Brigada Today - 31 Aug 2001

Brigada Today
31 Aug 2001

News and Notes about Brigada, Your Gateway to Missions Networking!
On the WorldWide Web, browse http://www.brigada.org or http://www.eGroups.com/list/brigada-today
Brigada Today is "the missionary helper newsletter!"
Compiled by Doug Lucas <DLucas@teamexpansion.org>, Louisville, KY
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In this issue....

ANNOUNCING: THE 2001 OPERATION WORLD CD-ROM!
THIS IS MORE THAN "YOUR FATHER'S OPERATION WORLD"!
CARRY OPERATION WORLD WITHOUT THE PAPER
HOW PRAY-ERS CAN USE OPERATION WORLD ON CD-ROM
IF YOU LIKE STATISTICS
HOW MISSION MOBILIZERS CAN USE IT
IT'S A THING THAT GROWS AND GROWS AND GROWS!
WHAT ABOUT SECURITY?
WHAT IF YOU WANT THE REAL PRINTED VERSION?
CLOSING STUFF

ANNOUNCING: THE 2001 OPERATION WORLD CD-ROM!

You've heard about the new edition of Patrick Johnstone's incredible Operation World... well, the CD-ROM version created by GMI gives you an incredible view of the data... electronically! It contains the full (English language) text, as well as all maps, charts, and tables from the book; the huge Operation World research database (the same database Patrick and Jason used to create Operation World); the latest country profile information from the World Factbook; and related Web links for every country. The CD is designed as a sophisticated Web site, and runs on both Windows and Mac. It is available at the incredibly low price of $17.99 (plus shipping and tax) from GMI. More information is available on the Web at http://www.gmi.org/products/owcd.htm or contact Lorri info@gmi.org or by telephone: 719-531-3599 ext. 599 or by fax: 719-548-7459.

THIS IS MORE THAN "YOUR FATHER'S OPERATION WORLD"!

I remember the very first Operation World I saw... way back in 1981 or so, I believe, and wow was I bowled over by the research and the care that Patrick Johnstone had invested in the data. Well guess what -- that hasn't changed a bit. Sure... maybe there's more raw data in one of the big encyclopedic works on missions... but then... this one doesn't cost an arm and a leg, either. And what's more, I actually think there's more practical material here than there is in the big books anyway.

CARRY OPERATION WORLD WITHOUT THE PAPER

Now you don't have to carry around the big Operation World book any more! Just leave the CD in your laptop and go! Until now, my "default" CD (the one I leave in my laptop most of the time) has been Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2002. Not so anymore. Now the Encarta CD will travel in the CD carrier pouch in my briefcase. The CD slot in my laptop will now carry Op. World. Hands down.

HOW PRAY-ERS CAN USE OPERATION WORLD ON CD-ROM

Suppose you're a dedicated pray-er. When you get up each morning, just hit "Start|Programs|Operation World 2001". When the CD opens, it'll already be focused on the prayer request data for the particular day you open it! Click on the Summary to get the big picture, or get close-ups of the Geography, Peoples, Economy, Politics, Religion, and Challenges for Prayer. We're all familiar with the Op. World prayer approach... one country per day... but this CD makes it so much more useful -- and lightweight!

IF YOU LIKE STATISTICS

You're in luck. It's loaded! As mentioned above, you get the same database files that Patrick and company used to make the book! I mean... it's like having the international census information at your fingertips. Plus, I think they must have enclosed the entire CIA Factbook for each country too. So on your next trip to Michigan, take along a friend to drive . . . and you read CIA reference material for Portugal -- or whatever.

HOW MISSION MOBILIZERS CAN USE IT

It gets even more interesting if you're a missions mobilizer. Get this -- Patrick and the GMI folks have given you permission in advance to utilize these resources in your newsletter or website (within reason; you can't charge more than actual cost of production... and it's a limited use policy; read the details on the CD). Can you imagine? They've thrown the whole "let's make as much money as we can" thing out the window and shared their years of labor with the world! I love it! So you've got maps and charts, big and small -- plus links to the Operation World website!

IT'S A THING THAT GROWS AND GROWS AND GROWS!

Now the really interesting part. When GMI wrote the interface with the CD, they integrated the CD with the web site in an incredibly close fashion. (In fact, sometimes I forget which one I'm viewing!) And users can add links to the website interactively!!! (They point the user to the website in tons of places.) The authors also point the user to tons of other external sites too, including the site for the particular mission organization that is being described at the time. And using the web form, it's really easy to send in errata.

WHAT ABOUT SECURITY?

They've covered it. Rather than feature specifics, when talking about sensitive places, they use general principles and general examples rather than specific ones with known names or streets. And yet... every mission agency in the world must be listed in the directory.

WHAT IF YOU WANT THE REAL PRINTED VERSION?

No problem. You can even order it on the webpage for Operation World!!! Or get it at your local Christian bookstore. Otherwise, pick up a copy for $17.99 (672 pages, ISBN 1850783578) by calling (in the USA or via Net2Phone) 800-328-6109 or emailing cs@bethanyhouse.com. (As always, Brigada cannot recommend sending credit card information via email. Fax it or mail it, use PayPal or a secure webpage, but never email your credit card numbers.)

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"If you've been asked to lead, you've been asked to serve."
Brigada Home Page	Doug Lucas DLucas@teamexpansion.org	Phone: 502-297-0006	Brigada Today Index
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