Mobile Ministry Magazine

When we read through the book of Psalms, there are terms that we may easily skim over because of our lack of familiarity.


However, there is a word that I’d like to highlight for the purposes of a brief, devotional thought.

Psalm 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Note the usage of the term “selah” throughout the psalm. “Selah” appears several times throughout the book of Psalms and a couple of times throughout Scripture. It is an important word meant to inspire deeper worship and provoke deeper thought.

Selah is a musical term that literally means “to pause”. The musically-inclined would most likely consider the pause referred here as “a rest” or a brief respite within a composition. However, that is not what its intended meaning is here. The term connotes a much deeper meaning. Selah instructs listeners to ponder; to reflect; to give thought to the lyrics and music.

It is self examination in the middle or end of a song.

• “What does this mean for me?”… to ponder
• “How can this apply to my life?”… to reflect
• “What does this say about my heart?”… to give thought
• “Where can I go from here?”…to examine yourself

Selah.
Today, as we move throughout the day, remember the command of the psalmist…take time to reflect on God and what He is personally trying to communicate to your heart this day.

EDIT: This item now appears in the Devotional section - Antoine

I was just talking to Sammy from Palm Addict via IM and besides always being intrigued at how he runs a very popular and visited webstie, today the context of our converstation had me thinking a lot about common sense. He is a public relations guy and has bascailly built his working life on principals of serving people out of a common sense approach. Its quite easy to see that it has paid off for him, as Palm Addict and the other websites and ventures that he does do very well.

But the key part of that conversation had been when I listened to Sammy tell me that it was just common sense that drove his successes. And while its almost nature to think that simplicity never is the answer, it sure is a common word used in the Bible.

How does mobile technology equate to common sense approach in ministry in communities and aborad?
Simply put, it has to solve a problem or enable communication that leads to relationship. For example, many churches think that its a great idea to have an advertisement for a youth group bible study to be mentioned on a church flyer. But if you want to attract youth, why not use text messaging alerts that youths and parents can sign up to recieve on their phones on the day of or day before the Bible study.

How about announcements on Sunday service that can be downloaded BEFORE going to chruch, instead of just having a handout. Even better, making a web accessible calendar capable of sending alerts via email and phone, or even downloadable to Outlook or other calendar programs.

How about a sermon podcast that is available for download to any mobile phone, from anywhere in the world. But then people are able to post comments, pictures, and even voice responses to the sermon right from a computer or even mobile phone. Creating a community over the use of mobile technology and the Internet, and at the same time fostering relationships where God can enter in, and create the kind of change that makes a better world ;)

Technology at its core should meet a need, and MMM wants to help you or your church do that. But in our way of doing things, it has to be a common sense (yet God directed) approach. People who look to meet needs not only just prosper in themselves but manage to prosper/change people all around the word (folks such as Sammy from PA).

Amist the many posts of the last week about being responsible with relationship and technology, one question that has been coming to mind a lot has been what a mobile minister looks like. Not so much what he/she would carry, but the really good stuff, as in how would you identify one (its not like we have collars that can be seening online and off in many cases). But if someone wanted to know that you were availiable in helping them balance tech and their faith, how would they know to come to you?

Of course, this would probably be really general depending on reigon and mission, but it would be great to hear from you some characteristics of a mobile minister that would be conductive to being a involved in this part of the Body.

I was over @ my friend Jesse's site last night and he had written up an interesting piece about hypocrisy in the church. As I was reading, I felt both convicted & encouraged to press on to really seek after the heart of God. I think this article doubley applies to tech as well. Why? Well, since we are mobile ministers, we need to make sure that we are not just offering lip service to God in the pursuit of tech, but rather seeking Him with our whole hearts and using that relationship with Him as a means of furthering our role as mobile ministers. Here's an excerpt:

Throughout the Scriptures, God has spoken out harshly against hypocrisy. In the books of the prophets and especially in the life of Christ, nothing brought such indignation as those who claimed righteousness with the lips, without having it in their hearts. Jesus, our gentle Savior, lashed out at the scribes and Pharisees in terms that certainly couldn't be considered unifying. He knew their hypocrisy was self-serving. All hypocrisy is self-serving...

Click here to continue reading the article.

I recieved this in an email today/yesterday and noticed how it related to MMM and so wanted to share it.

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 1 Peter 5:1-4 NKJV"

I find that being in a situation where no one has ever walked before, there is plenty of opportunity for pride, discouragement, or just flat out being awed because of the glory of God as it has manifested in people effected by technology to draw closer to Him. But this is not the first time that something new has been done. The elders, those who have gone on before the MMM team into new areas of ministry where no one had ever gone on before have wisdom and lessons that are to be remembered. They got us to the point where we could gain enough insight to use something else for the glory of God, its not to be forgotten.

And the other side of that reflection is that with this newfound area, there is also the chance that one can feel like they know more, that they can do more because they have this particular gift/mission versus someone who doesn't. This should not be the case. Being gifted in one area or more means that it is your area of serving, not your area of lourding over someone else. If you are in the position where your use of technology is subverting the power of the Word of God, or you yourself have made an idol of the technology, it is no longer a gift that can bring glory to God, but a hindrance and something that you need to put aside until further maturity sets in.

May we all become ministers with our technology, not monsters because of it.

MMM's Kevin Agot has been profiled at Palm Addict. Here is a snippet of that interview:

A few weeks ago I got an email with a quick message to check out a link to a picture that was intriguing, to say the least. I followed the links, and the first was to his blog, called Re:Views. The second was of the above picture! Well, I followed Einstein’s advice and sure enough! Kevin’s blog is definitely copacetic! (You probably know what copacetic means, but I had to look it up. It means “completely satisfactory, or fine.” :)

Read the entire interview here.

To continue with the last post, while giving space to this piece as well...

Last night I had the opportunity to visit with the DC Palm Users Group and they had a presentation by the Institute for Politics Democracy & the Internet on tap. Though being a bit late for getting lost within DC (I hear it happens to everyone), I was able to catch the presentation by Julie Barko Germany in its entirity. The main thrust of the presentation was about knowing the digital landscape and using mobile technology to accomplish [political] goals. And while I am never a politican, I am not one to not listen to some sound wisdom from those who had the resources to compile a boat-load of information and skillful practice.

One of the main points that I came out with last night, and was reflected very well in the previous post by Ambassador, is that beyond just being able to provide a technology, the technology has to solve a problem. It has to address a need and beyond the realm of the 'infulencers' who are likely to first have it, has to capture the attention and sustain it of all people. It has to serve.

I believe this is one of the reasons why the Church has not been successful in ministering on the Internet. Trying to fit ministry tactics designed in the 1800s will not work here. Those skillsets and operations to work here need to reflect the needs and customs just enough of this arena that ministrry can happen. Take this news posted today at CNN (its a video, and the content is a bit strong in nature), to be successful in reaching a group, you have to know the group and then meet them where they are. Just podcasting a sermon isnt enough, but making available podcast a sermon to a congreation that is mostly away on military duty overseas is.

Mobile ministry means not just the tool and its appearance in our hands, but the skillful application of the Word to produce the fruit that results in His children knowing Him fully.

Please, if you have nothing else to do today, after you read your devotionals and pray, please read this article. While Ambassador of the Cross Movement speaks on hip hop culture and the Church's response, this same ideology shuold be applied to the arena of the Internet and mobile technology.

Read this also (MS Word Document): This is a document that is a work in progress, yet relevant to our audience here. Because of this article by Ambassador, I am publishing this now as a technological and spiritual explainaion of similar concepts that he describes. Please read these articles and consider that the ground is changing and we must move to meet this world where it is, but also exercise the God-ordained command to steward and subdue it.

I would appreciate comments on these, please use the comment link at the bottom of this post to leave comments, corrections, reflections, etc.

It goes without saying that for ministers on the go that probably the most important piece of software almost must be a decent, reliable bible program.

And, as anybody who has been in the PDA business any amount of time knows, picking a compatible version can be difficult. The market is not exactly sparse, so it usually boils down to functionality and ease of use.


MyBible by Servant Software & Laridian, with its combination of ease of use and accompanying software (e.g. Daily Reader), really wowed me.

MyBible came in a footprint that was workable (by my standards).

The first thing that caught my eye was the number of different versions available. See, I am one of those weirdos that actually prefers KJV. I liked that I had more than one version to choose from.

User interface was far from gaudy. It looked, felt (daresay smelled) like you would imagine an electronic bible should feel. It felt important without being overzealous. I hate to admit, but this is important to me. I want my electronic bible to mirror my physical one. What I liked about Mybible is the fact that it seemed to do that for me in an effortless manner.

Actual scripture can be navigated by book. I found another "wow". For Palm devices with 5-way buttons, you can scroll, select specific books all with the buttons, which allows you to use your device one-handed with MyBible. Perfect if you need and extra hand to hold on to a rambunctious toddler in church.

It also allowed way more than just a slight degree of customization. You can tweak the appearance, down to the font and verse indicators. You can choose to whether or not you want to use the nifty highlight function, and what color you want to use.

This highlight function became indispensable to me in the short time I used this program. It allows you, of course, to highlight verses for future reference. And, you are not forced to use just yellow.

You can also "split" the screen with multiple bible versions, and choose them to be synchronized to the topmost version.

On a whim, I made up a mock "sermon". The functionality of this software helped greatly. The length-adjustable search function helped me find relevant and linked verses.

The accompanying software was phenomenal. The bible dictionary was excellent, even though I forgot it was a dictionary after a while. After I read an article on the speculative Assumption of Moses, I was hooked. It became my own portable Wikipedia of biblical facts. I absolutely loved it.

Daily Reader helps to break down your study of the bible into manageable, recordable fragments. I used it for its morning and evening devotionals, which I found a valuable addition to my own readings. It even had reminders.

Brevity will not allow me to say more about this well designed piece of software. What I can say is that it can be a blessing for you, as it is for me.

Please visit the Laridian website for more information on this software and more bible-related software.


YIC,

Tre Lawrence

Snippet from the review:

One of the main reasons I submitted a request to be a reviewer for Mind & Media was the chance to educate and understand more of what it means to be a Christian through books written by various authors. One book that I was very interested in reading was No More Christian Nice Guy by Paul Coughlin and I was blessed to respond fast enough to get on the list. The reason I was looking forward to this book was because I personally feel that American liberals and the media are trying to minimize the role of men in our society and I thought that Paul's book may help give me some ideas to combat this misguided practice.

Read the rest of this excellent review, and then take the time to purchase and read No More Christian Nice Guy for yourself.

Apologies for the missing news from Agape in the right column. I have been working on making the site conform more to web standards and one of the standards items actually broke something. The news is back now however. Enjoy.

This was a very good posting at Think Christian. And while I have been careful to attribute whenever I find an item, I am sure that many (same as I felt in college) feel that there is no way to spend all your time attributing content (you never get to the point when you do that). Regardless, a little more time to check yourself earlier would make for fewer headaches later.

Article snippet:
With the rise of the internet, plagiarism is now ridiculously easy to do, and if you’re a pastor hard-pressed to get your sermons written on time, the temptation to lift ideas (and sometimes entire sermons) from other sources must be immense. (And let’s not forget that the line between stealing a sermon from somebody and simply incorporating their ideas into your own sermon is often pretty blurry.)

Read the rest of the article, and make sure that you check your sources and attribute where appropriate :)

I many times think of how a blog, or a newsgroup could be a benefit to the body. And even more so how these tools could have been used in the time of Paul and the apostles. I imagine that they would have been very effective, not so much because they would have been using a medium that many had access to, but because offline, they had sowed the kind of relationship building that leads to these electronic tools as being faciliators of that relationship. There was always a sense that Paul and the others always wrote not just because it was an item of importance, but something of value that the majority (or at least the leaders) could associate with and gain valuable insight into God's hand in a matter. And it was in that writing, that visiting, that praying, that they were able to take some thing conventional, and refine it to something world-changing. Consider the example:

Greetings to my friends in Galatia with whom I have been some time in seeing. It seems that it has been a long time since we have spoken, howbeit there has been much news of you that has come to me. It seems that you have taken into your community those who would present a different gospel to you than the one that was spoken of by myself and the apostles. But you have the Word; you have read what I read, and checked my sources and even heard my testimony; what makes you think that I would speak to you a gospel that you that the Lord had not revealed unto me Himself. It was those early believers that affirmed God in me not because they converted me, but because they saw the witness of the Spirit within me...

So now, I have had a few moments to sit thanks to your generous hearts in my last visit; but by no means is my ability to be a witness to you hingent on the ability to write to you now. It is the truth of God revealed as when I walked with you and even as in the time after when you walked in those things that were taught to you. Yes, it really is enough to believe, for righteouness has never been by our ability to show God, but in His faithfullness in showing us as children of His...

So let me ask, have you been so long online that you have forgotten the works of the Spirit offline? Yes, as I received of God so have you. But not because we do the law and observe it; but because we by Christ Jesus overcame the law and the blessing from that curse was that the inheritance of salvation comes to usward as well. Let us take what inheritance we have been given of Christ Jesus and stand steadfast and in mind that if we are under the Spirit, then the computer doesnt matter, nor does any law prove to hinder us. Encourage one another and do not despise, restore those who have fallen to the traps of this world...

I took pieces of the book of Galatians as an example postings from Paul's blog, it would have read differently, as the immediate nature of a blog would have allowed him to address issues quickly. But I also note, that his tone too would have been differnt. Rebuking, but quickly affirming. Reaching to the person who was least likely to be spoken to in this manner. But it would have been a largely effective manner of speech, Paul always seemed to know the times and the manner best at which to speak to people. He also understood the need to speak from a distance versus speaking in person. This mastery of his seasonal technology, allowed him to capture different aspects of a relationship that would shape a new/budding church community.

This is one of those aspects of communication that reaches far beyond our tools. Its the VALUE of what we have to say that gives it lasting impressions to change and to show forth the glory of God. If the content is valuable to the recipent then the person is much more likely yo be recieved.

So when you are thinking of how to apply mobile computers to your ministry, consider that your audience will be different. Consider that those who will grab that content will be different. Consider that they are in need of the same, if not more attention from you than people would in other manners. While I love that kids are drawn to my PDA because I like interacting with them. I like better than their parents are also drawn and the open too of mobile technology allows one to build a relationship that works past the laws of normal interaction and strokes the fires of faith just a touch differently.

Taken from the Bible+ Forum via a Guest poster, Charles Spurgeon

O, when will all professors, and especially all professed ministers of Christ, learn the difference between the law and the gospel? Most of them make a mingle-mangle, and serve out deadly potions to the people, often containing but one ounce of gospel to a pound of law, whereas, but even a grain of law is enough to spoil the whole thing. It must be gospel, and gospel only.

Click here to read the entire devotional.

Good day or evening to all;
This weekend I found myself (more often than in times past) really talking about MMM and what the point of doing this said ministry is. At times, its just flat out hard explaining to people who don't understand computers that this isn't an effort to spread the gospel of mobile computers. But, to some it sounds like it. To others, they say that it's great to show people how to use computer technology; but come back in saying that its not the be all end all of ministry. It's not. Never was, mobile computers, like music, tv, books, and everything else not named Holy Spirit, are just tools. And many times this weekend, I found it hard just relating that fact, despite sharing my heart for computing resources of all types to be used to the glory of God.

And so tonite, as I am getting a late post in for the beginning of a new week, my mind is on the thought of emppowerment by the Holy Spirit. Why hasn't technology pushed us into a closer relationship with God? And even more, why has it pushed us away from Him? Why are so many reluctant to use this resource (internet) as tv and radio has been used, but so quick to point out its impersonal faults?

I admit, I felt like MMM/I was on trial in a sense. Almost like showing the power of God in tech is something that shouldn't be explored at all. Its enough to make pray this day that for this week, that MMM would know what it means to show the power of the Word of God over and beyond the scope of a website or magazine. And at the same time, to be repentant of not being more open to showing His heart for His people all the more. Personal speech more than anything I know, but in sharing my heart, I'd hope that MMM would be a good light for His Love to all.

So, you are flying high.
You have your shiny new PDA. You are in front of your congregation of youth and/or adults, most of whom are looking at you with marvel. You have read up on the "Paperless Pulpit", and you are rarin' to go. You take a step from behind the pulpit, PDA in hand. One small step for man, a giant, gigantic leap for mobile technology...

... and bam! Your sword (aka PDA) is frozen. Nothing works. Done.

For 10 minutes, during an agonizingly slow reset, as the impatient crowd start murmuring and pointing at you in embarrassment, and the choir refuses to bail you out with more "filler" song as you fiddle away with your device, you wonder why in the world you left the hard copies of your presention, with your hotsync computer, at home.

Your giant leap is beginning to look more like a ghastly stumble.

Amidst the boos and thrown balls of paper being thrown at you from the angry congregation as you race for the door, one thought pops in your head. You should have found a backup solution.

Backupbuddy, by Blue Nomad Software, promises to be the second chance you need, that insurance against the inevitable crash, loss or crippling event that prevents you from accessing your data in a timely manner. Most people understand (and rely on) Palm's indigenous Hotsync process to provide backups in the wake of system failure. However, the inherent restrictions in the native hotsync process simply means that not everything may backed up.
And, for anyone who depends on his/her PDA to manage a gazillion contacts, tasks and meetings knows, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your information when away from your hotsync computer, you can be in BIG trouble. Thus, for the 21st century road warrior, a reliable backup solution is not just a frilly accessory, it is a necessity.

Backupbuddy promises to completely solve your backup woes. It comes in different facets with different capabilities, and I am actually glad that I was able to focus on one of their offerings. I had the opportunity to review BackupBuddyVFS Professional, a mobile, external memory card-based program that provides peace of mind on the go. I also spent time with BB for Windows, which resides on your desktop and is programmable to provide customizable data backups.

You have to forgive me, but I spent most of my time on my handheld.

BackupbuddyVFS Professional features a lot of user friendly functions. Downloading and setup was easy; I was up going in just a few minutes. When you open up the program on your handheld, you are greeted with the actual date and time of your last backup. BBVFSPro allows you to backup up to a memory card, if you so desire. It also allows for the user to set up preferences as to how and when the backups are to occur.

It gave me the option of "quick" and "thorough" compressions, and whether or not you want the backup encrypted (nifty idea, even though only data files can be protected thus). What I loved about the program was the scheduling options. It can be scheduled to run every day at a particular time, at power off, or after a hotsync action. It can even be set to do a backup if a hotsync action has not occurred for a given period of time (To do this, you would have to make sure you have this program on your RAM).

Now, if these are just too simple for you, you can really take control of your backups.

Checkpoints mark the point of multiple backup sets by date. This way, you can go back as far as you have owned this program to find a particular combo that works, say, before you got into that crazy reset loop. With a click, I was able to perform a complete restore. I admit, I watched the whole thing.

You can also choose what files you want backed up, i.e setup incremental backups. Think of what you can do if you delete a file, school paper or sermon by mistake. If you are really, really serious about your data, BBVFS allows you to audit it by viewing its backup log.

And, you can have even more with the desktop doing the same thing in backing up your device info to your computer or laptop.

My experience with their support team was excellent. They were courteous and quick (shoutout to Bobby). Blue Nomad also has versions of their programs for Macs, and numerous other utilities for security and word processing, among others. More info is available at the Blue Nomad website.

Now, peace of mind, for us at MMM, has a serious connotation. We know who the Ultimate Backup is. Still, when it comes to handheld data, BackupBuddy does a darn good job of earthly emulation.

When you get your courage back, and feel you can show your face in church again, you make sure you walk in there with your head held high.

Just remember to pray, stretch and click on the little, green "gatherer" a few minutes before service starts!!!

YIC,
Tre Lawrence

Keyboard Review...

Recently I bought the palm Universal Keyboard for my Zire 72 to improve data input. I have to say I really enjoy it, It is a great accessory and a necessity to a college student, and or business man on the go...and also for us gadgeteers!

Here is the complete review on Style, Bulk, Battery, and the way it closes and opens, infrared, Misc. and ease of use.

Style..

The style on this keyboard is very nice, it is black which makes it more appealing to the eye. The keyboard, when folded up is very small, as you can see in the pictures, from corner to corner it is as big as my *small* mechanical pencil. The keyboard itself is very thin (when folded out) which makes the keys almost feel like laptop keys, but way eassier to type on.

Bulk...

This is how simple it is to put it, No bulk whatsoever. Today I took it to high school with me and it added no bulk to my book bag, which is not even a foot high, or in width, carrying a couple of binders and books. If you wear baggier pants (as I do) *I don't mean falling off baggy, just loose, then you can put this keyboard in the opposite pocket of your palm.

This is a small portion of a user review posted in the forums at PalmInfocenter by the user imperfectjoe. For the complete review, click here.

In light of yesterday's article about PDF readers on the PalmOS, PalmFocus has published an article about some tips for using Dataviz's Documents to Go 8. Check out the article and get focused on productivity and usability.

As my first real article to Mobile Ministry Magazine, I can honestly say that I think the delay is worth the wait on this one.
I actually waited an extra week to get the answers to some questions from the lead developer before I started writing.
This is actually a Java application for cell phone users, and specifically Podcast users. It's called Pod2Mob and can be found at (you guessed it) www.pod2mob.com.
This is THE premiere java app in my book. I have been using this for the last few weeks and still can't believe it really works!
So, just what is it? It allows the user to listen to Podcasts on their cell phone via their wireless internet connection.
As a communication tool, the obvious use to readers of this blog is to listen to sermons on your cell phone. As of right now, the two known programs listed on the sight are; Living Way with Jack Hayford and a Calvary Chapel Q & A program.
Exactly how this service works, I don't know. Generally, you download the Java file from your phone. It is only around 45K in size so it won't take up much room. You create the usual user name and password and sign in on the phone and go through the directory to listen to whatever is available. PalmAddict's Podcast is listed under Computers.
Oh, and I forgot one little detail; IT'S ALL FREE!!!!!! And they plan to keep it this way.
Now you are asking, "OK, Great, but I can't find what I want to listen too". They accept RSS feeds, so all you need to do is contact your favorite Podcaster and tell them about the service as one more outlet and audience for their cast. They will probably upload their Podcast for you.
As of last week, the service works with T-Mobile, Cingular and Sprint; any service provider that allows real streaming audio.
I am on Sprint with a Sanyo PM-8200 which isn't even a true multimedia phone. This is just your basic camera phone.
This new development makes the price of a web service for your phone very doable in my book.
Other things to consider for using this service would be in the business community. You could create a weekly Podcast to speak to your clients with advice of industry related issues. The real value is the fact that the listener can listen on the go when they have time.
So, as Pod2Mob says, "You don't need an IPod to listen to Podcasts".
Enough said! Go check it out and let me know what you are doing with this great new service.

God Bless, and enjoy!

Jay Noggle

This story, linked at PocketPC Thoughts, is a main reason that while technology is a good thing, technology without wisdom and moderation is foolish (take heed to this Scripture reference in light of that article linked).

If you have used a Palm, Handspring, or Sony Clie PDA (all of these use the Palm Operating System), then you know that PDF viewing is something that has not been your device's best strength. And due to the countless PDF manuals, magazines, and other documents availiable, there was a big hole in PalmOS offerings until recently. Now there are two products that fill that need, and depending on your budget and needs, may fulfill that need more quickly.

The first product is a freeware prodcut called PalmPDF. PalmPDF is a free native PDF file viewer for Palm OS 5 devices. It a viewer of PDF documents only, but enables you to save the PDF to your device's SD card and quickly read it. There is also an option to export the text to plain text and use a presentation mode for viewing with presentation software and hardware. MMM endorses PalmPDF in part because of cost (free), and also because of the developer's attention to this application (its only been 4 months in development and is quite stable and feature filled). Click here to download PalmPDF; and dont forget to download Issue 3 to read as one of your first PDF documents :)

The second program is shareware ($$) and from Dataviz. The prodct is called Documents to Go 8 (DTG8), and in its latest release has a PDF reader that also would read native PDFs saved to one's memory card. Like PalmPDF, DTG8 offers the ability to quickly view PDFs, and reflow the elements to fit to the screen for easier reading. DTG8's PDF reader is bundled with the rest of their DTG Word/Excel/Powerpoint package. If you are in the market for a complete office solution, DTG is one of the most comprenhensive out there. I cannot recommend going to version 8 just for the PDF feature, you are better off saving your money and using PalmPDF (there is a reduced cost to upgrade if you have a previous version fo DTG). But if you need the ability to work with multiple office document formats and need a modern solution, DTG8 is best here. Download DTG8 from the Dataviz website (there is a trial available) and also add MMM Issue 3 to your list of items to read.

Note: There is also available Acrobat Reader for PalmOS devices. This solution has not been updated by Adobe in many years and does not offer the ability to read native format PDFs - they must be converted before reading on one's handheld via the desktop conduit program - and many other features that PalmPDF and DTG8 have. We do not recommend it as a solution for viewing PDFs unless your PalmOS PDA does not have a SD memory card slot with which to hold unconverted PDFs.

From Palm Addict:

(Via Press Release)Handmark®, a global leader in mobile media, today announced the release of The Catholic Study Bible, based on the powerful work by Oxford University Press, for Palm® handhelds, mobile managers, and Treo™ smartphones and Windows Mobile™ Pocket PCs and Smartphones. The Catholic Study Bible is supported by an array of invaluable features including a 600-page reading guide written by today’s top Catholic scholars.

Acclaimed throughout the Catholic community, The Catholic Study Bible presents the power and truth of the Bible in a format that encourages learning. Comprehension and personal insight are enhanced through the Olive Tree Bible reader which allows the student to jump directly to specific verses, create and jump to bookmarks, and search the entire Bible according to specific word, phrase, or range of books.

“With The Catholic Study Bible, intermediate and advanced students can gain a greater understanding of the Bible in an easy-to-use and complete format,” said Douglas Edwards, Handmark co-founder and executive vice president. “Its versatility and convenience makes it possible to study Biblical teachings anywhere, anytime, on virtually all the most popular Palm and Windows Mobile handsets.”

The extensive reading guides in The Catholic Study Bible reference the scripture using a unique, page number keyed cross-reference system. Guides are provided for each book of the Old and New Testament.

Other features include:
• Glossary of biblical terms
• Custom bookmarks
• Powerful search functionality (by word, phrase, range of books)
• Fully customizable viewer preferences (fonts, colors, toolbars, scrolling)

The Catholic Study Bible requires 4MB of free RAM or expansion media memory and is priced at $29.99 USD. The product is currently available for download. For more information or to purchase The Catholic Study Bible, visit the Handmark web site, www.handmark.com.

Just to remind you that MMM's Forums are back and up for viewing. There is plenty of room to grow there, so feel free to register and post your questions, observations, or other.

One of the items that we are looking for from you (the reader), is to contribute some devotionals. There is a section setup in the forum to post devotionals or links to devotionals. So go ahead and post them there. We will take them from there and add them to the Devotionals page, with a link to your posting so that you may receive some comments and insight from others.

Finally, there has been a post started in the forum asking about what you would like to see in the next isssue (#4) of MMM. Place your suggestions there, and you never know, you might be asked if you would like to contibute content as well for that issue.

There is a lot going on here, with the hopes that you might be encouraged and equipped to minister the Gospel with technology in hand, or as a resource. Jump in and get mobile! :-)

From Think Christian:

In a new article, Think Christian mentions an article that talks about the effectiveness of discipliship in the context of video games. A different type of mobile ministry perhaps, but one that all computer users should be aware of and the manners and customs of this different genre.

Read the article from 1up.com.

As I sit here on the day we in the US set aside to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am reminded that sometimes, we need someone on the front lines to fight a fight for us, so that things are better for everyone as a whole. And while owning and operating a PDA is no where near the importance of breaking wrongful social actions towards a group, I do understand today, having had a phone call where I helped someone configure a Bible reader for their Treo, that there needs to be those people who are willing to fight for better programs, better and more complete features, and essentially better devices, for the betterment of all who would use that technology.

I kind of imagine that there are many of us who come here and read who are waiting to try the next device or piece of software because it is there; because it is what we do to fulfill a need to see mobile technology meet a goal of being the best tool possible for us. But what then do we do when we get to that point where we are happy with our devices, where we do not want to download and install everything that comes out? I imagine that for some, they go out and buy a new device. For me personally, that isn’t an option. I am left with a device that has fit into my life in such a way that I can now use it to show someone else the benefits and drawbacks of being mobile.

Back to that phone call I was on earlier today:
The person that I was speaking to wanted to download and install a bible reader program, but found that the manual was too difficult to understand for the one thing he was trying to do. He contacted me via email, as I am one of the forum moderators for that program, and asked if I could help him along. The email conversation got in depth such that we swapped phone numbers and then he called with the issues that he had and I did my best to walk him thru the issues that he was having. Little did I know, this person was not so much doing this for their benefit, but he was giving a Treo to someone else, and wanted to be able to help them set it up for optimal functionality. In effect, I became a mobile helpdesk as I went from talking in Outlook email to talking on my Treo while at a TMobile Hotspot helping this person in a different side of the country. When we got off the phone, I had not finished with him, but I had this job about me that I was finally able to take all that I have gotten with learning and writing about PDAs and mobile technology, and share a solution with someone, not just a device.

Now don’t give me a strange look, I am not saying that we need to all become tech-know-it-alls and serve as the help desk for the world. There is really not enough time in the day to do that. What there is time in the day for is sharing with someone who has a need that there is a solution to the way that they are working, and it might be with mobile technology, it might not.

I feel that as a user, I am finally getting the point of what I heard a representative of Palm say a long time back (and they still), “we are not trying to make the perfect device, but the perfect solution…” I get it. There really isn’t a perfect device out there. There is a solution out there that works though. And while not an answer for everyone who wants one, websites such as BargainPDA help you to find that solution for you, and then to also share that with someone who might not have visited here. You never know, you might just share a dream of your perfect device with someone that liberates them from the desk just long enough to change the world.

I wrote this as an upcoming article for BargainPDA, but I believe it fits here as well.

LJ wrote in to inform that Trailblazin Minstries is back online with a new design and refreshed focus. There are no longer forums, but everything else is there and the layout and format are better. So go visit, and blaze a new trail in Christ Jesus!

Kevin Agot has written in to inform us that the website formerlly known as Splash Page has now been renamed to Re:Views (I like that new name). Go on and take a look at the content over there. Kevin continues to talk about life and faith, but there is also some talk about the mobile technology that he uses, or wants to use. Check him out, and tell him that MMM sent ya.

Introduction the new MMM Forums.
Over the past weekend, MMM has worked with our gracious host at PalmFocus to present for your reading and community involvement, the MMM Forums. Please note the new link as it is no longer being hosted by Trailblazin Ministries.

MMM is looking for a few good people to serve as moderators. A basic job function of a moderator is to make sure that people and postings do not get out of hand, and to clean up any spam that might hit the forum. If this interests you, sign up for the forum and shoot MMM a message.

Come in, register, and be a part of some really great discussions.

Thanks to my daytime job, I have not had as much time to be here posting and sitting with some things as much. However, I did have some thought all week to the idea/task of training mobile ministers with their technology and how it would be done. While it is great to have an understanding of the tools, and a handle on some of the things to do/not to do, as I sit on this weekend (finally getting somewhat of a break), I think about how to implement some kind of training for those who wish to be mobile ministers, or at least more effective with their technology in the ministry that they are in.

This is something that I plan to explore again later, but at the same time, I would like to know your opinion as to what training for a mobile minister would look like. As I am sure the Apostles had to come up with some kind of training for those who would be following them, the MMM team will be looking at the same thing.

Here are some things that are already on the list (but please do feel free to suggest more in the comments area):
Knowledge of the Godhead
Understanding of the technological time that we live in (maybe not every area, but understanding the scope of the different areas that there)
Able to use a computer, radio, tv, and create items on that medium that can be shared across areas efficiency

Those are just a few so far, I know that some of you are pastors and executives, what do you see/know as a element of training that should be included. If possible, MMM can make a manual for download so that you can take this and share it as a point of instruction, as well as being a point of writing that vision on a tablet ;)

Kevin wrote in today to let me know that Electric Pocket is introducing a new application for Treo 650s and Bluetooth-enabled PDAs that allows you to put photos of your most-called contacts in your Applications Launcher and speed-dial them by simply tapping on their photo. PhotoDial is available starting today for US$9.95 at www.electricpocket.com.

Snippet from the press release:
PhotoDial works by enabling users to add photos or icons to a PhotoDial group in the Applications menu—the central activity hub of Palm OS handhelds. The application enables users to browse the list of contacts in their handhelds’ Address Book and select the people they call most frequently. Users can pick any photo or graphic image to represent the contact, or they can take a picture with the device’s camera.
Contacts are created and grouped together in the PhotoDial group for easy, one-tap access by the user. Once the PhotoDial group is set up, it is simply a matter of tapping once on the photo of the person the user wants to call in order to begin dialing the number. Users can even use their handhelds’ Preferences option to assign a caller to one of their devices’ “hard buttons,” including the Treo side-button.

Click here to visit the Electroic Pocket Website for more information and to purchase.

Due to some issues beyond his control, our team member LaRosa, and ministry partner Trailblazin Ministries (formerlly Jesus4Life Ministries), is parting ways with MMM. There was nothing between MMM and LJ, this was a decsion on his part. LJ know that our prayers are with you where ever it is that God is leading you.

If you are interested in being a team member, please feel free to send an email outlining how you would like to help, or if you just want to know some more information so that you can make a solid decsion.

Its safe to say that this week has been short on posts from my end as work projects have taken a great deal of time, energy, and prayer. But to note; I am not forgetting MMM, but using teh break as a time to refresh, and to get things in line for the team here to get you some content that will not only lead ya in God's face concerning mobile technology, but also a little something that you might have missed along the way.

With that said, on to some news items of note:

• The Devotional section was added a little over a week ago. From the emails received thus far, people like that section. I do too. But its contents should be a community effort. Send us a devotional for inputting to the Devotional section, and help MMM bless the community with notes in the Word, not always directed technologically.
• Excellent article of note at PDA247 talking about PDAs and ADHD. While not at all spiritual in wording, many of us can relate to this persons comments about how organization is more than just getting a device. There needs to be a vision and plan and the strength to walk it out. Take a read at this one and meditate on the linked Scriptures to help someone in your community.
• Another excellent article is given by way of MobileRead. In this article by Jeff Mitchell, he talks about how the lack of support and the random way of changing features in the Palm operating system by Palm (the people who sell us the PDAs) and the lack of standards from PalmSource (the people who make the operating system) has discouraged him. I read this article and the first thing I thought of (after treating developers of software much better) was taking the Gospel to people, but giving no thought as to who might have come before you and getting that person/group's feedback before ministering. While I like that technology can be a bridge, if you don't ask questions about their experience with ministry and technology, your use of that technology can be a stumbling block, instead of a bridging-point. Something to think about.
• Finally speaking, MMM is looking for more contributors and team members. If your heart has been to submit an article to MMM, shoot us an email with the entry so that we can get it posted. We shall also be sure to recognize you for that. If you want to dive a bit deeper with MMM and build on the website end or magazine end of MMM, and this is a place that God has been calling you; you too can shoot us an email so that we can talk, pray and make things happen to the glory of God while online.
  

Care of Engadget:
Was getting in my dose of CES information from Engadget today when I saw that they had a posting about the 2006 Bloggies (the weblog awards). I personally have never been one to jump for any awards, but if there are any blogs out there (or here) that have moved you in the last year, now is your time to vote. Check out the Bloggies Nomination page, and submit your vote (my personal favs are MMM, Engadget, PalmAddict, and Kevin's Splash Page, what's yours?)

Preparing for Sunday's sermon (or coming back from Sunday's sermon if on the other side of the pond) perhaps? Finding that there is a bit of a rut that you are in still with getting the message God has given you into the right words? Well, let MMM help you out a bit with a few links to previous discussions to get those words flowing:

Mobile Refocusing
7 Second Memory
Fashioning Idols or Temples
The Responsiblity of Mobile Ambassadors
Stewardship Discussion

Ok, so those are only a few articles that might spark you. Remember that it is not always your job to feed people but to at least lead them to the place where they can see the feast that is the heart of God and get in something for themselves (Matt 4:3-5)

In another one of those moments where I am crossing a few of the sites that I work with online, Bible+ and MMM; a user that I was activating for the Bible+ forums has a very uplifting website called The Official Zavablog. As it was that I was configuring some settings with the user's login, in the email they sent, they had mention of this website.

I am still going thru the podcast sermons (excellent subjects discussed, especially this one); but this site is basically ready for mobile use with downloadable podcasts and a design that works well with some of the latest mobile devices.

Great job David with Zavablog; I am sure others here and all over the net will appreciate what you bring to the net-connected Body.

This time last year, I was with the team of BargainPDA at CES in Las Vegas. And while I would really like to be away there enjoying the plethora of new gadgets at the consumer electronics spectrum, I am here settling into my career and ministry.

One of those issues of settling that I am coming towads now that the holidays are over, is that idea of what to do with old tuff that I no longer use but is in well working order. For examle, I have a Treo 650, there is no need to have any other PDAs as I like this one or my mobile needs.. Now is the time that I can sow into another's life.

---
As I am typing this at the Honda dealership, I am being asked about my Treo. There is a need for him to be connected too. Of course, I point here. because MMM is about making profitable use of tech but not losing sight of Christ.
---

So back to what happens now. If you are like me and have a few items catching age and no use, then you either give them away or sell them. I say either because you might have items that you may have invested much in and to want a return on is not a bad thing.

Find a need and then sow to it as the Lord directs. from there flows a ministry that goes beyond tech and commputes into relationship.
- sent via Treo
edited for spelling fixes

One thing that I like about the Internet is how you can really get on it at anytime and find something worth reading. While this is normally the time where I am finally getting to bed (1am), tonite I am finally able to get 3 weeks worth of email off the server to my laptop (I have been using my Treo for nearly all email and Internet doings while not at work). But besides the action of cleaning up my computer, an article that I read much earlier in the day (now yesterday) has been sitting on my heart as something that I wanted to bring up at MMM as a point of reflection, as well as a possible point of change.

The article in question was found at the website GodSpy. I found it referenced from a Think Christian article and thought that not only was it a well written piece, but also offered quite a bit in the way of making me think about the effectivness of mobile technology, especially in the sense of mobile techology for Christians, and if that is a mark that should wholeheartedly be met.

Now, dont get at me with strange looks. The GodSpy article talked complety about movies and how the best Christian films are made by secular and Roman Catholic writers and producers. I dont want to get into content creation and things like that. What stuck out to me in that article was how the person who wrote it was less concerned about the message, but the manner in which the message was given.

I have personally always felt that one should give people what they need, and then allow their life to be the light that provokes conversation. I witness this many times while at work as there are people who ask me for my opinion on a matter because I carry a (usually) Christian viewpoint on the topic at hand. However, I find that those people are more receptive to what it is that I have to say when I do speak about my faith, but in such a way that the item that they are inquiring about (PDAs, why I design websites, what do I prefer to do with spare time, etc.) is answered and they get a glimpse into who I am beyond the typical Christian shape (aka they get the me which provokes a few more questions).

I do admit, I probably turn folks off sometimes with my heavy slant towards mobile technology. That is probably because I am passionate about it. I want to see mobile technology be one of the major tools used to tell folks about Jesus and the Gospel. I think the opportunity is not only there, but here and now. At the same time, in my zeal about Christ and tech, if I am not careful, I not only do not offer someone a solution for their organizational needs, but I also close the door to their spiritual ones being answered. If all that we do here is talk about mobile technology for Christians, there is a large chance that we will reach a good number of people. If we talk about the real issues that we deal with as Christians who use mobile technology, then we not only reach people with solutions for their issues, but pain a more realistic picture of the daily struggles Christians deal with, just thru the lens of technology.

Another article that I read today, this one at PalmSolo's site was another item that convinced me of this point. (Hope you dont get miffed at me for this example Matt); Here we have a person who is grappling with issues of being a techie, a father, and a man of faith. All of these items have hit him at a crossroads where he feels that his relationship with God has been lessened due to issues that have happened. When I read that, I has to ask myself, where was MMM in encouraging him to pick up his PDA and read a bible (not just compare a program or two). Where was MMM with "how to take Christ to work on your PDA"-type articles where he could have used his wireless PDA to download devotionals, tipsheets, or something else that would have kept him in the face of God. For what I see the purpose of this site, that is where it needs to go, and where it will have to go in 2006 to be a success, and even more a sweet offerning to our Lord.

So, I guess all that I am saying is that yes, I do believe that there are better tech websites out there than MMM that seek to fill a need to teach and equip. And at the same time, there is nothing like MMM that seeks to teach and equip in a (hopefully) non-abrasive way (at least sometimes, there are times abrasive needs to be said). It is my hope that in this new year that the MMM team and contributors would be able to skillfully set a line by which we meet the standards of some of the best mobile websites. And while not trying to be or beat them, we offer something that even the tech world can acknowledge is needed, Christians of quality who have a heart to serve with what's in their Palms.

I know that some of us might work in urban fields where the concept of the passion of Christ is sometimes lost to those that cannot (or will not) see the association of love with Christ's suffering. Therefore, care of a post at Holy Culture Radio, I am providing two links to a downloadable video that you can put into your laptop/PDA/tabletPC as a tool for ministry and conversation. These are all the same just in different formats.

Link 1 (.mov Version)
Link 2 (Flash version)

One of the issues that many times we have when speaking or presenting to a large audience, is having enough copies of the outline/presentation handout availiable for consumption. Part if that is planning, but the other part of that is more simple, sometimes people want to get to something in a more convienent means.

For those that use PDAs, ebooks are a good item with which one can pass outlines, presnetation notes, and other book-like materials from one device to another. Today, I want to highlight taking Word Docs, and transfering them to eReader-formatted documents. eReader is a very popular ebook program for PalmOS, Windows Mobile, and Windows desktop computers. And therefore it stands to reason that if you want to make a impression on someone with whom you are speaking, beaming or downloading books to read via eReader could make for an attractive option.

Now, because eReader is a propriteory format, you will only be able to read these ebooks with eReader's program. But since the reader is free, this can work out well. Here are the two programs that you can use to convert docs to eReader formatted books:

1. eReader's Dropbook and eBook Studio ($)
2. Publish eBook (free)

Dropbook and eBook Studio is the paid for eReader solution. While that initially sounds like a turn off, if you are an aspiring author looking for a means of distribution, or a small sales author, this is a solution that could easily pay for itself quite quickly. Basically, these two take any MS Word or .txt file and convert it to the eReader format. It really good if you have pictures or other more complex formatting elements. However, the downside is the cost if you are only distributing sermon outlines, presentation sheets, or the like.

The other solution, IMO more suitable for small press, is Publish eBook by Peter Gorod. "Publish eBook is a free tool (programmed as a Microsoft Word VBA macro) to easily convert your Microsoft Word Documents to eBooks (text from website)." I have found it pretty easy to set up, and the developer is quite friendly in attending to questions regarding its use and operation. While it is not a program, in the strict sense of the Word (it works as a function of MS Word), this lends to it being a bit easier to deal with from a usability standpoint. There is no rights-management with Publish eBook; so some places might not let you sell your eBook unless there can be some authentication or copy-protection built in.

These are only two solutions of many. There happens to be quite a few reader programs for various devices, and many more formats. If you are looking to get into making digital copies of your text availiable, these two programs offer two solutions. And two that just might get you looking all the more at eBooks as a medium to share the testimony of Jesus.

Sorry bout that last posting. I was posting to my personal blog via the same software that I use to update MMM from my Treo.

Tech is kool, only when used correctly :)

Hello all; pardon the mixing of two sites for the moment, but knowing the MMM audience, I am looking for some answers concering the digital versions of Bibles from publishers. If any of you are publishers or distributors, could you please email me with what copyrights you know of or are held by your respective company concerning Bibles.

What I am trying to do is two fold:

1: Help out the folks at Bible+ (and others) who distribute a free bible reader and Bible conversion software keep things legal (across international lines, as well as USA domestic).

2: And, to get a graph together for those that visit here who might be looking for a PDA/laptop Bible reader figure out what Bible software would work best for them.

Thank you in advance. Personally speaking, it will be a big weight off my shoulders if this info can be gathered.

Happy New Year from MMM!!!
Just eanting to send a quick note to all praying that you have a safe and fulfilling new year. If you haven't done so already, purpose to God that this year you will be an ambassador of His Word with your tech and with your life (2 Cor. 5:20). See the book of Galatians for more on that end.

Many blessings and see ya in a few days with more content and maybe even something new. :-)
- sent via Treo