Project Description
Conducted by Michael J. Frith, BSc. (Hons)
1999/2000
Introduction
Over the last ten years I have closely monitored the growth of computer based resources available to missions. There is an ever-growing amount of useful information and resources that can help equip Christians for mission, whether going overseas or supporting those in a mission situation. The weakest link seems to be between what's available and what the mission community is actually using. I am hoping to address this by researching what is already available, pooling it together and making it accessible for everyone who has an interest, whether they are computer literate or not.
I have a real vision for seeing a UK based mission information and resource network so that anyone with any mission related problem or request could be linked to someone who can help.
Duration of Project
To run for one year from September 1999 to August 2000.
Aims
1/ To research the area of providing information and resources for Christian missions overseas and establish a comprehensive database of the services that are available.
2/ To research the latest advances in technology that would provide more effective transport and propagation of such information (namely Internet based facilities).
3/ To explore the possibility of establishing a one-stop service that will provide missions with up-to-date information on these resources.
Goals
1/ To educate mission organisations and individuals in the resources and services that are available to them.
2/ To streamline the communication process for information retrieval and give greater accessibility to these resources.
3/ To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of mission work throughout the globe.
Time Scale
Sept – Dec 1999
- Fund-raising for the project.
- Research the resourcing needs of missionaries and mission organisations.
- Research of resources already available and existing service providers who are resourcing missions in any subject area.
- Collation of available resources into a comprehensive database and research of Internet based services (WWW, email, ftp etc.) to provide public access. Preparation for web-site launch.
Jan – Apr 2000
- Staggered launch and development of web-site.
- Research of other forms of media to make information more accessible.
- Publicising the information.
May – Aug 2000
- Development of project into a service for missions.
- Review of project and decision on future of 'Resource’ as a stand-alone service and/or integration with existing providers.
- Encourage other service providers to expand their work into areas where no service is yet available.
2000/2001
Introduction
Since its inception in September 1999, the Resource project has gained momentum and attracted much interest from many individuals and organisations involved in mission work overseas. The research performed early on showed quite clearly that some form of central information and resourcing service for missions was desirable. One of the initial aims of Resource was to 'explore the possibility of establishing a one-stop information service'. I soon realised that gauging how such a service would be received was really only possible by actually doing it. It became evident that setting up such a service should be the main priority of the project.
In March 2000 the project web based service, called OSCAR (www.oscar.org.uk), was launched. The reaction to this facility has been overwhelming. It has invoked interest from missionaries, mission organisations and mission support organisations/individuals alike. People from all sections of the mission community have expressed their joy and excitement that such a facility has come into being.
Such has been the response to and identified need for, this project that I have decided to extend it into a second year (and possibly beyond). This will enable me to continue monitoring and developing the OSCAR service and focus my attention on introducing the concept to the world mission community. The aims and goals for this second year are detailed below.
Aims
- To manage, monitor and develop OSCAR as an information sharing hub and comprehensive resource for UK missionaries and overseas Christian workers.
- To continue researching the latest advances in technology that would provide more effective transport and propagation of OSCAR's services.
- To network with mission organisations, associations and services in order to 'pool' resources.
- To develop more 'physical' opportunities for passing on information and resources (i.e. teaching, training, consultation).
Goals
- To educate world mission individuals, mission organisations and support groups in the world mission resources and services that are available to them.
- To improve and simplify the process for information retrieval and give greater accessibility to these resources.
- To encourage mission organisations, associations and services to expand/improve their support for missions where current needs are not being met.
- To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of mission work throughout the globe.
Main Areas of work
- OSCAR development and publicity.
- Teaching/training/consultation for missionaries and mission organisations.
- Encouraging UK churches and Christians to be involved in world mission.
- Financial support raising.
For subsequent years, see www.oscar.org.uk/resource.htm.
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Last revised: May 09, 2006