1) A DMM From One Young Man to 100 New Groups in Two Years (in Kansas!)
By now, we’ve all heard how hard it is to launch disciple-making movements (DMMs) in North America. That’s why, when we see glimmers of hope on the horizon, we celebrate what God is doing all the more. MultiplyUs is an ongoing series of online events designed to “bubble up” instances that should serve to encourage us not to give up. This Saturday, April 6, 10am to noon ET, MoreDisciples.com and 24:14 is partnering to present “MultiplyUs 13.” This online conference will feature a young movement spawning from Kansas City that has already mushroomed to include 100+ new groups in less than 2 years! Sign up at https://www.MultiplyUs.com or https://MoreDisciples.com/MultiplyUs. After the initial interviews, those who participate ‘live’ will have the chance to interact in breakout rooms with members of all ages from the actual movement. (Even if you can’t attend live, those who sign up for the event will at least receive a link to watch the initial interviews.) MultiplyUs 13 will be co-hosted by Doug Lucas (Co-Editor of Brigada and President of Team Expansion) and Shawn Walden (Evangelism Pastor at Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch [in Greater Los Angeles], CA). read more…
2) An Intro to Mission for Small Groups
Come and See is a book written to introduce Christians to God’s mission in scripture and history. Accessible and winsome, it is designed for small groups at churches and on campuses, and includes a free PDF study guide at https://www.unionpublishing.org/product/come-and-see-a-history-and-theology-of-mission/. Help mobilize your people to join God’s mission in the world. read more…
3) Children’s Books for the Unreached
Are you a Writer or an Artist? And would you like to reach Unreached Children through your skills? Join the online course: “CBU – Children’s Books for the Unreached!” Learn how to write and/or illustrate culturally relevant, Biblically based Children’s Storybooks to reach Unreached Children. All information and enrolment is found here: http://createseeds.org/training. read more…
4) Getting Up-To-Date Travelers’ Information
For Brigada participants in the Northern Hemisphere, springtime is finally coming — and that might mean new travel for you. So the question arises… How will you get the best and most up-to-date information for the overseas locations you’ll be visiting? There are lots of options. We’ll just list one for starters. For travelers from the USA, you can check in at https://step.state.gov/. The STEP program is set up just for you! You’ll receive alert emails on the country or countries you specify… AND… if you enter the details of your trip, if things go WAY south, the US government will seek to contact you to help with evacuation. Plus – there are all KINDS of country profiles and updates. Where do *you* get great information for traveling internationally? What’s your favorite go-to source? Just click comment below and fill us in on your faves. read more…
5) New Report: Risk and Short-Term Missions
Missio Nexus and Brotherhood Mutual have teamed up once again to conduct a new study on Risk and Short-term Missions. Their study engaged over 250 churches and 150 mission agencies, focusing on the challenges, strategies, and best practices surrounding risk management in short-term missions. From assessing potential hazards to implementing effective safety protocols, this webinar will provide a holistic perspective essential for mission leaders, volunteers, and stakeholders alike. Register at https://missionexus.org/event/results-of-the-study-on-risk-in-short-term-missions/. This event is free both for Missio Nexus members and non-members. (Thanks Missio Nexus!!!) read more…
6) From the Great Hobby Department: Try Merlin Bird App
Ok… so this is not strictly about missions or cross-cultural work, but… we know that Brigada participants are some of the most traveled people in the world. As you’ve traveled, have you ever wished you knew, “What kind of bird makes that sound,” or “What kind of bird is that, Gladys?” Well guess what: Now you can know. This free app from Cornell University is the single most amazing smartphone app we’ve ever seen. It can literally listen to the birds on your back porch and identify them all individually. So the idea is to appreciate all of creation — including our fine-feathered friends. Check it out at https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/. It can identify birds by the sounds they make, or by a photo you’ve taken, or simply by the way you describe the bird! Keep a “life list!” We showed it to our VP of Personnel here at Team Expansion and, within 3 days, she had tracked 25 different species all from her back deck! Try it! read more…
7) What If Your Whole Life Were a Missions Trip? (video by Platt)
What if you lived your entire life as if it were one big mission trip for Christ’s sake? Platt challenges you to do just that in this video from Radical: https://youtu.be/LT4S0D6K4-w?si=fYVSubxonRoHdtrC. Worth the watch. read more…
8) Need a Virtual PO Box?
For those who need a PO Box in the USA, the folks at PostNet.com would love to receive, open, scan, then forward digital copies of your mail to you. For a fairly low monthly price, you can set up what amounts to a virtual mailbox – and then live anywhere in the world, yet still have a USA-based PO Box. Learn more at https://www.postnet.com/virtual-mail/. read more…
9) We’re Grateful for…
…the $50 recurring gift from Mission Network, the people with big hearts for the unreached. God bless you! Want to stand with Mission Network in expanding the reach of Brigada? If so, just browse to https://brigada.org/empower-brigada and click Donate. God bless you!
10) Need to Send SnailMail to the USA from Overseas?
Would you like to send a letter or postcard to someone living in the USA — even though you’re living overseas? And would you like to avoid the cost (and delay) of overseas mail? There are several services like this, all with various pricing plans and arrangements. One such vendor is MailForm.io. They price by the piece. Using their service, you can send one page to one recipient, or the same page to hundreds (and take advantage of bulk pricing). See their pricing at https://www.mailform.io/pricing-calculator.html. Postable takes a different slant… with their zillions of environmentally-friendly cards (templates — or design your own) and artsy-looking formats. I guess if you factored in your trip to the Hallmark Store, along with the cost of the card and the stamp, it’s really not *too* different — if you’re sending cards. Learn more about their service at https://www.postable.com/about. Plan on spending $3 to $5 to get a card out the door and into a mailbox, depending on the options. For many people, it’s … just… easier. Of course, email is the easiest. haha Have you used other options for digital-to-snailmail connections? Which is YOUR favorite? And thanks in advance for your input! read more…
Recent Comments