20040829 Brigada Today

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS — Thanks tons to our sponsors, because they literally make it possible for us to get this journal out the door and onto your screens. The first, who sent $25, prefers to remain completely anonymous, actually designed the PERL script that helps us automate the preparation of the web version of Brigada Today each week. By sending $25 to help provide for our Brigada secretary — this anonymous volunteer is really going beyond the call of duty! Thanks! Meanwhile, those users making calls via Dial-Abroad made possible a July donation of $133. (Thanks Dial-Abroad!) Another anonymous participant expanded giving by another $30, while yet another donor (the only one we have) used the “subscriber” paypal button to give $10 anonymously.

ONE USER’S OPINION: “HOW CAN WE TRUST FINDNOT?” — Last edition, we suggested an internet service that allows you to create a secure channel between your laptop and a particular server, resulting in an “invisible conduit” safe for surfing sensitive sites. The site, www.findnot.com, is anonymously- owned and managed. As a result, at least one Brigada reader asked how he would know whether or not the site itself is really safe. A second user reminded us to examine local laws aimed at preventing Virtual Private Networks. Either way, be sure to check it out for yourself. We’ve received nothing but good comments about it, but as always, you might decide otherwise.

DOUBLE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS IN RAISING FUNDS — Attend the People Raising Basic Coaches Clinic October 22-23. Move beyond the fear factor and raise more funds in half the time. Implement ten key habits for success. Network with other Christian leaders. Arm yourself with tools needed for effective fund raising. You can’t afford to miss this breakthrough 2-day conference. Register by September 22 and save $50. Ask for the $100 spouse discount. For more information or to register on-line go to http://www.peopleraising.com/conf_bas_oct2004.cfm or e-mail Bill(at)PeopleRaising(dot)com [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .].

GET YOUR MASTER OF ARTS — Liberty University welcomed it’s first 23 students in the Master of Arts in Communication Studies program. The program is 36 hours, including a thesis or project. Students may specialize in Media & Communication Studies, Organizational & Interpersonal Communication, Religious Communication Studies or Public Address. Speciality courses include Mediastrategy; Audience Analysis and Measurement; Communication and Change. For more information, visit http://www.liberty.edu/Academics/Graduate/index.cfm?PID=6048 or email cvkramer(at)liberty(dot)edu [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

BRIGADA PARTICIPANT OFFERS ACCESS TO GOOGLE’S MAIL BETA TEST — Google is beta-testing a mail service called Gmail that includes 1000MB free (1 gig) email storage. For the time you can only join if you are invited by somebody who is already using Gmail. Gmail is owned by Google, so if you want a pretty reliable 1000MB webmail to store any computer files, please contact Joshua at mdawit(at)gmail(dot)com [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]

LEARN TO ACCEPT CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTS AND LANGUAGE — Attend “CLASP” in Toronto, October 17-29, 2004. This two week course integrates the elements of COPE and PLANTS programs with a unique approach to culture adjustments through language learning. Exciting simulations, personal interviews, phonetic training, language learning projects and field experience provide preparation for effective intercultural ministry. For Christian workers serving cross-culturally for more than one year. Or take in the PLANTS (PILAT) course separately, also in Toronto, November 14-26, 2004. Based upon the best language learning principles available, this ten day program helps you identify your own personal learning style, understanding your strengths and weakness, overcome fear and inhibitions, as well as design a plan that both fits you and your situation. From the rich resources of Toronto, leaders can arrange for you to actually begin the language learning process on site in your own target language. You will leave equipped with more than enough natural and easily implemented language learning activities, projects, techniques, skills and strategies. For More Information call 905-640- 1621, or write info(at)missionprep(dot)ca [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] or register on-line by clicking to: http://www.missionprep.ca

HEALTH INSURANCE RATE INCREASES — Is your organization experiencing health insurance rate increases? If so, be sure to contact Insurance Services of America. They are a Christian organization that specializes in helping individuals and groups find affordable health insurance options. They can put together a “tailor-made” plan to fit your group’s needs. Their group plan allows for takeover of existing claims & conditions and will provide your people with quality medical insurance worldwide – and they won’t charge you more when your people are in the US on furlough! Check out some of their plans online at http://www.missionaryhealth.net , email them at health(at)missionaryhealth(dot)net, or call them at 1-800-647-4589 (1- 480-821-9052 outside of North America) [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .].

PAYPAL PROPOSES SETTLEMENT TO USERS — If you opened a PayPal account between October 1999 and January 2004, you may be entitled to a payment from a class action settlement. To know if you qualify for a settlement log onto the following site: http://www.settlement4onlinepayments.com/faq.php3 Or you can email Class Counsel paypalsettlement(at)settlement4onlinepayments(dot)com [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .] Or you may contact the Claims Administrator at the following address: Claims Administrator, In re PayPal Litigation, PO Box 9000 #6248, Merrick, NY 11566-9000 USA. (Thanks to the anonymous user contributing this item!)

LEARN A PRACTICAL SKILL FOR MISSIONS — Simplified dental care can open many doors to evangelism and relationship building among the unreached. No drills, injections, electricity, or sophisticated equipment are involved – only simple hand instruments, a compassionate heart, and two weeks of your time. Now you can bring greatly needed dental care to your community. Courses offered monthly in Texas. http://www.dentaltrainingformissions.com or email dentaltrainingformissions(at)yahoo(dot)com [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .].

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES – – Do you have a heart to help the hurting overseas? Do you have professional skills, such as in agriculture, alternate energy, business management or marketing? If so, you may be eligible to be sent as a “team member” of Aquaculture International. The organization is a participant in Volunteers for Prosperity, which was initiated by President Bush. Volunteer assignments will be through various organizations which receive funds from USAID and are usually for two or three weeks with all expenses paid. When going as a team member of Aquaculture International, each volunteer will be encouraged to supervise the construction of a simple, small-scale recirculation fish-vegetable production system at a nearby orphanage or other needy area. Technical support and basic materials will be provided. This will be in preparation for later construction of larger production operations which will provide a constant food supply and create jobs. For more information, email: aquaculturei(at)hotmail(dot)com [replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .]. Web: http://www.aquacultureinternational.org . Aquaculture International, Inc. honors Jesus Christ as the Head of the organization.

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