Mobile Ministry Magazine: 07/01/2006

Setting a foundation at the intersection of faith and mobile technology

How do churches, mission groups, organizations, communities, parents, and people respond to life when their use of mobile technology intersects with their faith? Here, we not just ask that question, but present the foundations for answering it. Read more about Mobile Ministry Magazine (MMM) and its mission/vision.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Uh, Wow - Check This Out

One of my friends recently told me that sometimes I post a bit too much at one time. I was going to head away for the night but this post just could not wait.

Matt/Palmsolo over at The Mobile Gadgeteer has put together an (incredible) review of the Mindjet Mind Manager software and how it works with MSN Virtual Earth on his Samsung Q1 UMPC. Here is a snippet:
Image: Mindjet software curtosy of The Mobile Gadgeteer

Image: Mindjet software curtosy of The Mobile Gadgeteer

...I generally go to Google Maps online and enter in my start and end points and then print out the directions and maps, which takes me a few minutes. I have a business trip on Monday and have not yet printed out directions to get from the airport to my destination so I simply created a topic for the start point and a topic for the end point and then drew a relationship from one to the other. Tapping my Q1 display and holding the stylus popped up the option to "Get Route". In a couple seconds an Internet Explorer icon showed up below the relationship results box and tapping on it led me to a Virtual Earth map with text directions off to the right...

Read the rest of the posting, and if you are like me with your jaw on the ground/desk, wow, now this is some kool technology to use with a mobile computer.

House cleaning and Additions, Room Available Too

Greetings all;
Granted, its nearing 12:30am EST over here and for a guy who is tired from driving, I tend tod o a lot of web work when I am this way. I think it has something tod o with my theta waves kicking in (read about them if you never heard of them).
Image: housecleaning, curtosy of Google Images

Image: housecleaning, curtosy of Google Images

Well, you might notice that the side bars at the bottom have lost the scrolling. I didn't like it as much as I thought that I would, and the color was also not quite right. Come IE7 I will make them work a lot nicer for those who view via desktops, and a bit more readable for those who prefer MMM via their mobile device.

You will also notice that there are a few new websites in the bar. Church Tech Matters has become a new stop for me on my daily RSS runs, and from there I found many other websites of tech enabled Christians who want to use their know-how to help the Body better use technology as the tool that it is. I have included the links of a few that are really relevant to MMM's vision and purpose, and more are probably sure to follow.

The other part of cleaning is making room for new things. There are plenty of opportunites to work with MMM if you so desire. We are always looking for people to contribute articles for both the magazine and website. We also are looking for those who are good in front of people to lead training sessions and workshops so that the good side of mobile computing can be better explained to the growing and emerging church Body. So if you are interested, or you already have a webstie doing these things and you want to partner up with us, shoot MMM an email and let's work a cleaner ground online and offline for the Kingdom of God.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Church Management Software

A very good article over at Church Tech Matters talks about church managment software packages that are well known in some respects and not so much in others. For many churches, making the call that they can go digital is one thing, but then having some kind of foundation and system in place is another. Do check out this article if you are a tech decsion maker and your church is looking for a soltion that a bit more than little Jonny needs some web dev experience (not a knock, but professional suites offer a ton of advantages short and long-term).

ChMS is something that is a mystery to some and at the same time, becoming more well known. There are the known, big players, like ACS, Shelby and Fellowship and there are also many other less known players that may or may not be worth your time. The challenge here is how to know what the right choice is for your church.

The key in that last sentence is ‘for your church’. Clearly, there are many products available that would be a good choice for many churches, but every church is different and has different needs and oftentimes, budget is the deciding factor.

If you have the budget for this kind of thing, then that’s great, but what I hear more often than not is how can we jump in there with our small, limited budget or no budget? It still depends on what factors are important to your church and how much money you are willing/able to throw at it. It’s not a cookie cutter solution.

Read the rest at Church Tech Matters.

The Mobile Life

After a weekend away, I have taken some time to evaluate myself, where I stnad with things, where I am going (I think), and to be blunt, what is in my hands that I can work this ground with (Genesis 3:19). Here is the conclusion of things:

I live a mobile life and its mobility that God will use in me to stir people into knowing Him better.

Weird, I don't seem to do this thought like many others. And chances are, if you are here at MMM that you probably are similar in thought. The world (meaning folks who dont know mobile computing), just have no idea how persuasive and potentially life-changing mobile computing is to so many people. In the State its not even seen buy most. Seriously, brining up the idea of MMM is a "wow" to many, but not realistic ot many more.

I shake my head because I know it's a door that's given for HIs purposes. Whether I get to talk about MMM (job interviews have probably been the places places to chat thus far), or to put my hands down in doing something towards MMM (give a PDA, fill out those nasty gov't forms that makes MMM a legitimate 501(c)3 org - aka a non-profit that you can donate to and get a nice tax write off), this is what has been given to many of us as not just a tool to be more productive, but a way of life that will keep people plugged in, get people tuned in, and outright be one of those lighthouses to folks who just need to know the Lord is really as close as a mobile phone.

For me it means stepping out on faith in a big way. I am still without work, and many on the MMM team could use a better job situation as well, but we all have been placed in this season/walk together because the mobile life is where God wants to use us to share His heart to the nations. Whether that is just a one on one convo, or setting up a table at Urbana 2006; we want you to know that the nature of mobile computing is such that God can literally be in your life in every medium possible, and at the same time show you how to be usable in anyone's life at the same time.

It's a big vision I know. And I am more scared writing this than you are reading it. God knows what He is doing and all that He needs is timiing plus opportunity to make His Word shine. So if you are down with shining for a few folks in a way few people have done to date, stick around a bit longer, this just might be the life for you as well :-)

Friday, July 28, 2006

PDA 24/7 Discusses Bible Software

The folks at PDA 24/7 have started a discussion on Bible readers. Here is a snippet of the start of that discussion:

When I asked for ideas for comparison articles I wasn't expecting to receive a few emails asking about Bible and Religious applications. I'm going to give it a go but I am not religious at all so it will be more of a 'look at this' than 'this is great'...
I have to start with PalmBible+ which is not only free but boasts a multitude of features such as Cross-references (double-tap the verse number), Notes page for fast notetaking (with export to MemoPad) and Highlighted bookmarks on color devices. There is much more to it and as it costs nothing is a definate download if this subject is your thing.

Jump into the discussion yourself, or check out the links to the various software packages mentioned.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Not Biased, Just Regional

I have to apologize to the world audience outside of the US that tunes into MMM and doesn't seem to get a fair shake when it comes to software fot your mobile devices. Part of that is becase most of the team is based in the US, and so our computing usage and devices tend to just come from here.

But if there is one thing that I do understand about tech and the world stage, there is no denying that everyone has a voice and to most extents, it needs to be heard. So onto the newsbit I found (hope you liked the segway)...

I was over at All About Symbian today and saw on the right side of the screen some Bible software for Symbian phones. Now, with all of the interaction that I have with Bible+, unfortunately, Bible+ cannot work on many Symbian phones (S60 Bible Reader supports some, not all), but I found some software called coBible (NIV and KJV) that would enable you to have the Bible on your Symbian phone.

Tis a good thing to have the Word when you are communting. Let coBible give you a hand :-)

A Quiet Day to Look AheadA Quiet Day to Look Ahead
New Post:

As I sit outside today, I am reminded that people can have a whole lot of infulences. For example, when it comes to music, we usually get our in part from our parents, another part the media, and yet another part our friends (neat article about that here).

But being that tech is so new, where do parents, administrators, church leaders look for direction? While it is true that the youth are usually the most skilled, they are not always the most wise. And even beyond giving wisdom, who gives understanding to tgose who wish to use tech to excell or advance their communities?

I personally feel that this leading/leaning can be found by careful examination of Scripture and attention to tech trends. Parents should be leaders in some respets (Palmsolo gives his daughter a Sidekick 3 but also has her use it innovatively) and guiders in every respect. While no one person can get it all, and there isn't time to either, administrators and churxh leaders can become resource persons for specifuc applications of tech (for example, a worship leader uses iTunes to share worship songs just sung with the congreation).

I look ahead to the days when tech will be understood and the Body leads its function to God's glory. Sure, its lofty, but what do you expect to come out of the mind of a guy who just thumbed out a whole post ;-)
- sent from Treo

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

ESV on a UMPC

For some people, a PDA is just too small a screen to look at, and a laptop/tabletPC is just a bit too large. Thankfully, there is a device that is inbetween in size, but most definitely not in ability, called the ultra-mobile pc, or UMPC for short.
Image: curtosy of Google Images

Palmsolo has been using one for quite some time and in a recent posting, he speaks about getting the ESV to work with MS OneNote. OneNote is a really slck note/jornaling program for tabletPCs. The ESV version that he has for his UMPC allows him to write notes right on the bible screens (much like folks do in print bibles).

Jimmie from Palm Addict also has a UMPC (same as the one pictured) and has been talking about it a good deal. Check out his most recent posting about the Samsung Q1.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

A Lot to Do With Timing

A lot of things concerning mobile devices and people has to do with timing. For many people, mobile devices are a dream that they are never expecting to see performed in their lifetimes, while some others are just itching for the chance to go ahead and use them.

In all cases though, introdcing mobie devices to any community is a matter of wisdom and timing. Wisdom in the sense that just because it is new, does not always make it the best thing to introduce. Sometimes, the best device to introduce would be an older one by your standards, but has just enough functinality to get them started. By introdcuing something too new, you can actuially hinder mobile device adoption because the functions are just too vast in many new devices.

But probbly more important than that is the timing. Some have been online for many years, have several email address, but if you introduce a mobile device to them out of season (think of the device introduction as being harvest time, but they are still in Spring sowing seeds of mobility) then you also risk lost of interest and lack of adoption.

Take your time when introducing mobile devices and mobile device features to those who do not have your entheusiam or expereince, and you will find that they will at some good season be willing to not only hear, but to jump into the fray with you.

A Mobile Day, A Mobile Thought

Being that I was on the road today, I could appreciate being accessible to what was going on around me via my Treo. This is not an accident, as I literally have made my mobile phone the center of my computing life. To some extent, I think that for a lot of people (speaking of those outside of the 1st world sect of those who interact thru desktops and laptops, and more towards those who computing lives is their mobile phone) that the mobile phone will become the hub around which other technology will be used.
Moto Q, curtosy of Engadget Mobile

This is highlighted in an article at CNet and I do have to agree with the outlook/perspective that the mobile phone, not the PC is probably the most infulential technology of the past 25 years (a close second to PacMan IMO). But what does this outlook mean for you (who might not even care that your phone does more than take/make calls) or for the person who has a smartphone and does the call/email/text side of things? More than anything, it means that you have an opportunity, much moreso than any generation or person before you, to effect the positive outcome of every person that you come in contact with.

Sure, in the MMM context of things this means addressing education, poverty, enablement, and social justice. But in a much broader scale, mobile phones represent a door that really cannot shut. This door is called opportunity. While carriers and companies hash out DRM (digital rights management) issues that make it harder for you to enjoy literature, music, the web...well, everything. A mobile phone is a door that says that the world is open.

Now let me preface this post in this much at this point. There is no substitute for eduication, fair judgement, or Christ. You just cannot take those elements out of the human equasion without someone eventually getting that empty feeling. No fancy phone, superfast wireless service, website or magazine would be able to fill that. Mobile phones, and the Internet that serves it, are just tools to help us fix communication lines that should not be broken.

"When I was naked, you clothed me; when I was hungry, you fed me, when I was sick you visited me; when I was in jail, you comforted me..." I have the belief that mobile technology makes it easier to live up to that bar that Jesus set. Not so much because we get to be Oprah and do the big showy things, but becaue we can do the small things that lead up to the big things.

I do hope that you take a few moments today in the mist of your mobile life to think about just where mobile technology is taking you, or where you can take it.

Monday, July 24, 2006

PDAs Help Fight AIDS

Palm Addict reports this one. Check out the YouTube video and see for yourself how effective mobile tech is in fighting disease.

More from the Peanut Gallery

Ok, so I wrote that one hoping for a smile out of some of you. As I have been taking more looks at those who have been participating in the eBible contest, I come across a few blogs that grabbed my attention, if not for their site design (of which I will leave those out as web design is what I do on another blog) but for their heart in using this tech to reach and maintain relationship where they are and abroad.

Here is one good article. Its not so much the article even, but the comment left on it was very well spoken and can offer a lot to both sides of the pond (US and UK mindsets) as to where we place our focus in "winning" people to Christ versus discipling them.

Another neat site with some jems (also UK based) is found here. Two really good articles; one pointing to a website that takes accountability to another level and the other about a cartoon church.

Here is one about an IT guy that is sparking tech in his church and dang hear everything else (some sweet computer setups in some of the earlier posts).

A site that is still making me go wow! (aka, get on it now if you have not)

Very encouraging to see a missions blog and a church on the list as well.

You see, the thing that gets me is that one Lord using one piece of tech can draw a whole lotta people together to make a bag of something that will demonstrate His love towards all. Let's keep this going folks and reach even furter with our blogs, Treos, and every thing else to see God glorified on earth (as He is in heaven).

Another MMM???

Was just over at the eBible Blog taking a look at some of the winners for the 10 Days of eBible contest and noticed that one of the websites had a church & techie ring to it. Upon checking it out I was kinda amazed, there is another like MMM out there.
Apologise, but that is the best that I can do at this hour

So what does that mean; well it's 1am and I am still up (aka not much to many at this hour). But it does go to show that there are a ton of folks with the vision to use tech to minister to, and be a tool for ministry within the Body.

Check out Church Tech Matters and make sure to drop them a note that MMM sent ya.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

And How I Am Doing...

So what happens when you replace your broken laptop with a Treo and external keyboard, and then do it for many months on end, even liking the results? You get a keyboard that cannot keep up with you. Suffice to say, I am pretty disappointed that my keyboard has fallen apart on me (literally, the O and P keys fell off today, and the past two days have seen the part that folds in half being held together by just the ribbon cable only).
Image: Palm Treo 650 and Wireless Keyboard curtosy of Everything Treo Store

Image: Palm Treo 650 and Wireless Keyboard curtosy of Everything Treo Store

So I am on the march for a new keyboard (more specifically the funds for it). I really like using the keyboard, and I have had it since Feb of 05, and its done a really good job. But I guess that I ran it a bit out of commission in a respect or two. News might be slow for a bit while I get used to typing when I can, and then when possible to sit in front of a comp (as I am now) then I will do the longer pieces.

Other than that, I am still pluggin away (in prayer mainly) for a job. Funds are still quite low, and honestly, its one of those things where I can and do feel discouraged a lot about at times. There is much that I'd want to be able to do financially (pay off bills, get MMM rolling complely off the ground, send PDAs to "x" and do training for "y," etc.) but its just not seeming possible right now.

I saw some old friends today at an outreach in Baltimore and it was great to see them and fellowhsip some. It was even better to just get my hands in and help them when rain turned the outreach into a inreach (had to go inside). Dad did some marvelopus things with a person getting saved and a mother and son rededicating their lives to Christ. I had a lot of memories rush back tonite.

And in the mist of that I ran into a person with a Treo and showed him some of what his Treo is capable of. And then another person I ran into we talked about what mobile tech/internet tech should be doing to empower people, instead of putting them down. For me, it was a very chappenging night, one where I can honestly look at my broken keyboard and just shake my head.
Image: curtosy of Google Images search

So no, I am not exactly doing well. But I told myself that I'd plug away at MMM till I couldn't anymore. And even still, I'd probably do it if I were not online. The ministry is not in these walls, but its what changes the hearts and minds of people to know that God whom He says He is. Tis a hard one to grasp even now, but its the best truth of the night that I could leave with you all.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Bible References Via Christian Book's Website

Many times, I am asked if there is a good one-stop shop to get reference materials for one's PDA or smartphone. Unfortunately, there is not. But sometimes you can run into a place that has a slew of good deals for some notable software.

The following list comes from Christian Book's website:

- eBible for PDA: Standard Library Edition (CBD Price: $36.99)

Image: eBible reference, curtosy of Christian Book

- eBible for PDA: Essentials Library (CBD Price: $39.99)
- QuickVerse PDA 2005 Deluxe (CBD Price: $29.99)
- QuickVerse PDA 2005 Life Application Bible For Palm & Pocket PC (CBD Price: $29.99)
- QuickVerse PDA 2005 Standard For Palm & Pocket PC (CBD Price: $19.99)
- Wordsearch Thompson Chain Reference Library Pocket Edition (CBD Price: $29.99)
- Wordsearch Life Application Bible Pocket Library (CBD Price: $29.99)
- MyBible 3.0 NIV Deluxe for Palm Pilot (CBD Price: $36.99)
- MyBible with NLT and NKJV Bible Text (CBD Price: $14.99)
- PocketBible Life Application Collection (CBD Price: $52.99)
- PDA BibleReader CD-ROM Version (CBD Price: $27.99)

Most of the software listed here works for both PalmOS and PocketPC/Windows Mobile devices. I would encourage you to look into purchasing this for yourself or for someone you know that is in a posistion where having these reference materials would come in handy most.

NOTE: the prices for all of the software listed here is a lower than retail prices for all of them. Some are really, really good deals.

They Are Useful, But Can Happiness Be Had

I know that we speak a whole lot about mobile tech and how useful that it is. But the truth is really, if a device or service cannot bring you some job while you are using it, then chances are that you will not. So let's ask something simple, can using a mobile dvice make you happier?
Image: Nokia E61 curtosy of Mobile Burn

According to this Yahoo article, nope (care of PDA 24/7). Mobile devices (like most other consumer articles) are designed for a finite lifetime. And designed to be out os style/old/break/not as useful if given enough time. Yes, one can via careful homework of both the mobile landscape and what is available make a choice that will lead to content (for myself, my Treo 650 really is it), but even content is not always happiness.

We know from the Word that we should learn to be content in whatsoever state that we are in. But its true that until we have refined our minds, we will be unhappy and content. For example, in this article, the person makes some valid points about smartphone adoption, but in the end, the tone and voice of the article is one of contentment but not happiness. The person has not learned to value what they have, and then draw joy in God from that. Rather, unmet expectations have clouded the value of smartphones in this writer's view (that is not to say we shouldn't have any expectation, but we should meter them to our purposes/needs, not our wants).
Image: Sony Ericsson M600 curtosy of Mobile Burn

So I know. Some of you read this blog and the tech that is talked about and say that you want this, or it would be kool of this did that. That is fine. Just don't expect that device to make you happy, it won't. And as a matter of fact, it will hold you back from being able to be a usable vessil with that tech if you do put your happiness in it rather than in God's promise to you.

Understanding the Tech Gap in the Body

Probably one of the hardest gaps to bridge is that of technology within the church. If you are reading this, then you have probably a good idea of what I am talking about. Some ministries, even now, have a hard time in understanding exactly where computer technology fits within the Body. Some don't want to have anything to do with it and from that end things just fall out. Then there are churches that push the envelop as to what they can do and will do to keep folks connected/equipped. Then there is the largest group, those in the middle who don;t know where things are going, but are doing their best to keep up with where things are.

The problem is two-fold. There is a gap in understanding between those who are techies and those who are not (see this article for the business side of this statement). Techies are concerned with one aspect of getting things done, while non-techies are usually concerned with the people side of things. While there is some overlap, for the most part, the two groups have a hard time seeing eye to eye because nether really understands their value to the other (1 Cor. 12-14).

The second fold is that innovation within the Body is not always open to happening (see the business side of things in this article). This is not a bad thing, as many times much prayer and research needs to go into understading and item before it can be widely accepted. However, in recent years, the explosion of mobile technology, and the services and systems that hold it up has left for little time to research (there is always time for prayer).

So what can be done? Realistically, understanding one's place in the Body should lead you towards humbleness towards where others are. It might very well be that others do not know that sending text messages of church announcements during services is possible, that is no excuse to bash the pastor for not listening to your request. You take it into prayer and find out how God wants you to speak so that you say something that no only makes sense to the non-techie, but also speaks life to whom you are speaking. On the other side of that, having an eat to listen is something we hear many times in the NT while Jesus is preaching. It might very well be that an idea for using a mobile website does not fit within your ministry's needs. However, as a means of income to fund what the church does do, advertising a service where you create mobile websites for those ministries that do need it is a way to keep innovation flowing, as well as community within the Body.

Yes, the speed at which technology has taken hold of the world has been a quick one. But given the long lasting and eternality of the Word and how it does speak, we can walk this bridge and possibly even bring a few billion folks with us :-)

Me, You, The Net...Yup, Its All There

I have been thru some interviews in the past weeks (thanks Dad) and many times, when the subject of what drives me comes up, I tell people that its the ability of the Internet to connect people in various places amongst sometimes the smallers of interests. The web is really kool like that. And I don't even think that we are anywhere near the place where the net can actually be consider a fabric of our lives (on a global scale, it is for 1st world countries however). I don't think its at all necessary, its just an issue that communication and technology has evolved this much, and we have a responsiblity to be good stweards over this medium, and more so to extend the grace of God to all that we come across (online and offline).

The way my mind works, mobile tech can help do little things that make big things all the more possible (Google thinks the same way, so I am in good company perhaps). A pastor over 20+ churches in Africa can coordinate with contacts in the Americas and EU no matter where on the Africian content they are for prayer or a call for finances for an emergency situation. A medical missionary has at their fingertips the latest in drug news that might be a life saver for an entire community, and at the same time while away from their family can say hello and send pics to spouses, parents, etc. Some of what is possible, yes. But its all there.

It's All There

When I was younger, the Ragu commerical used to come on and its phrase was "its all there." The flavor, the ingredients you need, everything but the spagetti noodles were all there. All you had to do was open the jar and pour it out. No matter where you sit in the Body, the same thing applies. You have this temple and the Holy Spirit dwells within you. You have a mobile phone, a PDA, or you have the finances or time to support missionaries or local ministries. You have the ability in ya, pour it out so that the world gets a taste of Jesus.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Security, A Quiet StudySecurity, A Quiet Study
New Post:

Two things I want to chat about for your thoughts on this middle of the week (for most of you at least): security with mobile devices and having a quiet place.

As I am currently in the library, under a wifi connection my Treo cannot use, I think about having a quiet place and how mobile technology, while many times keeping us too connected, does afford the means to go find a new or old quiet place and do a study, worship, or just get away. For me, I took my Treo and keyboard, popped them into my pocket, and then took my bike and rode to the library. Aside from saving gas and getting exercise, I can opt to stop and type on the side of the road or as I did, wait till I got to a quiet library. Its different to be able to do this with my PDA and not really have explored it so much before. How do you feel about mobile tech making a leadin for quiet places?

Then while sitting here I thought about security (slight backdrop: as I was riding here I was listening in on a Palm/Cingular conference call about mobile device securitty in the workplace.). But not so much the "dont steal my PDA" variety, but the kind of security that comes from knowing that being connected can encourage, edify, correct, or even administrate from a distance. I know that in some sense that is a bit of a false security with mobile devices as many times they break, need to reset, be charged, etc. But the ability to do so much from a little (or not so little device) has to make a lot of workers feel better. I do wonder if the Body has done enough info gathering and applying to make this a reality for the many overworked missions workers, pastors, etc. who could really use this tech to be more effective, while maintaining those healthy relationships that keep folks from getting burned out?

Just some thoughts as I sit here and get ready for a ride again. .
- sent from Treo

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Dictionaries Galore

Greetings all, hope that the weather whereever you are is treating you well. Here in the DC Metro area, its hot - humid and hot too - just the way I like it perosnally. Plus this is great weather to get out and use some mobile tech to strech oneself.
Image: Berlitz® Compact English-German Dictionary curtosy of Envicon.de

Image: Berlitz® Compact English-German Dictionary curtosy of Envicon.de

One of those things that I have found while out and about that I can need is a good dictionary. If you have been with PDAs for a long time, chances are that you have had a dictionary at one time or another installed or as a add-on memory card. If this is something you have not had, and do need, I'd invite you to check out Palm Dictionaries as they have a aggreated listing of all of the various lexicons and dictionaries available for PalmOS (and most time Windows Mobile too) PDAs and smartphones.

Another reason I bring this subjec tof dictionaries up is the release of a German English dictionary for Windows Mobile devices from Envicon.de. The Berlitz® Compact English-German Dictionary seems like a really sweet package if you want more than just a phrase book or a simple "what does this mean" kind of reference. Its available for trial and purchase (about 15 euros) here.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Getting Ready for the Mobile FrontierGetting Ready for the Mobile Frontier
New Post:

Greetings to you all. A few folks I had been talking to told me how shocked they have been with the amount of posting that has been over the past few weeks, but all I can say there is that there is a lot of news out there that one can come across...heheheh; to the best of my abilities, I shall be keeping it up.

But anyways, to something of note. I was speaking with a pastor from Kenya yesterday (my g/f and her friend went to Kenya and he was one pastor they worked with) and in the mist of our conversation, he asked if I could help him with getting his phone to work. You see, he has a GSM phone, and he knew that it should be able to work over here.

Well, wouldn't you know it that it was not a world phone (a quad-band GSM phone) and therefore he was out of luck. (for the moment) That got me thinking some of prep gear that would help folks who country hop, and want to keep to as tight a buget as possible (hey, not all of us are last-named Gates, Jobs, etc.)

If you will country hop, you want to make sure that you have a quality GSM phone that is also quad-band. Without getting into the tech specifics, it basicalyl works on 4 frequencies in order to make and receive phone calls. For the most part, smartphones (or PDA phones) are usually quad-band if purchased from TMobile or Cingular (US), Rogers (Canada), Orange and Vodaphone (Europe), or DoMoCo (Asia) - note there are many more providers, but these are examples of some famous GSM ones.

Then you will want to probably invest in either a solar charger or international cables and plugs (for voltage differences).

The last and most important thing to invest in is a history and culture reference book. Sometimes, going to another place with a certain level of technology will make you less received. Make sure that you know whom you are ministering to, and even still, if the mobile tech that you can get can compliment what they would have over there.

Short list, but really important if you want to take ministry of any kind out to the nations using mobile technology.
- sent from Treo

Saturday, July 15, 2006

The Kingdom of Heaven

I tend to like my days of rest. Not so much the much rest since I have been not working, but the rest on Saturdays that I have been taking to just reflect and look at where I am and where I need to go. Today, I watched twice the movie Kingdom of Heaven. Its a pretty good movie. Basic premise: time of the Crusades (I believe the 2nd), blacksmith who is the son of a lord takes his place and then shows all of the people (including the Muslums) that the kingdom of heaven is that in one's heart and mind and not in walls and religion. Tis a very good movie, rent it if you have the time. And so I watched this movie twice today and just had it on my heart to share this afterwards.
Image: Kingdom of Heaven DVD cover

The kingdom of God is not us walking around with our Bibles and PDAs saying "halleuah" or making miracles in places where there was no hope. No. It is showing to the world that there is a kingdom that exists beyond the sinfulness of this world. That exists beyond the conventions of culture and religion and stretches across every socio-economic line right into the hearts and minds of us all. That kingdom is the Kingdom of God, made very real and very approachable by His Son Jesus. And whether you read this site or another, hear that preacher or watch that program, one thing is very clear: no one will ever know God unless you make some kind of effort to walk in His plan for you. Not that you can ever escape His plan. But you can try to put things on hold by not looking in the mirror to whom you are.

Its not tech that I (or MMM) want to bring to the nations, its the kingdom of God. And no, I have no idea how or why I have this vision, but I do. And there is a team of folks here (and at other websites) that share this vision. No, we don't want to bash you, nor chide you for what you missed; we missed a whole lot too, and still do (every day). What we do know is that unless we use every means necessary to show you His heart in us, people will run to every place necessary to think that they can get away from the love of God. It's not possible, that I can admit personally.

It's not in your PDA, but you can show others when using it;
It's not in your iPod, but when you bop your head others will feel it;
It's not in your hosted hotspot, but when people sit to rest, they will taste it;
It is in their heart and mind, and some are just itching at the bit for you to let them know that He is there.

Have a good rest of weekend all.

Solar Charger at PocketNow

Per my Saturday's of late, I have been spending a great deal of the day in a mode of rest. For me, not working has been a lot of work and so I needed to get back into taking a day under the Son and recharging a bit.
Image:Proporta Solar Charger curtosy of PocketNow

Image:Proporta Solar Charger curtosy of PocketNow

Which is what brought me to PocketNow. I had been following one story from them, and saw a neat short review about the Proporta Solar Charger for Mobile Devices.

Many times the question of "how will it get charged" always comes near the top of the list when talking about mobile computers and missions. Then when one suggests a solar charger (usually a more economical and environmentally safe proposition), their opinion sometimes changes slightly. Its not at all a convential step, but a worthwhile one if electronics are needed for a particular overseas endavor and there is not a knowledge of what power sources will be available.

The PocketNow review talks in short about the positives and negatives of this solar charge, one of the positives being that is has an accessory that can enable it to charge a ton of devices; a negative being that many popular mobile devices are not supported by those same charging tips. However, it does offer the ability to recharge your phone or other mobile device in a few hours, as well as serve as a backup battery. That in an of itself is a good enough device for keeping one's electronics effective.

Check out the review, and all else that is going on at PocketNow..

Friday, July 14, 2006

Kept In TouchKept In Touch
New Post:

I have to tell you, for a guy who is looking for work, I sure did spend a busy time today going from one place to another. And the weird thing is that through each place I went to, there was a different level of connectivity going on. In the first place there was little need for mobile connectivity, though email was used a great deal. In the second area, BBs were present and accounted for, as well as personal phones for voice and text messaging. And then in the final place, I ran into a ton of Treo users and some having a plan of use, and others just wanting to do a little something extra with their PDA or explore something they had not done yet.

In all of those cases, there was this piece of being able to keep in touch with what is going on. Whether it was a phone call from a loved one, or email about an urgent issue, there was always this teather. And while sometimes this is a bad thing, in all of the cases above it was a fruitful connection.

As for me, I knew that email and calls came in most of the day, but could not attend to many of them as it would have been inappropriate in the meetings that I was in. And there lies another aspect of keeping in touch, knowing when to disconnect and allow life to run via a different speed or set of rules.
- sent from Treo

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Find a Place to Donate on Your Mobile DeviceFind a Place to Donate on Your Mobile Device
New Post:

The folks over at Brighthand posted a news item in the past day and one of the items of note was a website called Charity Drives.

Essentially, they have a mobile service where you can give you the addresses of places where you can donate food, clothes, and other items by just giving your zip code. You start by typing in http://charitydrives.org/mobile/. and then enter in your zip code and you get a reference.

Now don't get angry at them if they do not have a thrift store or other donations place listed for your area, you can contact them to adding that item into their database. And as for MMM, we are working on that office location, and then we will be there too :-)

So stop hoarding all that old stuff, donate that which is still in good condition via Charity Drives. and make someone else a blessed reeciever (before the holiday season ;-) )
- sent from Treo

Palm Addict's MyBible Series Part 3

MMM has gotten a few emails over the past days where some have stated that they are uysing Laridian's MyBible software on their PDA. In that vein, here is the continuation to Palm Addict's series on the MyBible Bundle.

In part 3 (the final episode), I want to give you an overview of the wonderful Bible tools that are a part of the MyBible 4 NIV Study Bible Bundle. The reference tools include a commentary (which was originally a 6-volume work --- want to carry that around?), a dictionary, a topical Bible. The DailyReader program comes with a number of reading plans, and some wonderful books for use with it as well --- the bundle includes three of my favorite/classics (described below). In today’s rush-around-busy-world, I think a devotion-on-the-go is perfect! Lastly, the Memorize program offers an easy/fun way to memorize verses. Here is an overview:

I have to say that I am very impressed at all of Laridian's offerings in this bundle and cannot imagine every carrying all of these book around unless it was via PDA.

Mobile Ministry Is Directional Too

Kinda prompted by a few articles that I have read recently (one in PDA Essentials and the other at this post at Palm Addict), I do realize that sometimes mobility means nothing without a little bit of direction. Simply speaking, knowing where you are going is a vital part of any type of ministry pursuit.

Recall the scripture where Phillip was led by the Holy Spirit into the the South and led a person into knowing who it was that Scripture spoke about. Phillip could not do this without being led by the Holy Spirit, and in the same wise without knowing the tool at hand (in this case the book of Isaiah), he would not have been able to direct that person to meeting Christ so that Jesus could be shared with a slice of the world that did not know that He had come, died and rose.

I feel that in this time where I am without work that I have to spend more time than I had before in the presence of God to know where He will be directing me. Yes, finances are just about nill right now (there is enough in my account to put a few bucks in my tank to go to the next interview when that is), but that does not mean that He cannot use me where I am to be directed into places where either by PDA or paper, word or just quiet action, that He uses me to show someone who Christ is.

And that is my prayer today for you as well, that you encounter the Holy Spirit and the He leads you to a place to share Christ. That you would be encouraged by the Spirit to go, and further more to trust that where you are going, He has a plan for you to change the lives of a few, or a lot, of people.

Virtual Church Relaunches on Shipoffools.com

From Christian Today (June :
Image: St Pixel's Chruch curtosy of Christian Today

An online worshipping community has been relaunched this week, two years after the world’s first internet 3D church shut down.

St Pixels, sponsored by the Methodist Church of Great Britain, and created by the UK Christian webzine ‘shipoffools.com’, is being showcased at the Churches Media Conference at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanick, taking place from 12-14 June.

After a four-month trial of an online church in the summer of 2004, shipoffools.com hopes to generate a similar impact today, creating an online community where people from all over the world log in as cartoon characters, and meet up with others in a gothic-styled church...

Read the rest of the article.
Visit St. Pixels church.

Mobile Technology Opening Doors in the Developing World

Still parusing Google, I found another article talking about how mobile technology is helping to open doors in developing countries. And though this article from Christian Today is over a year old, it does bring up some great points both for the use of mobile technology, as well as how it can be successful. Here is a snippet:
Image: curtosy of Christianity Today

As experts gathered for the TED Global conference in Oxford, Iqbal Quadir, a Bangladeshi entrepreneur, outlined a brave new method to help the Developing World – he argued the way to aid developing nations is by local technological development, in particular communications technologies rather than the traditional aid packages.

Technology in the developing world is not about closing the digital divide, or promoting the latest gadget but helping them to increase productivity - Iqbal Quadir pointed out – technology is "of the people, by the people and for the people".

UpSnap sends the Bible to Your Mobile Phone

As some of you know, I have been looking for work for the last four weeks. That has pretty much kept me on the web a whole lot filling out applications for various companies as I am trying to get a hold onto something. But I figure also that since I use Firefox at home (and in the library too, whoohooo), I can keep another tab open and see if anything MMM related can be found.
Image: UpSnap logo

So imagine my surprise when doing a Google search on "bibles and mobile technology" and seeing a company named UpSnap that has a neat service where you can text then a verse, such as John 3:16, from your mobile phone, and then you will get in a reply to that the verse. That is pretty darn slick.

Here is how it works:
- Text a Bible verse to 2snap (27627)
- They send the verse back to your mobile device!

There is a part on their page that allows you to put in your mobile number and get a text message of their services. It seems to be a completly text message/mobile phone driven app. Very nice, and very cutting edge.

The Very First GPS-Enabled Movie Guide

Earthcomber's Movies on the Move will show you where you're at in relation to theaters showing the movies you want to see, plus showtimes and other details on the movie. It works on both Windows Mobile and Palm OS devices...and it's free!

The Earthcomber "Movies on the Move" guide supplements the movie showtimes found in all of the movie theaters in Earthcomber. This comprehensive guide provides quick access to movie synopses and reviews for over 500 movies in theaters now! Updated often, so the information is always fresh.

Image: Earthcomber Movies on the Move logo

You can find it in the Spot Guides section of the Earthcomber website.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

MyBible 4 Part 2 Posted at Palm Addict

Cindy from Palm Addict has gone on and posted part 2 of her look at the MyBible 4 Bundle from Laridian. For those keeping tabs, part 1 was done earlier today and there is a part 3 to come. In this edition, she talks about the different translations available for MyBible4. Here is a snippet:

The NIV Study Bible is today's #1 selling study Bible based on the NIV Bible, it is today's most read, most trusted English-language translation. The NIV Study Bible adds over 100,000 cross-references to the NIV Bible text. It includes introductions and outlines for each book of the Bible. Introductions cover author, date of writing, themes and other information important to each book. The NIV Study Bible can be used profitably by all Christians who want to be serious students of the Bible.
It’s features include:
• The complete NIV Bible text with over 100,000 cross-references to related verses, and introductions and outlines for every book of the Bible.
• 21,381 study notes that explain important words and concepts, interpret difficult verses, bring out archaeological facts, include cross-references to related verses and provide practical principles for personal application

Read the entire Part 2 piece and don't forget to check MyBible4 and related products at Laridian's website.

MyBible 4 Series at Palm Addict

Cindy Aten of Palm Addict has begun a series talking about the MyBible 4 Bundle and how she uses it. Here is a snippet:
Image: MyBible 4 curtosy of Laridian

first purchased a Laridian product back in the 2001, it was a metal, leather covered case for my Palm IIIc. Not long after that I purchased my first Palm-based Bible from them --- MyBible 3.0 with the King James version.

Recently I have had the privilege of previewing the MyBible 4 NIV Study Bible Bundle, and I want to tell you all about it. As a believer in Jesus Christ and a part-time Bible student, I consider MyBible to be a key piece of software for my Palm. It allows me to carry several versions of the Bible with me and use them on a 24/7 basis. Can’t imagine doing that with several hard-back, or even paper-back versions --- that would be heavy, bulky and downright inconvenient! And can you imagine trying to carry around reference books, dictionaries and devotionals too?

Read the rest of part 1 and then download for yourself Laridian's MyBible 4 Bundle for your PDA or smartphone.

Daily Devotions on Your Mobile Phone

An email was sent in earlier today that led to a previous posting. However now that I have been able to (seems the library computer didn't like the site), I have gone ahead and taken a look at a very, very useful resource for many who might not own a Treo or other type of smartphone, but want devotionals and easy Bible reading on their phones in the palms of their hands.

The service that I am talking about is featured on the website Daily Devotions on Mobile Phone (via FourteenFour). Basically, it is a devotional and bible reader that uses the Java client on many (dang near every new) phone in order to deliever Biblical content to one's phone. Of course, to view the content, it is best ot have some kind of data plan, but if you take a look at the screenshots, there is not a lot of data that has to come down to your phone (text is really small to download compared to images).
Image: Daily Devotions on your Mobile Phone screenshot

Image: Daily Devotions on your Mobile Phone screenshot

There are a good deal of offering available now:
- Our Daily Bread
- Global Prayer Digest
- Freedom In Christ
- Purpose Driven Life
- 21 Laws of Leadership

And I am pretty sure that more will come soon. So if you are someone you know wants a bit more of the Word present on their mobile phone (and doesn't want to get a new phone to do it) visit Daily Devotions on Mobile Phone.

Reaching the Nations

I recieved an email today, and while I will not post yet about that specific email, I will talk about one of the websites that it led me to. That website is called Global Prayer Digest and what they are is a devotional booklet that gives a view into what is going on in the various world mission fields. Its safe to say that there is more than just that, as the digest also speaks towards devotionals and prayers for those being ministered to and those doing the minstering.

They also have a downloadable version of the devotional for your PDA which can help you out when you are out and about and are looking for somewhere to direct your prayers.

So go check out Global Prayer Digest. And I very much recommend subscribing to one of the many types of digests that are available. Get a perspective of the world on a global scale and then go and reach the nations.

EDIT: for those in front of a computer a lot, there is also an RSS feed available.

The Church and Mobile Technology in 3-5 Years by Ray Jones

Where will the Church be in relation to the use of mobile and Internet technology in 3 to 5 years?

I see the future of mobile ministers as a mighty movement towards masterful mobile content. Let me share my vision with all of you. Our Pastor walks to his electronic pulpit and addresses the congregation. "Friends, welcome to church today. I trust that you have used our configuration cards found in each pew to synchronize your handhelds for today's sermon. If not, please do so now. Friends, if your brother or sister sitting next to you is unsure about using technology to study and worship today, please allow them to share with you. We are all children of god here today with love in our hearts and sharing in our hands. For those of you unable to attend in person and are viewing today's Podcast, thank you for allowing God into your life." As the sermon begins, all of the handheld devices follow along. When scripture is quoted, the handhelds all turn to that book chapter and verse to allow personal reflection, now and later. The streaming podcast is sent out and immediately translated into the native language, both in word and in sound, of those enjoying the sermon. Thus, the congregation is united in discovering God. All hymns, poems, and music of the day streams into each handheld to relive at will.

~ Submitted by Ray Jones

MMM Contest Winners

Apologies on the delay in getting notice out folks, but things have been a bit on the busy side on my end here. The winner of the MMM contest is Ray Jones. Ray, look forward in your email from us a note of thanks and congrats and then a second email via eBible with your invitation.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Just Gimmie A Bible AlreadyJust Gimmie A Bible Already
New Post:

Probaby one of the most spoken about topics in terms of PDAs, mobility, and Christians is that of Bibles. There are tons of translations, study variants, lexicons, and other resources available on the paper side of things. But when one goes to mobile devices, the options become very limited. And for many, things get even worse when you want a Bible but it is not available for your particular device, or previously purchased/downloaded Bible software.

So what is a person to do? It is very inefficient to ask people to download and install to their device every Bible Reader and resource reader so that they arer covered. For one, its quite expensive, and then secondly, it is just not user friendly. And when it comes to mobile technology, that which makes an impression best is that software which is easiest to use within one's already formed opinions of how software is supposed to work.

"But Antoine, what is a person to do?"
There are a few ways to looking at this, and for the forseeable future there is not much that is changing., One, do your research on the respective Bible readers available if you have not already gone to purchase a mobile device. Knowing the software that is out that can help lead you into making a "better for you" hardware purchase.

Second, there are many free resources available in which you can download to your computer and then change into a format that is best for your mobile device. Just be sure that the user agreement for that software or website allows for this (stay in the law of the land as well as the law of God here).

Third, if something is not available from a software company in whom you have already purchased something from and are using, email the developer and ask if they would be willing to or have plans for offering that resource. If possible, post to their support forum, or find user groups (Yahoo, Google, etc.) that might have users who have the same questions. A voice united is much more likly to be heard.

Finally, don't let cost keep you from finding some biblical resource for your mobile device. From Bible+ to offerings by Olive Tree and Laridian, there is a ton of free stuff for nearly every mobile device.

So go get your Word and read already, God wants to chat to ya anywhere :-)
- sent from Treo

The Electronic Post-It: BugMe Notepad

If there is one thing that I can say that having a PDA has enabled me to do, it has been to remove the layer of Post-It Notes that used to surround my keyboard, monitor, desk, and highly visible doorway areas. For me, I needed those notes if I was going to get anything done. And in my age before PDAs (BPDA), where I did not have the illumination of alarms for important things and notes for the others, Post-It Notes were my best friend.
Image: BugMe Notepad by Electric Pocket

Now, that was a few years ago and I have since moved onto a multitude of PDAs, but one thing has remained the same. I still need to occasionally write down something quickly and easily. And while many of the Palm PDAs that I have owned have had the Notepad app, my Treo 650 has not had one and I have slowly gotten back into using small snippets of paper in order to keep note of small notes. This had to change as I saw the "layer" returning and so I set forth to see if the popular BugMe Notepad could redeem me back into a paperless bliss.

BugMe is a really simple program packed with a great deal of features. Upon opening it for the first time BugMe gives you a blank screen where you can just begin to write whatever you feel you need to notarize. You can erase, adjust colors, and even save it as a favorite so that you can reuse that later to build upon for another note. In this respect, BugMe gets praise from me, you really don't need the manual to get this far.
Image: BugMe Notepad by Electric Pocket

An additional feature of BugMe that is very vital to the way I work is the ability to write a note and then put an alarm. A good place to use this is when you have parked in a metered parking space but you know your Treo will be in eyesight while you are out. Write on the note that you have to put change in the meter, and then set the alarm to go off in time period before you get a ticket. Needless to say, the time I didn't do this it cost me $15, hence BugMe can save you some funds.
Image: BugMe Notepad by Electric Pocket

A final aspect of BugMe that I have not used very much of yet (but will as I get the hang of it for specific applications) is the ability to take a screenshot and save it then write on the screen. I know that many times we wish we could handwrite on the calendar screen something we want to add in for some upcoming appointment, but the default apps don't allow that (lest you still use a Sony Clie with Sony Organizer). You can take the screenshot and then write on it and tag it with an alarm so that you don't miss that added detail for an item. Tis a feature that I can see being really useful on a project site with real estate and construction workers, maybe even web developers could use this too (but only so much given the size of a Treo's or any PDA's screen).

So what is happening to my notes? Well, I am still dealing with moving the paper out of the way. Even with an assigned button, I am still finding it not so intuitive to get into BugMe when the PDA is off. Unfortunately for me as well, I use another program with a today-screen (similar to Windows Mobile/PocketPC user experience) and BugMe does not have a plugin that gives recent notes or just an easy way from that screen to BugMe. So to that end, its still a chore, but something that I am making a committment to readjust to, rather than let that layer of paper overrun me again.

BugMe Notepad can be downloaded for trial or purchase from the Electric Pocket website.

Success or FailureSuccess or Failure
New Post:

Morning, or afternoon, folks. I had not intended on writing something again personal here, but seeing that this is one of those moments, I thought to let a present reflection come out.

My thoughts as I sit in the library and read the current issue of Newsweek is if MMM is a success or failure. And if it is a failure, what have I learned. Don't get me wrong, I am about as stubborn as anything when it comes to seeing something thru, I normally have to be really convinced. But ther results of the MMM Contest and then reading this article just have me thinking. if whether I bit off a lot more than I could chew coming out with MMM when and how I did.

Of course, I can say that for those who visit here and read (somewhat) often that MMM could be a success for you. You come and get encouraged, a bit of a tech note, and then you get to go your way. Not really what I had in mind when MMM was started; it is to be a resource, a training series, and a means to equip despite the hurdles of a digital divide. But for some of you, MMM has sparked you in mind of those intentions, and so if stated to me, I am glad that MMM has been a success to you.

What is MMM for me? Really, I am leaning more towards failure (not well enough execultion on my end). I can look back and say that many things could be done better, or at least done. But I don't want to account for what I know now that I didn't know then. I just want you all to know that I plug away at MMM because to me, the success of a world that knows Christ should happen regardless of paper, pens, or PDAs. But no route to seeing/knowing Him should not be followed.
- sent from Treo

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Not Forgetting the WinnersNot Forgetting the Winners
New Post:

Not forgetting the winners of the contest; we shall be making mention of them in a few days. unfortunately, I have been pretty distracted with the events of the past week in terms of looking for work. So please do bear with us, your articles are here and they shall soon be known to all.
- sent from Treo

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Mobility to Solve A Pastorial ProblemMobility to Solve A Pastorial Problem
New Post:

In some respects, I have to ask that you all pardon me for writing today. I intended to take the day off from writing here, but with finances really really low, and nothing yet heard on the job front, I really don't want to sit idle and let my heart continue to be discouraged. There is way too much God out there for me to be discouraged anyways, right :-)

Well, onto the subject at hand: mobility to solve a pastorial problem. In a recent project that I have been working on, I am looking to see how a Treo will enhance the ministry of my senior pastor. You see, it was a gift and he wants to use it. However, wanting to use something and then maintaining the use of something are two different things. As Jay Noggle likes to say, "technology is only relevant if it is personal." So with that in mind, I wonder about the office of pastor, and how mobile technology can be relevant

One issue that I have seen many a pastor deal with is that of countless weekly meetings, however, not an easy way to stay on top of those last minute changes without a call from the secertary (if there is one), or the hassle of having to type it into one's PDA to get it down. To cover the first, I found via the latest issue of PDA Essentials a program called Emoze that would push your email right to your device (just like a coorporate BlackBerry setup would do) at no cost. Neat! And it would also do your contacts and calendar as well. Seems to me a really good solution, especially if you have a lot of emails or meetings to attend to that change date quite often.

NOTE: Emoze currently only support some Symbian and most Windows Mobile/PocketPC devices. PalmOS and some flavors of Lotus Notes, Mozilla Thunderbird and other programs are not yet supported.

Of course, there is the other side of that using mobility is that one has to use it. Many a person has had a PDA at one time or another, but then stopped using it because either the battery went dead and they lost all the info they put in; or, the handwriting part wass too difficult; or, just that paper was a better system then and there is resistance to change. That is ok. There is always a personal barrier to embracing a new technology or way of doing things. The main thing to note is that if you are in the area where you get to "sell" the tech to your pastor or someone else "at the top" then you have to sell them on something simple that they can maintain a grasp of. For example, if your pastor cannot afford Verizon's all you can eat data plan, then you cannot say that email on the go will make their life easier. Start at another area, such as the calendar. Get them into the philosophy of making sure that in the morning and evening that they sync. Its an extra step, but while that (1-2min) sync is going on, they can be in prayer refreshing themselves.

Technology is only relevant if it is personal. While it is that we are mobile ministers (all of us, not just us with PDAs); we do have to realize that the arena of mobile technology can and will open our abilities to minister, as well as open our clocks so that we can spend more time relating to people, not administrating them.
- sent from Treo

Friday, July 07, 2006

Nearly Applicable (To Me)

One of the many things that I try to do in terms of MMM is to see where in my local arena that mobile technology can really be of a help. To that end I have been plotting of ways to help my church (Bay Area Community Church) use a PDA and a talking phrasebook on an upcoming missions trip.

Image: curtosy of Datacute Concordance website

But I have to say that it was really kool to be beaten to the punch in talking about it via Palm Addict. Sammy posted a user thought (Jon Glass is the author) who is using Bible+ and a slew of Polish/English resources in order to stay on top of life and Life.

Check out the posting, and let MMM know how you use, or want to use your PDA to stretch your ability to relate to the world a bit more.

Introducing Our New Partner: GospelShare

If you have been around MMM for any amount of time, you know that we are really into bibles and bible resources for mobile devices. Of course, one of many bible readers used around these parts is Palm Bible+ and a great resource for bibles and other biblical resources for Bible+ has been GospelShare.

So it is with great excitement that MMM anounces that we have begun a new partnership with GospelShare with the attempt to expand one another's effectiveness in ministry as well as be of an encouragement to one another.
Image: GospelShare Logo, curtosy of GospelShare

GospelShare has been growing a lot lately, for example, they have gone from less than 30 Bible maps to over 130 maps in the past months. There is more to come, and you can be sure that MMM will be right there bringing you the latest news from GospelShare, as well as how MMM and GospelShare work together in various ministry endavors.

For more information about GospelShare, please visit their website.

Handheld Device Reads to the Visually Impaired

So many times in ministry we are quick to minister to those who are able-bodied, but then to afterthink those who have special needs. However, when those needs are the primary vision behind design and development, some wonderful things can happen.
Image: curtosy of Dallas Morning Star

Take for example this story reported in the Dallas Morning Star. A handheld device that has been designed specifically to allow for those with visual impairments to be able to "read" content that would not normally be able to be read to them. And judging from the comments in the article, it was not only well functioning, but well designed. The only knock on it was its nearly $3500 price tag.

Regardless of the price tag, this is still an impressive feat and one that should put all of us on notice in the content and device producing areas that sometimes usability and accessiblity need to take the front seat to affulence.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

PDAs As Language AssistantsPDAs As Language Assistants
New Post:

Our friends at Palm Addict have recently posted about using a PDA in mutli-language situations. It is well written and serves as a neat reminder as to where tech has gone and how much more it can go in global relations.
- sent from Treo

Just a Bit of Encouragement RecievedJust a Bit of Encouragement Recieved
New Post:

As some of you might know from the last many weeks of posting, I left my job some weeks ago, and since then have been back out on the job market, finding new energy towards working on MMM, and in general just finding again that heart in worship and awe-ness to God. Its been good, albeit a bit waiting (not yes or no, but wait), and while I do know that better times do come, man those things are hard to see now.

Its for that reason that I do want to take the time to say thanks publiclly to Kevin Agot, Rodney Solomon, and LaRosa Johnson for their huge amounts of encouragement. This is not to say that the rest of the MMM team hasn't been there, but man these brothers have been speaking a ton of Word and Life into me these past many weeks, and for that I thank them.

Ironically, I do have a new (to me) computer to use, but prefer using the Treo for most tasks (except web dev where I need the better browsers and larger screen). I have been able to apply for a ton of jobs, but I do have to admit that I am biased towards MMM in that I would like to work on MMM just as much, if not moreso than a normal job. And so the search and prayer continues, and I only ask that if you have a minute to, that you would keep me held up in prayer. A bro needs it at this time that waiting gets a bit hard to do.

Peace and blessings to all.
- sent from Treo

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

“The Best of the Best Palm Accessories”- Stylus Central’s Pens

First up is the Rotring Trio. It comes in a beautiful black with red trimming gift box that you need to press the release button to open. The pen itself is impressive. The pen is matted black with red trimming just like its exterior box. The pen has 3 silos for a pen, 0.7mm mechanical pencil and a third one for the PDA stylus or additional pen color. It comes with a hidden eraser under the cap. This is a very strong and sturdy pen. I’ve joked with people who’ve balanced the pen’s weight in their hands, that it has the alternative function of being a weapon. I haven’t weighed it on a scale, but it definitely is the heaviest, most robust pen I’ve felt. As with all Rotring products, the pen writes flawlessly and has a stable balance. This is a great pen for professionals and engineers.

Second, is the A.T. Cross Tech 3 pen is a sleek alternative with a shiny, chrome finish that exudes professional style. Its balance is light and can easily compliment any long-sleeved office shirt pocket. The pen has vertical grooves that run alongside the pen. The upper half of the pen twists to expel the appropriate silo for your pen, 0.5mm mechanical pen. This is definitely for office professional who wants a pen that will stand out above the rest. The Cross pen writes smoothly with easy to find replacement refills.

The staff at Stylus Central has been one of the most gracious and supportive. When one of my pen’s silos was all filled with ink refills, I emailed their staff to ask for a PDA stylus for one of the pen silos. They responded immediately and I got the proper stylus within days.
Great customer service definitely raises the bar of professionalism and the folks at Stylus Central have them in spades!

Click on over to their website here and view the wide range of styli available to meet your needs and lifestyle.

(Originally published in Palm Addicts).

Independence Day in More Ways than One

Following the theme of the day, Independence Day in the USA, there is always one or two ways to look at this freedom: spiritually and socially.

However, in the vein of MMM, we talk about indepencence technologically and spiritually, so that you get a better understanding of how to take spiritual and social independence to the world around you.

In one area you have the Internet. THe ability to connect, get information, start a movement, or purchase an item from nearly any kind of connected terminal. In the Christian arena this ability should lead to the improved use of mobile technology in missions; personal computing for administrative tasks, and finally personal freedom in that one doesn't have to be tied to anything but the Spirit of God to be connected to His Word.

In another area you have people. People have physical needs, mental needs, social needs; and the ability of mobile technology to bring those needs to the personal space of everyone is something that we all should not take lightly. Is it a light thing that text messaging has been used in recent world elections to vote in or oust a person. We, the Body of believers can do the same. However instead of putting people in office or taking them out; we can engage each person in our community to ensure that they have a voice to be heard when it comes time to answer that very well stated question: "what have you done to be allowed into My Faithful presence?"

Yes, its independence day. And for once, I am sitting at a computer (graciously donated) instead of running independant of wires. However, I take that as a sign to remember that independence is not only what I have on my person, but what it is that I can bring to another to let them know the freedom that is Christ (Romans 8: 1-2)

Make sure to also engage today's daily devotion at Trailblazin Ministries for other notes of our independence.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Opera Interview at PDA 24/7

The folks at PDA 24/7 have published a really detailed and well spoken interview with Eskil Sivertsen from Opera.

Now, while this may seem a bit techie and out of place to some, understanding what software that is out there that can enhance, or in this case give you a more true view, of the mobile Internet and its possiblities is something that we have always done well to speak towards. Visit the Opera website to download their browser for your desktop or mobile device (if you use a PalmOS device, you will need to download the additional Java application to make it work) to get a hands-on idea of what Opera means by "redefining how people interact and use their devices."

“The Best of the Best Palm Accessories”- Krusell’s MultiAdapt System

Accessories bring the unique dimension of personalization. We can accessorize and amp up our PDA’s appearance or functionality simply by changing the case or clip; or popping out the latest Bluetooth keyboard or by the choosing the type of stylus we use. Over the next few days, I’ll be reviewing some of my favorite PDA accessories. Accessories have added to my Palm’s life some stylish panache, purposeful practicality, elevated efficiency and peerless protection. I’ve entitled the series of reviews: “The Best of the Best” Palm Accessories.

This is the fourth of four reviews focusing on Krusell’s product line.

One of the most unique features of Krusell’s line of products is that they have a patented Multiadapt system that allows users of their products attach their PDA in a variety of ways to fit their active lifestyle. Only Krussel’s Multiadapt system allows users to adjust and adapt to life on-the-go. For example, a PDA that you carry and use in the office can be easily placed in this special carrying system on your bike for a little off-road biking. The same PDA can be mounted onto your car afterwards on your way back home.

The Multiadapt System meets the needs and versatility of your PDA. Many PDA’s today have a wide variety of software ranging from business-related software, exercise logs and GPS-enabling applications. Only the Multiadapt System allows your PDA to be securely mounted or carried to meet these growing and varied needs.

Each of Krusell’s cases have a female clasp. This clasp easily locks onto its male counterpart on the belt, bag, car, bike, etc. This opens up an endless realm of possibilities for maximizing the usage of your PDA without worrying about how it will be mounted or carried. You can attach any kind of clips, swivel kits or vehicle holders.

You can find out more about Krusell’s products here.

(Originally published in Palm Addicts).

Contest Over, Results In A Few Days

Thanks to all who submitted enteries for our first contest for the eBible invitations. Results will be announced later this week.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Contest Ends Tonite!!!Contest Ends Tonite!!!
New Post:

Hello folks. Just letting you know that you have until tonite to get your submissions in for the MMM contest. You have till 11:59pm EST to get it in, so make sure you send us an email with your submissions.

Remember also, two winning posts will be chosen for the eBible.com invitations (one care of Leslie Franke) as well as being published in the next Issue of MMM.

God bless and a great Independence weekend to all.
- sent from Treo