December
The Lion, the Witch & the Airport
This month, the film 'Narnia' is hitting cinemas across the world. We all hope and pray that the underlying story of Christ from CS Lewis's novel comes through clearly for the many who will attend. For many missionaries, its the airport not a wardrobe that takes you from your reality to a new mystical land of wonder (stay with me ... the link is coming!). That transition from a familiar reality to a new, strange place is so important and the more you can prepare for it, the better equipped you will be. One of OSCAR's aims is to 'smooth the way' for you by providing information, advice and resources. This isn't just for your preparation, but all the way through your mission experience ... there's even information about the airports themselves. Don't leave home without us!
Come Live, Die
This month our guest writer is Norman J.P., Chief Executive of Elijah Company. Norm gives us a taste of what Elijah Company produce in their monthly Missionary Mentorship Network email. The aim of this network is to 'encourage and instruct' those involved in mission and, as a recipient, I've appreciated these excellent articles since the service began early this year. The article featured is a shortened version of the one sent out to missionaries in the network in November. Subscription details appear at the bottom of the article.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/articles/norman.htm
Christmas Links Online
In previous years we've put together some Christmas links, resources and alternative gift websites for OSCAR users. This year, the UK Evangelical Alliance has put together an excellent page of Christmas resources under the unusual title 'Goats & Tracts'. As well as a list of sites offering alternative Christmas gifts, there are Christmas resources for evangelism, children and church services.
For more info, see www.eauk.org/contentmanager/Content/Information/christmas2005resources.cfm
Christian e-Books
If you like to settle down over the Christmas break with a good book but have limited choice at your disposal, consider downloading and reading a Christian e-book. Several sites now provide a choice of Christian books to download, either free of charge or for a small cost.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral/onthefield/#Sermons
Learn to Teach English
International Training Network are re-launching their work of providing teacher training in TEFL/TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Face to face courses will begin in Bournemouth in January 2006 and online courses will commence later in the year. The courses are very practically orientated, with a Christian focus, and will equip both those who wish to gain in-depth skills and an internationally recognised qualification, and those who wish to be equipped for a less demanding English teaching role such as would be required when working on an evangelistic camp or running a conversation class. Applications are now being accepted for face-to-face courses.
For more info, see www.itnuk.com
November
12 Step Support Strategy
The need to raise one's own support has often filled many a prospective mission worker with dread. The good news is it needn't be this way. This month's guest writer is Bill Dillon, author of the book 'People Raising'. Bill shares with us a few key thoughts from his experience based around a 12 Step Support Strategy. All with the aim of taking the dread out of support raising.
To read Bill's article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/articles/dillon.htm
I think God wants me to be a missionary
This summer saw the publication of the latest book from mission author Neal Pirolo. Neal has a knack of hitting the 'nail on the head' when it comes to issues that effect those involved in mission. This latest book, entitled 'I think God wants me to be a missionary' tackles many issues that people need to consider and work through before they leave for the mission field.
The book is in an easy-to-read style dialogue based around four fictional characters who, between them, face the breadth of issues that just about all prospective mission workers face. The book is currently only published in the USA, but copies are available in the UK exclusively through OSCAR.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/meamissionary.htm
E-newsletters
Brigada is a US based service that has been inspiring and resourcing global mission workers for over 10 years now. The weekly Brigada Today email journal provides snippets of information on practical mission related issues. Occasionally, Brigada readers compile papers on various topics and there's an excellent one on writing email prayer & newsletters. If you have never written an email prayer-letter, or are struggling with how to put your existing news communications through the Internet, this paper will give you some great practical advice. For more info, see www.brigada.org/articles/e-prayer_letters.html
Finding Strength for the Journey
This is the title of a series of 30 studies by Janice Lemke. These studies explore topics such as perseverance in hardship, dealing with depression, handling conflict, and benefit from trials. They are designed to provide encouragement for anyone involved in mission work. Until recently these studies were only available from the US, but now you can order them in the UK exclusively through OSCAR. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/findingstrength.htm
You know you're an MK when ...
Missionary Kids (MKs) or Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are a special group of people. When adults struggle to cope with cross-cultural living, sometimes the children do too. Often, though, the children adapt much quicker and join this special group of people who grow up between cultures. If you're not sure whether you're part of this group or not ... take a look at this extensive list and see how many of these traits apply to you (as a US based list, some may not be relevant). You can even buy
a book based on this topic. For more info, see www.members.kconline.com/kerr/mk.htm
October
World View Workshop
'World view' is all about how we view the 'big' questions of life. Knowing people's world view is a fundamental part of cross cultural mission ... and you can't understand someone else's world view if you don't know your own! Southampton University Christian Union has a simple, 6 question World View quiz to help you with discovering your own world view. Find out what you really believe about life!
For more info, see www.soton.ac.uk/~sucu/newsite2/worldview.php
Watch your Table Manners
A country's culture doesn't just depend on World View, there are other factors that make up a culture and one of these is behaviour. Success in crossing cultures comes from observing and learning about the culture before any action is taken. 'Kwintessential Language and Culture Specialists' have put together a brilliant database of accepted behaviour advice and etiquette tips (including table manners!) for over 40 countries. It's a great place to start when trying to understand a culture.
For more info, see www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/country-profiles.html
Other 'orientation' resources like the two featured above can be found at www.oscar.org.uk/service/training/prefield/orientation.htm
Online Giving - Part 2
Since publishing last month's feature about 'Online Giving', there has been an offline discussion about the pros and cons of various online giving services and facilities. Some people have tested these services with varying results. We've put together and overview of our findings in the OSCAR Forum and invite you to participate. If you've had experience of any online giving services, either as a giver or a receiver, please add your wisdom to the OSCAR Forum so others can benefit from your knowledge. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/discus/messages/57/446.html
Incidentally, this month also includes National Giving Week (17-23 Oct). For more info, see www.nationalgivingweek.org
Give a Million to Mission!
Would you like to be able to give £1M to mission? Well, now you can! Salvation Challenge is a new board game with a mission challenge. The winner of the game is 'the first to give one million cash to missionaries, who further advance God’s kingdom'. It could be a fun way of encouraging missionary support in your church or home group.
For more info, see www.mission316.com
For other resources to help you encourage others to think about world mission issues, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter/misc/index.htm
Who wants to be Missionary? Winner
Our most recent WWTBAM quiz has come to an end and we have a winner! Out of roughly 50 people who took the quiz over the last 3 months, just three got 100%! Well done to those three. We have selected one of these to receive our prize, a copy of Microsoft Encarta 2005 Premium Suite (kindly donated by Microsoft). There will be a short break before the next quiz is launched, but the current quiz will still be available until then (no prize, though)! In the meantime, why not try the World View quiz mentioned above?
September
Boost in Online Giving
Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) reported a 89% increase in donations to charity through its online services during last year. If you don't use online giving to give or receive, you could be missing out on a real opportunity.
As an individual donor, you can give to many mission organisations and projects directly through their websites. Alternatively, you can use one of the online charity giving services and the tax can be claimed back automatically.
If you run an organisation or project and want to receive gifts online, some of these services can also allow you to set up a simple, cost effective way for supporters to give to your cause (if you're a registered charity) and they will also manage the tax refund payments for you (for a small admin charge).
As an individual recipient, there are various 'commercial' products that can help you receive support payments online but these can be costly. A free alternative is to set up an individual 'PayPal' account which provides the facility for you to receive donations or payments through your website. To receive credit or debit card payments, PayPal charges a small commission (1.9% to 3.4% + €0.35 EUR).
For more info, go to www.oscar.org.uk/supporter/finance/index.htm#Online Giving
For examples of each of these, see www.oscar.org.uk/support.htm (feel free to try any of these OSCAR versions and we'll tell you if it worked ;-) )
The Parable of the Unwise Steward
Using the finance that God has entrusted to us wisely is a concern for all of us. We want to see as much of it as possible go to the most needy and immediate causes, but we would be foolish to neglect planning for contingencies. Our guest writer this month, Michael Lyon of Talent Trust Consultants, shows us how this neglect from even just one of us on a team can result in disaster for the kingdom.
See the article at www.oscar.org.uk/articles/lyon.htm
Residency Issues - mission workers caught out!
A recent discussion thread in the OSCAR Forum, along with a number of other enquiries we have received, shows us that some mission workers are falling foul of the new government residency clamp down. Basically, those not resident in the UK for a certain amount of time are not entitled to certain key services like various NHS services and student loans. We'd like to hear from anyone who has found themselves caught out by these new laws or from those who have found other ways of getting around these issues (legally, of course!). On the positive side, Global Connections is in negotiation with the Department of Health about this issue on behalf of the mission community.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/health, & www.oscar.org.uk/discus/messages/3/420.html
UK Christian Handbook re-launched online
The UK Christian Handbook, that indispensable directory of all things Christian in the UK, has a new home online! The online version of the directory now falls under the banner of Eden Interactive and gets a new look and great new functionality.
For more info, see www.eden.co.uk/directory
Fundraising Website Thermometer!
Remember those fundraising thermometers you use to see outside churches? Well, now you can add one to your own fundraising website! These have been gone for so long that they've passed from the cheesy churchy realm and now have a trendy retro feel (maybe!).
For more info, see www.entropyfarm.org/software/thermo
August
Called to Mission?
This month's guest writer is Ruth Brooker of Christian Vocations. Ruth coordinates CV's designate programme offering insight, teaching, help and advice for Christians who are seeking a future in God's service. Ruth's article provides some insight into what it is to be 'called to mission' and how to translate this calling into action.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/articles/brooker.htm
Who am I?
Ever wondered what kind of personality you are or what kind of work you are suited to do? Do you know what your Spiritual giftings are? Take one of these online tests to help you discover more about yourself.
Gifts Test - www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/vacancies/whoami.htm
Member Care Survey
Brenda Bosch, a mission worker in South Africa, is undertaking a survey of missionaries for her doctorate. She is hoping through her dissertation to highlight the most effective contributing factors that keep missionaries on the field for as long as possible and to enhance training in Member/Missionary Care. As this aim is in the interests of all of us, you can help by filling in this survey online, adding your wisdom to this important study.
To do the survey, go to www.palmarium.co.za/mcsurvey
Malaria
Malaria remains the number one killer disease in many parts of the world and 40% of the world's population are in malaria risk areas. What do you know about malaria? Test your knowledge with this 10 question quiz. Are you a malaria mastermind or a malaria muppet?
Malaria Quiz - www.malariahotspots.co.uk/html/en/quiz
Scams & Phishing
How can you tell which emails from your bank are genuine and which are bogus? How susceptible are you to online fraud? Test yourself with this simple quiz and see if you can spot a dubious request when it arrives in your inbox.
Phishing quiz - http://survey.mailfrontier.com/survey/phishing_uk.html
July
I'm a Missionary - Get me out of here!
The summer (northern hemisphere!) is the time when many folk are travelling either to or from their field of service, and it's about this time that the practical arrangements start to come together ... or not! Don't forget that OSCAR can help you with these. If you need travel or shipping info, accommodation or vehicle hire, vaccinations, visas or a vacation; OSCAR has done the leg work for you and brought all this good stuff together under one 'virtual roof'. We aim to put all these services at your fingertips so that you don't spend your precious time re-inventing the wheel.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service
I'm not a Missionary - What can I do?
OSCAR has often highlighted different resources that encourage and enable the whole body of Christ to play their part in world mission. That's because it's our desire to see more people adopt a team approach to mission. This is also the focus of an online publication by Wycliffe Bible Translators called 'What can I do?'. This manual is designed to give practical advice and tips for you to play your part in the Great Commission ... even if you never leave your home area!
To see the 'What can I do?' booklet, go to www.wycliffe.org.uk/html/wcid_entry.htm
For more info about supporting mission, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter
Gift Aid for Christian Workers
Are you aware that if you're a full-time Christian worker or Bible College student, you may be able to receive Gift Aid payments? The Gift Aid tax rebate system isn't only available to you through the charity that you work for (if you work for one). There are other ways for Christian workers or students to benefit from this extra boost of finance. This month's guest writer is Anthony McKernan and he explains to us just who qualifies for this special category and how the tax can be reclaimed on Gift Aid payments designated for them.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/articles/mckernan.htm
Are Short-term Teams Effective Mission Mobilisers?
At the end of June, a discussion on this topic started up in the OSCAR Forum Mission Mobilisers group. If you have something to say on this issue, either out of your knowledge or experience, why not submit your thoughts to this group? For those who are involved with encouraging others to consider short-term mission, this is a good place to glean from those involved.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/discus/messages/67/411.html
New WWTBAM Quiz
We have a winner for our most recent 'Who Wants to be a Missionary?' quiz. Nigel Spencer, currently the Director of Janz Team UK, was the only person out of 150 people to get 15/15 on the first try. Well done Nigel. The solar battery charger is on its way to you. Our new quiz is now online and the prize this month is a brand new copy of Microsoft Encarta Premium Suite 2005 (worth £50), kindly donated by Microsoft. Go on, have a go ...
http://interactives.alxnet.com/cgi-bin/slither/Driver.py/WebTools//Quiz/Quiz.render?quiz_id=8640
June
Preparing for Re-entry
At this time of year, a number of mission workers are facing the prospect of returning to their 'home' country. For some, this will be an exciting time, for others it will fill them with dread. Our guest writer this month is Dr. Debbie Hawker and she writes about 'Preparing for Re-entry'. Her article includes some practical advice about what you can do to help this transition before you return, whilst you return and during your re-integration to life 'back home'. It has some great hints and tips about re-adjustment that can make your whole re-entry experience go smoothly. A must for all returnees!
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/articles/hawker.htm
Take a Holiday
OSCAR thinks you deserve a break! You may feel that your work, team or ministry will collapse without you ... but it's more likely that you'll collapse first! That's why it's important to take time off for a holiday or retreat. If you're in the UK this summer, there are organised retreats and holiday venues that offer great discounts to missionaries. There are also a few holidays organised for children of missionaries (they need a break too!). If you're somewhere else in the world, you may also discover new holiday options for your region. OSCAR can help you get your holiday sorted.
For UK holidays & retreats, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/homeleave/holidays.htm
For holiday venues outside the UK, see www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/locations/logistics.htm
Furthermore, if you find a holiday place that's great for missionaries - why not tell OSCAR so we can share it with other OSCAR users?
Give a Holiday
For those of you who would like to help with providing a well earned break for missionaries, OSCAR has a few suggestions as to how you can do this. This includes anything from helping a missionary pay for a holiday, to letting them use your holiday home. If you're feeling really generous, you or your church could do something like purchase a house on a mission retreat compound in Thailand as part of the Juniper Tree Millennium Project!
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter/roles/index.htm#holiday
Planning a Short-term Mission Trip? ... Don't Panic!
If you're leading or hosting a short-term mission team this summer, now is about the time when you start to panic about all the things that should be falling into place. Well, the message is 'Don't Panic'. There are a number of resources linked through OSCAR that can help you organise your trip and think through all the issues. Try the excellent missiontriptools.com website for an overview of trip planning, or the 'Time Out' bible studies that can provide material for daily team devotions.
For more info, see www.missiontriptools.com or www.oscar.org.uk/timeout.htm
Christian Life & Global Mission
There's a new six-week study course for small church groups to help them get to grips with global mission. Written by John Ayrton of Interserve and produced in conjunction with the London School of Theology, the course consists of 3 hours of film material, a leaders guide/participants' booklet and a resources CD. Why not suggest or buy this for your supporting church or home/cell group? For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter/misc/index.htm#cl&gm
May
General Election Update
May 5th was UK General Election day (in case you didn't realize!). If you want to review general election issues, their impact from a Christian viewpoint and the specific candidates and results for every UK constituency, we've added some further links to our 'Voting in UK Elections' page.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/paperwork/voting.htm
Practical Guide to Short-Term Mission
Are you or someone you know contemplating going on a short-term mission trip? If so, where do you start? OSCAR has put together a 'Practical Guide to Short-term Mission' that will help you think through the process and find the right opportunity.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/stmguide.htm
Reach for the Skype
Most of us have heard about VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) which allows you to make telephone calls over the Internet. Those of us who have tried it in the past may not have been that impressed with its quality. Well, things have changed! Skype is a rapidly growing service that is taking the Internet by storm. This month's guest writer, Robin Sanderson, is an avid user of Skype and tells us how it can transform communications for international mission workers. Feel free to add your own experience of VoIP and how it's benefiting your situation under Robin's article.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/articles/sanderson.htm
UK Culture for Beginners
Whenever you cross from one culture to another, it's important to understand about the culture you're leaving behind and the culture you're going to, as both of these will impact on your behaviour and ministry. To help students arriving in the UK to understand UK culture, Friends International have set up an online guide called 'New2UK'. It's a 'must read' for those wanting to understand how UK culture can effect their behaviour, whether their cross-cultural ministry is overseas or in the UK.
For more info, see www.new2uk.org
OSCAR Stats Double in a Year!
A recent review of our website statistics revealed that in the course of the last year, many of the sections of the OSCAR website have doubled in their number of page views! At the same time, the number of overall website visits has increased by 25% to over 6000! This means that more of you are digging deeper into OSCAR's sections, which is great, as there are 'gems' to be had from mining information at OSCAR! It also means that sponsoring these sections may be more appealing as the number of visitors increases. These statistics, along with the opportunity for you, your church or organisation to sponsor a piece of OSCAR, can be found at www.oscar.org.uk/sitesponsor.htm
April
Parlez-vous Anglais?
When it comes to learning a language, how fluent do you really need to be to communicate effectively? This is a question that everyone who learns a language asks themselves. This month's guest writer, David Boydell, Principal of Les Cèdres Christian French language school in Paris, gives us some guidelines to help us answer this age old missionary question. If you're considering cross-lingual ministry or are in the middle of learning a language, reading David's article will give you the insight gleaned from over 20 years of teaching French to mission workers.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/articles/boydell.htm
For those needing to learn Spanish, take a look at the Spanish for Mission Trips E-book, available for download at a special reduced rate for OSCAR Users. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/training/prefield/orientation.htm#language
Internet Evangelism Day
The Internet Evangelism Coalition (an umbrella group of outreach ministries) has initiated a worldwide focus day on Sunday 24 April 2005, called ‘Internet Evangelism Day’. This day is purely for raising awareness about the opportunities that the Internet poses for evangelism. If you, your organisation or your church want to use the Internet more effectively in your mission and outreach, the IED website can provide the resources and advice to help you make this day a strategic success and move your ministry 'virtually' forward. An opportunity not to be missed!
For more info, see www.InternetEvangelismDay.com
Crisis! What Crisis?
With another earthquake hitting the Indonesian coast last month, it seems we never know when a crisis is just around the corner. Whatever our situation or location, we would be wise to prepare for the 'what if's. OSCAR's Crisis Management section has continued to grow with further links being added after recent events. One significant addition has been that of the 'Member Care Crisis & Trauma Resources' provided by Membercare.org. This is a series of Crisis Management related articles that can help prepare and equip you or your team's response to any disaster.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/crisis/index.htm
Just the Job
A certain mission organisation was looking for a new director recently. It put aside £1000 to advertise the post in the national Christian press and with various online recruitment services. It was the posting of the vacancy on the OSCAR website, costing just £10 of the £1000 budget, that caught the eye of the successful candidate who was based overseas at the time. If you have mission vacancies and want to reach that illusive clientele of mission workers serving overseas, you won't find a better place to advertise your vacancy than on OSCAR! At just £10, how can you afford not to?
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/discus/messages/176/176.html
OSCAR's New Local-call Phone Number
For a few years OSCAR has had a Nationalcall non-geographical phone number (0870 765 6722), but due to recent changes in the telecommunications market, these now incur some of the highest charges for calls. That's why OSCAR now also has a Lo-call non-geographical number (0845 257 6315). If you need to call us for any reason, this number will be significantly cheaper for you. If you have a call package that provides free calls for geographical calls, or if you wish to call us from overseas, use 01452 308189 (++44 1452 308189 from outside the UK). These numbers, and other contact details for OSCAR, can be found at Contact OSCAR
March
Happy Birthday OSCAR
As of 1st March, OSCAR has been online for 5 years! Our site statistics tell us that during that time we've served up roughly 1 million page views (2.5 million hits) during approximately 250,000 visitor sessions! Each one of those visitors, with the exception of a few random surfers and search engine spiders, is a person looking for information on a mission related topic. It's a privilege to serve the mission community in this way and we look forward to providing an even better service beyond this milestone. From here in, you'll start to notice a few significant changes to the OSCAR website. Almost every facet of the website is currently in the process of re-development and the new OSCAR will be gradually rolled out over the next few months. Watch this space.
'Who Wants to be a Missionary?' Re-launched!
Yes, we're re-launching our popular quiz. Previous versions of this quiz attracted more than 1500 online participants with only 15 of them getting all the questions right! The new quiz of just 15 questions is now available online for you to test your mission-mindedness and try to make it to the top of our 'Top 100' list. What's more, there's a mystery prize for one of the top scorers ... kindly donated by Mission Supplies Ltd. A winner will be selected from the high scorers on 30th June 2005. To do the quiz, click on the link in OSCAR's left menu or go to http://interactives.alxnet.com/cgi-bin/slither/Driver.py/WebTools/Quiz/Quiz.render?quiz_id=8640
When Team Relationships take a Dive
How does your team or organisation cope with differences between personnel? One might say that us Christians aren't always very good at dealing with conflict. There's often a reluctance to face up to a difficult situation and admit that we need help. This month's feature article has been written by Chris Bocutt, who is involved in setting up a new service in this subject area, called CPMS (Counselling, Psychotherapy and Mediation Services). Chris shares a few thoughts with us about disputes and conflicts, gained from his experience in personnel management and counselling. Even if this doesn't affect you at this time, to be forewarned is to be forearmed, as they say. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/articles/bocutt.htm
Payroll Giving Pays More
The new Payroll Giving Grants programme is a UK government backed initiative to encourage small and medium sized companies to set up Payroll Giving schemes. The incentive is a one-off grant of up to £500 for each company that sets up their own scheme before the end of 2006. As a further incentive, the programme will match, pound-for-pound, the first £10 of each employee's monthly donations for a period of six months. If you give to Christian work or are on the receiving end of donations, utilising this facility is an opportunity not to be missed. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/finance/tax.htm#relief
Voting in UK Elections
General Election fever is starting to grip both UK politics and news reports. Even though a date hasn't yet been announced, most are predicting that the election will be called for either May or June this year. If you're out of the UK, you may still be eligible to vote. The deadline for registering can be up to two months before an election. So, if you want to vote you should register now. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/paperwork/voting.htm
February
Disaster Theology
The Asian tsunami disaster and many stories related to the devastation have had unprecedented media coverage over the last two months. The world made a 'response of the heart' as we gave generously to support our fellow human beings in need across the globe. But what about our 'response of the mind'? How has seeing and experiencing this disaster affected our view of God and how He works in our world? Few people seem to have tackled this 'hot potato', so this month we're encouraging OSCAR users to think about these implications by joining in a debate that is being hosted by 'Encounters', the mission e-zine of Redcliffe College. There are several papers written by prominent theologians and mission leaders ... and there is the chance for you to participate and add your comments. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and expand your view of God.
To join in the discussion, go to www.redcliffe.org/standard.asp?id=1174
European Health Insurance Card
There have been some recent changes to the Form E111 for medical treatment in Europe. Access to medical treatment for UK residents visiting other European countries has been available by obtaining an E111 form from your local post office or the Department of Health. You should know, though, that recent changes mean that any form obtained prior to 31st Dec 2004 is no longer valid. You will need to obtain a new E111 form. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/finance/insurance.htm#e111
Personal Websites that Inspire
Wouldn't you like to have a website that's an inspiration to everyone who visits it? A website that informs and challenges the surfer about God's global agenda and motivates them to be involved? Take a look at these two websites for example: http://voiceinthedesert.netfirms.com & www.ecsahlberg.com .
OSCAR would like to help you launch your ministry into Cyberspace so we've put together a package that can have you up and running with your own personal website in no time. Interested? Take a look at www.oscar.org.uk/personnelpages/index.htm#websiteservice
No Email ... No Comment?
Not everyone has email. In fact, I suspect that you have a small number of people in your contacts or newsletter list who, because of this, miss out when you send an email newsletter. There are several ways around this:
1) You can print your letter and post it ... traditional but slow.
2) You can use Wycliffe Associates Prayer Letter service or an email to snail mail service like the relatively new UK based L-Mail. L-Mail lets you send a letter via the Internet which is then posted from one of 15 worldwide locations. It's often faster and cheaper than traditional post.
3) If your recipient has a fax machine, you can use an email to fax service.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/communications/post/providers.htm
& www.oscar.org.uk/service/communications/fax/providers.htm
Who pays for OSCAR?
With no subscription, membership, pay-per-view charges or hefty advertising, many people wonder where OSCAR's funding comes from. Running a service that's FREE doesn't mean that it doesn't cost. This cost is met, in the most part, by donations and grants. A small number of individuals respond each year to our appeals for support. To ease the burden on those few who give, we would like to encourage more of you this year to support OSCAR with a small amount to share this cost across a broader base. Our suggested amount is just £5 per user. You can't get many subscriptions for a fiver these days, but this will enable OSCAR to remain FREE for you to access throughout the next year. Donations can be made online or by post. Thanks. For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/support.htm
January
Mission Response to Asian Tsunami
We've all seen, heard or read about the scale of the disaster continuing to unfold around the Indian Ocean. You will also have heard about the appeals that have been launched for funds and support by the UN and large aid agencies. You may not know how church and mission organisations fit into this picture and the response that they are giving in the name of Christ. OSCAR's 'Christian Information' page provides links to many Christian and mission news sources around the world that can provide this.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/locations/christianinfo.htm
Many mission organisations have launched their own appeals so they can respond to the crisis. Why not make a good start to the New Year by helping one of these organisations reach out to those in such desperate circumstances. To browse our list of mission organisations and select one to support, go to www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/organisations/index.htm
To support the Disasters Emergency Committee's appeal (of which World Vision, Tearfund, Christian Aid and Cafod are a part), go to www.dec.org.uk
If you or your organisation are responding to the crisis or providing help in some way, why not let other OSCAR users know so they can pray for and support you at this time. You can do this by leaving a brief message at www.oscar.org.uk/discus/messages/3/352.html
Sound the Retreat
When did you last take a retreat? I don't just mean a holiday or a day off, I mean some time set aside where you stop what you're doing and allow God to renew you both in body and spirit. I suspect there are some of you who rarely do this (and a few mission workaholics who never do!). Martin Lee, Executive Director of Global Connections (formerly the UK Evangelical Missionary Alliance) is our guest writer for this month and he explains why times of retreat are important, particularly for those in Christian work.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/articles/lee.htm
For info on organised retreats, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral
For info on UK retreat centres, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/homeleave/holidays.htm
What about the Children?
If you're like us, this is one of the first questions you might ask when the 'adults' start thinking about time-out on their own. You may be interested to know that there are various holidays/retreats organised just for children of mission workers. If you're not sure what happens at these, take a look at a report from last year's Re-Konnect Holiday for 6-12 year olds at www.oscar.org.uk/re-kreport.pdf
For info on MK holidays/retreats for 2005, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/children/misc.htm
Want a Webpage?
Have you always wanted a personal webpage but never got around to setting one up? Well, OSCAR has another solution for you. Over the last few months Anthony Bennett, a Redcliffe College student, has been working on a project for OSCAR that has involved researching and testing online webpage creation services. One of the results of Anthony's work is that he has developed what he believes to be one of the easiest ways for mission workers to setup their own personal webpage for free. What's more, if you need some help in putting it together, for a limited time Anthony is offering his assistance.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/personnelpages/index.htm#websiteservice
Test your Cultural Awareness
Training in crossing cultures has been an essential part of every mission worker's preparation for many years. To be effective in another culture, you need to understand it. In our globalised world, it's not just mission workers who experience cross-cultural issues. The modern business traveller also needs this knowledge, as do many people who live and work in the multi-cultural areas of modern Britain. Try this test to see how culturally aware you really are ... www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/culture-tests.html