Brigada » House churches

9) Network For Simple/House Churches

Editor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:47:00 +0000

House2Harvest Network is a web based network that has been established to serve the thousands of simple (house, emerging, post-modern churches and the like) churches. This network will help these churches and missions ministries connect with one another to provide training, consultation and resources to facilitate mobilization, deployment and engagement to the unreached as well as wisely engaging in ministry to widows and orphans and the poorest of the poor. The website is full of resources and an opportunity to join the network:

http://www.house2harvest.org/

or, if you prefer, write

7) House2Harvest – Networking House/Simple Churches In Missions

Editor — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:00:00 +0000

On August 29-31, House2House ministries will be hosting their yearly National House Church Conference in Dallas, TX.(See

http://www.house2house.com/

for more information) The theme this year is House2Harvest. There will be several tracks of interest. Brigada readers might be interested in the Missions Track focusing on reaching the unreached. There will also be a “roundtable discussion” following the conference on Sunday (31st) afternoon at 3:00 pm. This roundtable will be the launch of a new ministry established to serve house/simple church networks. There is valuable dialogue regarding the development of this new network at

http://www.h2hmissions.wordpress.com/

This dialogue will lay the foundation for the roundtable and beyond. For more information email Don at drgoasianetworkorg

20020804 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 05 Aug 2002 02:03:00 +0000

In this issue…

PEOPLETEAMS TOPS 500 WEB SITES — PeopleTeams.org now has 502 Web sites on its service. Launched 18 months ago as a people group advocacy Web site, PeopleTeams has amazed everyone by its receptivity. There are 293 teams of missionaries who are actually hosted by PT. Each team produces their own Web site in a secure environment by using an account name and password provided by PT’s web managers. Another 209 Web sites have requested a link be listed. A new search feature was added this year. Visitors to PeopleTeams may now search within regions by country or by alphabetical listing. Another unique feature is the ever-growing “Toolbox” page listing dozens of advocacy-related resources. More than 8,000 unique users generate more than 300,000 hits every month. The most frequently visited Web sites are an international mix with increases in interaction based on individual team promotion. For instance, the Dong of China Web site was consistently #1 for months during an intensive prayer focus. Others, such as the Persian-Speaking World, came to the forefront after the war began in Afghanistan. PeopleTeams is hosted by a Great Commission Christian organization that remains anonymous in order to foster a teambuilding environment.

EASYENGLISH LUKE — Wycliffe Associates UK have now put two versions of Luke’s Gospel onto their web site. The URL, http://www.easyenglish.info , is for free downloading, cultural adaptation, illustration and use. These are ideal for counselling after the Jesus Film. More info from <martineasyenglishinfo>. </martineasyenglishinfo>

HOUSE CHURCH HAVENS — Here are some new links to check out regarding planting house churches (Thanks Grace!):

House Churches as a Vital Part of Discipling the Nations – http://disciplethenations.org/index86.html#HC

House Churches and Their Vital Roles in the Great Commission – locally and overseas – http://disciplethenations.org/CHCRNNLJunSept02.html#GCPerspectives

Also, Canadian House Church Resource Network newsletter now online: http://DiscipleTheNations.org/index87.html and a lot more resources on house churches at: http://DiscipleTheNations.org – see CONTENTS and then under H

RESOURCE SHEET FOR CHRISTIAN ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS — For any missions minded individuals/leaders/missions/ministries, etc. that are interested in using the arts in the Great Commission, check out the following resource sheet Print it or just let them know about the web page. It includes enough information/resources/networking opportunities and ministry opportunities to last them a lifetime and it is always being developed further. http://disciplethenations.org/GCWACResourceSheet.html

FREE COURSE: “MUSIC, THE ARTS/MEDIA AND MISSIONS” — This distance learning course (online) will soon be reality. The Great Commission Worship & Arts Center, with the aid of many other related ministries and individuals, is currently in the process of developing an online distance learning course for those interested in Music, the Arts/Media and Missions training. This course is for candidates, missionaries, missions leaders, Christian music/arts/media and missions educators, worship leaders, etc. – any Christian interested in the subject. At present there is not yet a team to help facilitate the learning by personal email mentoring. As a result, for the time being, it’s all available free! To see what’s ready to roll, go to: http://disciplethenations.org/DistanceLearning.html Course organizers hope to shore things up by November. Those with ideas can write <gracewidmailcom>. This course is also to work along with a number of other resources currently being developed in conjunction with a number of different ministries, such a related PERPSECTIVES course on music, the arts and missions. </gracewidmailcom>

NEW ARTICLES ON DEVELOPING PRAISE AND WORSHIP — Need help developing your local praise team, either starting from scratch or taking them to the next level, both spiritually and musically? Reach Out Youth Solutions recently published a free global e-report, compiling successes around the world and giving practical suggestions that transcend culture. This collection of Web-based articles helps leaders choose the most effective styles for their local context, gives extensive wise counsel from others who lead worship, and suggests over 70 “Techniques and Taboos” on adding creative elements to worship. Start the global report at http://www.reach- out.org/article.asp?ai=154&ac=2&al=70 or view all 29 articles at http://www.reach-out.org/article.asp?al=70&ac=2 . To regularly receive this free report, contact Steve Miller at <smilleromindspringcom> . </smilleromindspringcom>

FREE BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM — Rick Meyers has developed an extensive free Bible study program with various multilingual Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, maps, etc., all extensively linked and with a “mouse over” feature that pops up referenced scriptures without having to jump to the reference to read it. Many other features such as bookmarks, highlighting, marking, enhanced browsing, and Quick Search will aid the Bible student in their discovery of Truth. see http://www.e-sword.net . (Thanks Dave!)

PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD OF ISLAM — A semester-long course patterned after Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, will be offered in five locations this fall. Fall classes are beginning in McLean, VA; Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Lansing, MI; and Houston, TX. The course seeks to give a working knowledge of the Islamic faith and an understanding of how to share with Muslims the life of Christ. To find out specifics on class times, locations and more, log on at http:/www.PerspectivesOnIslam.org or you may email <infoperspectivesonislamorg>. </infoperspectivesonislamorg>

ENGLISH TEACHERS NEEDED — …For one to two years to love and care for children. Teaching experience recommended but not required. B.A. in any discipline. Housing is provided with a month stipend to adequately cover food and laundry. If interested, please send your resume and short essay about your Christian journey from salvation to present, and why you would like to live and work in Thailand to Jeff at Mission to Unreached Peoples. 1-888-847-6950 or 206-781-3151 or by email at <mupinfomuporg> Mission to Unreached Peoples website is http://www.mup.org </mupinfomuporg>

20020721 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 02:03:00 +0000

In this issue…

NEED A RETREAT CENTER? — Thanks to the hard work of Jolene, now you’ve got a great list from which to work! Get her list by sending a note to: <retreat-centersbrigadaorg> This list of Christian Retreat Centers includes everything from a “prophet’s room” in someone’s home to a luxury resort… from quiet time alone with no interruptions to professional counseling to a full day’s activities… from a percentage off normal fees to partially subsidized to suggested donation to the ministry to completely free of charge … The focus of these centers varies from crisis counseling to solitude, worship and prayer to spiritual revitalization. This same information is also available on the Internet at the Resource Center of the International Worship & Arts Network, where additions and corrections will be made as new information is acquired. See it at: http://www.worship-arts-network.com/OCretreatcenters.html Thanks for your hard work Jolene! </retreat-centersbrigadaorg>

ANOTHER POP-UP EXTERMINATOR — Even though Pop-Up Killer has been killed (see the July 21 issue), there’s another pop-up killer that comes recommended by Tim and it’s also free. It’s called Pop-Up Stopper. It also has the advantage of being able to launch a window that would ordinarily be quashed by using some simple key strokes while clicking. It also comes in enhanced shareware versions. Find out more at: http://www.panicware.com/popupstopper.html

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS AT THE USCWM — If you ever thought of working “behind-the-scenes” in missions mobilization, training, strategy or services, then perhaps “EXPLORE” is for you. Designed for people who wish to learn more about the U.S. Center for World Mission in Pasadena, CA, this 4-day seminar covers the history, impact and mission of the USCWM, with a focus on how you might use your gifts here to reach unreached people groups out there. The next EXPLORE Seminar is scheduled for September 25 – 28, 2002. Space is limited, so register early. For more information, please visit the USCWM website http://www.uscwm.org , or email <davidflynnuscwmorg> . </davidflynnuscwmorg>

WANTED: A BUSINESS PLAN — Here’s a Brigada participant named Roland who would like to know if there are any successful business plans that have been developed which would provide support by and for ministry at the local level. He wrote, “There are passionate and capable indigenous leaders who are often consumed by economic struggle. Traditionally, the solution has been to raise support in America and then ship a portion of that money overseas. This system also has a tendency to develop an unhealthy dependence on stateside resources or force those in ministry to become full-time fundraisers themselves.” If you’re got a suggested plan for Roland to add to his compilation, send it on: <rolandheckattnet>. Once he has a collection, we’ll share it with everyone here at Brigada. </rolandheckattnet>

ARABIC RESOURCES NEEDED — Workers in the 10/40 are putting together a “virtual library” of Arabic language resources (Bibles, Bible Studies, Books, etc.). This will allow Arab believers to access materials wherever they are via the Internet or CDROM. If you have or know of any resources that could be used in this “virtual library”, please, contact . If you have resources in *print*, please drop a note to <researchsimorgza> . Once these directories are compiled, we’ll make them directory available in a sensitive way. </researchsimorgza>

FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN ESTABLISHING HOUSE CHURCHES… — You’ve *got* to see this list of ideas and resources: http://disciplethenations.org/index86.html#HC Whew! What a great collection! (Thanks Grace!!!)

LEARN HOW TO RAISE FUNDS AND FRIENDS — Here’s a course that the author says will help you “Move beyond the fear factor and raise more funds in half the time.” The People Raising Coaches Clinic shows you how. Implement 10 key habits for success. In addition, you’ll be able to network with other Christian leaders responsible for coaching their staff in support raising. Get it all at a 2-day conference October 11- 12! Register by September 12th and save $50. For more information or to register on-line go to http://www.peopleraising.com/conferences.cfm or e-mail <billpeopleraisingcom>. </billpeopleraisingcom>

HINDUISM TRAINING INSTITUTE — Here’s an intensive training institute in Hinduism slated for November 11-15, 2002 at the new facilities of Mission Training International at Palmer Lake, Colorado. If you are a missionary candidate, tent maker, or short-term missionary to the Hindu world, this training will assist you in understanding the Hindu worldview and effectively communicate the Gospel to the Hindus. Led by Natun Bhattacharya, himself from a Hindu Priest family and an experienced cross-cultural trainer, the training will also include facilitators from a variety of backgrounds (missionaries and Indian Pastors), with expertise in Hinduism. This is a unique training opportunity for those interested in working with people from Hindu faith. For more information call 800-896-3710 or 719-487-0111, write to Mission Training International at PO Box 1220, Palmer Lake, CO 80133, or email <infomtiorg>. Be sure to check out the web site at http://www.mti.org. </infomtiorg>

PRAYING THROUGH THE WINDOW 6 — This year’s “Praying Through the Window 6″ initiative focuses on the needs of Women and daughters in the 10/40 Window. Some 40 million intercessors participate in this thrust annually. To receive a prayer guide or more information log on at: http://www.win1040.com Daily radio profiles are being sent by Window International Network to radio stations across the U.S. to be aired daily in the month of October 2002 and beyond. If you are interested in an interview, contact <julieross6yahoocom> for details. </julieross6yahoocom>

20010401 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 02 Apr 2001 00:28:00 +0000

In this issue….

FREE NEWSLETTER on HOUSE CHURCHES AVAILABLE

Of particular interest to Canadians but others may be interested as well (it is being produced by the Canadian House Church Resource Network – readable at: http://www.outreach.ca/cpc/housechurches.htm. You can subscribe by sending your request and why you would like to receive the newsletter, to chcrnhotmailcom (chcrnhotmailcom) . Or you can find most of what will be included in the email version on the Internet at: http://www.skyfamily.com/gracew/index87.html

STUDY ABOUT MUSLIMS BY EXTENSION!

For one-time only (April- June/01), take a “20/20″ discount of 20% off tuition and selected materials for two, 3 sem. hr. extension courses: Introduction to Islam and Women in Islam. These courses are designed for independent learning anywhere; help pre-service and in-service workers understand culture, tradition and strategies for reaching Muslims; credits apply toward MA and MDiv (Muslim Studies) at CIU or transferable to other schools. For more Information, write extoffciuedu (extoffciuedu) or visit http://www.ciuextension.com or tel: 800-777-2227; 803-754-4100, ext. 3710; fax: 803-754-9119.

GET THE LATEST AD2000 PRESS RELEASE

The AD2000 office sent to us last week a kind of “press release” that you can now download for free. It explains the “shut down” of their Colorado office . . . as well as “where do we go from here.” Just send a message to ad2000brigadaorg (ad2000brigadaorg) and you’ll receive the 7K file in your inbox within minutes.

MISSIONARY TRAINING CAMP ON AN UNREACHED FRONTIER

The Elijah Company, Inc. will conduct another Missionary Training Camp from June 1-11, 2001 in the Spanish Campo de Gibraltar. The Camps are designed to give practical, scriptural, and experiential training toward a missions career among unreached peoples. Call 757-474-2054 #1 for information, or write to TrumptCallaolcom (TrumptCallaolcom) . ECI web page is http://www.elijahcompany.org.

DON’T FORGET TO PRAY FOR OPERATION WORLD

Don’t forget to lift up Patrick Johnstone and staff as they put the finishing touches on Operation World, the prayer guide to challenge all prayer guides. (See “OPEN LETTER FROM OPERATION WORLD AUTHOR“, in the March 23rd 2001 Brigada Today.)

BRIGADA EVANGELISM RESOURCE IN OTHER LANGUAGES

The Web Evangelism Guide is also available in other languages:

English: http://www.brigada.org/today/articles/web-evangelism.html
French: http://www.evangeliser.net
Finnish: http://www.sekl.fi/lahetys/ev/opas
German: http://www.fc.crossnet.at/web_evangelism
Japanese: http://www.asiams.com/e-vangelism/

The English version comes with a twice-monthly newsletter about online evangelism, Christian communication strategy and webmaster tips. The French and German versions have two-way discussion email lists.

If you want to help 2nd-language speakers to your website, see the options available at the English version. It is possible to offer your visitors the ECTACO multilingual dictionary: http://www.ectaco.com/ It is also possible to add a one-click translator for French, German, Italian and Spanish to your webpages with a few lines of code: http://www.wordreference.com/forWebsites.htm

MUSLIM STUDIES INSTITUTE IN COLUMBIA

During the time of July 9- August 3, some 6 Intensive courses offered during two, 2-week sessions (scholarships available for courses by credit) in Columbia, SC, but deadline is May 1. Introduction to Islam; Folk Islam; Muslim Evangelism –July 9-20 Apologetics for Muslim Ministry; Revelation, Qur’an and Muslim Traditions; Islam in N. America–July 23-August 3, 2001. For more information, write muslimstudiesciuedu (muslimstudiesciuedu) ; or visit http://www.ciu.edu/muslimstudies tel: 800-777-2227; 803-754-4100, ext. 3325; fax: 803-786-4209.

TOTAL IT UP!

TOTAL (Taste Of Translation And Linguistics) is a 5- day course that returns to the Portland, Oregon, office of Wycliffe Bible Translators, May 21-25, 2001. Introductory classes in phonetics, phonology, grammar, language & culture learning, and translation & semantics, are all taught by experienced linguists and translators from around the world. Try it on for size, total it up, and see if Bible translation might be a good fit for your unique gifts, interests and talents! Hear field reports, videos, personal testimonies, prayer, devotions and group living build meaningful relationships between staff & students. Tuition, materials, housing and meals (breakfast, lunch and delicious ethnic dinners) are all provided for $100. Scholarships are available. Phone … Lee Higdon at 503-652-1662, toll free 800-269-2007, or e-mail Jim Stair at jim_stairwycliffeorg (jim_stairwycliffeorg) . Or visit http://www.wycliffe.org/nwro.

NEED PRAYER CARDS?

Feel free to do a one-time visit to their New And Improved Website! It’s all new and better than ever! Their newly designed site is clearer and easier to use, featuring security to allow on-line ordering, digital uploads, and answers to questions frequently asked as customers plan and design their cards. Check it out and let them know what you think. Visit them online: http://www.creativeplus.com or call toll free in the USA, 800-347-2848, for more info.

WEB-WATCH: LIVING IMPACT

Living Impact is an international non- denominational evangelical mission targeting the 10/40 window for church planting. Their strategy to help fulfil the Great Commission in the 21st century is unique. Check them out at: http://www.livingimpact.org for more information.

ACHIEVE PROFESSIONAL LOOKING MEDIA YOURSELF!

Look at what newWway.org just uploaded: more practical media tips that you can share with your team! Three great articles by Butch, a Media Strategist in W. Europe. “Do I need a Website?”; “Take Better Pictures!” and “Better PowerPoint Presentations’. All three make your communication a surprisingly simple joy. Great links for more in-depth study too! Log onto http://www.newWway.org to read them all.

KIDS AROUND THE WORLD MISSION

It’s called “Families of Japan”(Part of “Families of the World” series) a 30 minute video with 2 15-minute programs for ages 5-10. They now have 12 videos from different countries and are working on 4 more (they’ve been waiting for clearance into Vietnam!). These are not “Christian” videos but do a wonderful job of letting the viewer see into the daily lives and families of children around the world. Each video highlights the life of 2 children – generally one city child and one from the country. Check at your public library or call 800-765-5885 for more information (Master Communications) or visit: http://www.ardenmedia.com/order_blank.html

CHRISTIAN MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK AVAILABLE NOW

The world of micro enterprise development (MED) can be bewildering. There are so many terms, so many organizations, and so many concepts to learn. If this is how you are feeling, then this handbook is for you. Co-authored by David Bussau, the “father” of Christian MED, and Dr. Russell Mask, International Microenterprise Coordinator for the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, this book is designed to help churches, missionaries, and Christian NGOs understand the basics of MED in the Two-Thirds World. Using original research as well as the current literature, this handbook sheds light on the wide array of issues and challenges associated with the implementation of Christian MED strategies. Readers are introduced to the foundational theory behind microfinance for poor people and are introduced to the principles of best practice emerging from Christian MED programs around the world. This pre-publication edition is available in limited quantities for the price of $10 plus shipping and handling. Last call for pre-publication editions – very limited numbers left. Contact the Chalmers Center at chalmerscovenantedu (chalmerscovenantedu) , or call 706-419-1805 (USA).

LEARN TO TEACH ENGLISH IN CHINA OR ELSEWHERE!

A six-week TESOL course will be held June 18-July 27, 2001 in Henan Province at an American owned university. A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the course. 45 teaching opportunities will be available upon successful completion of the school. The course will utilize proven American instructors and curriculum. Please be language sensitive when writing. Unsecured Internet site in China. For more information go to http://www.tesoltraining.com or write tesol2001hotmailcom (tesol2001hotmailcom) .

SPECIAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL WORKERS

International workers, organizations are looking for insurance for the following: Career Coverage that starts 6 months before leaving home country, reduced rates for single women, coverage for pre-existing conditions, 6-12 months of furlough coverage. Get short term individual plans for as little as $34 a month and a short-term team plans for $1.08 a day. Also, they have med-evac plans, trip protection plans, and term life plans. For more info contact jeffgninsurancecom (jeffgninsurancecom) or call 480-813-9100. Check out http://www.gninsurance.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE — To subscribe to BRIGADA TODAY, send email to brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom (brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom) .

TO UNSUBSCRIBE — Send email to brigada-today-unsubscribeegroupscom (brigada-today-unsubscribeegroupscom) . (Subject and text are ignored.)
IF IT DOESN’T WORK — Write Don & Judy, our Customer Services Managers at helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg) . Yahooooo for volunteers!!!

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Brigada Today is Copyrighted © 2001. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials, including those available through email autoresponders, provided that such redistribution is to those who will help the Good News of Christianity to reach the unreached. But please include this phrase: “For a free subscription of Brigada‘s weekly missions publication, write <brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom (brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom) >.”
IMPORTANT: To copy or reproduce Brigada Today for any other reason is illegal and is not permitted.

DISCLAIMER — Please note that there’s no way we can possibly screen all the text on all the web sites or items we recommend. We try to check them out first… but if we miss something, please don’t assume that the opinions on those sites are identical to those of the Brigada family of networks. “Eat the corn, leave the cob!”
For subscription questions or problems, write helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg) .

SUBMITTING CONTENT — To submit content or ideas to Brigada Today, first please get a copy of “Guidelines for submitting items to Brigada” Then, once you’ve composed your item in keeping with those guidelines, send your item for Brigada Today to DLucasteamexpansionorg (DLucasteamexpansionorg) .
Thanks to for hosting the Brigada mailing list.
Emphasis is placed on items relating to unreached peoples and challenges faced by those reaching them cross-culturally.

PLEASE DON’T SUBSCRIBE US TO YOUR LIST — It’s always better to ask before manually force-adding anyone to your list-serve or mailing list. Recently, tons of well-meaning people have been subscribing Doug to their lists. Since he often travels overseas, he doesn’t join many of those, for obvious reasons (like being charged big-time for overseas access). So as a general rule, please don’t bulk-mail us! See the note above if you’d like to submit items for Brigada Today. Thanks for understanding. Bottom line: We will never create Brigada Today items from bulk mail. Bulk mail gets deleted immediately — sorry. Nothing personal. We suggest you apply the same standard to everyone. Ask first!

WARNING ABOUT FORWARDING EMAILS — Please, before forwarding any kind of request (even if it says “please send this to all your friends”), please check to make sure it has a VERIFIABLE ORIGIN, a VERIFIABLE PURPOSE, and a VERIFIABLE CLOSURE (OPC). By following this simple approach, many “email viruses” could be nipped in the bud… at least in the Brigada family. More information about the full Brigada OPC protocol is available. Thank you.

BRIGADA TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING TEAM OF REGULAR VOLUNTEERS:

Global Glimpses: John Hanna, Caleb Project, jhannacprojectcom (jhannacprojectcom)
Brigada Website: Bob Mayhew, WebServantbrigadaorg (WebServantbrigadaorg)
Brigada Customer Service Manager: helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg)
Brigada Coordinator: Doug Lucas, Team Expansion & Brigada, DLucasteamexpansionorg (DLucasteamexpansionorg)
and many other occasional contributors too numerous to mention!: But thanks for working together! That’s the dream of Brigada!

20010325 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 26 Mar 2001 01:29:00 +0000

In this issue….

“WHOA!” – THIS IS A KEEPER – “PEOPLESFILE CD-ROM”

Global Mapping (GMI) has done it again, with this great new resource for ministry to unreached peoples. They’ve integrated the latest and best information from the leading global missions databases, along with maps of thousands of people groups, to produce this “factbook and atlas of the world’s peoples and languages from a mission perspective.” As soon as I opened a copy of “Peoplesfile”, the first thing I did was search for information on a particular unreached people group our mission is currently trying to research. Lo and behold, they not only had it listed but also plotted! Here was a beautiful full color map with a polygon showing exactly where the [somewhat obscure] people group lived! We had searched tons of sites on the Internet and weeded through page after page in libraries… but nothing could have been so quick and easy as this beautiful little CD. If I were to have had this information in 1984, I could have saved weeks. Granted, now it’s 2001 — but this CD will still save me hours. I’ll be honest — if your work includes any research or mobilization for unreached people groups, it would seem this program should be on your “top ten must-have list.” It should be shipping by mid-April, and is priced at under $40, with bulk quantity discounts available. Read all about it at http://www.gmi.org/products/peoplesfile.htm or contact GMI infogmiorg (infogmiorg) or by telephone: 719-531-3599.

“HOUSE CHURCH” NEWSLETTER

Now you can receive a free quarterly email newsletter on house churches with particular interest to Canadians (but others may be interested as well). It’s produced by the Canadian House Church Resource Network, on the web at: http://www.outreach.ca/cpc/housechurches.htm You can subscribe by sending your request and why you would like to receive the newsletter, to chcrnhotmailcom (chcrnhotmailcom) . Or you can find most of what will be included in the email version on the internet at: www.skyfamily.com/gracew/index87.html

WHERE DOES YOUR MK GET FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS?

John sjhfrydbigfootcom (sjhfrydbigfootcom) is trying to find all scholarships, resources and/or funds available for MKs. Since not all missionary families are able to live close to appropriate schools, it would seem that options for schooling are often very limited … and prohibitively expensive (even for elementary school students). Any suggestions, information or ideas are welcome. John will gather all this information and make it available to everybody interested.

JOIN IN PRAYER FOR THE HAKKAS OF TAIWAN

This May the YWAM Hakka church planting team, in co-operation with intercessors from around the world, will sponsor their fourth month-long Hakka Prayer Net. Their desire is to raise up at least 1500 faith-filled intercessors who will pray at least 15 minutes every day during the month of May for this unreached people group. Sign up and find out more on the web at: http://www.hakkaministries.org/prayernet2001/signup.htm Spread the news! Of the nearly three million Hakka Chinese who live in Taiwan, only .2% would consider themselves to be Christians. For more information about this prayer project please write hakkateamhakkaministriesorg (hakkateamhakkaministriesorg) .

ONE DAY TENTMAKING SEMINAR IN VANCOUVER BC

The Finnish Bethel Church of Vancouver BC and Global Opportunities are hosting a free one- day tentmaking seminar on Saturday May 5, 2001. Learn more on the web at: http://www.globalopps.org/seminar or contact AJ at ajglobaloppsorg (ajglobaloppsorg) . (If you would like to attend/host one of these seminars in your area, write AJ.)

RESTORING STREETCHILDREN

A “Rescue And Restore Training Course (Children In Need),” offered by Youth With A Mission and The University Of The Nations, is slated for Camaragibe (Recife), Brazil, June 03- October 27. It consists of 3 months theoretical teaching and then 2 months practical in Recife. For more information, write jocumnlinkcombr (jocumnlinkcombr) .

WEST AFRICA REGIONAL CONSULTATION – “CRAF 2002″

The next West Africa Regional Consultation will take place May 05-12, 2002 and will continue to help to focus the attention of the Church on the needs of frontier church planting among unreached people groups in West Africa. Just as in Dakar and Bassam (sites of previous consultations), organizers hope to provide a forum where key mission leaders can meet, interact and make plans for more effective evangelism among West Africa’s least reached people groups. For more information, write Younoussa YDjaocompuservecom (YDjaocompuservecom) .

MISSIONS COMPUTING CONFERENCE (ICCM)

The 11th annual International Conference on Computing and Mission is scheduled for June 8-12, 2001 at the JAARS headquarters in Waxhaw, North Carolina. ICCM provides an invaluable opportunity for anyone seriously interested in the use of information technology in international missions to learn and network with others. Get more info. on the web at: http://www.iccm.org or write to infoiccmorg (infoiccmorg) .

BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING

The new Video Cross-Cultural Training series, “Bridges of Understanding”, is now available through Mission Training International. It is composed of eight video sessions conducted by experts in cross-cultural training and was produced with the format of being video-driven without the need of an experienced facilitator. Though not designed to give one a complete understanding of cross-cultural skills, it should at least serve as an introduction or bridge into another culture. To order call 800-896-3710 in the USA or via Net2Phone or 719-594-0687 from anywhere. Otherwise, write Minternaolcom (Minternaolcom) or look on the web at: http://www.mti.org.

WHERE DOES ONE FIND INFO. ON CONFERENCE CENTER OPTIONS?

That’s what Ian idevilliersvivaorg (idevilliersvivaorg) would like to know. For example, he needs a spot for 150 or so participants from South and South-East Asia in 2002 for a conference focusing on ‘children at risk’. So where does he get info. on affordable hotel sites with lots of break-out rooms in a country with visa availability for other Asian nationalities and an international airport? If you know of directories or web sites or whatever, drop Ian a line and he’ll assemble a report for everyone to grab here on Brigada.

STOPPED IN FOR WEB-PRAYER

Finally, maybe there’s a good reason for this “instant messaging” stuff! Last Thursday night I stopped by the chat room over at: http://www.strategicnetwork.org for a “live” prayer session on Nepal. It was indeed encouraging to “hear” so many people lifting up needs in this one nation… and the same thing has happened recently for Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia. I’ll admit… there was something stimulating about knowing all these folks were praying from somewhere in the world… and they do it every Thursday night. I think this concept is about to explode sky-high. And … while you’re visiting their chat room, check out the growth in groups at Strategic Networks. They’ve been busy!

WHO WANTS TO BE A MISSIONARY?

Ever fancied a go at “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” or the opportunity to prove you’re not “The Weakest Link?” OSCAR, the web-based UK Information Service for World Mission, has launched it’s very own “Who Wants to Be a Missionary?” quiz online. Designed to test your knowledge as a world Christian and potential missionary, the quiz comprises of 15 multiple choice questions on various topics like geography, religion and the history of mission. Anyone achieving a score of 10 or more will be entered in the bi- monthly “High Scorers” prize draw. Confident? Why not give it a try and see how globally-minded you really are? Go to http://www.oscar.org.uk and click on the “Who Wants to Be a Missionary?” link or, if you only have email access, send an email to infooscarorguk (infooscarorguk) with “GET QUIZ” in the subject line.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH/CHURCH OF CHRIST “ALL-AFRICA” SEMINAR

On October 15-19, 2001, Dr. Leroy Lawson of Hope International University will be the featured speaker at the All Africa Missionary Seminar of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches (other interested missionaries welcome). The Seminar will be held just outside Cape Town. Ron Butler, veteran missionary, will lead a workshop on “Spiritual Warfare”. For more info, ask Alice fishbackyebocoza (fishbackyebocoza) .

THE BACK PAGE: SIX YEARS OF BRIGADA

That’s right… this issue marks the sixth year anniversary of Brigada Today. Though there were some initial “email conversations” among a handful of individuals as early as January 25th, 1995, we actually “went public” on March 21, 1995. It’s a simple story, really. In November 1994, I was asked to serve as the president of a missions mobilization event that was to take place a couple of years later in Lexington, Kentucky. To prepare for the event, my colleagues and I began to try to find information about unreached peoples. We were aghast that it was still so hard to find good information. To make matters worse, we found it nearly impossible to effectively create or nurture networks among those trying to reach common nations of people. I remembered that a tech from a group called “CrossConnect”, based in Colorado Springs, had helped me send a binary file over the Internet to one of our mission staff in Ukraine. His email address had a funny “xc.org” domain. Boy was I in for a ride. For whatever it was worth, when we began to wonder whether or not the Internet could offer a set of tools for collaboration, I dug out that tech’s name and gave him a call. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. The Internet was something like the “Wild wild West!” And the web was so new, few of us guessed its potential. Over the next few months, that tech — Jonathan Marsden — became one of my closest friends, even though we had never even personally met! He pretty much single-handedly gave us the nuts and bolts and the technical vision for launching a family of interconnected networks via the Internet. When there were no tools for interacting, he would write them. When we had a need for doing something new, he would create. It was truly a time I’ll never forget. Our subscriber base, which started at 2 — Jonathan and I — soon grew to 50 and then, following GCOWE ’95 in Seoul, to 100 and . . . finally thousands. Some of you… many of you… have been with us ever since. There have been Brigada boosters — those who helped us grow the idea. I think of encouragement from people like Luis Bush who gave us a real forum with AD2000′s GCOWE conference. Greg Fritz, of Caleb Project, personally flew at his own expense to several of the initial “launches” for Brigada and the related “PACE Project” meetings. We have received tons of moral support from friends like Eric Derry and Chris Bushnell and many others who actually read this stuff. Amazing. And the mission for which I work (the one which actually pays me! ), Team Expansion, has given me lots of latitude to use free time to follow this star. Many other people have helped make the dream a reality down through the years. Revis Ann Massey, an early “tech support” volunteer, answered tons of help questions in a labor of love. Later… and still through the present, Don and Judy Pratt have stood strong in her legacy of offering real live human answers when needed — helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg) .

Many have asked… where’d you get the funny name? Brigada, pronounced “bree-GAH-dah” (rhymes with armada), is the rough equivalent of a “brigade” — in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Albanian and even Filipino (who knows what other languages)! The idea is to stand side by side to pass buckets of hope for those most in need of Christ’s eternal message — like the old-fashioned bucket-brigades for putting out fires or like my Crimean Tatar friends in Ukraine when they’re passing gravel to build a new house together, helping one another. We needed a name for the service and… it just seemed like something unique and appropriate.

Well, back to the story, as time passed, there were the inevitable changes. CrossConnect was a brilliant idea but no one knew for sure how to pay for it. What’s more, the “free-wheeling” (pun intended) style of the Internet just made it that much harder for CrossConnect leaders like Pete Holzmann to make ends meet — seemingly everyone wanted a free ride. So in the end, the entire department was sold off to MAF (the airplane people) in Redlands, California. By this time, Brigada had spawned literally dozens of “sub-groups”. There were tons of people-specific conferences, along with role-specialized groups. I suppose they were the true precursors to the “YahooGroups” of today. Though there was no real “web interface”, no one really cared. We didn’t have time to use the web anyway… and few of us had fast connectivity anyway. The web seemed, well, overkill for what we needed — at first. For those who wanted to use it as an archive of past issues, God raised up Bob Mayhew — an amazing volunteer staff-person who is still churning with us today. He’s the single-handed reason that you can go to www.brigada.org and look at all six years of back- issues… and even search them instantly.

The high-tech leaders and the financial numbers-crunchers at MAF’s headquarters were truly caring people. I remember, for example, one week that they flew me out to Redlands to speak in chapel there for the MAF staff. They just wanted to build the relationship all the more. I got to meet with Jonathan and all the others. It was a great celebration… 10,000 subscribers… dozens of functioning sub-groups. We seemed to be flying high. But soon the question was rearing its ugly head again … how do we pay for this technical hardware-heavy, software-laden, connectivity-based cooperating!? MAF finally had to make a tough decision — to start charging either by the byte, or by the message, or by the group, or something. And when they switched over to a fancy new software (remember Lyris?) that was intended to provide new bells and whistles for sub-conference operators, for some reason, many were confused and seemingly left in the cold. As I look back, I don’t think the subconferences every recovered from that shock.

Meanwhile, the web was hot with advertisement-based features at spots like eGroups.com. The very week MAF determined that it had to switch to a fee-based approach, for better or worse, we moved Brigada to eGroups, where we could operate for free. Many sub-group subscribers moved with us. Many found other homes at spots like topica.com. And some probably just disbanded. In the end, with AD2000 hoopla seemingly cooling down and the reality of day-by-day operations setting in, some of the sub- group euphoria just didn’t make the transition. “Brigada” largely settled down to a weekly issue of Brigada Today. [yawn] [just kidding]

But since those days, StrategicNetwork.org started up… (see item #11 above) and don’t forget www.peopleteams.org (check it out if you haven’t been there lately). These networks filled a real need… and probably did it all the more efficiently using their web interfaces. And since they were run by professionals who were doing it for a living, the staff there had more time — than a Brigada approach, run totally by volunteers, who actually made their living as full-time missionary-types, doing all this Internet stuff on the side as a kind of overgrown hobby. And for those with web access, they probably resonate better than the tools we used to try to pull together in the old CrossConnect days, when a “friendly face” like John Hanna (Caleb Project) had to try to actually manually answer every inquiry personally at the “People Group Consultant” service (remember the “PGC” email on August 25th 1995? If so, you’re showing your “Brigada age”! ).

So today, when people ask, “Where are all the subconferences I’ve heard about on Brigada?”, I just smile to myself and remember the “good ole’ days.” They were filled with high-flying, adrenalin-pumping, marathon all-nighters. They’ll always mean a lot to those who took part in them.

But as always, the real “proof of the pudding” for Brigada (or any other service trying to lift up the needs of the unreached… and the tools for reaching them) isn’t really based in the tool itself… but rather in the act of reaching them. And everywhere we go these days, we see churches and agencies working together to complete the task of world evangelization. As long as that’s happening with gusto, the Brigada dream will still be alive.

But, I must close. We’ve got another six years of Back page editorials to think up. Thanks for being a part of Brigada. I truly hope it’s the best free service you’ve ever bought into. As a final “hoorah” for our sixth-year birthday party, here are three lessons out of many that I’ve learned since those wintery fateful days in January of ’95:

RESOURCES — Many Brigada readers seem to like hearing about new resources… maps (remember those 100 Gateway Cities maps from August ’95?), videos, CDs, and even books. Maybe promoting these resources has become one of the key roles of Brigada.
RELATIONSHIPS — In the end, it’s not the maps or videos or even the hoopla. It’s the relationships we establish that will last… and those are Brigada-strong.
RESOLVE — Many have asked how we’ve managed to keep at it. Though nearly every issue of Brigada Today is “late” , we have for better or worse (you be the judge) always gutted it out. In six years time, through thick and thin, sometimes from Africa, Asia, South America, or wherever we happened to be in the world, … we’ve always managed to email you a message… six years times 52 weeks/year… yikes … now there’s a scary thought. 25,733 paragraphs, 85,340 lines, 723,191 words, for a total of 5 megabytes of just verbiage (no pictures)… makes me tired just thinking about it. And speaking of tired, it’s 4:36am. Time to hit the sack.

Oh… did I mention… a lot of Brigada readers like … brevity. Oops.
Yours always,
Doug

TO SUBSCRIBE — To subscribe to BRIGADA TODAY, send email to brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom (brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom) .

BRIGADA TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING TEAM OF REGULAR VOLUNTEERS:

Global Glimpses: John Hanna, Caleb Project, jhannacprojectcom (jhannacprojectcom)
Brigada Website: Bob Mayhew, WebServantbrigadaorg (WebServantbrigadaorg)
Brigada Customer Service Manager: helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg)
Brigada Coordinator: Doug Lucas, Team Expansion & Brigada, DLucasteamexpansionorg (DLucasteamexpansionorg)
and many other occasional contributors too numerous to mention!: But thanks for working together! That’s the dream of Brigada!

“

20010218 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 19 Feb 2001 01:32:00 +0000

In this issue….

GET YOUR MOSQUITO NETTING FROM TEALBROOK

TealBrook Supplies, one of Brigada‘s sponsors, has just added a line of mosquito netting. To celebrate the new addition to the family, TealBrook will give Brigada subscribers a special 10% discount off the purchase price of the nets PLUS donate an additional 10% to the Brigada Newsletter. This introductory discount offer will be honored through 5/31/01. To view the mosquito nets and other products like the popular PentaPure water purification systems visit http://www.tealbrook.com and be sure to mention Brigada when ordering!

OFF THE PRESS: HOUSE CHURCHES CHANGE THE WORLD

Ralph Neighbour wrote “A monumental and marvelous piece of work! It is going to be a very important contribution to the present situation faced by the church.” Order your copy (US$ 14.95 plus s&h; quantity discounts available) now at email 1003372106compuservecom (1003372106compuservecom) or Fax +49-7745-919531 and could have a sneak preview at http://www.dawn.ch. Other language versions that already are available: German, Dutch, Urdu, Singhala and Chinese (only e.book version). In process: Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil, Arabic, Norwegian, Telegu, Croatian, Italian, Afrikaans, Indonesian, Swedish and Russian.

BIG DIRECTORY OF YWAM SHORT TERM OUTREACHES

Mission Finder Ministries has again come in with a first! – they’ve compiled the web’s only comprehensive list of YWAM short term trips, originating in the US and Canada. There are trips all over the world, many to unreached people groups, and are for youth groups, families, and individuals, for many purposes including construction, VBS, medical, prayer walks, food kitchens, bicycle evangelism, performing arts, etc. Check out this first-ever undertaking at http://www.mfinder.org/ywam.html.

LET THE US POST OFFICE DO YOUR US MAILINGS

Every so often, someone asks if there’s a way to pump out mass mailings to addresses in the USA, from some point of origination outside the USA. We’ve reported on various ways… but now there’s perhaps an even more direct alternative. Check out the US Postal Service’s offerings on the web at: http://www.usps.gov/mailingonline/ There’s a price for preparation, but it didn’t look outrageous, considering it’s the US Post Office!

THE NET’S LARGEST DIRECTORY OF CHRISTIAN ORPHANAGES

Lot’s of compassionate people want to serve the abandoned, orphaned, and otherwise uncared-for children of the world, but hardly know where to start. Our good friends at Mission Finder Ministries have done it again – assembled a great list of Christian orphanages world wide. For those interested in exploring where you might volunteer, short or long term, this is a good place to start. Take a look: http://www.mfinder.org/orphanages.htm.

NEED AN ONLINE BIBLE SCHOOL? YOU GOT IT

Just trot on over to: http://www.hispeople.com His People Online Bible School looks to be a great resource for Christian teaching, whether you’re in Saudi, Siberia, or Seymour.

PRAY WORLD! 2001 IN PROGRESS

Billed as a “Millennial Gift to Jesus Christ”, the “Pray World! 2001″ emphasis began February 28 and continues through April 8. The focus is prayer and fasting during 40 days of Lent for fulfillment of the Great Commission of Christ. Check it out at: http://www.prayworld.org/

DO YOU HAVE MUSLIM NEIGHBORS?

The Center for Ministry to Muslims would like to help you bridge the cultural gap and reach out to them with God’s love. Check out material at: http://www.CMMequip.org or contact CMM 762432762compuservecom (762432762compuservecom) . For more comprehensive training, catch their two courses — Introduction to Islam and A Narrative Approach for Communicating with Muslims — from July 23 through August 3.

SE ASIAN CHRISTIAN COMICS TRAININGS

ROX35 COMIX will be holding two comics trainings in Southeast Asia in 2001. The first will be a 2- day training (May 18-19) at the CSI offices in Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA. For more information email: mickeybigpondcomkh (mickeybigpondcomkh) . The second will be a 3-day training (May 22-24) held at the Vista Pacific building in Chiang Mai, THAILAND. For more information email: silexbigfootcom (silexbigfootcom) . These seminars are aimed at Christian writers or artists and other literature ministers who need training in the specifics of creating and using comics for evangelism and discipleship. Both courses will include sessions on Writing & Scripting, Storymapping, Illustrating from a Script & Visual Storytelling, Editing/Art Directing, “Guerilla Marketing” Ideas, Cultural Considerations, Comics & Communication, and Comics as Part of an Overall Evangelism Strategy. The teachers at both events will be cartoonist Nate Butler and missionary Len Cowan. You can learn more about the ROX35 COMIX training ministry at this web site http://www.rox35.org or by emailing ROX35rox35org (ROX35rox35org) .

MIDDLE EAST TESOL

Need TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) training? Get it in Jerusalem, September 3th – 28th. For more information contact Porter TESOLwmmeorg (TESOLwmmeorg) .

TO SUBSCRIBE — To subscribe to BRIGADA TODAY, send email to brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom (brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom) .

BRIGADA TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING TEAM OF REGULAR VOLUNTEERS:

Global Glimpses: John Hanna, Caleb Project, jhannacprojectcom (jhannacprojectcom)
Brigada Website: Bob Mayhew, WebServantbrigadaorg (WebServantbrigadaorg)
Brigada Customer Service Manager: helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg)
Brigada Coordinator: Doug Lucas, Team Expansion & Brigada, DLucasteamexpansionorg (DLucasteamexpansionorg)
and many other occasional contributors too numerous to mention!: But thanks for working together! That’s the dream of Brigada!

20010121 Brigada Today

Editor — Mon, 22 Jan 2001 01:35:00 +0000

In this issue….

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT EMAIL ENCRYPTION

… but were afraid to ask . . . is now available online by joining a special email conference headed by Caleb Project’s John Hanna (of the old “Brigada- connections” days; also, remember “Global Glimpse”? ). To join, just send a blank email to: missions-crypto-subscribeegroupscom (missions-crypto-subscribeegroupscom) . We’ll give John a heads up on the possibility that many will join this group. It’s a hot topic. And… yes… he’ll take into consideration that not everyone joining would be friendly to the cause.

CHRISTIAN MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK

The world of microenterprise development (MED) can be bewildering. There are so many terms, so many organizations, and so many concepts to learn. Frankly, it is all rather overwhelming. Where can a person turn to sort it all out? If this is how you are feeling, then this handbook is for you. Co- authored by David Bussau, the “father” of Christian MED, and Dr. Russell Mask, International Microenterprise Coordinator for the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, this book is designed to help churches, missionaries, and Christian NGOs understand the basics of MED in the Two-Thirds World. Pre-publication editions are available in limited quantity from the Chalmers Center. The cost is $10, plus shipping and handling. To order your copy, send a message to the Chalmers Center at: chalmerscovenantedu (chalmerscovenantedu) .

COURSES ON ISLAM OFFERED IN THE SUMMER OF 2001

Fuller School of World Mission is offering a great set of courses on Islam, this summer. You can take the course for grad credit for $800 and audit is considerably cheaper. Check out these offerings:

June 11-15: Muslim Evangelism, Phil Parshall
June 18-29, Women in Islam, Evelyne Reisacher
July 2-6: (no class on the 4th), Islam in North America, Steve Johnson
July 9-13: Church Planting in Muslim Contexts, Greg Livingstone.

For more information, write Laura swm-acadprogdirdeptfulleredu (swm-acadprogdirdeptfulleredu) .

TEACH YOUR AUDIENCE TO LOVE MUSLIMS

The dynamic attitude-altering video series, “The Real Story: A Christian’s Guide To The Arab World”, is composed of six 20 minute segments, making it ideal for use in adult Christian Ed classes, mission study groups, as a follow up to Perspectives, or even orienting short-termers entering a Muslim context. Includes a 40 page Study Guide summarizing each segment and providing questions for discussion. Cost: $40 Retail, available to Brigada readers at a 30% discount! Contact: MEM-USA ADmem-usaorg (ADmem-usaorg) .

EASY-ENGLISH NEW TESTAMENT

SOON Gospel Literature has the copyright to a very easy-English New Testament. It can be viewed online at http://bible.gospelcom.net (version ‘WE’). SOON does not distribute it commercially, but prints it primarily for use in its own ministry. Its leaders are willing to collaborate with any ministry which wishes to use part or all of the text for scripture distribution, or as part of any other material. They are also considering the addition of a brief overview of the Old Testament to future issues. Can anyone recommend existing short material which explains God’s dealings with man in the Old Testament, and is designed for a (non-Western) reader who knows nothing of the Bible? If so, write Tony tonysoonorguk (tonysoonorguk) .

BIBLE BASED ESL CURRICULA

EFCM International Network has two Bible-based ESL curricula: Adventures in English and Exploring English. During the past year the I-NET staff has rewritten the reading lessons for these two series to make them much more active, requiring more student participation and involvement. Also, there are now reading lessons for beginning and advanced readers. International Network also has developed an 8-lesson ESL Adventures in Business curriculum. If you want to get a sample lesson of the Adventures series or the Exploring series, contact Don 720662020compuservecom (720662020compuservecom) .

EMERGING LEADERS SUMMIT

There is a global grassroots movement of young emerging leaders passionate in their devotion to Jesus, fervent in worship and radical in their commitment to see the whole world know Christ. On March 21-24, 2001, these leaders — from the US and throughout the 10/40 Window — will gather at the Christian Aid Training Base in Charlottesville, Virginia to seek God’s direction and network with others who are leading evangelistic initiatives among the unreached peoples of the world. For information about registration, the summit agenda, goals of the Emerging Leadership Network, and other relevant topics visit http://el.strategicnetwork.org or contact the summit coordinator via email to thesummitstrategicnetworkorg (thesummitstrategicnetworkorg) .

COMICS WITH AN ATTITUDE

Almost any issue or idea can be turned into a story, which can then be made into a comic. This book gives practical advice on how to target and produce comics. It’s free to third World readers, and is also available online: http://global.finland.fi/comics For Christian training in the use of cartooning and comics, Rox35 Media is the place to go: http://www.ROX35Media.org

WHAT’S GONE WRONG WITH THE HARVEST?

Two thousand years ago Jesus gave the Great Commission. Today, many remain unreached. Log onto http://www.newWway.org and read the classic work on communication strategy by James F Engel. Also see newWway.org’s new look and browse the content, there’s about four times more material than before, and more is being added every week!

WEB-WATCH: CONTEXTUALIZED WORSHIP

Those Canadians just keep churning out the great missions stuff. Check out the Great Commission Worship & Arts Center (Canadian based) at: http://www.skyfamily.com/gracew/index9.html

Another Canadian site, the Ethnic Worship & Arts Focus, can be found at: http://www.skyfamily.com/gracew/index62.html

While you’re at it, check out the International Worship & Arts Network at: http://www.worship-arts-network.com

HOUSE CHURCH NETWORK: GET CONNECTED

If you’re looking for house church resources or relationships, check into the Canadian House Church Resource Network at: http://www.outreach.ca/cpc/Housechurches.htm

DON’T FORGET FEBRUARY’S FULANI PRAYER EMPHASIS

Remember that February is a special month of prayer and fasting for the Unreached Fulani people of the World! There are 26 million Fulani in West Africa. The prayer guide is available in English and in French! Find out more at http://www.africamissions.com/fulbe.htm or write Dave 1003732473compuservecom (1003732473compuservecom) .

TESOL COURSE IN CHINA!

It’s six weeks long, starting June 1, 2001. Teachers use proven results. The only entry requirement is that you speak English. Learn more at: http://www.tesoltraining.com or write tesol2001hotmailcom (tesol2001hotmailcom) . Please be sensitive to possible Chinese listeners when writing this address.

NEED A TOSHIBA COMPUTER?

DSR, Inc, has specialized in providing Toshiba portable computers to missionaries overseas since 1986. Its techs have lots of experience with delivery, 220 volts, plug ends, etc., and they operate one of 27 major Premier-level repair shop in the USA. They provide “one-business-day” turn around on tech support emails. For info write Steve ssmithdsr-inccom (ssmithdsr-inccom) or go to http://www.dsr-inc.com

DO YOU KNOW A GOOD, SIMPLE LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM?

Mark luvhaitibellsouthnet (luvhaitibellsouthnet) is a missionary church planter, and is wanting to classify his personal library. He’s not fond of the Dewey system or the Library of Congress classification scheme. Do you know of a simple & helpful classification system to suggest to him (preferably one that will work for books, audios, videos, etc.)? Extensive Internet searching has proven nearly fruitless. PLEASE NOTE: He is not desiring help in managing or cataloging a book collection (much software of that nature is available), but rather a system to use for numbering or classifying items. Please e-mail Mark with your suggestions, and he will let us all know if an answer is found.

THE BACKPAGE: HOW GOOD TEAMS BECOME GREAT TEAMS

There’s a lot of talk these days about working in teams. Those blessed with the opportunity to serve on great teams are quick to tell you that they love their job. But how do those teams become great? I’m becoming more and more convinced that good teams don’t become great teams by accident. It’s an intentional process . . . and it involves dozens of variables. Gleaned from 20 years of experience watching our own mission teams grow around the globe, here’s the beginning of a short list on some ideas for turning good teams into great teams.

Great teams have…

A clear sense of purpose — Nothing can ‘deep six’ a team faster than floundering in the swamp of wondering why they exist. Write your purpose down. Frame it. Talk about it. Re-read it regularly. Make sure new team members understand it before they even seek membership.
Motivated team members — Okay. This one’s obvious. But think about the difference it makes to just put a basketball great like Michael Jordan onto a court. I’ve been reading a book about Jordan (“For the Love of the Game” — highly recommended for sports fans) and it’s impossible to miss his passion for the sport. Apparently most professional b’ball players in the NBA have provisions which restrict their play during the off-season. Team owners don’t want their prize players getting injured and hurting their winnings the following season. When Jordan came to the Chicago Bulls in 1984, he evidently lobbied long and hard until he achieved what few other players have negotiated: a “Love Of The Game Clause”. Basically Jordan said he loved basketball so much that he couldn’t imagine walking through a summer without it. Bravo for him. It’s about time we respect people because they have a passion for something rather than because they got rich off of it. Likewise, we need missionaries who can’t wait to get up in the morning. They might not really enjoy language learning drills, but their passion for Christ and their devotion to the Lord compel them to study. In short, they need “Love of the Lord Clauses”. … and maybe “Love of the People Clauses” too!
Determination — My 14-year-old son loves soccer. So do dozens of other boys his age. But, if I may say so, something seems to separate him from other boys, especially in the final half of a match. While other players seem to grow more and more weary, especially if they’re behind on the scoreboard, Chris seems to almost play harder as each minute passes. He just won’t quit. He can be 3 goals down… but he just won’t stop trying to come out on top.

These last few days I’ve been meeting with our two full-time teams in Taiwan. The team leader I’m with on this particular day readily admits that he and his wife worked here for 7 years without a single response. Talk about 7 years of famine. Imagine… 7 years without a single success story to write home about. But they didn’t give up. By the 10th year there were a handful . . . and now in the 15 year a church is rising up. Over 100 believers celebrate on Sunday mornings… and cell groups are being birthed all over this bustling city. It’s harvest time.

Good teams rarely become great teams… but when they do, they seldom reach greatness without a clear sense of purpose, motivated team members, and determination. My challenge to all of us is to seek after those attributes in the teams upon which we labor. [more next week]

TO SUBSCRIBE — To subscribe to BRIGADA TODAY, send email to brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom (brigada-today-subscribeegroupscom) .

BRIGADA TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING TEAM OF REGULAR VOLUNTEERS:

Global Glimpses: John Hanna, Caleb Project, jhannacprojectcom (jhannacprojectcom)
Brigada Website: Bob Mayhew, WebServantbrigadaorg (WebServantbrigadaorg)
Brigada Customer Service Manager: helpbrigadaorg (helpbrigadaorg)
Brigada Coordinator: Doug Lucas, Team Expansion & Brigada, DLucasteamexpansionorg (DLucasteamexpansionorg)
and many other occasional contributors too numerous to mention!: But thanks for working together! That’s the dream of Brigada!