December
Technology and Mission
This month, instead of one article, you're getting six! We've teamed up with 'Encounters', Redcliffe College's mission ezine, to take an in-depth look at how technology is affecting the way we do mission. Articles are included from some key practitioners involved in bringing technology and mission together including Tim Young, field IT consultant with LightSys Technology Services, Tony Whittaker, coordinator of Internet Evangelism Day, and Phil Prior, Head of Marketing for Wycliffe Bible Translators.
To read the articles, go to www.redcliffe.org/technologyandmission
Steps on the Missionary Road
Good and relevant devotional material for mission workers is hard to find. Claudia Smith, a mission partner in Uganda with Crosslinks, has written a series of 28 devotional studies for first time mission workers. These are now available exclusively through OSCAR and downloadable for anyone wherever they are. Why not buy a copy as a Christmas gift for any new mission workers you know?
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/steps.htm
Christmas Gifts
If you haven't got your Christmas presents sorted, take a look at OSCAR's Christmas page for links to those who sell gifts to benefit mission. This not only includes those who can deliver items from around the world to your doorstep, but also alternative gifts that can make a huge difference to the lives of those who receive them.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/christmas
Last Posting and Order Dates
Each December we like to highlight Christmas last posting dates for anyone sending items overseas from the UK. For international airmail, this can be as early as 4th December. This year, we've discovered a website which not only gives these dates, but also the last dates that you can order items from various online retailers and still have guaranteed delivery for Christmas. Very useful if you're overseas and want to purchase items and have them sent direct to UK addresses.
Go to www.lastpostingdates.co.uk
Remember OSCAR at Christmas
Once a year we make an appeal to all of our users to ask if you would contribute something towards OSCAR's running costs. It's usually just a few who respond. Perhaps, this year, a few more of you might consider giving a small amount towards keeping OSCAR online. It would be very much appreciated :-)
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/donate.htm
November
Christian Social Networking - Fad or Future?
Can social networking really serve the Body of Christ? Our feature article this month looks into one of the most successful online Christian communities, 'He Must Increase'. It's creator, Phil Williams, talks about social networking and takes us through the beginnings of this vibrant online network. He also tells us why it has been so important to those who often work in isolation.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/williams.htm
Pre-field Prep for 3-5 Year Olds
Resources preparing children for a move overseas are quite rare. That's why OSCAR is keen to see such resources highlighted and promoted. A booklet entitled 'My Adventure in God's World' has been written by Claudia Smith which helps 3-5 year olds with their transition to the field. This is available exclusively through OSCAR and completely FREE to download. A must have resource for every young mission family.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/myadventure.pdf
Charity Christmas Cards
A recent 'Which?' report revealed that as little as 6% of the proceeds of shop bought charity Christmas cards goes to the charity. Only in one case did it get above 50%! If you buy them direct from the charities, then all the proceeds go to the charity. We've put together a list of Christian organisations who are selling Christmas cards online. Start your Christmas shopping here.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/christmas
World Prayer Map
Global Connections have launched a new online World Prayer Map. GC regularly collect prayer information from its member agencies working around the world. These prayer points have previously been published in a bi-monthly newsletter, but are now available through a new online interactive map. A great resource if you need up-to-date news and fuel for prayer on any country.
Go to www.worldprayermap.co.uk
OSCAR User Survey 2009
This month we are conducting our annual user survey. We would be grateful if all of our users would take a couple of minutes to fill in this short survey. It really helps us keep up with our users and your needs, and often shapes our development strategy for the coming year.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/survey.htm
October
Wise Counsel: Help when it's needed
Why do Christians need counselling? Isn't God the Divine Counseller, so why do we need others as well? Our guest writer this month, Maureen Poland, helps us understand why counselling from trained professionals is important at certain times and how we can access this from wherever we are.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/poland.htm
Just the Job
If you're looking for an opportunity to serve in a mission related role, overseas or in the UK, long-term, gap year, short-term or voluntary ... we might just have the right job for you. With around 380 individual opportunities on our system from a wide variety of Christian organisations, OSCAR is the place to start your search.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/vacancies
Postal or Proxy Voting
It's the season for political party conferences in the UK, and much of the talk is about the forthcoming general election (which must happen before June 2010). If you are going to be outside the UK and you are keen to vote in the general election, now is the time to make sure you are registered.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/documents/voting.htm
Tracking Down Books
OSCAR leads a session on the MA course at Redcliffe College, and as part of this session we highlight some of the library and book services available online. We thought you might like to know about these too! Many libraries now have extensive catalogues online which are completely searchable. OSCAR's hot tip for getting the best price when buying any new book in the UK is to use BookBrain to find the cheapest for you!
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/resources/missbooks.htm#sources
Fundraise Online
Many charities have used Just Giving in the past to coordinate those who fundraise for them. Virgin Money is about to launch a new service which will give Just Giving 'a run for its money'. However, they both charge a setup fee which might deter smaller charities and causes. Did you know that there are services that provide this facility with no setup fee? Check out Bmycharity and mycharitypage on OSCAR's donate page. Bmycharity has also just announced that it is no longer charging a commission, so every single penny goes to the charity!
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/donate.htm#fundraiser
September
Home Sweet Home
If you’ve been a long term mission partner overseas, where do you live when you come home? Of course, you may believe God will provide, but how? You might have a nest-egg or something put by for a rainy day. If so you are probably in the minority. You may have family with whom you can stay when you first come home, but that may well not work for very long. You may look for a retirement home without really feeling ready to give up your independence. You may have started renting, only to find your precious resources stretched in an unsustainable way. These were the questions facing our guest author, Ann Lycett, as she returned from overseas. Read on to find out where she ended up.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/lycett.htm
Teaching 2009
If you feel you've missed out on all the teaching that's happened at the big Christian events in the UK this year, there's a solution! EssentialChristian.com now record many of the talks and seminars from the large Christian events like New Wine, Keswick and Spring Harvest. You can order CDs, DVDs or even download MP3 versions of the talks (MP3s are usually available a couple of months after the event). Why not ask those who went which talks they would recommend?
Go to www.essentialchristian.com
International Therapist Directory
Interaction International, a US based ministry helping TCKs (Third Culture Kids) and internationally mobile families, has compiled an International Therapists Directory. It is a global listing of professional mental health therapists who are familiar with the issues faced by TCKs and the international expatriate community. Over 20 countries are currently listed covering most regions of the world.
Go to www.interactionintl.org/intltherapistdirectory.asp
Travel Insurance for the Over 60s
OSCAR has had several calls over time from those who are 'chronologically challenged' and looking for travel insurance. We've since discovered an Over 60s travel insurance guide which has a list of UK travel insurance providers catering for the senior travel insurance market.
Go to www.over60stravelinsurance.co.uk
JumbleAID
If you have any unwanted items that are too good to go to landfill, now you can use them to raise funds for your chosen charity. JumbleAID lets individuals and businesses post unwanted stuff online and anyone can pledge a donation for an item. It’s FREE, easy to use, and it’s good for the environment too! And, not a penny of the donation goes to JumbleAID!Go to www.jumbleaid.com
August
Member Care for Missionaries
As it's summer holiday time for many folk, that often means it's also reading time. Our article this month is a book review of one of the latest books to be written about 'being a sender'. Joy Piper takes us through why she thinks this book is dynamite!
To read the review, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/messageboard/mcfm.html
Member Care Guidelines
A consortium of people and organisations from within the Global Connections network have put together a set of Member Care Guidelines, designed to help any church or organisation exercise good practice when sending staff or volunteers overseas.
Go to www.globalconnections.co.uk/resources/standardsinmissionpractice/membercareguidelines
Gap Year Advice
Are you thinking about, planning or preparing for a gap year? gapadvice.org is an independent source of impartial advice and information for people of all ages looking to take a gap. Though not specifically for those taking a Christian gap year, there is a wealth of advice to help you all the way through the process of choosing, planning and preparing for your gap. Use it in conjunction with OSCAR for maximum benefit!
Go to www.gapadvice.org
Driving Abroad
How prepared are you for driving in a foreign country? Do you have questions like: Does my UK driving licence cover me? When do I need to get an International Driving Permit? Which side of the road will I drive on (hopefully the same as everyone else!)? These and other questions about driving are addressed on OSCAR's driving page.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/documents/driving.htm
Tent Aid
Fed up with camping? Has the British weather tested you and your tent to the limit? Millets, the outdoor shop, and World Emergency Relief are running a Charitable Tent Exchange programme throughout the summer. You can take in your old tent and they will give you 20% off a new one and send your old tent overseas to provide urgent shelter for victims of natural and man-made disasters.
Go to www.millets.co.uk/ed/tentexchange
July
School by Internet
The Internet has changed the way we all learn and discover, but how much has it really changed the biggest learning institution in the world - school? Steve Richards, our guest writer this month, shares with us his own personal journey of exploring online schooling for the benefit of those working on the mission field.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/richards.htm
Language Learning for Children
Muzzy is the BBC's online language course for children. Muzzy's multi-faceted programme surrounds learners with visual, aural and contextual language giving a multi-sensory, multi-layered method suitable for different levels and learning styles. Six languages are currently covered: French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian & English (ESL). You can use it at home or in the classroom ... with your own kids or those whom you're teaching. There's even a 30 day FREE trial!
Go to www.early-advantage.co.uk
Holidaying in Europe?
If you're holidaying in Europe but aren't confident enough to attend a church in a foreign language, why not get along to one of the many church services conducted in English throughout Europe? Intercontinental Church Society holds English-language church services for holidaymakers in fourteen holiday resorts each summer, and their website lists international Anglican English-speaking churches abroad.
Go to www.churchesabroad.org
Expert Help for Mission Workers
Do you need professional help? I'm not talking about counselling ... but expertise from someone in the same profession as you who has experience and skills that can help you? Global Economic Outreach forums used to be a great source of professional advice for missionaries and aid workers and now they have launched the beta version of their latest service, GEOnction.net. All with the aim to link up those on the field in need of expert advice with those who can help. Joining is FREE.
Go to www.thegeonction.net
Mission Resource Sheets Update
Just in time for New Wine, we've updated our set of 24 mission resource sheets. These form part of the central mission advice area at New Wine which gives mission advice and info to the 27,000 delegates who will be attending New Wine this year. However, all the sheets are online and you can download them and print them off wherever you are. You can even use them to make your own mission advice display. This year there's a new sheet on Personal Support Raising and many new updates on other sheets.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/mrstand.htm
June
Burnout - Ouch, it hurts!
Have you ever felt that your world is collapsing and something's about to snap? Could this be burnout? Steve Bagi, former pastor and missionary, has had first hand experience of this and has written a book on the subject. His personal but humourous style will make you laugh and cry, but it will also help you understand just what burnout is and how you can avoid it or help others who are going through it. Our article this month opens the topic.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/bagi.htm
Where are you going?
One of the things we should all do when travelling or visiting another country is inform the embassy that we're going to be there. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office has a new service called LOCATE to facilitate this. After you submit your travel plans through this service, the FCO will notify the embassies who need to know. This way they can contact you in an emergency and even come and rescue you, should you need it.
Go to www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/Locate
Virtual Missionary Handbook
There are huge opportunities for sharing our faith online ... but just how does mission in the virtual world differ from the real world? World Gospel Mission has put together a virtual missionary handbook to help us grasp some of the opportunities for mission online. Though geared towards Second Life, the principles work for most online communities and environments.
Go to www.wgm.org/Page.aspx?pid=3262
Pocket Bible
Now that most of us have a mobile phone, PDA or other smart gadget in our pocket, how about putting a Bible on it so that you have it wherever you go? We've added a few links to the Bible Study section in our Pastoral & Spiritual resources area that will help you do this. Particularly check out the 'Go Bible' and 'Olive Tree Bible Software' entries.
Go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral/resources.htm#biblestudy
Summer Events & Festivals
We have updated the Bible Weeks and Festivals list so you can see all the big Christian events happening this summer. Since our feature last month, our events lists have expanded too. We now have a large number of mission related events listed in our OSCARactive online community including conferences, training events & courses, retreats, MK/TCK holidays ... even the location of the Logos Hope ship as it moves around the coast of the UK!
To view OSCAR's events list, see www.oscar.org.uk/newsevents/events.htm
To see OSCARactive's events list, see http://oscaractive.ning.com/events
For Bible Weeks & Festivals, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/comingtouk/holidays.htm#festivals
May
Christian-Muslim Encounter
Wouldn't it be great if Christians and Muslims could meet and discuss issues without feeling like they're either compromising their own beliefs or patronising others? Our lead article this month looks at a 'middle way' by which both sides can come together for mutual understanding and highlights some resources to help you reach out the hand of friendship to muslims in your locality, whether that's in the UK or overseas.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/mbu.htm
Fit for Purpose?
How can you tell if a missionary is 'fit for purpose'? How do you know that they'll be able to carry out normal day-to-day activities in a cross-cultural setting? It may not be evident from ordinary interviewing techniques but some kind of physical and mental health screening will often be more effective in answering such questions. Dr Adele Pilkington explains further.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/pilkington.htm
Vulnerable Mission Report
About this time last year we had a guest article introducing the concept of Vulnerable Mission. Since then the Alliance of Vulnerable Mission (AVM) has held several conferences around the world and Jim Harries, Chairman of AVM, gives us a report on some of the key things that have come up in those meetings.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/harries.htm
Mission Events on OSCARactive
With our new event posting facility in the OSCARactive online community, you can now add all of your organisation's or church's public mission events. These can include training courses, conferences, retreats, forums, lectures, celebration services ... in fact we already have over 30 events listed with more being added each week. Help us make this the definitive guide to 'What's On' in Mission.
Go to http://oscaractive.ning.com/events
Join a Networking Group Online
We now have 10 networking groups in OSCARactive. These are there to help facilitate introductions and discussions between mission folk with a common identity. We have groups for those preparing for service, those 'on the field', those returning or recently returned home, as well as other categories of OSCAR users like UK home office staff, mission reps and MKs/TCKs. We also have groups for those interested in ICT or Leadership Development. Our last public group is a Prayer Wall where you can post your mission related prayer requests. Please come and join a group ... or, if you like, create your own! You'd be most welcome.
Go to http://oscaractive.ning.com/groups
April
Mission work hit by Falling Pound
As the effects of the credit crunch and subsequent recession work their way through, many mission workers are feeling the pinch in their financial support. The latest, forthcoming edition of Stewardship's 'Share' magazine is highlighting the topic of the 'falling pound' so we have linked up with them to help you know what you can do about it.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/oneill.htm
DIY Mission: A Risk to Missionary Health?
More and more churches are organising their own mission activities and overseas trips. Whilst it's great to see this happening, there are challenges that need to be met. One of these is making sure that the health and medical needs of overseas travellers are sorted. In this article, InterHealth takes us through some of the issues we should be thinking about.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/farrance-white.htm
Credit Crunch Telecoms
Rather than buy all that expensive, 'state-of-the-art but soon outdated' telecom equipment, why not consider renting it as and when you need it? Cellhire, one of the UK's leading companies in the telecom rental market, have written us an article which highlights some of their best deals for those who travel overseas.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/millions.htm
Disaster Management
Do you know how to cope in a relief or disaster situation? Our Crisis management section has a number of resources to help you plan and prepare for the unexpected. But if you're planning to work in a relief or disaster situation, you will probably need something that provides ongoing help with that type of work. The 'All In Diary' is one resource that aims to do that, and the material is now available online and FREE for you to download.
For more info, go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/crisis
OSCARactive at 100+
Our newly launched OSCARactive social network passed the 100 member count after just 3 weeks of being online. We have a great mix of folk of all ages, from all parts of the world, in both 'on-the-field' roles and support roles. Why not come and join us to add your distinctiveness to the collective? It's a great place to network with other mission-minded people.
Go to www.oscaractive.net
March
OSCARactive Social Network Launch
This month is OSCAR's 9th birthday and to celebrate we're rolling out our very own online community. This is a new space for you to post and share all sorts of things: messages, events, videos, photos; as well as meet and interact with other OSCAR users through discussions and chat. You can even start your own themed group within the community and invite others to join. It has the potential of being a wonderfully vibrant online community of mission workers and supporters, but that bit is up to you ... so why not join today and help make it happen?
For more info, see www.oscaractive.net
Top 10 Missionary Books
Our blogging section often has some interesting items posted by our 40 or so featured bloggers. Last month, an entry appeared with this title and we thought it was so interesting that we've made it our feature article for this month. Eddie Arthur, who writes for the Kouya Chronical blog, gives us an insight into his top 10 missionary books. Would yours be the same?
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/arthur.htm
To visit our blogging section, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/blogs
Protect Your Laptop
According to a recent report in the Daily Telegraph, approximately 800,000 laptops are stolen or lost annually at airports worldwide. Heathrow is the worst with 900 going missing every week! Most are lost or stolen at the departure gates or airport lounges although 42% of British travellers said that their laptop went missing after they asked another passenger to keep an eye on it for them!! You can insure your laptop under some insurance policies, but if you're struggling to find worldwide cover for a reasonable premium and you're resident in the UK (or your organisation is), check out CompuCover.
For more info, see www.compucover.co.uk
Remote Computer Training
Many of us learn computer knowledge 'on the hoof' either because we don't think we have the time, finance or access to good computer training. However, most of us would agree that any official training that we have done has been a good investment and has helped us in the long run. Well, there are some flexible training solutions that are designed to fit into busy lives, at a reasonable price (or FREE!) and available online from wherever you are. We've checked out a few and think you should know about them.
For more info, go to www.atomiclearning.com & www.gcflearnfree.org & alison.com
Money for Nothing
As finance is tight for many Christian and mission organisations, everyone is looking for new ways to supplement their income. Affiliate shopping is one way of raising funds, often without it costing the purchaser a penny. Some schemes, like EasyFundraising, make donations to your chosen cause for just signing up to or trying out various services.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/affiliate.htm
February
Don't be a stranger
The issue of migration is both a challenge and an opportunity for the UK church. The 21st century mission phrase 'from everywhere, to everywhere' reminds us that world mission doesn't just happen 'out there' but also 'right here' in our neighbourhood. The UK Evangelical Alliance is running a campaign entitled 'Don't be a stranger' which highlights some of the stories and issues surrounding migration in the UK. Liz Hogarth, press officer at the EA, tells us more.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/hogarth.htm
Coming to the UK?
If you're coming to the UK for the first time, or if you know someone who is, then you'll need one of those guides that teaches you all the basics about your new environment. We've discovered three key resources that do this brilliantly. Firstly, there's 'New2UK', Friends International's guide for International Students arriving in Britain. Then there's 'Visiting Britain', a grass roots guide from SOON Ministries that tells you things you won't find anywhere else. Finally there's the more official 'Essential Information about the UK' from the Relocation Bureau ... all great resources.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/comingtouk
English Language Courses
Following the closure of 'Functional English', the Christian English Language school in Whitby, we've had a few people ask us about other options for those who want to learn English in the UK. So, we've done some research and put together a list for you. There's actually quite a choice.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/training/language.htm#courseseng
Short-term Missions Workbook
This month we have a book review for you! Tim Dearborn's 'Short-term Missions Workbook', one of the best short-term orientation resources produced in the USA, is now available in the UK. Jap Jansma, a mission student and experienced short-term mission participant, tells us why he thinks this should be part of your toolbox if you're involved in leading, or participating in, short-term mission trips this year.
To read the review, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/messageboard/stmw.htm
Online Mission Trip
If 'going overseas' on a short-term mission trip isn't possible or practical for you, why not participate in short-term mission from home? One US based organisation is offering virtual short-term mission trips online ... where you spend two weeks reaching out to others around the world through social media. When I said 'from everywhere, to everywhere', I really meant it!
For more info, see www.onlinemissionstrip.com
January
Get Orientated
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to be better prepared for what's up ahead, then this is for you. For mission workers, good preparation usually involves some form of orientation training. More and more people are organising their own short-term mission trip but, unfortunately, many have very little orientation input. Our guest writer this month, Ann-Marie Wilson, has to be one of the most 'orientated' people around and she shares with us what she thinks are the top 10 things you need to know before going on mission.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/annmarie.htm
OSCAR's New CMS
Guess what OSCAR had for Christmas? ... a new content management system! It was 'unwrapped' on the website over the Christmas holiday and is being officially launched this month. You may not see much difference on the pages of the website, but we have now linked together the mission organisations directory, link pages and vacancies section into one integrated and automated system. One of the biggest advantages to this is that organisations can now have their own account and manage their own information on OSCAR. Hence the new 'org login' button that's appeared at the foot of every page.
To read more, go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/package.htm
Vacancies
Our new system means that our vacancies are now searchable by type, location & activity as well as using any keywords. The number of vacancies we have advertised has roughly doubled each year so we're expecting around 500 in 2009. Organisations can now add and update their own vacancy details making everything as 'up-to-date' as possible.
Looking for an opportunity? Bookmark this page and visit often for our latest additions. As before, latest vacancies also appear on OSCAR's front page.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/vacanciesindex.php
Want to advertise an opportunity? We have a new package which includes unlimited vacancy adverts for your organisation! Alternatively, we can still advertise individual vacancies for a one-off fee.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/package.htm
Link Pages
If you've searched on Google for anything to do with mission, you'll know that OSCAR comes quite high up in search returns. In fact, we're often number one for many key search phrases (try 'mission organisations' or 'mission vacancies' for example). Link Pages are one way in which we can help your organisation or project increase your online profile and climb up the search rankings. For a modest fee, you get a dedicated page on the OSCAR website that we optimise and promote for you. Our best performing Link Page of 2008 received over 800 views and over 500 referrals from search engines!
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/linkpages.htm
Site Sponsorship
Our website sponsorship scheme has also changed for 2009. Firstly, we have opened up the scheme to allow multiple sponsors per section per month. This means that you can sponsor whichever section you want, when you want to. We have also added some of the newer sections of the website to the scheme. It's another way to raise the profile of your organisation or project, whilst helping OSCAR stay online and available to all who use it.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/sitesponsor.htm