In this issue…

  1. MISSIONS KNOWLEDGEBASE MOUNTS
  2. SHORT-TERM OPPS IN EUROPE, ASIA AND BEYOND!
  3. HEALTH INSURANCE RATE INCREASES
  4. NEW BOOK ON MISSIONARY MENTAL HEALTH
  5. WEB SITE TO SUPPORT MISSIONARIES ON FURLOUGH
  6. LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH
  7. CIU COURSE ON ISLAM IN BUDAPEST
  8. BRIGADA PARTICIPANTS RESPOND! (BIBLE STUDY BRINGS 60 RESPONSES)
  9. TESOL SCHOOL IN HAWAII
  10. CLOSING STUFF

  1. MISSIONS KNOWLEDGEBASE MOUNTS — I know you’ve probably heard of Microsoft’s “MSN” service… complete with the big knowledge base. But have you heard of “NSM”? The NSM KnowledgeBase, located at http://www.strategicnetwork.org , now has over 10,000 articles in its collection! If it had been around in 1620, I figure the pilgrims would have included it in their Thanksgiving Day prayers! :-)

  2. SHORT-TERM OPPS IN EUROPE, ASIA AND BEYOND! — Looking for a place to serve short-term? Mission to Unreached Peoples offers a host of short-term opportunities to Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Mozambique, Poland, Russia and Turkey. Each country has a different ministry need so please call for details. Costs of trips range from $1900-2700. Please call Jeff K. at Mission to Unreached Peoples at 1-888-847-6950, email at or go to http://www.mup.org and click on short-term for more information. </mupinfo@mup.org>

  3. HEALTH INSURANCE RATE INCREASES — Are you or your organization experiencing rate increases on your health insurance? 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 have over 20 different plans for both short and long term needs, so they “shop” for the missionary to find the best options for that particular missionary’s needs. Check out some of their plans online at http://www.missionaryhealth.com , email them at <isahealth@isa.phxcoxmail.com> or call them at 1-800-647-4589 (1-480- 821-9052 outside of North America). If you don’t want to use the “missionary” site you may get the same information online at http://www.worldwidemedical.com . </isahealth@isa.phxcoxmail.com>

  4. NEW BOOK ON MISSIONARY MENTAL HEALTH — Here’s a new book on mental health in missionaries, edited by Dr. John R. Powell and Joyce M. Bowers and available December 1, 2002. “Enhancing Missionary Vitality: Mental Health Professions Serving Global Mission” is a compilation of research, theological insights, models, and case studies gleaned from active participants from over two decades of Mental Health and Missions conferences. It addresses some of the most perplexing challenges faced by the international missions community from the unique perspective of Christian mental health professionals. It deals with the current context of mental health and missions, characteristics of cross- cultural service which impact mental health, common and less common problems for which mental health professionals are consulted, innovative models for providing care, ethics and professional standards, and research. To order call 800-896-3710 or 719-487-0111, write to Mission Training International at PO Box 1220, Palmer Lake, CO 80133, or email <resources@mti.org>. Be sure to check out the web site at http://www.mti.org . resources@mti.org>

  5. WEB SITE TO SUPPORT MISSIONARIES ON FURLOUGH — Do you have extra things lying around the house that you don’t need anymore, or can afford to lend out for a while? Or are you a missionary at home on furlough looking to get some short-term needs met? Then the Missionary Exchange http://www.missionaryexchange.org might be just right for you! Sign up to support the physical needs of missionaries on furlough! Questions or comments? Contact . </webmaster@missionaryexchange.org>

  6. LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH — Do you know people who want to learn to speak and understand the English language? An ESL class will be offered in Lebanon, PA beginning March 31, 2002 and ending June 20, 2003. Aspects of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation will be taught to enable the student to acquire communicative competence. The cost is $2250 with a non-refundable $35 registration fee. For more information or to register contact . </davidbbauman@cs.com>

  7. CIU COURSE ON ISLAM IN BUDAPEST — January 13 – 20, 2003, Columbia International University is offering this course taught by Dr. Ray Tallman. If you are interested in earning a Master’s Degree in Europe or in supplementing your study and professional development with grad level courses, CIU is offering a degree program that may be completed by attending 2-week intensive courses in Budapest and Germany. Write <ciubudapest@hotmail.com> for more information. 2003 courses include: Intro to Islam, January 13-20; Cultural Anthropology, March 31- April 11; Folk Religion, September 22-October 3. </ciubudapest@hotmail.com>

  8. BRIGADA PARTICIPANTS RESPOND! (BIBLE STUDY BRINGS 60 RESPONSES) — Janice reports that over 60 people responded within the first two weeks asking for information about her Bible study guide. Go Brigada participants!

  9. TESOL SCHOOL IN HAWAII — Get training in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii, starting Feb. 17 – Mar. 28th, 2003. This is a four week academic curriculum with a two week practicum following immediately. For more information & application forms contact . admissions@uofnkona.edu>