA
2. NEED A NEW CELL PHONE? TRY BLESSED HOPE
3. ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONARY TRAINING
4. LOOKING FOR A SINGLES RETREAT FOR MISSIONARIES?
5. MOROCCO SUMMIT
6. GOT TESOL?
7. YWAM CROSSROADS DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL
8. CROSS-CULTURAL CHURCH PLANTING SEMINAR
9. GO TO THE NATIONS… AS AN ENGLISH TEACHER
10. SCHOOL OF FRONTIERS MISSIONS IN BEAUTIFUL JACKSONVILLE, FL
11. FOR ACADEMICIANS: REVIEWING MOREHEAD’S “NEW RELIGIOUS MOV’TS”
12. THE BACK PAGE: THREE CHEERS FOR THE BACKSTAGE WORKERS

1. DONORS HELP US CRANK OUT BRIGADA — Cool! Here’s $120 from Family Circus Ministry, $46 from an anonymous donor who gave via Missionary Training Service (MTS). Learn more about their work at http://www.missionarytraining.org In addition, $25 from an anonymous donor in Fort Collins, CO, and $5 from a Christian worker in Sweden. May God bless each of these!!!
2. NEED A NEW CELL PHONE? TRY BLESSED HOPE — If you’re in need of a new cellular plan, don’t forget to check out the plans by Blessed Hope Communications (a Brigada sponsor). You can get service through most major providers; plus free phones, free accessories and even cash back are part of most plans. For every new order activated through Blessed Hope, Brigada receives a $40 sponsorship. (Whoa!) Please visit http://www.lowermyphonebill.com/brigada for more details and to configure a plan that works for you.
3. ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONARY TRAINING — Here’s a four day preparation 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 [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]. The Elijah Company office phone (757) 226-3507.
4. LOOKING FOR A SINGLES RETREAT FOR MISSIONARIES? — Try the interagency retreats hosted by MET in the Czech Republic and South Africa. They bring together an excellent seasoned staff will daily facilitate times of Biblical meditation, prayer, teaching and worship song. Every afternoon MET offers personal relaxation time with the option of benefiting from one to one debriefing and / or counseling. Attend 21 – 28 April 2005 in Czech Republic or 20 – 27 October 2005 in South Africa. For registration or more info, write OfficeMET(at)aol(dot)com . [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] The deadline for application is: Czech Republic – 31 January 2005 ; South Africa 31 July 2005. Applications are dealt with on a first come, first served, basis.
5. MOROCCO SUMMIT — Want to learn what others are doing in Morocco? Looking for tips on how to begin ministry there, what to do, or how to do it better? Whether you are just considering an outreach or are already ministering in North Africa, the Morocco Summit is for you. Arise Shine Morocco invites missionaries, interested individuals, mission agency and church representatives to meet together in Southern California for two days in April to learn from one another and to explore together what has been done in the past and what might be done in the future. Workers with decades in Morocco will share from their experiences and teach on reaching Muslims within the Moroccan context. Panel and group discussions will address specific issues and opportunities. The overall thrust will be to unify, inform, inspire, encourage, equip and empower participants for effective ministry in Morocco. Discounted early registration is available until February 15. For more information write: asm(at)interum(dot)org
6. GOT TESOL? — Invest three weeks in practical TESOL training and ensure that your teaching is effective and your ministry with students is enhanced. During Essentials of TESOL, July 11-29, 2005, at Biola University in southern California, you will: learn methods and techniques for teaching English language skills, be introduced to the sound and grammar systems of English, discover teaching materials, explore cultural issues, and learn appropriate ways of being a Christian teacher. You will also get supervised experience teaching non-native speakers. Non-credit tuition is only $515. Dorm space is available for early applicants. Visit http:www.biola.edu/academics/sics/essentials_tesol.cfm for more info and call 562/903-4844 or contact kitty[dot]purgason[at]biola[dot]edu for an application. [As a means of preventing spam, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
7. YWAM CROSSROADS DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL — Are you looking for greater intimacy with God and a taste of cross-cultural missions? If you are age 30 or more, or a family with children, consider taking the Crossroads DTS at Youth With A Mission at Lebanon PA USA. This 20 week program includes 12 weeks of lectures, with speakers who focus on such topics as the father heart of God, how to hear God’s voice, intercession, spiritual warfare, and relationships. Students then have the option to minister in Ukraine for 8 weeks, a very practical cross- cultural ministry experience. Lecture phase is from March 21 to June 10, 2005 with outreach to Ukraine immediately following. Details and application forms are on website http://www.ywampa.org. E-mail questions to ywampa(at)comcast(dot)net. [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
8. CROSS-CULTURAL CHURCH PLANTING SEMINAR — Worldview Resource Group (WRG) is conducting a cross-cultural church planting seminar August 29 – September 2, 2005 at the Mission Training International center in Palmer Lake, Colorado, USA. The seminar provides training in cross- cultural church planting methodologies based on a worldview approach to ministry. Facilitators include: Dr. David Hesselgrave; Dr. Tom Steffen; George Walker, co-founder of WRG; and Mark Zook, featured in the Ee- Taow video. For online information about the curriculum, costs, and logistics go to http://www.wrg3.org You can register online. USA callers can dial toll- free 1-866-750-WRG3 (9743). Also, you can email WRG at info(at)wrg3(dot)org. [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
9. GO TO THE NATIONS… AS AN ENGLISH TEACHER — Here’s a 4-week TESOL course in effective English teaching techniques, sponsored by Youth With A Mission in Lebanon PA USA. February 28 to March 25, 2005. Details, application forms, and alternate dates listed in website at http://www.ywampa.org. E-mail questions to ywampa(at)comcast(dot)net. [Replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
10. SCHOOL OF FRONTIERS MISSIONS IN BEAUTIFUL JACKSONVILLE, FL — The SOFM is an intensive Christian training course beginning with a 12-week lecture/teaching phase followed with an overseas internship in the 10/40 window. The purpose of the SOFM is to give student’s essential principles and tools needed to start long-term effective church planting movements among unreached people groups. Some of the topics we will be studying are: Principles of church planting among unreached peoples groups, The Power of Team Leadership, Anthropological Insights for Missionaries, Chronological Bible Presentation, History of Missions and much more! Scholl starts in April 17th. For more information contact Jose at myglobito(at)yahoo(dot)com or call (904) 221-5990. You can also check
http://www.ywamjax.com. [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
11. FOR ACADEMICIANS: REVIEWING MOREHEAD’S “NEW RELIGIOUS MOV’TS” — If you’re the seminary type, you might enjoy a good heady review of John Morehead’s article which appeared in Encountering New Religious Movements: A Holistic Approach. Eds. Irving Hexham, Stephen Rost & John Morehead II (Kregel, 2004; ISBN#: 0-8254-2893-9). Mr. Morehead’s article is titled “Where Do We Go From Here?: Transforming Evangelical Responses to New Religions.” The review is by Jeff Downs. Find it at: http://www.rctr.org/transformingreview.htm
12. THE BACK PAGE: THREE CHEERS FOR THE BACKSTAGE WORKERS — Sometimes the hardest workers get the least glory. Do you know the type? Take Bill Morrison, for instance. He’s been a full-time self-funded volunteer for the last five years at JoshuaProject.Net. http://www.joshuaproject.net He’s the “other member” of the Joshua Project “team”. (Truth is, there are only two of them. Dan Scribner is the more well-known, and it’s Dan we normally highlight, but Dan will be the first to tell you that Bill is the one who faithfully and meticulously manages all Joshua Project data, statistics and computer application. Dan’ll go on to point out that Bill is the one who “disassembled” the Bethany profiles into the photo, map and text elements and carefully cataloged each element so we could build the new web profiles. Dan would add that after getting permissions, Bill is the one who spent weeks carefully going through Paul Hattaway’s new Buddhist World people profile book incorporating all the relevant data into the Joshua Project database (this new Buddhist info should be on the Joshua Project website by the time you get around to reading this). Bill is the one who made 150 language maps one-by-one for an Indian researcher. And that is only the beginning. Dan would say, without Bill there is no Joshua Project.

He is the kind of behind-the-scenes servant that would never want us to mention him. Dan Scribner tells folks that Bill “will have a very heavy crown in heaven and a front-row seat.” And you know what? You probably know one too. In Dan’s office, they go by the name of Bill. In my own, they answer to names like Penny, Melanie, Wayne, Julie, Bob, Aaron and others. How ’bout finding one of them in your world today — and say thanks.

Because this is a “Back Page” about the “back stage”, the workers we all know but say so little about. In fact, for all of you today, we give thanks to the Father of Lights, who illuminates the caverns of our minds so we can clearly see through the empty space in our heads to the beauty of the jewels in yours! To all those backstage workers, we give thanks and praise to God!

20050102 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 03 Jan 2005 02:48:00 +0000

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: http://www.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!

20040808 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 09 Aug 2004 03:29:00 +0000

In this issue…

WE APPRECIATE SPONSORS AND PARTNERS! — “I love Brigada. It has helped me connect many times. Thanks so much, All for Him,” from an Anonymous Brigada participant in Alabama, USA. Thanks for the encouraging words *and* the $50 gift to help us underwrite the cost of a Brigada-sponsored secretary! Read more of this donor’s testimony about Brigada by reading this issue on the web and clicking here. ” I really appreciate your site. I find it very useful and have used your links quite a bit,” from missionaries in SW Alaska, who sent $25 toward our secretary here. Thanks! Another great friend added another $25 and here’s a great note from a worker in South Africa in regard to our item on software for the MAC. You’ll recall the free program we mentioned and the way it performed pretty much the same function as the $4400 alternative. “Bob” wrote, “HUGE GRIN. Thanks, Doug — I (and my Mac PowerBook) enjoyed the chuckle and will enjoy the $4,400.00 savings.” Hope Bob and all our Brigada participants can enjoy that and more in future issues of Brigada Today! Want to join the above donors in making possible a real secretary for Brigada? Just use some of the money you saved on one of our items! :-) Go here to give via PayPal or credit card, or just send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. Thanks! 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 by anonymous. Remember, your gifts and sponsorships are the only way we can pay our Brigada-sponsored secretary. Also, remember that once we reach our goal for the year, we’ll no longer seek partnership gifts or donations. So if you’d love to get rid of these ads at the beginning of each issue, give generously and enjoy the rest of 2004 ad-free! :-) By the way, we still have a ways to go. So far, our friends have given $3,818.20 and somewhere we have to find $16,140 for our secretary’s salary. Can you help us reach that goal in the next 4 1/2 months?

GREAT NEW EXCEL SUMMARY OF MISSIONS CONFERENCES, BOOKS, ETC. — Catch Chip’s new summary of the latest and greatest websites, books, resources, and conferences you need to attend in order to stay up on missions. Thanks to Karen, his secretary, for the great job she did organizing the material. Get it by right-clicking here, then choose “Save target as…” and save the file on your hard drive. It’s a virus-free Excel spreadsheet with several worksheet tabs at the bottom. Thanks again Chip – and thanks to all who responded to him! That’s the magic of Brigada!

CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE STORYING (CBS) RESOURCES — Interested in CBS? So was Jaime … and the Brigada family chipped in with replies. Check out these sites and partners:
http://EpicPartners.org

http://www.siutraining.org/training

http://www.oralbible.com

http://www.peopleteams.org/miao/storying1.htm

http://www.newwway.org/articles/10steps.htm

http://disciplethenations.org/index75.html

http://www.wycliffe.org/Epic/home.htm

http://resources.imb.org/index.cfm/fa/prod/ProdID/1140.htm

http://wayuu.welcome2cbf.org/default_files/page0007.htm

http://chronologicalbiblestorying.com

http://FJseries.org

Paul(at)FinalApproach(dot)net – training events

(Thanks for a great job, Jaime!)
WHY DO FEW MISSIONS USE THE WEB FOR OUTREACH? — Although almost every mission agency has a website, these are usually publicity pages aimed at the respective Christian constituency and potential supporters. Very few actually use the Web for outright evangelism. This article analyzes possible reasons for this strange situation, and suggests a way forward: http://www.gospelcom.net/guide/resources/mission-agencies.php
And to advocate the Web as a good medium for evangelism, there is a free 1300-word article available for reprint in print media, or to syndicate into any website by Javascript insert.
http://www.gospelcom.net/guide/resources/outreach.php
HORT FILM AWARDS FOR DIGITAL EVANGELISM CLIPS — If you enjoy producing digital movies, then there is a new opportunity for you. Submissions for the 2005 Short Film Awards have begun. Send your digital film (up to 3 minutes) in one of four categories: Plan of Salvation, Faith, Hope or Love. Multiple entries are welcome. Numerous great prizes, and finalists will be voted upon by visitors to the site. There is no cost; entry fees are covered by a sponsorship by eMediaLINK. Deadline for submission is December 1, 2004, so don’t delay. Get more information:
http://www.lifeway.com/emedialink
DONOR TRACKING SOFTWARE — Why do donor tracking software packages cost thousands of dollars? We don’t know either! CMS, Contribution Management System is reasonably priced and support won’t break the bank. Features include: track donations, keep an unlimited number of list designations, utilize CASS Certification information, profit from flexible reports, export data and make your own reports. We look to the users of our software for ideas to improve the software. How important is it to have software do what you need it to do and at a reasonable price? For more information visit our web site:
http://www.missionarytechteam.org/Software/index.htm

or email JWood(at)techteam(dot)org. [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] The web page has additional contact information.
CROSS AND CRESCENT CONFERENCE — This conference is held throughout the world and is taught by leading scholars from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. The purpose of the conference is to train Christians to understand Islam, relate to their Muslim neighbors, and share the Gospel biblically and contextually with them. It will be held at College Church (Wheaton, IL) in Commons Hall on Friday, October 8, from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To receive a brochure and registration information, go to
http://www.college-church.org/media/img/media13-329.pdf

or e-mail missions(at)college-church(dot)org [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]
PAYPAL PROPOSES SETTLEMENT TO USERS — If you opened a PayPal account between October 1999 and January 2004, you may be entitled to a payment from a class action settlement. To know if you qualify for a settlement log onto the following site:
http://www.settlement4onlinepayments.com/faq.php3

Or you can email Class Counsel at: paypalsettlement(at)settlement4onlinepayments(dot)com [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Or you may contact the Claims Administrator at the following address: Claims Administrator, In re PayPal Litigation, PO Box 9000 #6248, Merrick, NY 11566-9000 USA. (Many thanks to the user who proposed this approach.!)
TRY MAKING A FULL IMAGE OF YOUR HARD DRIVE — Thanks to Scott, a pactec guy, who reminded us that we can use R-Drive software (about $45) to make a mirror image of your drive, complete with your program installations and patches. Check it out!

MUSIC VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — Christian music volunteers are needed to teach in a summer music institute in Haiti July 23-August 2, 2005. This one week institute is held each summer to provide music training for Haitian music leaders and potential music leaders for churches and for church planting. The camp is focused on composition of Bible story songs in Haitian Creole using indigenous Haitian musical styles. These songs are used with Chronological Bible Storying in evangelism and church planting throughout Haiti. For more information write:
dianahaiti(at)skycasters(dot)net [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] For more information about this camp go to:

http://www.geocities.com/dianayiti/index.html

To view information about the Chronological Bible Story Songs Project go to:

http://www.geocities.com/dianahaiti/MusicMissionsinHaiti.html
ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONS TRAINING — This training presents a wide range of issues for anyone going or sending. Special emphasis is on the spiritual and relational aspects of cross culture team work. Trainers are experienced long-term workers from various contexts. The next training camp will be in Virginia from October 28-31, 2004. For a more detailed description write to
info(at)elijahcompany(dot)org [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

As an alternative, see the web site at

http://www.elijahcompany.org

20040215 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 16 Feb 2004 04:47:00 +0000

In this issue…

NEED A GOOD LONG DISTANCE SERVICE? — Check out our recommended services at: http://www.brigada.org/referrals/recommended_services.html Not only are they good deals, they also have agreed to sponsor Brigada’s secretary if you use their service! Thanks for giving them a look!

NOW IKOBO CAN TRANSFER YOUR FUNDS DIRECTLY TO A VISA CARD — This iKobo service just keeps adding features. They’ve now upgraded all those ATM cards to ATM/Visa cards! So here’s your chance to give someone a Visa card that couldn’t normally afford one, or even open a bank account! Check ‘em out at: https://www.ikobo.com/ref.cgi?r=LD017707US They also make a gift to Brigada of $10 for every new member who signs on and verifies. We’ve used their services several times now, without a hitch… and just this past week, received a $20 direct payment from a new anonymous sponsor — via the iKobo card! (All you have to do is tell iKobo you’d like to transfer money to account # LD017707US. Thanks for giving iKobo a try!

THANKS TO THE SPONSOR! — Thanks to the anonymous home-schooling mom who gave $10 this past week to help sponsor our Brigada secretary! We appreciate you and your encouragement that Brigada has even helped a home-schooler! (If you’d like to help sponsor our Brigada sec’y, see: http://www.brigada.org/donate.html

GLOBAL MISSIOLOGY RELEASES NEW EDITION — Check out the latest edition of Global Missiology at http://www.globalmissiology.net/ The online version is especially helpful for those unable to subscribe to the printed copy. You’ll find articles like, ” The Contributions Of Cultural Anthropology To Missiology,” by Norman Allison and “Spiritual Warfare And Worldview,” by Paul Hiebert.

HOW DO YOU FUND REPEAT TRIPS? — Southway Community Church now has several small short term mission teams (Music development and TEFL) that minister out of country several times each per year. Because these teams involve the same people each time and therefore the same donors, they are finding that the funding tends to drop off. Does your church have this kind of repeat mission trip? How do you fund them? Email your suggestions and experiences to Southway’s pastor, Kevin Paszalek, at pastorsouthwayorg and he will compile the results and share them with all of us. Thanks for any input you can offer, and Kevin, we look forward to your summary!

WYCLIFFE OFFERS INTRO COURSE — It’s a “Taste Of Translation And Linguistics” (“TOTAL”) back by popular demand! This five-day course includes introductory classes on phonetics and phonology, grammar, language and culture learning, translation and semantics, as well as field reports, videos, and personal testimonies. Learn in a relaxed, informal setting with experienced translators from many different countries and language projects. Devotions, prayer time, will build meaningful relationships between staff and students. Housing and meals (breakfast, lunch and tasty ethnic dinners) are provided. The cost is $150, and the dates are March 14 to 19, in Tucson, AZ. Check it out at: http://www.wycliffe.org/events/Total/home.htm or contact Wade wade_remerwycliffeorg at +1-520-825-6078.

PASSION FILM OPPORTUNITY — Outside the USA, it seems there is very little awareness of, or planning for, the imminent release of Mel Gibson’s film ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Yet this movie would seem to provide an incredible opportunity for the worldwide church. If so, there is an urgent need for immediate mobilization. For ideas, see: http://www.gospelcom.net/guide/passion

MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMPS — These missionary camps offer great encouragement and lots of specifics. Upcoming camps are April 1-4 in Iowa and June 1-10 in Spain. For more details of training content, dates, places of upcoming camps, see the web site at http://www.elijahcompany.org or write to infoelijahcompanyorg or call (757) 639-2906.

EQUIPPING FOR THE HARVEST SEMINARS — These are happening in Australia, March-April 2004. They consist of three-day training programs, challenging the Church to take the gospel where it has never been proclaimed and helping local churches to obey the Great Commission. They’ll be held in Brisbane, 25 -27 March and in Melbourne, 31 March to 2 April 2004, and will be led by Dr Howard Foltz of Regent University, USA., founder & president of AIMS. (Accelerating International Mission Strategies) To register, email mobiliseozemailcomau You’ll receive a color brochure with full information. Costs start at $70 (students) and $80 (Early bird). Sessions over the three days will include Biblical Basis of Missions, The State of the World, A Mobilized Church, Adopting a People Group, Faith Promise Giving, Church Planting Movements, Biblical Partnerships in mission, Networking Methods and Reliance v Dependency. For more information, see: http://www.mobilise.org.au

LOOK AT THE NATIONS (BUY BOOK & HELP BRIGADA) — “Look At The Nations” is a collection of over 50 photographs of the peoples of the world by R. Keith Lindsey, founder and president of the Acts 13 Initiative http://www.acts13.tv Hard-bound with a dust jacket, this book is a perfect gift to remind your family and friends of God’s global purpose. $5 of the purchase price will be donated to Brigada when you purchase using the PayPal option on the Initiative’s website. For more information and to purchase (and support Brigada!) log onto http://www.acts13.tv/Resources.html For more information, email resourcesacts13tv

SEMINAR ON WEB EVANGELISM — Here’s a one week intensive lecture and workshop covering topics such as, designing and building cross- cultural evangelistic websites, chatroom evangelism techniques, working with search engines and directories to increase traffic, email forums, believer blogs, creating cyberspace discipleship communities, and much more. This seminar is co-sponsored by YWAM Perth and Create International. The dates are June 28th – July 3rd, 2004, and the location is YWAM Perth, Western Australia. You can register by writing registrarywamperthorgau For more Information, email webevcreateinternationalcom or visit http://www.createinternational.com/CIWebsite/subDir/Webev.html

MISSIONS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2004 — The Acts 13 Initiative in Manila, Philippines will hold an eight-week Missions Internship Program from May 30 to July 25, 2004. Developed for young adults ages 18 – 25, the program encourages the participant to explore God’s call on their life through ministry skill development. For more information, click to http://www.acts13.tv/ministry.html or email infoacts13tv

NORTH AMERICAN CONSULTATION FOR THE ZHUANG PEOPLE OF CHINA — The Zhuang, China’s largest minority people group, with a population of over 17 million, are unreached with only 1/2% being Christian, but they are currently very responsive to the gospel. Want to learn more about how you or your church could get involved? Check out the North American Zhuang Consultation, this spring in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The consultation will include introductions to the Zhuang culture and religions beliefs, testimonies from Zhuang who have become believers, current reports from field workers, suggestions from ESL trainers, and sharing from churches already involved in direct ministry. To receive more details and an invitation to this meeting, email Fran Zhuangpoboxcom

20031221 Brigada Today

Editor — Sun, 21 Dec 2003 22:57:00 +0000

In this issue…

YAY! SPONSORS! — Thanks loads for the anonymous sponsor who gave $100 this past week. In addition, Dial-Abroad sent $60 for November’s phone use via Andy Gray. So those phone calls are working well! Keep dialing long distance!!! The total use for Brigada talkers via his service in November was $599.45. (So he “rounded up” and gave a $60 sponsorship gift! Thanks!!!)

IF YOU USE CLIPBOARD, TRY CLIPMATE; HELP BRIGADA — Since 1994, we’ve been using a little utility called “Clipmate” to help us prepare each edition of Brigada Today. Now, the author of Clipmate has offered to give Brigada 1/3 of the proceeds from any sale he sees come in as a result of this ministry. You can try the program for free — for 30 days — then decide for yourself. Like I say, we’ve been using this program for 9 years and we depend on it *daily*. For $25, it’s the best deal on the planet… and $8.33 will go to Brigada to help us try to make our goal for 2003 to underwrite the cost of our new Brigada secretary. So… let’s see… we’re just $2820 short of reaching her salary goal for 2003… so if only 338 people would buy Clipmate by Dec. 31st, we’d make it!!! Lacking that, if even 338 would go to our website and use PayPal to send $8.33 directly to us — that works too! But by buying Clipmate, you get a utility that you can use *daily*. Give it a try. See the details on how we use it by going to: http://www.brigada.org/referrals/Clipmate.html or just click on the Clipmate link at the top of the front page of brigada.org Thanks for giving it a look … and thanks for making it possible for us to keep Brigada on-time and on your screen! Want to learn still more? Read the personal letter to Doug from the author of Clipmate: http://www.brigada.org/referrals/Clipmate_story.html

COULD DIALPAD HELP YOU CALL HOME? — If you haven’t heard about DialPad, then maybe you’ll want to take a listen! If you’re overseas, it might be better than the connection you get by phone! :-) http://www.dialpad.com Check it out. It might give you free long distance to the USA from anywhere in the world. Also, if you’re going to sign up, sign up by going to sending email to Russell if caopscenterpactecnet He’s promised to support Brigada with 5% of his income, once he starts to turn a profit.

DID YOU HEAR THE ONE ABOUT THE EVANGELICALS GROWING? — Guess what: it wasn’t a joke! :-) According to the Religion Journal evangelicals have now grown to include some 400 million people in 123 countries, with the fastest growth now coming from Latin America and Asia. In fact, according to the article, evangelicals in Kazakhstan have increased from 40 to 12,000 in 12 years. Whoa. Similar things have happened in Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Ukraine — and yes, even in Algeria! Pray for Indonesia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where Islamic extremists are trying to take over the country. Again, according to the article, Hindus, Buddhists and animists aren’t too far behind. See the entire source at: http://www.religionjournal.com/showbrief.asp?id=749

TRY THESE PAGES FOR FLAGS, MAPS, AND MORE! — Thanks to Brigada participant, “Mert”, for referring us to these two websites, with city populations, basic political maps, and even flags from around the world:
http://www.citypopulation.de/
http://www.world-gazetteer.com/home.htm
http://www.flags.net
http://flagspot.net/flags/
(Thanks Mert!)

MISSIONARY MENTORSHIP CONFERENCE CALL – Elijah Company Missionary Mentorship’s third FREE missionary mentorship conference call is scheduled for January 8, 2004, 8:30 est. These monthly calls allow seasoned missionaries to impart needed practical advice for all those planning on missions involvement. This month the call will focus on building a support team. For call number, access code and content outline write to mentorshipelijahcompanyorg or call (757) 639-2906. See website http://www.elijahcompany.org for other services.

“CALLING IT A CRUSADE ISN’T HELPFUL” — Thanks to the reader (name withheld for sensitivity’s sake), who wrote us about last week’s item, “13) THE CHINESE CHRISTIAN CRUSADE”. He reasoned, “Here in [our land] we’ve had perhaps more exposure to this vision than Christian circles in the West. I very much doubt that the leaders would be pleased with the label ‘crusade’. That is a word we’re trying to ‘ban’ as much as possible, sandwiched as we are between two neighbors [less positive about that term].” Thanks for the feedback! We’ll hope that the campaign’s organizers can hear your heart!

BATTERY POWERED PROJECTOR SOUGHT — Normally the _Jesus film_ is projected using a 16mm projector, powered by a small generator. But when you add the projector, gas container, generator, film reels, screen, and etc., you have accumulated well into the hundreds of pounds. Some missionaries would like to find someone to help locate or invent a battery powered, inexpensive (video) projector in order to project the Jesus film in remote village settings where carrying a 16mm projector and an electric generator is unduly burdensome. If you have a lead, email Allen PierceinEGjunocom

NEED SPANISH MATERIALS? — Equipping the Saints offers Spanish books, Bibles, videos, curricula and tracts. Discount pricing up to 85% on some items is available. A 32-page Spanish resource list is on the ETS web site. Check out http://www.etsusa.org In the USA call 1-540-234-6222 or email etsricanet for more information.

MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMP — The next Elijah Company training camp is scheduled for February 5-8, 2004 in Virginia. These intensive times have helped solidify and energize individual missionary calls. For information regarding the camps see their website at http://www.elijahcompany.org or call (757) 639-2906 or write to infoelijahcompanyorg

NEED INEXPENSIVE MINISTRY MATERIAL OR EQUIPMENT? — Since 1991, Equipping the Saints has served evangelical Christian ministries worldwide by providing information and inexpensive new and used ministry materials and equipment. Equipping the Saints can help your school, church, medical clinic, orphanage or camp with a wide variety of new or used items, at a fraction of what these would cost on the open market. Check the ETS web site at http://www.etsusa.org You may also email etsricanet or call in the USA 1-540-234-6222 for more information.

TEACH ENGLISH IN CHINA — And be paid for it. A university in China near Fuzhou, is offering around 5000 RMB a month to a holder of a master or doctoral degree level instructor who will teach Oral – Aural and Business writing in English this spring semester Feb. 9 – July 7, 2004. Free accommodations. A R/T air ticket will be given with a year contract. For more information contact Rod at rodpa1earthlinknet

HOW TO PROJECT JESUS FILM WITH LEAST HASSLE — Normally the Jesus film is projected using a 16mm projector, powered by a small generator. But when you add the projector, gas container, generator, film reels, screen, and etc., you have accumulated well into the hundreds of pounds. Allen would love to find someone to help locating or inventing a battery powered, inexpensive (video) projector in order to project the Jesus film in remote village settings where carrying a 16mm projector and an electric generator is unduly burdensome. Anyone know of how he might get started — or if there is one already? If so, please write to Allen at PierceinEGjunocom . He’ll let us know whatever he can come up with. Thanks!

THE BACKPAGE: 2003 IN REVIEW — This evening I took a few minutes (several, actually :-) ) to page back through all the Brigada Today’s of 2003 (1 for each Friday in 2003). As I did, I saw some trends… so [drum roll], here are Doug’s “Picks & Pans, Tops & Trends” for 2003:
*** EASIEST SERVICE TO HATE — After being bombarded by “Plaxo-pings”, we concluded that the only good Plaxo message was one which didn’t happen.
*** MOST OPINIONATED ITEMS OF THE YEAR — Hands down… got to be those recovering “BackPage editorials”. I mean… What’s up with a guy that rants and raves so much about an online service called Plaxo? :-)
*** TOUGHEST TRADITION TO DIE — After Netscape users complained they ate up characters, we broke an 8-year tradition and stopped enclosing email addresses in pointy braces. <> :-)
*** BIGGEST LOSS OF THE YEAR — We mourned the loss of Interdev. :-( Time will tell how God will replace them. For now, I’m clueless.
*** MOST OUTSTANDING NON-MICROSOFT FILE FORMAT — Without a doubt: the PDF file, which really came into its own in 2003.
*** BIGGEST STORY THAT WASN’T? — Probably the urban legend that Fuller Theological Seminary was turning Muslim. (Dec. 19th issue, “Here’s the skinny”) :-) The rumors of its conversion were greatly exaggerated. :-)
*** MOST EFFECTIVE BAD TOOL OF THE YEAR? — Who would have imagined a Minnesota teen could accomplish so much with so little. You guessed it: the winner of this award? Worms and trojans, which ate some of our Brigada family members for lunch. They… *we* … all learned to be skeptical.
*** WORST OMEN FOR THE INTERNET — You probably thought I was going to say viruses. Not so. The worst omen is: spam.
*** MOST UNDERRATED MISSIONS TRAINING — Here’s some training you can really sink your teeth into: Dental Training for missions http://www.dentaltrainingformissions.com All dentist jokes aside… :-) … we believe this training holds tons of potential for zillions of fields, in spite of the fact that it’s woefully under-promoted.
*** BEST NEW MISSIONS SUPPORTER: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION — During 2003, it became all the more obvious that early & active retirees were fulfilling an all-the-more valuable role around the globe, thanks, in no small way to efforts like the “Finishers Conferences” http://www.finishers.org/events
*** MOST OUTSTANDING DEATH THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN — Thank to the Lord, due in no small way to the faithfulness of some of its original staff, the Joshua Project research not only lives, it’s becoming more and more useful all the time! http://www.joshuaproject.net/
*** MOST EXPENSIVE INFORMATION NOW MADE AVAILABLE FOR FREE — We would have to hand that award to the World Christian Database online: http://www.worldchristiandatabase.org Originally published in the form of the World Christian Encyclopedia, this information set us back a couple of hundred bucks. Today, you can get it… and so much more… for free.
*** BEST REDISCOVERY OF THE YEAR — Has to be the Bethany Prayer Profiles, which we originally thought had been sucked into the vacuum of space, but were really resurrected at http://www.ksafe.com/profiles/home.html
*** “BEST CD TOOL OF THE YEAR” — That honor goes to the “Countries and Peoples of the World” CD, first reported in a Brigada exclusive on Jan 17th, promised in March, released on Aug. 8th. We dedicated an entire issue to this awesome tool. http://www.ywam.org/books/countries_and_peoples.htm
*** BEST-MADE TOTEM POLE OF THE YEAR — Fortunately for networking’s sake, peopleteams.org continued to grow. To a great extent, they enliven much of what Brigada’s email conferences always wanted to be. Three cheers for peopleteams!
*** MOST VALUABLE NEW STAFF ADDED? — That’s easy. She was the *only* new staff added! :-) During 2003, after establishing a regular habit of falling behind week after week for the past couple of years, we finally gave up and asked for help. The Brigada family responded by pitching in to help us afford a part-time Brigada secretary. The result? We caught back up the month after she started and we haven’t missed a weekend since! Yahooo! Three cheers for sponsors and kind-hearted people! :-) *Four* cheers for our Brigada Secretary!!! :-)
*** MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS OF 2003 — The gifts ranged from $10 all the way up to a one-time gift of $5000! We’re talking about Brigada sponsors, of course! The total, as of today, is $12,780… just $2820 short of our goal of $15,600 for the Brigada Secretary. Only $2820 to go! What a success story! Just a few hundred Clipmate purchases and we’re a big success. Goodness. Even if we run short, it’s still a huge success!!!

*** SO FROM ALL OUR BRIGADA STAFF (both of us! :-) ) to ALL OF YOU, have a blessed, safe, and Happy New Year!!! Doug

20031123 Brigada Today

Editor — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 22:59:00 +0000

In this issue…

OPEN DOORS FOR THE GOSPEL! — In ONLY 2 weeks you can learn to fill and clean teeth with hand tools. The needs are great. No injections or costly equipment are needed. Classes are held monthly in Texas. http://www.dentaltrainingformissions.com Email dentaltrainingformissionsattnet

TRAGEDY AND CHALLENGE OF THE WORLD’S STREET CHILDREN — There are up to 160 million children living on the streets of the world. The excellent book “Street Children” by Andy Butcher, written in 1996, has been updated by Andy and reprinted in 2003 by Gabriel Publishers. Action International Ministries has purchased 100 copies of this $10 book and will send it to anyone considering ministering the gospel and compassionate care to these children of the streets. Send your email request for a copy of “Street Children” to d_nicholsearthlinknet

THANKS TO DIAL-ABROAD AND NEW BRIGADA SIGN-UPS! — Can you believe it? The Dial-Abroad long distance folks tell me that Brigada clients used about $400 worth of long distance during November. So they say they’re mailing a check to help with the new Brigada Secretary — equal to $40! That’s incredible! So if you’re considering changing long distance anyway, or if you’d like a great deal on international dialing, check it out at: http://www.brigada.org/phone.html
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! — This Thanksgiving weekend, we’re giving thanks for, among others, Gateway Missionary Training Center in Langley, B.C. (Canada). It’s a unique community that focuses on equipping the whole person for service in another country or culture. The program is structured to lead a trainee through a process that will enable him/her to face the very real challenges of cross-cultural work. Experienced staff members offer mentoring, guidance and counsel all along the way. Trainees move from the context of a caring learning community, to an active cross-cultural experience and then back again to Gateway where they are debriefed in order to promote the greatest growth and understanding. Most trainees will be “field ready” when they complete the course. Those who need extra time or preparation will be well aware of the areas they need to work on. Gateway staff monitors the entire process and assists the candidate to chart a course for successful service. (Thanks for your partnership gift, Gateway!!!) Thanks, too, to the anonymous Asian participant who gave $50 this past week — to help enable the Brigada secretary, so we can keep Brigada Today up and running and on time!

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAINING — Gateway Missionary Training Centre in Langley B.C. plans to open three of it’s specialized courses to interested people from outside of the school. Church Planting: (January 19 – 22, 2004) This course will be led by a team of experienced missionary church planters. The intent is to familiarize students with the challenge of communicating the gospel cross-culturally, and equipping them with the tools to bring together new believers and nurture them into a viable church using a well thought-out strategy. Cost*: $150.00 CDN Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills (SYIS): Feb 23-26, 2004 — Laurel McAllister and her team will lead this weeklong experience in the development of key knowledge, attitudes and skills needed for the growth and maintenance of healthy relationships. Cost*: $175.00 CDN Language Acquisition for Cross-Cultural Effectiveness (LACE): March 15 – 25, 2004 — This 10 day course will be taught by Peter Pikkert. It is designed to equip the expatriate to learn her/his host country’s language and engage positively with its culture. It is designed for non-specialists learning a language that has already been reduced to writing. Cost*: $350.00CDN * Pricing does not include room and board. Arrangements can be made to stay at Gateway MTC for $20.00/day room and board as long as space is available. For more details check out the web site at http//www.gatewaytraining.org or contact the registrar at infogatewaytrainingorg or call Beverly at 604-530-4283.

WAR, TERRORISM INSURANCE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD — Finally! A simple online application that provides $50,000 or $100,000 coverage for Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Permanent and Total Disability, including coverage for losses resulting from most acts of war and terrorism anywhere in the world. This plan is underwritten by Lloyds of London and can be taken out for periods as short as one month. For information about war and terrorism insurance, contact jeffgninsurancecom or call 480/813-9100, toll-free in USA: 866/636- 9100 or visit http://www.overseashealthinsurance.com

MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMPS — This training is a good step for people meandering (turning, winding, zigzagging) in their missions call. Come and make a strait course to what God has called you to do. It gives enlightenment. Missions to many is like a dark room, when lights are turned on, even momentarily, a whole new destiny is possible. An experienced missionary, from a notable agency once attended and said, “I wish we had gone through this before we went to the field.” The next camp is in Virginia from February 5-8, 2004. For more information on training content, dates, places of other upcoming camps, see the Elijah Company web site at http://www.elijahcompany.org or write to infoelijahcompanyorg or call 757-639-2906.

TRAINING FOR SHORT-TERM MISSION LEADERS –- You are invited to send your short term mission leaders or potential leaders to the National Short Term Missions Conference held on January 16-18, 2003, at the Renaissance Hotel at the Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Thirty-five workshops and several more extensive seminars are available. Dr. Isaac Canales of Latin American Bible Institute is the plenary speaker. You can email infonstmcorg for information just log on at: http://www.nstmc.org This year you can also register online via credit card!!

JAPAN TENTMAKERS CONFERENCE — All the Priscilla’s and Aquila’s (Acts 18:2-4) working or studying in Japan are invited to attend a conference January 3-5, 2004 in Japan’s Izu Peninsula (between Nagoya and Tokyo). The conference will focus on ‘Equipping the Saints’ through worship, Bible study and fellowship with emphasis on clarification of tentmaker ministry vision, opportunities and issues as well as practical equipping in witness and ministry skills and approaches. Complete information can be found at http://www.hereshope.com/tentmakers or by emailing Shelly: srpitmanjapanemailnejp.

ESL INSTRUCTION — Learn conversational English by attending a twelve week course at Youth With A Mission in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA, beginning April 4, 2004. Study with fellow students from around the world. Live with classmates and national English speakers in a community setting that offers spiritual richness, a taste of American culture, and immersion in the English language. For information and application forms, log on at http://www.ywampa.org or e-mail to ywampacomcastnet

ONE OPTION FOR INT’L DIALING WITHOUT THE DOLLARS — Want to dial for fewer dollars? Try an international calling service that reportedly has the cheapest country-to-country phone rates. Learn more at http://www.brigada.org/phone.html

CASE STUDY IN REACHING THE UNREACHED: WORKING POOR OF BANGKOK — Step Ahead Microenterprise Development integrates cutting edge “Covey” personal development training into their weekly meetings in the slum communities of Bangkok. Further, they explore the life of Joseph as a model of proactivity, then, go on to study Maxwell’s “21 Indisputable Laws of Leadership”. This unorthodox ministry approach accepts the slum-dwelling poor as business partners, and sets out to help them achieve comprehensive transformation in their lives, families, and communities. Step Ahead goes to the market everyday in the love of God, to empower those who make their living doing everything from sewing dresses, and roasting chicken, to making noodle soup. To learn more, check out the website. http://www.stepaheadmed.org

ESL TEACHERS MINISTRY SKILLS SURVEY — Global Opportunities for tentmakers has posted an online survey for new and current Christian ESL teachers on their website. The survey results will be used to design a workshop specifically for ESL teachers’ ministry skills. You can fill out this short 5 question survey in a minute or two. Just log on at http://www.globalopps.org/eslsurvey.htm or if you prefer receiving the survey via email request one by emailing: eslsurveyglobaloppsorg

TURKEY: VISIT THE LOST LAND OF THE BIBLE — If you would like to use the new book by Dr. Andrew Jackson’s that we mentioned recently, “The Lost Land of the Bible: A Christian Travel and Prayer Guide Through the Ancient Biblical Land of Turkey,” you’re in luck! Steve, who lives in Turkey can make the arrangements for your prayer journey. Check out his website at http://www.galatialtd.com His email is galatialtdpoboxcom You can call for further info at 1-860-546-0547.

BE AN ENGLISH TEACHER “TENTMAKER” — Teaching English opens many doors for ministry throughout the world, but it takes more than speaking the language to be a good English teacher. The TESOL training at Youth With A Mission in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA, will equip you to teach, and the certificate you receive will open doors to employment and/or ministry in many lands. The four week class begins January 18, 2004, and again March 7, 2004. For information and application forms, see website http://www.ywampa.org or e-mail to ywampacomcastnet

HERE’S A HANDY RESPONSE TO PLAXO “PINGS” — Here’s a handy response to all those nasty Plaxo “pings” you might be getting (from folks who, in a well-meaning way, signed up for Plaxo and now everyone in their address book is getting spammed by the company because of it). This particular response was sent to me recently by the Communications Director of one of the largest organizations fielding overseas missionaries. In fact — it’s probably the biggest of them all. Anyway, here’s what he sends out: “Dear ___________, Let me encourage you not to use Plaxo. In addition, notice the email address that maintains your update. It is not to your account, but the account you established with Plaxo: addrupdate-[??youraccountnumber???mxplaxocom. Our organization's techs have looked at the PLAXO contact list updating service and have advised that you do not accept this request nor install this service on your computer as it may pose security risks for you. One potential hazard is making your entire contact list open to Plaxo for exploitation. Napster's original founder, Sean Parker, launched Plaxo in November 2002 with $1.8 million. If you agree to download the free service, it will send an update message to everyone in your Outlook contact list in priority order based on usage. Embedded within that email request for updating contacts is an invitation (read "spam") to sign up for the service and replicate the process on that person's contact list. This works like a virus because it keeps replicating itself. Unless you download Plaxo yourself, you'll keep getting hit with individual requests. For an organization like ours, this means so many Plaxo messages arrive that it slows the whole system. So if you have Plaxo, you "stay in sync" by opening up your email contact list. Losers like me get dozens of requests for updates and a serious PR problem if I ignore one. Our I.T. guy says he won't do anything with the information that is pouring into his databases, but it is growing exponentially--some fear a "big brother" future with Plaxo controlling all the inter-related contacts. For more: See http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,56322,00.html or another source is http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,940255,00.asp?kc=PCNKT0209KTX1K010 0360." (Note that those last two URLs will probably 'wrap', so you'll have to reassemble them manually.)" [snip snip -- end of Plaxo'd form letter]

Thanks to this brother, willing to share, but probably wishing to remain anonymous for now on this issue. If you’re a Plaxo user, just remember — it’s not something we’d wish on *anyone*. If you’re a friend of a Plaxo user, getting “pinged” by Plaxo emails, remember that if you’d like to bow out, you cannot simply click “reply” to a Plaxo inquiry. You’ll have to manually compose a note from “scratch” to the person causing the ping, then paste in the above note into that email. If you just hit reply, it goes out to a wasted Plaxo address that doesn’t get read by anyone. :-( The whole thing might end up being illegal anyway, because it’s junk mail that we didn’t solicit – so I’m thinking it won’t fly under the new spam bill anyway.

NEW TRANSFORMATION VIDEO RELEASED — “The Quickening,” is now available! 50+ million people, in 25 different languages have seen a Transformation Video! Eddie and Alice Smith, U.S. Prayer Center, say, “This message of hope stirs an appetite for God’s presence and offers expanded teaching on key definitions, core principles, and common obstacles related to community transformation.” Save $3, Order: https://www.prayerbookstore.com/store/default.asp?action=detail&strSku= 10100&intCatID=4&lastaction=display [note that this URL will wrap, so you'll have to assemble it manually] or call toll-free from the USA or via Net2Phone from elsewhere 1-800-569-4825 (or 713-466-4009; usprayercentercscom)

TESOL SCHOOL AT UNIVERSITY OF THE NATIONS, HAWAII — Teaching English opens many doors to places in the world. You may know the language, but it takes preparation to be a good English teacher. The TESOL training given at The University of the Nations in Kona Hawaii will equip you to teach & credential you by awarding a Certificate of Course Completion. A letter is also supplied that explains the curriculum & course of study. This is a four week academic curriculum immediately followed by a two week practicum conducted on the Campus. The school begins on February 16, 2004 & ends March 26, 2004. For more information & application forms contact admissionsuofnkonaedu

GLOBAL COURSEWORK BY AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY — We featured Operation Impact in an earlier edition, but did you know Operation Impact was a global organization? APU puts on classes all over the world. One Brigada participant (“Brian”) has been enrolled for two years in Ecuador and he loves it. In fact, to do it justice, you might as well see their global classroom — listed at the website http://www.apu.edu/educabs/graduate/highered/operationimpact/ To see the list of locations, click on “Schedule”. (Thanks Brian!)

THE BACKPAGE: WHEN YOU SURF, BE A SKEPTIC — I keep wondering how long it’ll take all of us to become more skeptical when we’re accessing the Internet. I mean… how many scams have to nab us before we realize that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Nobody from West Africa is going to transfer $26 million into your bank account. Few, if any, young ladies really want to say, “I love you”, when they’ve never even met you. :-) Even if one did, what’s the likelihood she would be your type?!? :-) Bill Gates hasn’t arranged to make a donation to your mission if you forward somebody’s message. (Even if he cared, how would he even know?) It’s a shame we have to point it out, but the truth is, this is the Wild Wild West — the open Frontier! The Internet is the Pony Express — and we’re living in the middle of “Gold-Digger’s Gulch”. So… a word to the wise: Be a skeptic. *Doubt* the web page. *Doubt* the email. *Doubt* the rumor before you forward it to everyone in your address book. You owe it to yourself, your supporters, and your friends to protect their privacy and their peace. When will we ever learn? :-)

20030302 Brigada Today

Editor — Sun, 02 Mar 2003 23:39:00 +0000

In this issue…

CHECK OUT THE BRIGADA SPONSORS! — Thanks so much for our three Brigada Sponsors so far in 2003. These folks are helping us lay the groundwork for hiring a Brigada Secretary someday! We invite you to check out their respective gifts, skills, organizations, and/or passions. This week, add Nate and Mark at: http://www.brigada.org/sponsor.html Want to become a Brigada Sponsor? We’ve got a ways to go! So just use PayPal or some other means to send your check (the amount of your choosing), then send in a note about the passion or organization you’d like promoted in Brigada Today. (By the way, so far 4 people have bought Integrity Online or its software by clicking through a Brigada link. That’s going to help too! Check Integrity Online out at: http://www.integrity.com/index.php?siteid=19955

[Note: As of Dec., 2003, only six people had subscribed to Integrity Online. As of that date, that still wasn't even enough to produce the first sponsorship check. :-( Not a very fruitful way to fund a Brigada secretary, unfortunately.]

CHRISTIAN COMICS SEMINAR IN RUSSIA — COMIX35/ROX35 will be holding a 1-day introductory seminar on Writing and Drawing Comics at the Russian Baptist Center in Moscow on Saturday, April 5, 2003. All writers and artists are welcome. The instructors will be internationally known cartoonist/writer Nate Butler and local cartoonists Igor Kolgarev and Sasha Galkin. The course will be taught in English and Russian, with translation. Seating will be limited. Please contact Igor Kolgarev for more information, either by telephone: 358-15-11 (in Russian only) or by email at <kolgarmailru (kolgarmailru) >. To learn more about the COMIX35/ROX35 training ministry, visit their web site at http://www.comix35.org or email them <COMIX35comix35org (COMIX35comix35org) >.

WE GET MAIL… — Listen to this satisfied Brigada Today participant: “Thank you ever so much for accepting my submission for The Soul Winner’s Devotional. Because of your willingness to further the Kingdom of God, I have received more than 100 new subscribers (with I’m sure more coming)! I am now able to encourage missionaries and brothers and sisters in Christ from almost every continent of the world! Thank you again and may God continue to bless you and your ministry.” J.M.

CATCH YOUR TESOL COURSE NOW — Here’s a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course to be offered through Youth With a Mission of Montana. The intensive 4-week course will be offered from July 27 thru August 23, 2003. Cost including books, tuition, and room & board is US $1,000. They will also connect you with full-time missionaries overseas for possible teaching positions. To download an application go to: http://www.ywammt.org or if you have questions, please email <tesolywammtorg (tesolywammtorg) >.

SUMMER MISSIONARY TRAINING SCHOOL IN COSTA RICA — Emercy and Palmas de Mamre are partnering this summer to offer their 4th annual Missionary Training School. The school dates are June 3rd – August 3rd and the cost is $550, which covers everything except airfare. Students at the school will learn how to teach, preach, perform drama and mime, coordinate children’s ministry, administer medical treatment, and more. Additional information on the school is available at http://www.missionarytraining.net . If you wish to apply, please visit the website to download an application or call toll free from the US at 877-875-4483. International callers may call 205-657-5674 or e-mail <trainingmissionarytrainingnet (trainingmissionarytrainingnet) >.

AQUAPONICS COURSE — Aquaponics interest is increasing globally in response to more emphasis on resource management and wholesome food production. It involves combining of aquaculture and hydro-ponics. These versatile systems are ideal for “helps ministries” in almost any geographical area. A practical course in Aquaponics will be held in Bryson City, NC,USA, June 16-20. For more information, contact Aquaculture International <cwjohnsongrahammainncus (cwjohnsongrahammainncus) > or 828-479-6294 (phone or fax). Specify if you are a missionary. Website: http//www.brwm.org/aquacultureinternationalinc . Aquaculture International is a nonprofit organization that honors Jesus Christ as Lord.

INTERNET EVANGELISTS NEEDED FOR WORLDWIDE INTERNET OUTREACH — If you enjoy sharing your faith with others and helping people find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then Internet Pastors.com needs you. Over the Easter season the Gospel is going to be shared to over 10 million people. No experience necessary! They train everyone. For more information check out the Internet Pastors.com website at http://www.internetpastors.com/ipastors/html/static/join_team.html or email Pastor Todd <discussinternetpastorscom (discussinternetpastorscom) > by 3/10/2003.

HINDUISM TRAINING INSTITUTE — The Hinduism Training Institute is designed to equip missionaries, campus workers and others with a vision for the Hindu world. The five day institute include such sessions as Understanding the Hindu Worldview, Strategies for effectively communicating the Gospel, Nurturing and discipleship of Hindu Believers,Contextualization of the Gospel for the Hindus and Finding resources on Hinduism. The Institute is offered at the premises of Mission Training International, Palmer Lake, Colorado, three times this year: May 4-9, August 24-29 and Sept 7-12..For further information log on to http://www.sitaronline.org or call MTI at 1 800 896-3710 or reach Natun <Natun1219msncom (Natun1219msncom) > or tel. 719 963-3573.

PRAYER JOURNEY OR TEACH YOUR SKILL AMONG UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS — Join short-term teams who are serving long-term missionaries working among unreached people groups in restricted-access nations of the 10/40 Window. Central Asia, the Silk Road, Turkey, & N. Africa are ready to be impacted by your on-site prayers and practical help. The earliest application deadline is March 21, 2003. Email <sharepaulbunyannet> or visit http://www.stemmin.org/share.shtml . </sharepaulbunyannet>

MUSIC TO REACH UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS — Would you like to help a group develop indigenous Christian songs? Consider taking a week-long course at CIT in N. Carolina (May 19-23). The focus is on empowering a community to make culturally-appropriate Christian music, and to use it effectively in evangelism, worship, and church planting. You do not need to be a musician to benefit from this course, taught by Paul Neeley, ethnomusicology consultant for numerous mission agencies and schools. Some attention will be given to music of each student’s geographical interest. See <http://www.citi.org> or write <paulneeleyjunocom> for information. </paulneeleyjunocom>

WEB SITE FOR PREGNANT TRAVELERS –- Now there is a web site for pregnant travelers and expatriates. Remember the people who were doing research a couple of years ago on pregnant expatriates? That data is still being collated and prepared for publication. But meanwhile, they have opened a website devoted entirely to the subject of pregnancy and living/working/traveling overseas. It is The Pregnant Traveler at http://www.pregnanttraveler.com. (Note the American spelling; “traveler: has only one: “l”.) There’s tons of free advice, a forum to express your opinions, medical data for your doctor to browse, and they even (for a fee) will do personal consultation regarding your pregnancy. If you can’t access them via the Internet, their e-mail is <pregnanttravdoccom (pregnanttravdoccom) >.

MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMPS WITH ELIJAH COMPANY — The Camps are a jump start for those called to missions whether short term or career. The tools offered are also helpful for senders, including church missions leaders, helping them to understand how to help those who are going. Topics cover a range of pertinent issues, alerting an individual of what they will need, be and do. The end result is a solid plan for pursuing the call and motivation for the same. Applications are now being accepted for the next three camps. The places and dates are: Virginia, April 3-6, 2003. Pennsylvania, April 24-27, 2003. Spain May 30-June 12, 2003. For more information write <infoelijahcompanyorg (infoelijahcompanyorg) > or call (757) 639-2906. Also see their web site at http://www.elijahcompany.org.

20020908 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 09 Sep 2002 01:55:00 +0000

In this issue…

TESOL SCHOOL IN HAWAII– The next University of the Nations TESOL Course (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) will be held in Kona, Hawaii, beginning Feb. 17, 2003. This course will equip you to teach English & open doors for you anywhere in the world you may be led to go. This is a four-week academic curriculum with a two week practicum following immediately. The exact schedule is from Feb. 17th to Mar. 28th, 2003. For more information & application forms contact <admissionsuofnkonaedu>. </admissionsuofnkonaedu>

FINALLY… A SUREFIRE WAY TO UNINSTALL — Tired of trying out software, only to find you can’t uninstall it after you try it? Get PC Mag’s new “Unclean 2″ for free! Just log onto http://www.pcmag.com/utilities . It runs under virtually all versions of Windows, provides full and clear access to all available uninstall information from the Registry, and even lets you delete those pesky no- longer-valid uninstall entries in the “Add/Remove Programs” applet. In my opinion, that *alone* qualifies this utility for use! :-) And the price is right! :-) Free!

PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH — The World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission invites every Christian around the world to join them in the International day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). According to organizers, more than 200 million brothers and sisters in Christ today lack full religious freedom simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord. On 10 and 17 November, they’re staging a joint day to come alongside them in prayer. Check it out at http://www.idop.org beginning today.

GET ALL OF PERSPECTIVES IN UNDER A MONTH, IN AMSTERDAM — Caleb Project Europe will host Perspectives classes in Amsterdam in January and June of 2003. The courses will feature the same great content we’ve come to know and love from Perspectives, plus students will spend time most afternoons on the streets of Amsterdam connecting with Turks and Moroccans living there. This could be a great chance to take Perspectives, or take it again, and get a good introduction to church planting among Muslims. For more information, email Shane at <discoveryteamscprojectcom> or go to http://www.calebproject.org/CPE/cpeShortTerm.asp . </discoveryteamscprojectcom>

DENTAL TRAINING FOR MISSIONARIES — Now you can learn a practical skill in which you can demonstrate the love of Christ and open the hearts of unreached peoples to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dental disease is the most common disease in the world. In just two weeks, Dentistry For Missions can introduce you to approaches that will help you bring greatly needed dental care to your community. Two-week courses are being offered each month. http://www.dentistryformissions.com or e-mail <dentistryformissionsworldnetattnet>. </dentistryformissionsworldnetattnet>

CIU COURSE ON ISLAM IN BUDAPEST — January 13 – 20, 2003, Columbia International University is offering this course taught by Dr. Ray Tallman. If you are interested in earning a Master’s Degree in Europe or in supplementing your study and professional development with grad level courses, CIU is offering a degree program that may be completed by attending 2-week intensive courses in Budapest and Germany. Write <ciubudapesthotmailcom> for more information. 2003 courses include: Intro to Islam, January 13-20; Cultural Anthropology, March 31- April 11; Folk Religion, September 22-October 3. </ciubudapesthotmailcom>

HOW DO ADULTS ACTUALLY LEARN ANYTHING? — Your answer affects how you teach. The Web Evangelism Guide has a new page on the subject:

http://web-evangelism.com/resources/learning.php

SERVESAINTS GETTING GREAT REVIEWS — We’re hearing great things back from ServeSaints new website at http://www.servesaints.com/ . A worker in Brazil wrote us this past week to say, “…great, free service where missionaries (and others in full or part-time ministry) can quickly and easily create their own homepages, which can then be easily updated with newsletters, needs, praise items and prayer requests. … I was extremely pleased with the site that I was able to create within an hour or so – I’m now using it as my main homepage.”

ELIJAH COMPANY MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMPS — Practical, scriptural, relational, effective, intensive. A good jump start for those called to missions work in unreached nations. Important also for church missions leaders to understand missionary preparation and sustenance. Conducted by a team of experienced missionaries encompassing more than eighty countries. The next camps are at the Triple R Ranch, Chesapeake, Virginia. Nov 14-17, 2002; Jan 30-Feb 3, 2003. Limit 100 people. Cost $200 includes food and lodging. See web site www.elijahcompany.org , write <infoelijahcompanyorg>, call (757) 474-2054. </infoelijahcompanyorg>