http://www.om.org/item/s2240

or contact

href="http://wwwbrigadaorg/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/recruitingruom_.org_.jpg">title="recruitingruomorg" src="http://wwwbrigadaorg/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/recruitingruom_.org_.jpg" alt="" width="173" height="20" />

http://www.discipleshipcentre.org/html/training_in_russian.html

or contact the directors, Colin and Bron, at

or check out the website

http://www.strategiclanguages.org

or check out the website

http://www.strategiclanguages.org/

The books are $9.00 per copy (plus shipping).

1. CHE TRAINING IN 2008
2. GRATIS! FREE & EASY DOWNLOADS OF CALVIN’S INSTITUTES IN SPANISH?
3. A HOOT OF A MISSIONS BOOK JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
4. WORLD EVANGELISM USING FREE ENGLISH LESSONS
5. THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IN OVER 5,000 TONGUES
6. CULTURE SHOCK RUSSIAN STYLE
7. “BREAD of LIFE”: CLOSE-UP ON THE MBALANTU PEOPLE
8. THAI COUNSELING CENTER SEEKS DIRECTOR
9. UNDERGIRDING BRIGADA UNDERGIRDS THE MESSAGE TO THOUSANDS
10. THE BACKPAGE: WHAT’S YOUR CAUSE WORTH LIVING FOR?

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1. CHE TRAINING IN 2008 — Are you interested in establishing a Community-Based Health Care Program which integrates the physical and the spiritual? LifeWind International’s (formerly Medical Ambassadors International) Training of Trainers I (TOT I) introduces people to Community Health Evangelism (CHE). The CHE strategy teaches concepts, gives vision and practical “How To’s” for implementing and managing CHE in your ministry. I TOT I-February 25-March 2, Asheville, North Carolina TOT I-June 15-20, Portland, OR TOT I-Sept. 15-20, Colorado Springs, CO

   If you are interested in attending one of our US trainings please email Kristin(at)lifewind

   (dot)org or visit

   http://www.lifewind.org

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

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2. GRATIS! FREE & EASY DOWNLOADS OF CALVIN’S INSTITUTES IN SPANISH? — Well now you’ve got ‘em. Just as easily pick up the Reformed/Presbyterian Confessions (also in Spanish). Browse to..

   http://www.paginasprodigy.com.mx/RACHMEXICO

   They’re in Windows help file format.

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3. A HOOT OF A MISSIONS BOOK JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR HOLIDAY — “The Great Siberian Rail Adventure” is the hilariously heart-stopping story of a missionary family moving by car, ship, and rail across Russia. Come along and you’ll find a dragon, an axe-wielding conductor, a supersonic clothes washer, and a van with a death wish. Packed with cultural insights, “The Great Siberian Rail Adventure” humorously celebrates a slice of life on the mission field. Expand your horizons this holiday season; give the gift of adventure. Order by contacting Bill

   iceshaper-books(at)yahoo

   (dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the addresses on one line.] Copies are $8.00 per copy (plus shipping).

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4. WORLD EVANGELISM USING FREE ENGLISH LESSONS — The FreeEnglishNow (FEN) website is reaching 53,600 visitors, distributing approximately 3,300 CDs of the entire 16-lesson course, and downloading 6,700 lessons in TXT and MP3 for Handheld use monthly. Spoken English lessons incorporate eight chapters from the book of Acts in modern English and include enough audio recordings for nine months of spoken English study. FEN reaches young professional and university students largely untouched by the organized church in 188 countries. FEN can provide a free CD of the entire course to missions wanting a tool for evangelism. FEN can also put your header and link on the CD to enhance your ministry. Just write FreeEnglishNow(at)europa

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

   http://www.freeenglishnow.com

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5. THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IN OVER 5,000 TONGUES — Global Recordings Network now has recordings of gospel messages and basic Christian teaching available in 5,693 languages and dialects. They have also placed 4,515 of these languages on their web site for free listening or downloading to your MP3. Check out their web site at:

   http://globalrecordings.net/

   You can also write to info(at)globalrecordings

   (dot)net [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the address onto one line.] Readers in the USA can also call toll free 888-444-7872.

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6. CULTURE SHOCK RUSSIAN STYLE — Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? “Peterburgers” is a humorously piled platter that’s culturally insightful and spiritually challenging. Treat yourself to funny adventures in Russia told with culture shock training for missionaries (and their supporters back home) in mind. Order by contacting Bill iceshaper-books(at)yahoo

   (dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the addresses back onto one line.] Copies are $10.00 each (plus shipping).

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7. “BREAD of LIFE”: CLOSE-UP ON THE MBALANTU PEOPLE — Driving through Ovamboland in Northern Namibia, north of Windhoek, the plentifulness of the grain crop, muhango, was striking. Muhango is a staple of the diet in this area of Namibia, used as a type of porridge in most daily meals. It is millet in which the peoples survival depends, much as bread is a survival food in many other countries. I was struck by the much stronger need than this physical need here, the “bread” of life only given through Jesus Christ. Please pray for the tribes of Ovamboland which includes the Mbalantu people. Pray that they will soon be filled with the bread of life. Pray for someone to deliver that bread to them. Pray for harvesters in this ripe and fertile ground. For more information on how to become a prayer partner for the Mbalantu, please contact forgottenpeoples(at)telkomsa

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

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8. THAI COUNSELING CENTER SEEKS DIRECTOR — Cornerstone Counseling Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand is currently searching for a new director. The primary aim of the center is to provide assessment and counseling to missionaries who would otherwise need to return to their home country for therapeutic care. Cornerstone is a faith-based organization. Therefore, the director and all counselors raise their own support for living expenses and provide their services as volunteers (no fee for services). If you are interested in the director position or joining as a staff member, contact founding director Tim Friesen timothyf(at)cornerstonecounseling(dot)in

   (dot)th [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with . then reassemble the address back onto one line.] or phone (US Land Line: 616 452-9003 or Mobile: 616 915-8098)

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9. UNDERGIRDING BRIGADA UNDERGIRDS THE MESSAGE TO THOUSANDS — Would you ask your church, group, family, or your own bank account to chip in for Brigada, if not for you, then for someone overseas who can’t? If so, thanks!!! Just click on the “Sponsor/Donate” page:

   http://www.brigada.org/donate.html

   Really, we only need 92 more people, groups, or churches. Would you be one of those 92??? We have 6 more days left, counting today. If you *can’t* give, would you be willing to ask someone who might? We really only need *one* person to give $1000. Would you be willing to be that one person? As we say above, we’ve made progress, but still need the following gifts to meet our needs…

   1 of 1 more gift of $1000
   2 of 5 more gifts of $500
   8 of 250 more gifts of $250
   5 of 13 more gifts of $100
   |20 of 27 more gifts of $50
   56 of 70 more gifts of $25

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

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10. THE BACKPAGE: WHAT’S YOUR CAUSE WORTH LIVING FOR? — Whenever I meet someone new, I try to size them up and find out what jazzes them. For example, the young man beside me here on the plane is a ‘surfer dude’. He lives to surf. In fact, he’s traveling 4500 miles from his home just to find “tubular waves” (or whatever one calls them). Much of this flight, he’s been watching DVD footage of various surfing competitions around the world, including the surfing “world cup”. (I didn’t even know there *was* one!) Anyone can clearly see that surfing is what jazzes him. So my question is…

    What jazzes you? What do you wake up thinking about — and what engages your mind all the day long?

    My hunch is… to truly finish the job of world evangelism, we’re going to need a mighty throng of world-changers who are jazzed about Jesus… and *passionate* about unreached peoples.

    Did you ever attend a concert given by your favorite singer or band? Can you think back to the way you felt during that one special song, when all of your emotions and all of your mind swirled around that song’s message and music? Perhaps you were worshipping the Lord; or maybe it was just an awesome combination of musical talent that really connected with you. Did it practically bring you to tears? Did you find yourself crying by the time it was over?

    It’s *that* kind of passion we have to stir if we’re going to finish this task. It’s humongous. And it’s complicated. And it’s difficult. We need that passion. And we need that mobilization again. We need to recover that first love. How can we do that in every congregation, every small group, ever heart in every gathering…. How?

    Got any ideas? Because … when we answer that question, we’ll be able to expand the Lord’s kingdom like never before.

    Got an opinion of how to raise up that kind of concern again? It’s happened before. The Haystack prayer meetings, William Carey, even the apostles themselves. How do we create that kind of passion again? If you have an idea or a prayer, just log on at

    http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=55

    and click “Comment”. Tell us how you feel. Who knows. Your idea might spark the imagination of a person perfectly positioned to tackle your concept. Thanks for taking time to respond.

1. GET A POPULAR EVANGELISTIC VCD FOR CHINA FOR YOUR PEOPLE GROUP
2. WHAT’S THE “BEST RESOURCE” FOR A MISSIONS MINISTRY TO STUDY?
3. TOP FIVE ARTICLES ON PRESENTING YOUR WORK
4. MEDEX HOT SPOTS
5. CULTURE SHOCK RUSSIAN STYLE!
6. CASE STUDIES AND LEARNING TOOLS FROM CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
7. SIBERIAN RAIL ADVENTURE BOOK
8. NEXUS: THE WORLD HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT READER
9. CAN YOU HELP THIS RESEARCHER OF MISSIONS WORK DONE BY WOMEN?
10. THANKS TO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO SPUR US ON
11. JOIN THOSE WHO MAKE BRIGADA POSSIBLE
12. THE BACKPAGE: REFLECT, REPENT AND REBOOT
13. CLOSING STUFF

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1. GET A POPULAR EVANGELISTIC VCD FOR CHINA FOR YOUR PEOPLE GROUP — There is a popular evangelistic VCD in China called “Hao Xiaoxi” (Good News) and nobody really knows who created it or where it came from. The VCD is in Mandarin Chinese. Recently, a worker had the soundtrack completely redone without the Mandarin narration and speaking parts, and is now dropping in the language of the minority group with which he works. He has a feeling there are a lot of folks out there working in China among minority groups who would benefit greatly from this “wordless soundtrack”. If this interests you, please send an email to his secure address: taihaole(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 .] He will try to get you the soundtrack on DVD. (Hats off to this servant-hearted worker!)

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2. WHAT’S THE “BEST RESOURCE” FOR A MISSIONS MINISTRY TO STUDY? — Steve is a great friend of mine and a missions minister in Columbus, Ohio. He’s on the hunt for the one best book (besides the Bible) or video for a missions ministry to read/study together. Let’s come up with the best list we can . . . and get the word out to all those who have similar interests. Post your best answer at…

   http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=23

   Thanks!

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3. TOP FIVE ARTICLES ON PRESENTING YOUR WORK — Digital Web Magazine recently featured “top five articles” on giving great presentations. They sum up the best of the best principles, as well as what to avoid. To see the link, click to

   http://www.brigada.org

   Click on the link to this Brigada Today, then scroll down to this item and click the link that will be here:

   http://www.digital-web.com/news/2007/02/top_five_articles_for_presenters/

   We aren’t featuring the link in this email because it’s long and would wrap … and going to brigada.org is way cooler than clicking on a “tinyurl” link that you can’t really see.

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4. MEDEX HOT SPOTS — Thanks to Team Expansion’s Global Security Coordinator, “Jim”, for giving us this tip –

   http://www.medexassist.com/hotspots/default.html

   It’s a list of political and security hot spots around the world. They update the page often, as needed.

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5. CULTURE SHOCK RUSSIAN STYLE! — Getting ready to visit Russia? “Peterburgers” is a humorously-piled platter that’s culturally insightful and spiritually challenging. Treat yourself and your loved ones to true and funny adventures in Russia’s cultural capital told with culture shock training for missionaries (and their supporters back home) in mind. Order by contacting Bill bill(at)billandrobinharris(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Copies are $10.00 per copy (plus shipping) or $8.00 per copy when you order two or more. Bite down on “Peterburgers”!

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6. CASE STUDIES AND LEARNING TOOLS FROM CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE — The folks at City Gate

   http://www.CityGate.org

   (formally SEN) have updated their website. They’ve posted lots of interesting articles and tools for working in Central Europe. You can also contact them for more info at news(at)CityGate.org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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7. SIBERIAN RAIL ADVENTURE BOOK — “The Great Siberian Rail Adventure” is the hilariously heart-stopping, true story of the Harris family’s journey by car, ship, and rail across Russia. Come along and you’ll find a dragon, an axe-wielding conductor, a supersonic clothes washer, and a van with a death wish. Order by contacting Bill bill(at)billandrobinharris(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Copies are $10.00 per copy (plus shipping) or $8.00 per copy when you order two or more. Climb aboard!

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8. NEXUS: THE WORLD HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT READER — In this new book edited by Rad Zdero (author of “The Global House Church Movement”), a team of almost 40 house church movement leaders and academics from around the world have written over 60 provocative articles designed to inform, inspire, and invite you to start your own network of multiplying house churches no matter where you live. This book reports on some of the amazing things God is up to today through saturation house church planting, as well as providing biblical insights, historical lessons, and practical strategies. (Paperback – 528 pages – 62 chapters). To order call 1-706-554-1594 (outside the USA), call 1- 800-MISSION (inside the USA), go to

   http://www(dot)missionbooks(dot)org

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

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9. CAN YOU HELP THIS RESEARCHER OF MISSIONS WORK DONE BY WOMEN? — Here’s a researcher looking to find the number of women currently involved in missions worldwide and training opportunities for women desiring to join the mission field. She writes, “My goal is to determine if there is a worldwide need for more women in missions and if there are sufficient training programs for women who are interested in dedicating themselves to God work in the mission field.” If you can help, post a comment at: http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=24

   If you’d rather correspond directly with her personally, about something you can’t say openly on the web, write Elaine at Elaineschrank(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 .]

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10. THANKS TO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO SPUR US ON — We are so grateful for those who take initiative to encourage us with a financial gift to help with our expenses and spur us on toward the future. We invest the money in webhosting, some small marketing projects, secretarial costs, as well as projects for world evangelism. Nothing is wasted. This past week, we rec’d a $180 gift from a very active worker with an interest in Asia. We praise God for his efforts. We also rec’d $20 from an anonymous staff member of Studio TEN Ministries. Dial-abroad pitched in another $38.70. To take advantage of their great low rates for long distance, click to:

    http://www.dial-abroad.org/brigada.htm

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11. JOIN THOSE WHO MAKE BRIGADA POSSIBLE — Want to help? Just click to:

    http://www.brigada.org/donate.html

    You can pull the money from your PayPal account or from any major credit card.

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12. THE BACKPAGE: REFLECT, REPENT AND REBOOT — I saw an email cross my screen last week with a signature, “Reflect, Repent, and Reboot.” I chuckled to myself, then later thought… You know, that’s actually a pretty cool concept. The “ctrl-alt-delete” three-key combination is widely-known in the IBM-compatible PC world. MAC users usually insist that they don’t have to reboot as often :-) , but they still have the capability by clicking on the Apple button then hitting “Restart.” The metaphor is pretty interesting. In computing, one usually reboots because “something’s just not quite right.” The operating system is slowing down, or halted completely because of an error or a system crash. Sometimes the whole thing just freezes up — with no explanation.

    Life is like that. We trip up, commit an error, and suddenly confront the fact that we’ve sinned. There seems to be no way out — and then we remember the magic of starting over. We “reflect, repent and reboot.” Suddenly, life is good. We’re back in the groove. There’s a lilt in our step. We feel light-shouldered again. Romans 8:1 reads, ” Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Sigh. Thank goodness we can start over. Hit control-alt-delete in your life, today. (Thanks to the anonymous correspondent who included that in his/her signature!)

1. COLLECTION OF “BACKPAGE” ‘COOL TOOLS FOR TRAVEL & MISSIONS’
2. HOW DO YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CONSTITUENCY (CRM SOFTWARE?)
3. SENIOR PASTORS STRATEGIC MISSIONS BRIEFING
4. HAVE YOU HEARD OF FORM TD F 90-22.1?
5. NEW SUPPORT-RAISING BLOG
6. GET PRE & MID FIELD RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TRAINING THIS FALL
7. ‘EASY’ CHINESE BIBLE PORTIONS
8. NEW CHURCH-PLANTING TEXTBOOK: MASTERPLAN
9. THANKS TO THOSE WHO PITCH IN…
10. WOULD YOU JOIN THEM?
11. THE BACK PAGE: WILL YOU REST WHEN YOU NEED IT?
12. CLOSING STUFF

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1. COLLECTION OF “BACKPAGE” ‘COOL TOOLS FOR TRAVEL & MISSIONS’ — Now you can view them all together, as opposed to scattered out in “Back Page” editorials. Just click this link, then look at the “Comments.” Feel free to add other “Cool Tools” for travel & missions. Go ballistic. :-)

   http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=15

   Just click on “Comments.”

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2. HOW DO YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CONSTITUENCY (CRM SOFTWARE?) — Our organization (Team Expansion) is going through a grieving process. To stay in touch with all our friends, donors, insiders, staff, etc., we’ve used a product called Goldmine since 1998. Unfortunately, Goldmine’s owners are letting our particular version go idle (because it uses now-out-of-date dBase 4 architecture). It feels like I’m attending a bit of a funeral. Limitations brought on by today’s larger attachments, coupled with an inherent 2-gig file-size limit, are forcing us to consider other options. What are other organizations using to keep in touch? Is there a missions agency that has found the perfect solution for staying in touch with the organization’s members, donors, recruits, and friends? Maybe the new product will be web-based? …but if that’s the case, how will we use it when we’re traveling “off-line”? :-( [Goldmine allowed us to travel "undocked".] If you know of a solution, please log on at:

   http://brigada.org/brigade/?p=16

   Just click on “Comments” and give us your best recommendation. Maybe there’s an organization that has custom-coded something… Maybe they’d share it, as one beggar telling another where to find bread?

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3. SENIOR PASTORS STRATEGIC MISSIONS BRIEFING — Been wondering how your church can quickly and effectively engage an unreached people group with the Gospel? Any USA Senior Pastor can join

   http://www.StoryRunners.com

   to co-host a one-day (9am to 3 pm) briefing for four to six of his Senior Pastor friends. The briefing will detail a strategic breakthrough for a church based evangelism project to an unreached people group.

   For more information email fishville(at)aol(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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4. HAVE YOU HEARD OF FORM TD F 90-22.1? — Apparently, if you are from the USA and have signature authority on a foreign bank account, you’ll need to complete this form — if the account(s) total $10,000 or more. (If you’re a poor missionary, this is one time you could rejoice. Celebrate that here’s one form you don’t need to complete.) It seems like an attempt to track money flow by terrorists and others. Get it by doing a web search; it’s from the US Dept. of the Treasury. Note that you don’t file it with your tax return. (Thanks to Shari for tipping us on this one!)

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5. NEW SUPPORT-RAISING BLOG — Now you have the opportunity to learn more than ever how to raise support as Bill Dillon, President of People Raising shares practical advice from over 35 years of fund raising experience in his brand new People Raising Blog. Whether raising individual support or raising funds for your organization you will find practical fund raising scenarios, tips, and issues. Additional fund raising information is available on his website through the tip of the month, email newsletter and a 6-hour training program available in DVD,CD, and MP3. Get it all at

   http://www.PeopleRaising.com

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

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6. GET PRE & MID FIELD RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TRAINING THIS FALL — Studying at the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures (ISLC) (formerly Russian Language Ministries) will give you a good head start in learning the needed language and culture. Their experienced staff is called by God to equip you with the language & cross-cultural skills you will need to be effective in ministry to Russian. Courses are tailored to your learning needs and offer an intensive and focused experience with, gradual effective immersion in the language, communicative learning methods & flexible duration for all programs. Their U.S. based courses are taught in an encouraging spiritual atmosphere with a focus on future ministry. Classes now forming for our 16 week fall course (Aug. 27- Dec. 14). US toll Free: 1-800-799-7976 or 1-803-333-9119. Write RLMoffice(at)juno(dot)com or log on at

   http://www.russianlanguage.org

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7. ‘EASY’ CHINESE BIBLE PORTIONS — This wonderful new ministry is led by a Chinese insider who is a pastor and a doctor. Find it at

   http://www.easyBibles.com

   or email his liaison at mlloyd3000(at)gmail(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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8. NEW CHURCH-PLANTING TEXTBOOK: MASTERPLAN — By Dr. Brian Woodford, (Eastwest College of Intercultural Studies in New Zealand), this text uses over 100 New Testament images to describe the nature and function of the church in terms of 24 universal principles. Although written primarily as a resource for cross-cultural church planters, the biblical teaching is also useful for bringing believers in any culture to spiritual maturity. See

   http://rmuller.com

   to purchase or download.

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9. THANKS TO THOSE WHO PITCH IN… — Like the folks at YouCanEmailUs.com, a project to provide email to those in nursing homes at no cost to them, provide young people with a life-changing job, and the business community with highly-targeted geriatric advertising.

   http://www.youcanemailus.com

   They sent $10 this past week. Thank you!!!

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10. WOULD YOU JOIN THEM? — Want to help make Brigada happen? Of course, we trust you’ll still tithe to your local church, but if you’re in between churches, or if you’d like to go beyond your tithe, just click on “Sponsor/Donate” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. (Team Expansion is a 501(c)3 incorporation so for USA citizens, your checks made out to Team Expansion are tax-deductible.) As always, be sure to let us know if you’d like us to promote any particular service or ministry, or if you’d prefer your gift be anonymous. And thank you in advance for helping.

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11. THE BACK PAGE: WILL YOU REST WHEN YOU NEED IT? — I just finished a marathon two weeks. I picked up between 3 – 6 extra hours of coaching each day at the 2nd annual “Skyrocket Soccer Academy” here in Louisville, KY. We bring in guest coaches from spots like England, opening up opportunities for beginners and advanced players alike to hone their skills. With dozens of players participating, it added a significant load to my schedule. Even though I consider it “vacation weeks” from my normal role as president of our missions agency, the work doesn’t really stop. So it’s like working two jobs in one. By the end of the two weeks, I knew I was probably very tired… even though my body isn’t all that great at informing me of it. So I’ve taken the last two days to rest up and recover.

    Are you able to rest? … or do you push yourself until you feel stressed out, only then realizing how strung-out you really are. Jesus said he would give life “more abundant”, but I don’t think that was supposed to mean a “busier life.” In fact, He Himself rested on the 7th day of creation (Gen 2:2). In addition, He promised *rest* to the weary (Mt. 11:28).

    So maybe you need to schedule a day off this week? … just to catch up? Better schedule it now; the pace won’t slow down later in the week. You might have to be ruthless. :-)

1. THANKFUL FOR OUR PARTNERS
2. WILL YOU STAND IN THE GAP FOR BRIGADA?
3. BRIGADA PARTICIPANTS SPIKE MOMENTUM MAGAZINE WEBSITE
4. COST-FREE RENEWAL RETREATS FOR GLOBAL WORKERS
5. MOMENTUM MAGAZINE SEEKS INPUT ON AFRICA
6. FORUM ON AZERBAIJANI PEOPLE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL, 2007
7. A HOOT OF A MISSIONS BOOK JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
8. LEGAL NEWS YOU CAN USE
9. CULTURE SHOCK RUSSIAN STYLE
10. SUPPORT-RAISING TRAINING BREAKTHROUGH
11. NEW BOOK ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST OFFERS EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT
12. THE BACKPAGE: AIMING FOR ONE THING, HITTING ANOTHER
13. CLOSING STUFF

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1. THANKFUL FOR OUR PARTNERS — This Christmas season, we here at Brigada Today are very thankful for our partners, those who are spurring us on to good works and keeping Brigada Today headed out the door. This past week, anonymous donors gave $25, $25, and $30. That $30 gift was from a worker in Russia who wrote, “We appreciate your service to the ‘Work’.” Another gave $100, and still another gave $500. That $500 gift came from the Dir. of “Commission to Every Nation,” who wrote, “You have been a source of great information over the years and we appreciate it very much. … I continue to recommend you to anyone looking for data and ideas pertaining to missions. Rich blessings to the entire team!” To learn more about Commission to Every Nation, browse to:

   http://www.cten.org

   In addition, Dial-abroad sent their Sept. and Oct. sponsorship, in view of those who “dialed abroad” during those months (thank you for talking!), a total of $93.75. If you’d like to learn more about their great deals for telecommunicating, just browse to:

   http://www.dial-abroad.org/brigada.htm

   Via PayPal, donors gave $50, $10, $25, $100, $100, $25, $25, $100, $100 and $10. All together, those gifts add up to $1198.75!!! To all of these helpers, we say a giant hats-off thank you!

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2. WILL YOU STAND IN THE GAP FOR BRIGADA? — A couple of editions ago, we dared Brigada Today participants to pray, in these last couple of weeks of 2006, that we could enlist a corps of Brigada underwriters to finish the course? We had $8045.99 toward our 2006 budget of $16,650 — so now we have $9244.74. Here’s the way it looks in the number of gifts we prayed for:

   1 to give 1000 — (Nobody has taken this dare yet) 5 to give 500 — 1 down, 4 to go 8 to give 250 — (Nobody has stepped up to the $250 plate yet) 10 to give 100 — 4 down, 6 to go 20 to give 50 — 3 down, 17 to go 50 to give 25 — 3 down, 46 to go

   Remember, if you’ve no money to give, no worries. That’s the beauty of Brigada. Whereas other services might grind to a halt if you stopped paying the bill, Brigada just keeps on going… because others step in to help. What you have to ask yourself is this: Through Brigada, have you ever gotten a lead or a resource or a product that you appreciated? If so, now’s your chance to step up to the plate, say thanks to the Lord, and help somebody else who can’t afford to give. There are several ways to give. You can click on “sponsor” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. (Team Expansion is a 501(c)3 incorporation so for USA citizens, your checks made out to Team Expansion are tax- deductible.) As always, be sure to let us know if you’d like us to promote any particular service or ministry, or if you’d prefer your gift be anonymous. We only have 3 editions after this one left in 2006. Yikes. We’ll have to average about $2500 per edition to reach our goal. Thanks for your prayers on this behalf!

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3. BRIGADA PARTICIPANTS SPIKE MOMENTUM MAGAZINE WEBSITE — The editor of Momentum Magazine wrote last week, a few hours after Brigada Today highlighted their new issue, ” Never let it be said people don’t read Brigada. In one day, some 600 people downloaded the State of Global Evangelization presentation! I’m impressed with the concern of Brigada readers for the unreached, and for the willingness of Brigada to consistently highlight them. I hope many more people will follow the Brigada model and be a voice for the voiceless.” Our response back to Justin, “May the Lord receive any of the praise… and may I just receive a challenge that only 600 downloaded that item.” Let’s keep ringing the bell until every last person on the planet has a valid opportunity to hear.

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4. COST-FREE RENEWAL RETREATS FOR GLOBAL WORKERS — Barnabas International announces that 7 six-day renewal retreats for global workers will be held in Michigan beginning in May, 2007. The focus is personal spiritual assessment in a low-key format, leaving loads of time open to participants. The retreats take place on a private 1400 acre family estate. They take adults only, 16 participants per retreat. 7 homes, fully equipped, on 1.5 miles of quiet and beautiful Lake Huron beach front. To learn more and register, visit

   www.barnabas.org/elimretreats

   or email for information to hstewart5(at)juno(dot)com The best part is — if I understand correctly — the retreats are free.

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5. MOMENTUM MAGAZINE SEEKS INPUT ON AFRICA — As we mentioned previously, the November/December issue of Momentum is online, featuring an in-depth presentation on the State of the Gospel developed by Jason Mandryk (editor, Operation World) and Justin Long (Assoc. Ed. of World Christian Encyclopedia). Find it here:

   http://www.momentum-mag.org

   The next issue – possibly the next several issues – will be focused on the unreached peoples of Africa. (After that they plan to tackle Asia, Europe, etc. in turn).

   If your ministry is focused on Africa (or some sub-region thereof), they would love to hear about it. In particular, they are looking for significant initiatives to highlight and for article submissions. Justin wrote us this past week, “Depending upon response we may either focus on the continent as a whole, or divide it into subregions (in which case the first will probably be West Africa). We look forward to e-mails from Brigada participants.” So send your stories and ideas to: editor(at)momentum-mag(dot)org

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6. FORUM ON AZERBAIJANI PEOPLE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL, 2007 — The North American Azerbaijani Network will host a forum on the Azerbaijani people April 18-21, 2007 in Chicago. The Azerbaijani people are 40 million strong, live predominately in Azerbaijan and Iran, are Muslim, with only 0.03% Christian. This forum will provide vital information for anyone interested in learning more about these gateway people. Opportunities will exist to (1) gain a better understanding of these people’s spiritual importance in the Middle Eastern, Turkic, Russian, and Arabic worlds, (2) hear of work efforts directly from those who have experience there, (3) interact with national and foreign workers, and (4) learn what opportunities exist to participate in sharing hope and help among these dear people. If interested, please send an email to azpartnership(at)galacticomm(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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7. A HOOT OF A MISSIONS BOOK JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS — “The Great Siberian Rail Adventure” is the hilariously heart-stopping story of the Harris family’s journey by car, ship, and rail across Russia. Come along and you’ll find a dragon, an axe-wielding conductor, a supersonic clothes washer, and a van with a death wish. Packed with cultural insights, your loved ones will love this funny book! Order by contacting Bill Harris at: <>. [As a means of preventing SPAM for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Copies are $10.00 per copy (plus shipping) or $8.00 per copy when you order two or more.

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8. LEGAL NEWS YOU CAN USE — Good news: The latest issue of the Nonprofit and Church Legal Trends Memorandum is now online. Just go to

   http://www.npchurchlaw.com

   for the issue. You’ll find info on new laws, regulations, and inflation adjustments which have recently taken effect or will on January 1, 2007, including the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the standard mileage rate, and the Exempt Organizations Implementing Guidelines for 2007. (Thanks to Jack, a long-time friend, for making the simplified level available to Brigada participants!)

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9. CULTURE SHOCK RUSSIAN STYLE — Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? “Peterburgers” is a humorously piled platter that’s culturally insightful and spiritually challenging. Treat yourself and your loved ones to funny adventures in Russia told with culture shock training for missionaries (and their supporters back home) in mind. They’ll love this! Order by contacting Bill Harris bill(at)billandrobinharris(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Copies are $10.00 per copy (plus shipping) or $8.00 per copy when you order two or more.

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10. SUPPORT-RAISING TRAINING BREAKTHROUGH –- Now you can receive effective, low cost training to raise your support in the convenience your own home. Raising support doesn’t have to be a terrifying ordeal and it doesn’t need to take two or three years to bring your support up to 100 percent. You can build the relational and communication skills that make raising your support a joy-filled ministry that blesses individuals and churches with greater vision for fulfilling their primary purpose for existence: being the expression of Christ to the nations. Jerry, at Kingdom Come Training, will send you a laptop and a webcam that is ready to plug and play. You will join a multipoint workshop with a small group of other missionaries. It works as if you are all together in the same room. You will need high speed internet access. The training goes for an hour and a half a day, four days a week for three weeks. KCT guarantees results. Single point training is available to groups of six to eight people at an even lower per-person cost. Give Jerry a call at (503) 314-7211. jerry(at)kingdomcometraining(dot)com

    http://www.kingdomcometraining.com

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11. NEW BOOK ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST OFFERS EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT — _Mondays in the Middle East: The Lighter Side of Arabian Nights_ by David A. Cross is a newly-published book by an American Midwesterner living in the Middle East. His short glimpses of ordinary life will educate and entertain while giving you a perspective you won’t find anywhere else making it ideal for cross-cultural training. As Russ Lunak, Professor Emeritus at Northwestern College, says in the book’s foreword, “By illustration from his experiences, Cross offers the reader effective coping mechanisms using laughter more readily than lecture.” _Mondays in the Middle East_ is available at online and local bookstores. (Bookstores may order from Spring Arbor Distributors and/or Ingram Book Company). Paperback ISBN 1-60034-652-9; hardcover ISBN 1- 60034-653-7

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12. THE BACKPAGE: AIMING FOR ONE THING, HITTING ANOTHER — How do goals work for you? Our team just spent a week reviewing 2006 and planning for 2007. We’ve been doing this sort of thing for years… but for some reason, this particular year it seemed to go exceptionally well. I’m not sure why, exactly. For what it’s worth, here’s the format we followed:

    *** Day 1, 9-noon: Report on how we did meeting last year’s goals. We gave 2′ to each team member (there are 35 or 40 of us in Int’l Services), plus reported some on departmental goals. Basically, we asked each team member to tell two significant goals he/she accomplished from the previous year’s Field Ministry Plan, then one significant goal that went undone. While the team member talked, we all listened *plus* we jotted a brief one- or two-line note to the person, listing one trait that regularly helped our team fulfill its objectives. (We collected and distributed those at the end, so as not to distract too much during the session.) I gave a frank yet hopeful talk, with a Powerpoint presentation, detailing some of the areas where we seemed to need some extra attention. I gave the group four “dares” (4 general principles that seemed critical to our effectiveness in 2007). I asked them to try to apply the dares in each of their respective sub-team planning sessions. We ended the meeting with lunch and we were done by 1pm.

    *** Days 2-7: Each sub-team conducted its own planning according to its own unique characteristics, setting its own schedule, meeting off-site or on-, short- or longer-term meetings, … it was totally flexible. (In each case, I had met with the respective department heads in Leadership Team meetings, to seek their input on how to structure things, but next year, we want to expand that dimension.) As the week progressed, members keyed their goals into a wiki (a web-based notebook of sorts) that everyone could see. Some of us changed our goals, once we saw the direction or pace others were taking.

    *** Day 8, 9-3pm: On this wrap-up day, we all met together again to share the results of the process. Department heads shared the big picture and, in many cases, individual team members broadened the base by explaining unique roles they hoped to play. Mid-way through the process, we ate a scrumptious lunch together. We ended the day with a full hour of prayer for our goals and for 2007. We especially asked that God would get any glory for what happens.

    *** Day 9, 5:15pm: We staged our annual Christmas dinner and party, played games, played music, sang, and just enjoyed the positive energy that had flowed out of the week.

    It seemed that, without exception, everyone gained perspective on what he or she contributed to 2006 . . . and we hope that, similarly, each team member has gained a sense of vision as to where we’re going in 2007. May God give each of us clear vision.

1. FREE BIBLE AND WEBBASED BIBLE STUDY TOOLS
2. CARRY GARRISON’S CHURCH-PLANTING BOOK ON YOUR PDA
3. STUDY RUSSIAN THIS WINTER/SPRING
4. GEAR UP AT ASIA PACIFIC INSTITUTE OF BUDDHIST STUDIES
5. STUDY RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT THEN SERVE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
6. PRAYING THROUGH THE ARABIAN PENINSULA NEEDS DESIGNER
7. PRAY FOR THE HERERO PEOPLE
8. MINISTRY COACHING TRAINING TO MULTIPLY YOUR IMPACT
9. THANKS TO THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE
10. STAND UP FOR BRIGADA TODAY’S FUTURE: DONATE TODAY
11. THE BACK PAGE: WIKI APPLICATIONS ARE HERE TO STAY
12. CLOSING STUFF

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1. FREE BIBLE AND WEBBASED BIBLE STUDY TOOLS — Bible.org

   http://www.bible.org

   is the home with over 3000 bible study articles, where you can download the NETBible with its over 60,000 footnotes. They’ve just announced the NeXtBible, a web based bible study tool set at

   http://www.nextbible.org

   These tools allow one to search the NET Bible and search dictionaries, view theGreek and Hebrew and see the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Cross-References for each verse. You can compare the NET Bible with other modern translations in “verse view”. They are working to provide access to these tools for free to any Christian web site. If you are interested email Brigada(at)bible(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address, please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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2. CARRY GARRISON’S CHURCH-PLANTING BOOK ON YOUR PDA — Thanks to Bob, of the IMB, who tipped us off that we can carry a PDA version of the Garrison’s Church Planting Movements Booklet, as well as some additional missions resources, at

   http://www.newwway.org/cafe.htm

   Both the PDF and a Word doc version of the CPM Booklet are available here:

   http://www.newwway.org/cpm/Book.htm

   (Thanks Bob!)

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3. STUDY RUSSIAN THIS WINTER/SPRING — Studying at the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures (ISLC) (formerly Russian Language Ministries) will give you a good head start in learning the needed language and culture. Their experienced staff tailors each course to your learning needs in an encouraging spiritual atmosphere with a focus on future ministry. Visit them at their Urbana booth (1203) if you are at the Urbana Conference. They’re now forming classes for their 16-week Spring course (Jan. 22- May 11). Browse to

   http://www.strategiclanguages.org

   or call US toll Free: 1-800-799-7976 or 1-803-333-9119. or email RLMoffice(at)juno(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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4. GEAR UP AT ASIA PACIFIC INSTITUTE OF BUDDHIST STUDIES — If you are interested in special training for ministering to people influenced by Buddhist worldviews, the Asia Pacific Institute of Buddhist Studies is offering 4 two-week modules at the campus of Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) in Baguio, Philippines, April 4-May 27, 2007. April 2-13: “Models of Hope for Church Planting in Buddhist Context”- April 16-27: “Communicating Christ in Folk Buddhist Cultures” April 30-May 11: “Ministry to Tibetan Buddhists”- May 13-24: “Missiology in the Buddhist World” Courses can be taken for graduate credit with APTS. Request an application form from Alan by emailing alan(dot)johnson(at)agmd(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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5. STUDY RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT THEN SERVE IN THE MIDDLE EAST — The first School Of Relief & Development (SWORD) will run in Jordan and Dubai in March 2008. A 2-year Field Assignment will follow, which will be spearheaded by the Olympic Outreach in Beijing July 2008. Teams will then disperse back to the Middle East and into their respective target countries. A team will remain in China. Would you be interested in this? For more info, browse to

   http://www.streams.mysite or email

   streams7(at)juno(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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6. PRAYING THROUGH THE ARABIAN PENINSULA NEEDS DESIGNER — PTAP needs a graphics designer who will help put together prayer materials (booklet, brochure, etc) for a third year of Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula (PTAP). Since first starting, this imitative has seen churches planted in the five additional countries of the Arabian Peninsula. Just send a church reference and something indicating your training/experience in the field to PTAP(at)srginc(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] If you’d like to receive a weekly update highlighting similar PTAP needs, send a blank email to PTAP-requestlistseverybodyorg with the subject “subscribe”.

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7. PRAY FOR THE HERERO PEOPLE — This people of central and eastern Namibia (in Africa) have all the right answers, but no relationship. In Otjomeburndja lives H. H. is a traditional Herero, dressed in a traditional, Victorian-style dress. She is also the typical example of empty Christianized tradition. She even has an “original, Martin Luther Bible.” She knows all the right answers, but sadly she can never remember a time when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. As the Herero translator says, “she knows the right answers, but like most Herero, she does not express having a relationship with Jesus.” Like many, she sees no need for Jesus, because she feels she is a Christian. Pray for H. Pray for the Herero people, an unreached people. Pray that workers will be led to the Herero homeland to share the Good News with these people. Pray for God to continue building prayer support for the Herero people. To adopt the Herero people for prayer for more information, please visit the website

   http://www.forgottenpeoples.info

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

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8. MINISTRY COACHING TRAINING TO MULTIPLY YOUR IMPACT — Don’t tell people what to do, help them to think better! Servant leadership requires new ways of communicating with those you work with. “Coaching skills are essential. The 60-hour Core Coaching Skills Certificate Program is the first of its kind. This professional program is for leaders who wish to gain coaching skills and take on a part-time or full-time coaching role in their ministry. The next course will be held in Singapore Feb. 26 – Mar. 2, 2007. For details go to:

   http://www.mcoaches.com

   or e-mail for an alternative web site with little Christian language keith(at)asiacoaches(dot)com [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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9. THANKS TO THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE — Thanks to the anonymous user from Centennial, CO who gave $50 to help launch Brigada into a new week! And thanks to the other anonymous user from the UAE who gave $100! We appreciate you!

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10. STAND UP FOR BRIGADA TODAY’S FUTURE: DONATE TODAY — Want to get on board and pass some fuel for the missions fire at Brigada? (We’d be eternally grateful!) Just click on “sponsor” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. 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. In any case, thanks for considering Brigada in your estate giving, your monthly church missions fund, and/or your own personal giving for this calendar year. (Nobody has ever put Brigada in their will to date, as far as we know. But we keep saying that because we think it would be cool if it ever happened. After all, you’ll be gone anyway. Will anyone notice getting 1% less of your estate if you prescribe that 1% to go to Brigada? :-) )

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11. THE BACK PAGE: WIKI APPLICATIONS ARE HERE TO STAY — Have you visited

    http://www.wikipedia.org

    yet? If not, I bet you will soon. Billing itself as “the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit,” wikipedia.org is only one of hundreds of new wiki applications springing up around the web. In all cases, the focus is simple. “Wiki” means “quick” in Hawaiian. It’s basically just a website that enables users to easily edit and update shared content. Well the whole process got a lot more interested just a couple of weeks ago when Google purchased wiki software maker “JotSpot.” What’s more, Microsoft is incorporating wiki-like features in Office 2007, and IBM is building a similar wiki product in a feature they’re preparing for 2007.

    So why are they so popular? They promote transparency in both reading and authoring. In addition, users get to pitch in together – and the outcome is something the whole organization can then enjoy.

    So how will wikis affect you and your mission or church? How ’bout setting up a wiki to explain your organization’s protocols? Or ask your training guys to start a wiki on “getting from here to there.” Maybe you could do a wiki on a major training component… like … learning a particular language or cross-cultural principles. You *might* even find a wiki that already exists… and maybe you could use it right out of the box!

    Either way, it’s a concept that’s here to stay. Check out some of the “free” software to run a wiki on your own web server. Examine:

    http://www.mediawiki.org

    http://www.twiki.org

    http://www.tikiwiki.org

    There are commercial products too… but why not check these free ones first, to find out if they’ll do the job.

    Next thing you know, we’ll be promoting dozens of wikis right here in Brigada! :-)

1. “PARTNERSHIPS THAT TRANSFORM” CONF: CDs/MP3s NOW AVAILABLE
2. LINKING LITERACY AND ORAL COMMUNICATION
3. SO BY NOW YOU MUST HAVE HEARD… CALEB PROJECT & ACMC WED
4. CHECK OUT THE ALPHA TEST OF THE “MONITOR”
5. THE RESULTS: WHICH CAMCORDER IS THE BEST?
6. MORE ON LATEST GUIDANCE ON TRAVELING/CONNECTING TO THE ‘NET
7. THE HERERO PEOPLE
8. GET PRE & MID FIELD RUSSIAN LANG. TRAINING THIS FALL/SPRING
9. MINISTRYHOME.ORG
10. FREE PAPERS ON RUSSIAN YOUTH MINISTRY
11. SPECIAL ARTICLES ON DISCIPLESHIP
12. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
13. THE BACKPAGE: LEARNING FROM THE HOMETOWN OF “HOOSIERS”
14. CLOSING STUFF

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1. “PARTNERSHIPS THAT TRANSFORM” CONF: CDs/MP3s NOW AVAILABLE — The 2006 COSIM conference, held June 12-14 at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton, Illinois, advanced the theology and practice of cross-cultural ministry partnerships. COSIM stands for Coalition on the Support of Indigenous Ministries. Speakers included: Dick Robinson: “Partnerships that transform our understanding of . . . mission, the gospel, and the world / Gary Edmonds: “From missions-TO . . . to missions-WITH” / “Faisal” — “Partnering with indigenous ministries for transformation: A non-Western perspective”. Dr. David Kasali’s address, “Will the African Church be ready?” was the high-point of the conference for many. Also, how-to workshops on: accountability — short-term mission trips for long-term transformation — assessing your cross-cultural partnerships — etc. Recordings of all sessions are now available as CD or MP3 download. Visit the COSIM web site:

   http://www.cosimnet.org

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2. LINKING LITERACY AND ORAL COMMUNICATION — Nearly 4 billion people cannot read. But what about the millions who are learning to read but continue to read too poorly to understand? There is a very simple way to help turn poor, struggling readers into good readers. It is the Talking Bible in that reader’s own language. The advent of the talking Bible now offers a wonderful new way to help poor readers become good readers. A poor reader with a talking Bible can open the printed Bible and follow the text while listening to the narration of that text in audio. The new solid state, digital Talking Bible will make it easy to select the exact passage in the printed text. Talking Bibles International says it will have its revolutionary, new solid-state, digital Talking Bible available by summer’s end. An exciting new era is dawning. For more information visit:

   http://www.talkingbibles.org or contact: info(at)talkingbibles(dot)org [As a means of preventing spam for our contributors, in the preceding email address(es), please replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

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3. SO BY NOW YOU MUST HAVE HEARD… CALEB PROJECT & ACMC WED — It’s not too late to send a wedding gift (joking). But seriously, Caleb Project and ACMC are merging. See the details at…

   http://www.calebproject.org/main.php/about_us/looking_to_the_future

   See links there for more information. We’re all on the edge of our seats to see how this will shake out in practical details.

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4. CHECK OUT THE ALPHA TEST OF THE “MONITOR” — This is a database of events, trends, analysis, statistics, photographs, reports, etc. that Justin Long, Senior Editor of Momentum, is maintaining to use to build each issue of Momentum Magazine. It is now a web-based database. Each entry has a single brief comment and a link to the website where the article is found. I’m liking this page a *lot*. You can check it out at:

   http://www.momentum-mag.org/monitor.htm

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5. THE RESULTS: WHICH CAMCORDER IS THE BEST? — [drum roll] OK, thanks too all those who gave input on the question, “Which camcorder is the best?” We’ve combed through the input, and here are some over all themes. First, as Ed pointed out, this is a market that moves fast, so it’s important to figure out your needs based on work process, the user’s technical capabilities, local servicing available, etc. He urges users to see the reviews at web sites such as (in no particular order):

   http://reviews.cnet.com/Camcorders/

   http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ **** This one in particular is great

   http://www.dvspot.com

   http://www.consumersearch.com/www/photo_and_video/ click on camcorders

   http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/camcorders/

   http://www.videomaker.com

   http://www.amazon.com

   Second, don’t assume you have to spend $3000 to get something that works for you. Bob, one of our good friends at Good News Productions (gnpi.org), recently looked at camcorders with a view toward high image quality, manual functions (for aperture, shutter, focus, white balance), ease of use for novices, external audio input, firewire port (for connection to computers), cost, and manufacture track record. Using these as our guide, we chose the Panasonic PV GS500, a 3 CCD DV tape camcorder for around $800. Interestingly, Brad, another Brigada participant, settled on a similar model, the GS-250, as his favorite.

   Bob pointed out that there are multiple options out there in terms of video recording formats (tape, disk, hard drive) and each has its own pros and cons, requiring the smart shopper to consider how and where the camcorder will be used. Also, some features that one camera user insists on having would intimidate others, as in manual controls versus total automation. Image quality ranges from small, single CCD (the image capture device) to 3 CCD models, multiple digital video formats, wide screen, high definition, and a host of other considerations in how different camcorders record the image. The bottom line is truly that you have to pay more for higher quality, so at some point the buyer has to set a limit and choose a camcorder that fits within the budget. The good news is that competition among manufacturers keeps the costs reasonable and the features constantly evolving into better bang for your buck.

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6. MORE ON LATEST GUIDANCE ON TRAVELING/CONNECTING TO THE ‘NET — We continue to feel good about using MS Outlook and a secure email account, or at least a secure webmail provider. (Thanks for giving your two cents on this, Justin.) Another Brigada participant, Todd, recently pointed to evidence that maybe Hotmail.com wasn’t so “country neutral” as was originally thought. (For example, he has personally experienced regionally targeted ads which seem country aware.) Also, don’t forget about using a web interface like Hushmail,

   http://www.hushmail.com

   which offers encryption built-in from the server… and you can install an Outlook plug-in that let’s you access your Hushmail messages via Outlook, so you can compose offline and save online minutes (which is probably going to be important if you’re connecting via a remote dial-up). Finally, whatever you use, be sure to try it out in advance. The worst time to be experimenting is when you’re on the road already, under the gun. If at all possible, try out these connections in advance.

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7. THE HERERO PEOPLE — Find these people in central and eastern Namibia in Africa. In the traditional Herero village, the village head is the link between the living members and dead ancestors of the family. He is responsible for keeping the holy fire burning at the main hut of the village. This fire symbolizes continuous contact with the deceased ancestors. In the event the fire should go out, it is a slight or insult to the ancestors and endangers the spiritual security of the offender as well as the other members of the family. If the village head should die, the living link between the village and ancestors is dead. What results is tremendous grief and mourning for long periods of time, until a new head is established. Pray for the Herero people of Namibia, that they may come to know the true intercessor for all people, Jesus Christ. Pray that they come to know the One who will never die and that they will no longer feel the grief that comes with lostness! To adopt the Herero people for prayer or for more information, click to…

   http://www.forgottenpeoples.info

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

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8. GET PRE & MID FIELD RUSSIAN LANG. TRAINING THIS FALL/SPRING — Studying at the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures (ISLC) (formerly Russian Language Ministries) will give you a good head start in learning the needed language and culture. Their experienced staff is called by God to equip you in the Russian language & cross-cultural skills you will need to be effective in ministry. Courses are tailored to your learning needs and offer an intensive and focused experience with, gradual effective immersion in the language, communicative learning methods & flexible duration for all programs. Their U.S. based courses are taught in an encouraging spiritual atmosphere with a focus on future ministry. Classes now forming for their 16 week fall course 2006 (Aug. 28- Dec. 15). Spring 2007 (Jan. 22 – May 11) US toll Free: 1-800-799-7976 or 1-803-333-9119. or click to

   http://www.russianlanguage.org

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

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9. MINISTRYHOME.ORG — The free online social network for ministry! MinistryHome allows you to promote your ministry, raise funds, build teams and network with like-minded individuals, all for free (Note that some packages are for sale there too… but the $15/mo. cost seems reasonable.) This has the potential to radically change the way missions teams are built and resourced. Joining the MinistryHome community only takes a few minutes. For more information, visit

   http://www.MinistryHome.org

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10. FREE PAPERS ON RUSSIAN YOUTH MINISTRY — Dr. Mark Harris has made available a set of seven papers based on the research he did a few years back among Russian young people. In addition, there are four papers to help you understand Russian Baptist churches, and a few other miscellaneous papers on ministry in Russia. These are free for the downloading at

    http://www.markharris.us

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11. SPECIAL ARTICLES ON DISCIPLESHIP — Here is a whole series of discipleship articles and training materials all available on the web! Some people think of discipleship only at its beginning stages. But that is only the start! The Flow maps out the progress of discipleship from the beginning right to the end: the beginner, the intermediate and the advanced. There are even articles on how this advanced stage connects to leadership training. Also please notice BFF’s special offer. Full-time Christian workers overseas, 4 from each country can get a free BFF CD 2.2 mailed to them. See the homepage for details. The CD has many of these materials in eBook form with lots of Powerpoints, maps and handouts. Printed material can be purchased. BFF has a liberal copy policy which enables a teacher to share the materials with the ones he serves. Learn more at

    http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net

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12. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS — Thanks to the folks at Reignbridge for their gift of $50. Don’t miss their “Kids Praying for Kids” DVD… Learn more at:

    http://www.reignbridge.com

    Want to join them? Just click on “sponsor” in the top menu (to use PayPal or a credit card), or if you prefer, send a check payable to Team Expansion to: Team Expansion (Brigada secretary), 11327 Jefferson Trace Blvd., Louisville, KY 40291. 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. In any case, thanks for considering Brigada in your estate giving, your monthly church missions fund, and/or your own personal giving for this calendar year.

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13. THE BACKPAGE: LEARNING FROM THE HOMETOWN OF “HOOSIERS” — You’ve probably seen the 1986 movie, “Hoosiers.” If not, it’s definitely worth the rental. Sites like ESPN and the American Film Institute frequently rave about it (#4 of the “Top 20 Sports Movies of All Time”, #13 on the list of the “100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time”). USA Today found it to be the best sports movie of all time. So over these next three weeks, I’d like to draw some lessons from my personal visit to the “hometown” of Hoosiers… the place where it actually happened. (You’ll actually get more out of these entries if you’ve seen the movie, so if you don’t mind, pick it up and review it again so the lessons will be fresh. Tune in next week, once you’ve done that, for more about my visit to Milan, Indiana, where the *real* Hoosiers story begins.