19981206 Brigada Today

Now with 7930 weekly participants!
News and Notes about Brigada, Your Gateway to Missions Networking!
On the WorldWide Web, browse https://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
[Pass this issue to a friend! To subscribe, see instructions at end.]

In this issue….

MARGIE’S GOT SOME MAILERS

Thanks to Margie from Calcutta for the great job she did compiling prospective mailers for those desiring remailers within the USA. Three individuals volunteered to serve as US Postal service mailers from email messages. Just contact one of them with your particular situation & needs to see which best suits you for computer compatibility, standards, styles, etc. They would provide ink, paper, envelope, and postage and would print out the message in an acceptable format and post in US Mail. Charges range from postage only to 70 cents per letter. Please be sure to give the full address and if possible, the 5+4 zip code. Here are the willing workers and their email addresses: Larry Wilson LWilson@XC.Org (50-60 cents per letter, negotiable); Noel Hyde NoelHyde@xc.org (70 cents per letter, produced by HP color inkjet); Bill Behrmann mpppub@connecti.com (postage charges only — can also do newsletters); Gordon Sheill gsheill@concentric.net (commercial service; write for full information). If you’re faxing (instead of using postal mail), you can broadcast your emails via email-to-fax gateways. Start with the FREE service at http://www.tpc.int and go from there. Thanks tons Margie. Great job! And three cheers to these volunteers!!!

DECEMBER 1998 ADVANCE READY FOR A GOOD READ!

The Dec. Advance is up and running!

Here’s the summary; get the full text by sending the above email.

THE GOSPEL FOR EVERY PEOPLE — The Manchu of northeastern China; the Lak of southern Dagestan; the Arabs of Tunisia; dozens killed in Europe and central and northern Asia; the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip and West Bank; Santeria in the United States

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH — pastor in Sri Lanka, murdered ; Christians murdered in Pakistan; militia slaughters group at church in Congo; members of Messianic Jewish congregation attacked in Israel; house church leaders arrested in China

SPIRITUAL FORCES OF DARKNESS — Churches, mosques burned in Indonesia; Jack Kevorkian charged with murder; scientists grow stem cells from fertilized eggs; article shows how birth control pills work as abortion agent

REJOICE! — Belarusian bishop freed from prison; 200,000 churches in 130 countries pray for persecuted believers; Ethiopian missionaries share the gospel in India; new believer in South Africa falsely accused, vindicated; 190 churches started in Russia through “Superbook” television series; 56% of Americans believe abortion is wrong; surgeons correct spina bifida in the womb; “Los Angeles Times” refuses ads from adult clubs

NETWORKING — Interceding for Muslims during Ramadan; e-mail network helps with hurricane relief in Honduras; prayer guide for Turkic groups on the Silk Road; resources for children’s mission education; new book introduces children to Indonesia; a tool box of proven principles to build friendships with Muslims; new music video helps students understand call to missions; “World Christian Magazine”; prayer guide for the peoples of Vietnam

TIBET PRAYER CALENDAR READY

Caleb Project is pleased to announce the “1999 Pray for Tibet” calendar which is now available at our web site. Beginning January, 1999 the page will automatically show that day’s prayer request together with the current month and one of twelve fabulous photographs. Please pass this announcement to others who would like to pray for Tibetans. The Calendar is at: http://www.calebproject.org/tibcal/tibcal.cgi

WORLD MANDATE 99 WILL COMMAND GREAT ATTENTION

Check out the World Mandate 99 conference hosted by Highland Baptist Church, Waco, TX January 22-24, 1999. Mandate is a student missions conference that the Highland College department has been hosting for the last ten years. This year’s group includes Floyd McClung from YWAM and Mike Bickle from Kansas City. Jeff Searles from the Vineyard will be leading worship. You can get more information over the web at http://www.highlandbc.org or by e-mailing for a brochure to ruth-reese@highlandbc.com.

TENTMAKERS TO MEET

The Tentmakers International Exchange Congress Organizer, gcgroup@iafrica.com announced that if you plan to attend, you must get your registration in by Dec 30th to received the early bird discount. He wrote, “Why the 3rd Congress? Its been 10 years since the Lausanne II International Congress on World Evangelization in Manila and the inception of TIE at that historical event. Much has taken place and for many of us the “courses of action” in the “Statement on Tentmaking” became a reality, but for others it is still a dream. This Congress will affirm what the Lord has allowed us to learn and contribute over the 10 years. Others need resources and may want to become part of this network to contribute to the work taking place. This Congress is an opportunity for contributing and learning as the “sending” and “receiving” nations come together.”

SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS BOOK-GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE MISSIONARY?

Ian says you should check out the “book-bot” price checker at http://www.acses.com . It reportedly checks simultaneously on about 40 or so “online bookstores.” So… once you have your book picked out, give it a try! Thanks Ian!

PATTANI MALAY PRAYER GUIDE DURING RAMADAN

If you would like to receive a 30 day Prayer Guide specifically for the Pattani Malay of Southern Thailand during Ramadan (which starts Dec. 20th), check out this guide which was written by team members from the field! You can receive it either as one file to share with others (about 130 kb) or you can receive a daily electronic version via email. Each day will be less than one screen’s worth of information to guide you through your time of prayer. Let Don know which one is best for you and he will get it to you. If your church has adopted the Pattani Malay this would be a great resource. Contact him at drdavis@xc.org.

ANOTHER WAY TO COVER UP NETZERO ADS

Still bothered by NetZero ads distracting you in the corner of the screen? Browse http://www.zdnet.com/swlib/ for “Iceware On Top,” a free utility that will cover up particular locations on the screen. Thanks Carey!

WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE STAT-SPOT?

If you have an inside line on where to fine great mission stats – especially those dealing with reaching the youth of the world today – Tom & Joy Harriger 74114.1120@compuserve.com would like to know! They’re particularly searching for summary statements about how much of the world is under the age of 21 or how much of the world’s youth are believers. They’ll collect the stats and, in a couple of weeks, send a report in to us here for all the read.

PRAYER CALENDARS FOR CHINA

Here’s a source for full-color, informative wall calendars called “The 1999 Intercessors for China” Prayer Calendars. For info. on bulk orders or brainstorming about large distributions, contact Dave at eastasia@telebyte.net. See a sample on the web at http://www.ccci.org/china . To order, Call Integrated Resources at 1-800-729-4351, or write Dave at eastasia@telebyte.net and ask for item 7707e. FYI, this calendar was developed to help you focus on the people in 40 Gateway Cities in China. It is intended to help Christians pray strategically, comprehensively and specifically for the people and country of China. The price is $3.49 + s/h per individual calendar … but they are flexible on pricing if you can help them with distribution!

AGENCIES FOR INDEPENDENT MISSIONARIES?

Kurt KWerthmull@aol.com wrote to ask, “I have volunteered at and continue to be associated with a Christian orphanage in the Middle East. Volunteers are needed there, but it is often difficult to recruit because the orphanage can screen volunteers but has no means of collecting and receipting financial support for them. Traditional mission organizations understandably require people to go through their application process, become an official missionary for them, and be placed in assignments as directed by the organization. My question is this: does anyone have a list of reputable mission organizations that are willing to organize/ channel/ receipt/ administer support for people independently participating in overseas ministry?” Sounds like he’s looking for more of an administrative service . . . just handling funds and all. Anybody have leads? If so, send them to him directly and he’ll compile the list and report back to us here at Brigada in 10 days or so.

FOR THE BOOKWORMS AMONG US – BUILDING MULTICULTURAL TEAMS

One reader wrote recently to “highly recommend Lianne Roembke’s new book, “Building Multicultural Teams”. She is also involved in giving training in this and related areas. Her email is: Lroembke@aol.com. Try the book at William Carey Library: 1-800-MISSION in the USA or via Net-2-Phone . . .

HELP US GLOBALIZE

We keep trying to focus on the international audience reading Brigada Today, but inevitably, we slip up and stumble! Please forgive us when we make even the slightest error that offends any of our dear brothers and sisters reading from across the globe outside North America. In addition, maybe you can help us! If you choose to suggest an item to Brigada Today, please be sure to remember the nature of our audience – zillions of people outside the USA – and the West. When you offer or cite a resource, be sure to keep that audience in mind and be creative as to how to reach them. For example, something as simple as a toll-free number can seem offensive to those outside the USA – since it’s only toll-free for those in the USA. So in addition to the toll-free number, always offer a web page or fax number as an alternative. Thanks for helping us become more sensitive to the international nature of the Brigada family… and once again, thanks for your patience!

CHRISTMAS WISH FROM THE BRIGADA FAMILY

Are you pining away, hoping to find just the right words to wish that special someone a merry Christmas? Well… if he or she is from one of the following 33 languages, maybe you’re in luck!

Thanks to Karen for sleuthing these out! Following are approximate translations for “MERRY CHRISTMAS” or “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” IN OVER 33 LANGUAGES!:

Afrikaans	‘n Geseende Kersfees en ‘n voorspoedige Nuwejaar
Afrikander	Een Plesierige Kerfees
Albanian	Gezuar Krishtlindje
Arabic	I’D MIILAD SAID OUA SANA SAIDA
Armenian	Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri	Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Basque	Zorionstsu Eguberri. Zoriontsu Urte Berri On
Bengali	Bodo Din Shubh Lamona
Bohemian	Vesele Vanoce
Breton	Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian	Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Celtic	Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Chinese
(Mandarin)	Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
(Catonese)	Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun
(Hong Kong)	Kung Ho Hsin Hsi. Ching Chi Shen Tan
Cornish	Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Cree	Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian	Sretan Bozic
Czech	Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish	Gladelig Jul
Dutch	Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
English	Merry Christmas
Esperanto	Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian	Roomsaid Joulu Puhi
Farsi	Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish	Hyvaa joulua
French	Joyeux Noel
Frisian	Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
German	Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek	Kala Christouyenna!
Hawaiian	Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew	Mo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi	Bada Din Mubarak Ho
Hungarian	Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic	Gledileg Jol
Indonesian	Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi	Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish	Nollaig Shona Dhuit
Italian	Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese	Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Kala	Khristougena kai Eftikhes to Neon Etos
Korean	Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latvian	Priecigus Ziemas Svetkus un Laimigu Jauno Gadu
Lettish	Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian	Linksmu Kaledu
Manx	Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori	Meri Kirihimete
Marathi	Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo	Merry Keshmish
Northern Sotho	Matlhatse le matlhogonolo mo ngwageng o moswa.
Norwegian	God Jul Og Godt Nytt Aar
Pennsylvania German	En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Papiamento	Bon Pasku i Felis Anja Nobo
Pig Latin	Errymay ristmaskay nday appyhay ewnay earyay
Polish	Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Portuguese	Feliz Natal
Rapa-Nui	Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Romanian	Craciun Fericit
Russian	Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim Godom
Serbian	Hristos se rodi
Slovakian	Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Samoan	La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scottish	Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur
Serbian	Hristos se rodi!
Singhalese	Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak	Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene	Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto
Spanish	Feliz Navidad!
Swedish	God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt Ar
Tagalog	Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tamil	Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Thai	Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish	Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian	Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Urdu	Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese	Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Waray	Maupay nga Pasko ngan Mainuswagon nga Bag-o nga Tu-ig
Welsh	Nadolig Llawen
Zulu	Nginifisela inhlanhla ne mpumelelo e nyakeni.

In addition, here’s a piece of artwork from Mark . . . with best wishes from him and all of us at Brigada Today (like we’ve got this great big staff! )

                                       X
                                     XXX
                                   XXXXX
                                  XXXXXXX
                                 XXXXXXXXX
                               "BOAS FESTAS"
                               "JOYEUX  NOEL"
                              "VESELE VANOCE"
                             "MELE KALIKIMAKA"
                            "NODLAG SONA DHUIT"
                           "BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA"
                                 "GOD  JUL"
                                "BUON  ANNO"
                               "FELIZ  NATAL"
                              "FELIZ NAVIDAD"
                             "MERRY CHRISTMAS"
                            "KALA CHRISTOUGENA"
                           "VROLIJK  KERSTFEEST"
                          "FROHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN"
                         "BUON  NATALE-GODT NYTAR"
                        "HUAN YING SHENG TAN CHIEH"
                       "WESOLYCH SWIAT-SRETAN BOZIC"
                      "MOADIM LESIMHA-LINKSMU KALEDU"
                     "HAUSKAA JOULUA-AID SAID MOUBARK"
                          "'N  PRETTIG  KERSTMIS"
                         "ONNZLLISTA UUTTA VUOTTA"
                        "Z ROZHDESTYOM  KHRYSTOVYM"
                       "NADOLIG LLAWEN-GOTT NYTTSAR"
                      "FELIC NADAL-GOJAN KRISTNASKON"
                     "S  NOVYM  GODOM-FELIZ ANO NUEVO"
                    "GLEDILEG JOL-NOELINIZ KUTLU OLSUM"
                   "EEN GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR-SRETAN BOSIC"
                  "KRIHSTLINDJA GEZUAR-KALA CHRISTOUGENA"
                 "SELAMAT HARI NATAL - LAHNINGU NAJU METU"
                      "SARBATORI FERICITE-BUON  ANNO"
                     "ZORIONEKO GABON-HRISTOS SE RODI"
                    "BOLDOG KARACSONNY-VESELE  VIANOCE "
                   "MERRY CHRISTMAS  - -  HAPPY NEW YEAR"
                  "ROOMSAID JOULU PUHI -KUNG HO SHENG TEN"
                 "FELICES PASUAS-EIN GLUCKICHES    NEWJAHR"
                "PRIECIGUS ZIEMAN SVETKUS  SARBATORI VESLLE"
               "BONNE ANNEBLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDADRFELIZ    NATAL"
                                   XXXXX
                                   XXXXX
                                   XXXXX
                               XXXXXXXXXXXXX

TO SUBSCRIBE — To subscribe to BRIGADA TODAY, send email to brigada-today-subscribe@egroups.com.

TO UNSUBSCRIBE — Send email to brigada-today-unsubscribe@egroups.com. (Subject and text are ignored.)
IF IT DOESN’T WORK — Write Don & Judy, our Customer Services Managers at help@brigada.org. 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-subscribe@egroups.com>.”
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 help@brigada.org.

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 DLucas@teamexpansion.org.
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, jhanna@cproject.com
Brigada Website: Bob Mayhew, WebServant@brigada.org
Brigada Customer Service Manager: help@brigada.org
Brigada Coordinator: Doug Lucas, Team Expansion & Brigada, DLucas@teamexpansion.org
and many other occasional contributors too numerous to mention!: But thanks for working together! That’s the dream of Brigada!