Mobile Ministry Magazine

A Mobile Opportunity Missed for Now
Greetings all; it is my hope that many of you are having a great week. I am adjusting to my new job and while it has meant that I am in front of a computer for the entire day, there does not seem to always be enough time to get all the thoughts out that I want out.

That is ok though. I am planning a vacation from MMM for next week (the rest of the team will be holding things down) and after that there will be some changes, additions, and subtractions to the MMM site and magazine. One thing that I do know that is needed is help in creating and maintaining the e-magazine. So think about it if that is something you are not just interested in, but are also gifted in and would like to assist MMM in that area.

One of the things that I realize every day as I travel to and from work is the ease at which the Body could use technology to present Christ just as easy as music or newspapers are printed. Now sure, most of us can agree that a person coming up to us with a trac in hand is sometimes disturbing. But we cannot deny that it is sometimes quite effective in doing just enough to get someone thinking that Jesus wants to chat. Now, imagine if we could take that a step further and like that one sign that says "read this out loud," the Body is saying "Jesus want's to talk to you right now, take this free download to your MP3 player or simple HTML trac and then engage people just a bit differently.

Another thought. I was reading at the one sight Mobile Opportunity and the post about how Palm could release a handheld and no one notice turned into a chat about the differing tastes in mobiles in the US and various other parts of the world. While I have to admit first off that my usage clearly belongs in the UK or Japan, I can totally agree with the sentiment that in terms of culture and technology, each world region has developed its own culture rules, and it is by those rules that movment within technology happens. Quite simply, what works in the US does not always, and usually fails to, work in Europe or Asia and vice versa. In the same way, I would think that approaching tech in ministry has the same potential for cultural diversity. However, it hasn't been tapped yet. It is my hope that it does not just get tapped, but the Body starts taking advantage of those differences to help those who cannot see, see that Christ is in tech and quite versatile there too.
- sent from Treo

If there is one thing that I do appreciate and loathe at the same time, it would be the church bulletin. Truth be told, I read it while the rest of announcements are going on, and those things that I am interested in make it into my Treo pretty quickly. I have no need for the 'notes' area, though in my church I do appreciate that the pastor who is preaching and the scripture reference are printed there.

What I'd like to see more churches do is to take advantage of their existing websites, and add a touch of in service interactivity. Basically, make the bulletin a Bluetooth or Wifi exchange moment in the middle of service. I figure that its pretty possible seeing what CBS is about to do (via Gizmodo). And considering that some rank bulletins as very important aspects of the service and community of church, it could just work.

I see it working like this. As usual, one would get their paper bulletin in walking into service. But then, at that point when servie has gotten to announcements, the leader makes the announcement that all who have Bluetooth or wifi devices can now turn on their devices and receive the latest bulletin as a downloadable file (PDF, vCal, etc.). Or, as the indovidual announcements are being spoken about, a Bluetooth connection is 'opened' where people can download to their phones and PDAs the latest events in one simple calendar file. You could even do the same thing with the pastor's notes before or after the sermon. Now of course, the church would turn off the wireless connection (Bluetooth or Wifi) a few minutes afterwards to keep security on key and the attention span of people back on the message and worship. But it would make for a nicely social engaging time, as well as show folks that those Bluetooth phones do more than just connect to wireless headsets

Aside from just making the church all out geeky, it would be a way to allow for those who are IT-inclined to see their gifts in a more personable way as they are being used in the Body.

From Palm Addict:

Laridian has released an update to the PalmOS version of its MyBible software (version now at 4.1.00). Also with this update are some new content modules:

- NAS Exhaustive Concordance
- KJV Exhaustive Concordance

Laridian's MyBible has proven to be a great resource for many mobile computer users. Download MyBible today (free trial version available, many different levels of the paid version available too)and see for yourself how much joy there is in taking the Word on the go.

Probably one of the biggest issues that I have in just sitting in any assembly of believers is that idea of finding others who are as hype about tech and ministry as I am. No, not saying that everyone should be, there are different gifts that we all need to be able to express in the Body. But it is somewhat disheartening that there is very little attention given in many churches to those who like computers, mobile technology, computer games, or anything else IT (that is not just cautions against covetiousness and idoltry).

So in some respects, I don't want to rant about it, but then again, I realize that MMM is in a really interesting position. Not only do we cover the outs and abouts of mobile technology, but we are also blessed with a team of people (and an even bigger slew of readers) who are passionate about technology, and would like nothing more than to see people everywhere use it to the glory of God and the benefit of all. Some of them even go as far as just being quite enterprising about their mobile tech to other

Something that is needed, is some sort of curriculim that can be given to ministries who want to use mobile and Internet technology that would not just outline uses, but also skillful and God-honoring practices. I mention skillful because many parts of the Body have someone(s) who are into technology, but they are not encouraged to go to school and then return to that Body in the capacity of building it up. And then I mention God-honoring because beyond the usable and accessible end of things, there needs to be a seperate (holy as a term if you will) focus about using technology that speaks to the needs of those who are missing the Gospel, as well as to those who are investigating the Gospel.

And then in addition to that curriculm, there would need to be a resource place (online and eventually offline) where people can get resources, recieve training, or just in general get out and go with that God-honoring, IT passion of theirs.

What I see in terms of technology is simply that there is much ministry to be given with and because of it, but I want to ask you (reader), will you be willing to teach someone about your passion in the hope that what God has gifted you with can be a spark to a whole community of people investing in Jesus for their eternal reward?

A discussion on quality education in web design standards influenced this writing.

Last week, I asked a question about what are some daily devotionals or Bible reading planners that you use. Here are some of the responses that have come in.

From Jon G.:
You asked for suggestions for reading planners for Bible+. Well, the one I use is called simply "Reading Planner." It is available at (none other than) www.readingplanner.com.

I like it because I find it flexible enough for my use, and it integrates with Bible+. It only doesn't integrate with the calendar to remind me. ;-)

Here is how I set it up. I set up two different plans--AM and PM. I divided the books as evenly between the two, but sort of goofed in the AM plan, because there seem to be fewer verses or chapters in the morning, so my AM reading is typically lighter than the evening. I let it go because I often have more time in the evening than mornings. :-) You can even set up three plans if you want--or more. Give it a try.

From BobR:
I use Daily Reader from Laridian. Very nice, and you can change the start day so it's not always the first day of the year. Also tracks what days you've read with checkbox. It goes with MyBible software and not only has multiple daily reading plans (I like the One Year Bible), but it also integrates devotionals (I like Spurgeons and My Utmost).

These are some great suggested software for daily Bible reading. Do you have something that you use with your PDA, or are you one that follows a different method?

Mobile Tech to Rest
It seems like it has been a long time since I have sat down with my Treo and just allowed the day to go by without thinking (too much) about wh is ahead. Granted, some situations have happened where I do think, but for this day, I am using my mobile tech as a tool of sorts to help me enjoy the day and rest.

I know that sometimes, we get into our personal tech (phones, PDAs, MP3 players, laptops, etc) and we kind of create this personal space where we can just have room in the mist of being with other people. But instead of that commuter mentality as ruling the use of our technology, we should also take the opportunity to allow the freedom of mobile tech to take us to a place where we can rest and relax.

For me, this is currently the balcony of my apartment. Sure, I could be inside and have the door open with this nice breeze coming thru. Butthen I would not be able to hear the sounds and just see the beauty of the sky that is above me. There is something to be said about the peace that I have right now as I type this, but I am not in a place where I have created space, but where I walked out to where space has already been created.

Last week, I posted the question about your mobile act of worship. I want to encourage you to use your mobile technology again to gage wtih God in some mobile act of worship where you are not creating the space in the mist of other people, but you are going somewhere and engaging God.

And do share with the MMM audience how your mobile technology is allowing for you to realize more about where God wants to meet you, or even how God has met you or someone you know becasue of it. Because when itgets down to it, all that we all really want is some rest time with Our Father, just basking in His breeze and not really worrying orworking towards anything..
- sent from Treo

I sometimes have a hard time convincing people that mobile technology is profitable to ministry. Don't get me wrong, there are some who hear, but many just do not understand. Part of that is simply cultural; not every region of the world recieves mobile technology in the same way.

For example, the US is a highly email(ed) culture. Mobile technology for US Americans verters around email and voice. This is not a bad thing. It is just the way that the technology has evolved over here.

On the other hand, places such as the UK and Korea are HUGE into text messaging and multimedia messaging. In those places, the perosnal context of communication is very applicable to those applications that allow for people to keep in touch via media and text portals. Again, not a bad thing, but noticable.

When mobile ministry is looked at for a specific region, these types of considerations must be taken. If you are in an area where having a mobile phone is a sign of luxury, then chances are that any ministry activities using the mobile phone would be quite unfruitful. And on the other side of that, if you go to a place to minister where there is nothing but the use of mobile tech, then coming in with a pen and paper will not just make you antiquated, but also show forth a sign of being out of touch with the (perceived) needs of the community. You have to know the rules of the culture so to speak, and then walk in such a way that you are both innovative and pushing that envelope, as well as meeting people right where they are.

Granted, there are other factors that come into play when it comes to ministry in different world and area regions, however, it's when we play according to the rules that we are able to take something simple (for example, a BlackBerry), and turn it into something possibly groundbreaking.

An Article on Blogging in the Body
While I am sure that it becoming a more common occurance for the churches and ministries that have websites, and even more so for those looking to use their website as a part of their inreach and outreach ministries (all should IMO, but that really is a seasonal and developmental thing). The fact is that many, many churches do not have a website but are looking for an inexpensive means for using the internet to reach inside and outside of their communities.

Blogging is clearly an easy way to do so, and with a bit of innovative thinking, one can really turn the blog into the center for church or even pastorial communication. There are some examples mentioned in this article at Church Marketing Sucks, but I want to highlight a bit of some of the more far reaching ideas for churches/ministries and blogs that I have had.

Extending the Sunday Message
While some are familiar with a pastor having a blog and then relating their thoughts as the week goes by, a more personal to the pastor, and eye opening to the community, is that blog that not speaks about message, but the effect of the message past and message upcoming on the pastor as they are making it thru the week. This might be related as being saddened that there were not enough vocal responses, or even more prideful in that they will be heart showing, but it will offer a bit of an eye into the heart of one of the more visible parts of any ministry. Depending on the content, this could work.

The Teen Social Space
A very evident issue in many churches is the adaption of technology by teens and how they use it for their disposal and gains. A blog sponsored by the church that has teens as correspondants talking about those things that matter most to them, but also extened to give teens a means (no matter if by phone, PDA, laptop, or desktop) the means to contribute with a comment or an article. Of course, one would want a youth pastor to moderate this, and even to start things off, but to allow the community of youth to use what they know to minister to their kind" while in church or out of it would be a good thing. I mean, wouldn't it be really neat if the youth who is a drummer posted ringtones of some rifts that he/she had not yet ben able to try in church to get an opinion of whether it is good enough to propose or not? Something to think about perhaps.

Blogging to Engage the Community
Many have a hard time getting on the computer to read email, let alone check their blog feeds. In this case, instead of the blog being the center, the blog would be the aggreator of the content that means most to people. For example, you see someone who is on a particular corner everyday, posting this as well as what the Body is able to do to help them, is a way to extend the "announcement" portion of serivice. If you will, we do not just say "hey there is this event going on" but we say that the event is going on and here is how it has effected us to do more/less. Gratned, this is a lot more far reaching, and takes more towards the forum like apporach, but I think it could still work if given the right time and soil.

So those are a few ways blogging can be used in the Body. But whether you know it or not, the scope and scape of things are changing. Soon it will not just be blogs, but something else that is more engaging, more freeing, and more purposeful. The point is that if you don't jump now, that you understand so that you can be well positioned for the next.
- sent from Treo

If there is one thing that many people do not like about mobile browsing, especially on smartphones is the fact that the supposedly fast connection is not always fast. Granted, I can get technical and tell you why, but Brighthand has already done all the hard work (thanks Ed) and posted an article that will may be of a help to you.

For most of you with just normal phones, or feature phones (phones that are not quite smartphones, but not quite the bottom of the barrel either), this is something that would not work as easily for you. But if you have a smartphone running PalmOS, Windows Mobile/PocketPC, or Symbian, this could speed things up considerably.

So read things carefully, backup, and then have some faster surfing :)

As I sit here at work designing a website from an image, while also reading this article about closing the technology gap, I am wondering if it is that we (the Body of believers) really does take the aspect of making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) really to task.

Now, don't get me wrong. I really do think that there are just some things that not everyone will get. There are many aspects of my church that I will not even lift an eye towards wanting to serve in. However, when that area is in somewhat integrated into what I do or how I am to minister effectively (one can argue that ministering effectively is going out and making disciples, but that is a discussion for another place); then it really is my responsiblity to make an effort in attaining that knowledge and then (when appropriate) take that knowledge and teach someone else who might be better able to run with it.

But what I mean in terms of making disciples as it pertains to closing the technology gap is that idea of training other people how to use the technology they are already interfacing with (probably daily). Encouraging the social networking aspects of some technologies (the use of blogs, text messages, shared calendars, etc.) in order to create bridges of fellowship and service that create and maintain community.

This is not to say that the technology gap is the most important thing facing the church that needs to be addressed (really there are other more pressing issues). However there is the mobile and connected world who uses mobile technology as a means to escape, find a new idenity, cheat, or just maintain a glass ceiling over the heads of others. The church has as much a responsiblity in this technological arena as it does everywhere else. And probably moreso at various times of the year where computing becomes higher on the lists of those who can be highly infulenced (back to school parents and children, holiday shopping season upon us, boomer reaching retirement and supplimental income, etc.), training one another on the various aspects of computing can be something of a reliable witness and light to those who are not so Chirst-inclined.

One of the many questions that I get when I tell people about MMM is "what is the best PDA or mobile device out there for me (them)?" It's usually an answer that takes some time of asking a person what it is that they want to do, what they are willing to pay for, and what compromises are they willing to absorb for the respective device. This is not a bad thing, but over the course of several devices, across several operating systems, across several countries, across several people, it can be a lot of information to take in.

Getting past those initial questions, people want to usually se one device versus another. Which is ok, but you are really compairing a device in someone else's experiences, versus your own in a lot of respects. And many times, it is just hard to pick out the best of what will work for you versus the rest of the review.

So in part, think of this as both a caution and an encouragement to looking into mobile devices. Sure, no one device is ever perfect. And somtimes, you even see a few devices that act the same but have some subtle/not-so-subtle differences. But all in all, with prayer and a bit of homework, making the right choice about mobile device can be a revelation to a world of greater possiblities and successes.

From PocketPC Thoughts:

Laridian has released a new book for its PocketBible 3 product, and this is one of the most requested translations I've seen asked for in the forums. It is the Nueva Versión Internacional, a contemporary Spanish translation from the original languages. As you can see by the image below, the verse numbers synchronize just fine with English translations, and presumably other books like commentaries.

The Nueva Versión Internacional is about 4.7MB is size and costs $19.99. You'll need the very latest release of PocketBible 3. If you already own PB3, the update is free. It can be ordered from the Laridian order form along with PocketBible 3 if you haven't yet purchased it.

A website that I have come to appreciate for it's audience moreso than it's content has had some news that I have missed on publishing. Here is a catch-up of news from The Chan's Christian Resources.

- DAVAR 3 ALPHA I ready to test
- Interlinear Greek NT for e-Sword Updated
- 1831 Reina Valera New Testament in Spanish released (PDF)
- Free Ebook PDF of Arabic New Testament (1867) Van Dyck Excellent Version

I would encourage to visit The Chan's forums as well. There is some excellent content in there from folks in Asia and other countries who are working their mobile technology to get the Word into as many hands and hearts as possible.

According to Mark 16:6-15, it can ;)

If you ever wondered about how effective text messaging can be to empower, encourage, and just flat out change things, check out these examples from Wikipedia via Smart Mobs.

Now, how can you or your ministry be effective? I really don't know, but it's possible that something great can happen.

Many times I am asked how I am able to use my Treo as a study Bible. Truthfully, it is not very hard for me as I have never been one to highlight and I take very detailed notes when I do annotate. However, making that translate to a mobile platform for everyone is a user interface challenge and so many Bible readers are avaialbe which approach this from different angles.

A new one (new to me) on the scene called Bible Thumper seems to be simple enough in execution that it gets things right. BibleThumper is a Bible study software program written for PalmOS® devices. It incorporates the King James Bible, a concordance for fast searching, bookmarks, dictionary, commentaries and greek/hebrew lexicons.

While only offering KJV and assocaitated references for now seems like not a good start, it takes a while to get many resources in such a format that is easy to search, and easier to annotate. We shall be taking another look at Bible Thumper in the near future to see how it stacks up to other Bible study aids for the PalmOS.

Visit the Bible Thumber website for download details and ordering information.

~ thanks to Palm Addict for the note

Greetings folks;
I am starting to settle into my new job, so you will have to pardon me a bit if the news comes later in the day for a while. I can appreciate many things to do and the challenge though of staying on top of spiritual and temporal matters at this time though.

Speaking of keeping on top of things, do any of you use a reading planner for your daily Bible reading? If so, what do you use? I am looking to get some software to compliment Bible+ but I also want to know what else is out there that I might be overlooking. Let MMM know what you use and we will feature your choice of reading software in a later post.

Another thing that I am noticing about my day is just how people use their mobile devices to keep people out of their world. Not always a bad thing to have personal space, but it seems that for many people the idea of personal space has led to a lot of people not really wanting to "get out and touch someone." I personally am always thinking about how to use my mobile device as a means of starting conversations (when approrpiate) rather than just making a bubble so that others can look from the window of their own bubbles.

One really good website, Palm Addict, has recently had a refresh to their design. It's very slick, check it out and see what other folks who use mobile devices do with their devices.

One post today from Palm Addict that caught my eye was about a backup solution called BackupBuddy .NET Professional. It basically backs up your mobile device to a server over the air. In this day and age where people can and do lose mobile devices and have a lot of information that is very hard to place onto a new device, having a backup on the go like BackupBuddy .NET is a pretty timely solution.

What was your mobile act of worship today? Let MMM know and the most notable one will get an eBible invite.

While this is in the side bar (today, it is something of note, especially for our readers who dabble in the music and production side of things

Snippet of the Agape Press article "Churches Putting God on the iPod:"

...Religious podcasts, or "godcasts," are one of the fastest-growing genres of podcasting. Ministries such as Cyberpastor.com are using the Internet and podcasting exclusively to get their message out to the masses. Traditional churches are also finding they can put the Sunday sermon in the pockets of their congregation members to take with them all week long...

Read the rest, and what does your church do to make reading sermons and other teachings more available and accessible? Because believe it or not, putting sermons on an iPod does a lot more for the listener who cannot hear very well or for the person who listens slower, than for the person who is on the go in need of filler.

One of the things that is really great about mobile phones and smartphones is that there really is almost always something new. And while it is in the US that we occasionally have a good device or two, the best stuff usually comes out overseas.

Such is the case in the recent Sony Ericsson M600 model. It's been on many users' radars for a long time now, and with it having been available for a few months, there are some really neat reviews.

Probably the best review (or at least the one that was very well written) was a compairson of the M600 to the Treo 650. The Treo, while being a great smartphone and the benchmark in many opinions, does have some faults. The review conducted by Palm Dubai seeks to answer questions of those who might have a Treo 650 and look to possibly move to another platform, but then also affirms and confirms things about the Treo that many times in looking at other devices, we can forget.

Check out each of the parts of the M600 review from Palm Dubai, and then tell them that MMM sent ya :)

- Part 1 (Messaging and Email)
- Part 2 (Text Input)
- Part 3 (Leaving the Notebook Behind)
- Part 4 (Everyday Live I)
- Part 5 (Developers)
- Part 6 (Everyday Life II)

Here it is a Monday, I have worked the first day in my new job (and thank you so very much to all of you who have prayed for me in this time) and I got an eyeful of things towards mobility that both speak to affulence (not good) and ministry (potentially very good).

First I will speak to the affulence. I work in DC. Basically, there are the haves and the have-nots. This is the case in a lot of places in our society, but something that struck me today (and also Sunday in Baltimore) is how some people who look so well off can be so blind to the lack that someone else has. I really find myself asking if I really need a new set of headphones to listen to music on the Metro, if I cannot even life a wallet to purchase a meal, or give my jacket to someone sitting in the blazing sun. I like being mobile enabled, but getting outside of the box (or from in front of the computer) really shows to me that there is a world that is so needy that it would reject itself. Christ most definitely calls us to better, and that is one thing that my first day of work had me burdened with.

Then there was work itself. I was told today that about two minutes into the interview that they were impressed with me. I was shocked actaully, I was not sure what they needed (in specifics) but I know what I know (mobility, usability, and accessiblity - especially when it comes to websites), and so sitting with my managers at different points and hearing that they want to see what can happen with me and mobile devices in the long term was kind of neat. They WANT to create content for their customers that works on mobile devices, they just need a compelling reason to do so...

...and I sit and think that MMM just might be in the right place at the right time

I learn this Monday that God has this only-unique-weird-off centered way of ordering things just so that His truth would be everyone evident. I am in an organization that sees the mobile web and where it can go and have the people willing to take that chance. Just like us here at MMM, they see that the mobile landscape is a place where people can literally be changed in the palm of their hand. This is a good thing (all be it a full of hard work thing). And I am just expecting God to do something even better than my imagination has been racing all day.

We talked about this earlier in the week, but after the excellent post by the user JonInKrakow, there had to be a reposting of this discussion about Digital Gear on Missions Trips at GospelShare. JonInKrakow's response in the thread is a really comprehensive answer to what to look forward to from someone who is in the field right now. Here is a snippet of that post:

...As to essential software--translation software that I mentioned, and try to get a Bible in the target language. It would help if your software did parallel versions, so you can find what you are looking for! ;-) It would be cool to have some sort of helps in your notes, with verses, etc. However, you would be wise to consider your target audience. In some places, tech is still very much beyond the average person's ken, and certainly beyond their reach. You might find that the technology is more of a barrier than a help. Here where we are, it works wonders with the younger generation, but can be a hindrance to people much older than me, and confusing to people my age. But, since I use it, they very much want to try it, so it's a positive thing with them. :-) At least our country is quite modern and European (albeit central Europe) that people are exposed to it. In fact, a local ad for a loan company advertises on the back of buses using an older Palm as part of its ad! However, there are still many parts of the world where such things do not hold true. Be sensitive!

Thanks JonInKrakow for that excellent post. Now the rest of you go and join in and share what you would take and how you would take it :)

When I was in campus ministry, probably the most impressive thing that people could see (that was not Jesus being born in their hearts) was that I would pull a PDA out to share with them how God wants to love on them and fellowship with them. Campus Crusade for Christ is like-minded in that respect and really has a very large wolrd network of people who use all sorts of technology and languages in order to relate the truths of God to those who want to know how real Jesus can be.

To that end, I found it pretty impressive when Olive Tree emailed MMM today with notice that the Four Spiritual Laws is something that is newly available from Olive Tree. This is a really good means to use your PDA to just share the Gospel with people who just want to know.

It's a free trac that works with PalmOS and Windows Mobile PDAs but needs Olive Tree's BibleReader in order to read it. So download the trac, then BibleReader, and then get out find a disciple or two ;)

A really kool way to use this (and something that I just might try now that I have a new job starting Monday - YEAA!) is while on the bus or subway, striking up a conversatoin about what a person likes to read or listen to on their mobile device. Then talk about the different applications that you use on your PDA and how impressed you are with one in general - the Four Spiritual Laws, Bible+, MyBible, etc. If they show interest and have a mobile device too, offer to beam it to them. If they are turned off by your talk of those things Holy Spirit-ual, then keep the conversation going and establish relationship. In this way you are making either a long or short trip for that person(s) to meet God, and you just happened to be aided by your mobile technology.

Got an email from BobR about an article in the Register concerning a company called FaithMobile and how they are beginning a subscription-based service that sends Bible-based items to mobile phones. It beigns on September 1 and will cost $5.95 per month (very reasonable considering the amount of content they have available).

They have previously been doing a lot of things without the subscription service, but it seems now they are taking things up a notch or two. The Register article says that they will be soon also offering a portal called FaithXL, aimed at teens with mobile devices. Pretty neat!

I encourage you to visit FaithMobile and see the wealth of infomation that they have avaialbe for your mobile phone. This is not just meant for smartphones and PDA phones, this is meant even for the cheap-as-you-can-get-it phone. So don't delay, get God on your mobile now and share Christ why don't ya!

I'd love to see more ministries make use of FaithMobile. They really seem to have a great base of operations, and it seems that this could be highly effective if mixed within a bit of social networking practices and devices.

I am sure that for some of you that this is a time of preping for yourself or others for the back to school season. Not to say that I didn't enjoy school (not really), but I do understand that it has its time and season. Nothing better than back to school sales though. Almost everything that could be available that is of profitable use is available. That too is not a bad thing, for in recent years the idea of moble technology during the back to school time has been making an interesting and appealing cat call.

Sure, many of you know mobile technology when it comes to cell phones, PDAs, text messaging and email. But ever think of back to school technology being something like GPS. In a NY Times article, Earthcombermakes an appearance as a item to consider for the back to school rush. If you are in a major city for the first time as a college student, it could be hard getting around. Earthcomber would certainely make things easier, as well as get you face to face with your new community.

Other items that are hot in back to school sales are binders. I used to have a ton of them and they had every source of material that wasnt in a hardback book (and some that was). Now a days the laptop is the binder and there is nothing like a TabletPC in being able to get information, annotate it, and then scribble on it for your own uses. And with many of the sizes of tabletPCs, its not a half bad idea to have one if you will be huffing it around a school yard or campus.

So yea, back to school is a time for mobile tech that's for sure. But the even more appealing part of all of this mobile tech being seen now is that there is a chance to use it to create community. Imagine a service like Earthcomber, accessible like Charity Drives Mobile, and then works with whatever phone, PDA or laptop you have to let you know who else is available to walk with. And sometimes, just having someone to walk with is enough of a back to school lesson indeed ;)

Hi All
Hello all, please just take this as my confession on MMM. I wrote something on my personal site, but this site is not that deep.

The past week has seen me come to further realization of the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship I thought was God-breathed, the loss of my sanity, and the loss of vision. As much as this morning would allow, I was not too sure about MMM. Not too sure about continuing with this, or with much else as I have admitly been quite empty on the inside.

I read more in Job today. Yesterday I could associate with Job 31:35-40. While it was that this morning I had not at all heard God, I read again in Job but this day it was Job 42. I read and rent my heart for a few many moments. I honestly don't know what is next for me, but I know that today I repented in like fashion that Job and others have. I left a big part of myself at 5pm today.

Tonite, I still do not know what will happen to me or the rest of my life. I feel a lot like a plant that has been pruned/cut and then placed in a new pot. I have much to get used in this new pot. I don't know where MMM fits into this all, or where any of you reading this has been this whole time. I am just taking things one star at a time, one piece of faith at a time.

Last piece, the Lord was very stern with me some hours ago I was led to Hebrews 3 and 4 and was reminded that the unbelief of the Isrealites in leaving Egypt caused their death and lack of rest. Before 5pm today, I had said that felt dead. That I had no life. I wrote applications for work into 7-11, Lowes, and Weis supermarket and felt that that was all that my faith had gotten me to. I was disappointed, and disheartened. The Lord was very blunt in saying that for me to rest, for me to show that faith He planted in me like the saints of old, that I would have to have faith and believe.

And so while this is probably a lot more personal a post than ever, and if you haven't been keeping with LaRosa's devotions, then you are missing some good notes of kicks in the pants. Just know, whether its MMM, or God leads me somewhere different, just know that my faith in using mobile tech for ministry just may spark another type of revolution.

So sit tight, there are a ton of other writers here. This isn't the Antoine show by any means, but this is one place where I have laid my heart out. And as it stands, let's just say my heart is getting a much needed tuneup.
- sent from Treo

One of the recent lessons learned hands-on has been that of international calling. It seems to me that for the most part, the phone carriers really do win out here by being able to charge high for even the smallest calls. For this reason, many have resorted to using services such as Skype in order to make international phone calls as it uses the Internet, and works out to being far cheaper than other means of calling internatinally.

Palm Addict posted today of a solution also in this respect that works with Treo devices (as well as other mobile phones which have a data connection) called Mino. Founded in 2004, Mino is a voice over IP (VoIP) based service and application that leveerages the data connection of the mobile device in order to make international phone calls.

Mino requires the use of a free java application that you would download to your device (PalmOS, Windows Mobile, Symbian, TabletPC, and PSP are supported; if you have a Treo, then you would need to download the Java client from Palm in order to use this and any other Java application on your Treo). And basically from there you are using your data service in order to make and recieve phone calls. This cuts down the cost of a call almost 80% in some applications.

Read more about Mino and whether it is something that works for your phone. Also, if you are sending a missions team to another country, adding Mino and an international data plan is a really good way to save on keeping them connected while abroad.

I had intended to post this from my Treo, but seeing that I have made two trips to PA this weekend, there was actually no time. So as I sit here having finally gotten home, I can post this very exciting news.

This past Saturday, Mobile Ministry Magazine's Antoine Wright was the happy delieverer of a donated Black Tie Treo 650 to Pastor James Tembula of Light of Hope Global Ministries. The Treo was donated by Brighthand and will go a long way towards helping him establish contact with friends and family members.

Please pardon the photo quality, I had intended to take it with my Treo in the daylight but we spent a lot of time together and that picture was right before we departed each other at about 10pm

As part of the package, we also set Pastor Tembula up with Bible+ and a few bibles, as well as the Cingular GoPhone pay-as-you-go service. He is currently in York, PA and is doing a whole lot of outreaching to the communities around which he is staying, as well as working in order to support himself and the ConneXions Leadership Training Institute, the ConneXions Elite Academy, and the ConneXions Tailoring School. These ministries are used to bear witness to the excellence of God while offering hope to a rural area that has had a large amount of children orphaned and/or with HIV AIDS. To learn more about Pastor Tembula's ministries and to ask how you can support Light of Hope Global Ministies, please see his blog for contact information.

We also spent some time together in prayer for one another as well as me giving him an overview of what his new phone can do. For MMM, it is really important to us that we not just place thet technology in the hands of those that can use it, but that we spend the time with them helping them to understand it and what it can do for them.

As I type this I just recieved an email from Pastor Tembula stating that yesterday (Sat., Aug 12th) was his birthday. So for his birthday he was blessed with a new phone and he and I spent some great time together in fellowhsip. :D

Don't let this be the only story we report here at MMM, contact us today to find out how you can donate your mobile device, set up a workshop or training, or put us in a position where we can give the mobile tech and train someone else who has a need to be connected, as well as to share the Gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth!

Our friends over at GospelShare have a neat discussion just started asking what three hardware mobile technology items and three software items that one would take on a missions trip.

Jump into the discussion and see what other people are talking about in terms of what they would bring (note: you have to register with GospelShare in order to see and post to the thread, registration takes less than 5 minutes and is free).

Dont forget, if you use Bible+, GospelShare has a TON of FREE bibles and reference materials that work with Bible+. A ton of languages are covered, and there is a growing library of resources that are also very noteworthy.

From Olive Tree:

Olive Tree Bible Software, in partnership with Kregel Publications, has released two new eBook devotionals for your Palm, Pocket PC, or Symbian UIQ device.

God’s Man – A new devotional for today's Christian man, written by men, that focuses on daily spiritual growth. Each of the 52 contributors-men from all walks of life-discusses a Scripture passage for each day of a week and how that passage has relevance to a man's relationships, finances, family, church, temptations, time, community, emotions, and spiritual walk.

Take Heart – This daily devotional is crafted specifically for pastors, incorporating the encouragement and wisdom of history's greatest pastors. The collection spans the centuries, including works from Augustine to Wesley, Bernard of Clairvaux to George Whitefield. Their words, spoken and written so long ago, flow from deep and intimate knowledge of God and are as timeless as the truths they unfold.

To download these and other devotionals, bibles, and bible references for your PDA, visit the Olive Tree website.

Thanks to a post over at Holy Culture Radio, I was tipped to a social netowrking service that is pretty much right on top of what I see when I envision the Internet as a community of believers encouraging and helping one another to share Christ and in part use technology to do so.

MinistryHome is a social networking website. Basically in the same mindset as a Yahoo/Google Groups or MySpace, one can go to MinistryHome and set up a website and then outfit it with the different tools necessary to use the website as a profitable and fruitful area of one's ministry.

I have not yet seen any sites that take advantage of making a mobile version, but I am sure that as MinistryHome gets the kinks worked out (it is currently in beta), that it will be a really good hotspot for many communities to fellowship and align with one another under Christ.

There is also a pay per month piece of MinistryHome that adds features such as donation aids, increased customization options, blogs and photo pages, and team building features. For many ministries, MinistryHome just might be the answer for something that you are looking for from a website but do not have the time or technical expertise to build.

Visit MinistryHome and see if it is something that would work for your ministry or personal life, and then get connected to someone else who is walking for Christ as you are.

Normally, Sat. is not a posting day. But I will be be quite busy tomorrow and so I am getting things in now. Also, I am just not feeling too happybeans, so I am here just working trying not to be too idle and let my mind continue to play. Please keep me in your prayers.

A few weeks ago, we touched on the issue of other Bible software out there for other mobile operating systems. All About Symbian has published a review on the coBible NIV version. Here is a snippet:

Whenever I want to do any Bible study on my phone, I’ve always used Mobipocket for its wealth of material. What it has lacked, however, is a search facility. Years ago, I owned a Nokia 9210 and that version of Mobipocket had a Search. When I moved (against better judgement) to Windows Mobile smartphones, Mobipocket didn’t have a search and when I came back to Series 60, Mobipocket still didn’t have a search. I asked Mobipocket why this was and they said the screen wasn’t wide enough(!!) I hoped, therefore, that the E61 version would have a search... it doesn’t...

Read the rest of the coBible review at All About Symbian.

I first posted this on my own blog for the business community. I think with a little imagination, you can see how this would translate to the admin side of the church. More specifically, if you are a pastor with a mobile device, I challenge you to write your next sermon out of the office and see if the final product is any different...

The whole point of mobile tech is to do what is normally done in an office setting. It is to me, the ability to work while enjoying some other aspect of life not found in an office. This can be something as obvious as working on vacation or a little more unconventional like setting up your mobile office in a park. So many people's paradigm of what work and an office is has not evolved to match the current state of where we are in tech and it's possiblities.

If by it's very nature, the office environment stifles creative problem solving and production, isn't it more productive for the individual who needs the freedom to have that freedom and meet the task at hand?The fact is, what is productive for some is stifling for others. These days, it is not enough to offer the same products and services as your competitors but rather to do so in a way that uniquely solves that customer's problem. And, if your staff is so focused on all the things that are wrong with your office, it doesn't make for productive problem solving or focusing on your customer's needs. Being in the same office surroundings tends to make us dwell on those things. This is also compounded by constant interuptions of daily office routine.

So what am I really trying to say? It is time to break out of whatever is holding your business back and embrace what is possible. After all, if we were able to have our work take place in whatever setting we desire AND be more profitable, I'm sure it would have been embraced 100 years ago.If your square peg employee doesn't fit inside of your round hole office setting, maybe it is time to explore a mobile office.

Something to think about.

Jay

We spend so much money on our personal gadgets and, if you’re like me, we use them often throughout the day. As much as we want to protect our gadgets from normal wear and tear, it has been almost impossible to find a product that can offer protection for your gadget’s screen or body.

Thank God for Invisible Shield. This is a high-tech product that safely protects your high end gadget from scratches, scrapes and a fair amount of stabbing. (I’ll get to that in a minute)…

The makers of Invisible Shield, Shield Zone, are so confident that this product can protect your device from scratches and scrapes that they offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their products! Invisible Shied is made of a film that was used by the military to protect the edges of their helicopter blades! These blades spin at incredible speeds for hundreds of miles enduring dust, rocks and weather! This is the same film that can protect your screen or device! Moreover, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for this kind of protection. Each of the films is moderately priced and very affordable.

Blackberry 7520

I gave Invisible Shield a test run on a few of my devices. The first one is the screen for the Blackberry 7520. The screen protectors come with a bottle of SHIELD spray application solution, a plastic squeegee and a film pre-cut for the device of your choice.
The application of the screen protector film was amazingly easy. The spray solution is easily pushed out to the sides to remove any water or air bubbles of any kind. The shine of the film seemed to make the screen of my Blackberry shines even brighter. I tried scraping the screen with my keys…no scratches.

Pros:
• Easy application.
• Screen seems brighter especially when the backlight is on
• Amazingly tough

Cons:
• Minor quibble: The Blackberry screen isn’t dependent on touch but on the side-scroll and buttons so I couldn’t test it’s durability from strokes and swipes.


Nintendo DS Lite

The Invisible Shield for the DS Lite comes with a choice of screen protector only or screen protector and body armor. I likened the film to body armor because of its tough durability. There were several pieces that came with this package given the scope of its coverage. I intentionally didn’t read the manual or go online and look for a video or demo on how to apply this film because I believe the products should be intuitive in their application. Guess what? It is both simple and intuitive to apply. I was able to apply each of the films to their appropriately assigned place. The film is so thin the DS Lite still fitted into its tightly-fitted case. I don’t know off the top of my head what the thicknesses of these films are but, they are fairly miniscule and virtually unnoticeable.
I gave the dual screens fitted with the protectors a good road test. I was swiping, writing and yes, poking and stabbing both the screens and the body.

My only gripe is the topmost film has to overlap the DS Lite’s hinges. While this looks great when closed, it looks terrible when opened for play. The overlaps on the hinges crinkle up and lift off of the hinges and never re-form or reattach to the body. I ended up removing this film since it was just looked terrible.

Pros:
• Intuitive application of the various films
• Survived a rough road test without a hitch
• Screens were securely protected

Cons:
• Topmost layer never securely attaches to the hinges and crinkles up and stays that way instead of clinging and re-shaping itself to the hinges.
• Few air pockets mar the overall smooth appearance of the screen


Palm Zire 72s
The toughness and durability are non-pareil. I’ve purchase several screen protectors over the years but none comes close to the strength of Invisible Shield. The application of the screen had a small learning curve but, one that can be easily grasped. There were a couple of bubbles that I’d hoped would disappear but didn’t. The developers state in their directions that bubbles usually take 2-3 days to dissipate. This was the case with most of the bubbles with the exception of 2 little buggers. This is a minor quibble that really doesn’t compare to the protection Invisible Shield provides. As tough as the film is, it doesn’t alter the touch sensitivity of your screen.


My complaint, however, is inherent in the film. While the film is tough as nails, the smooth texture of the film has a rubbery adhesive quality that tends to grab the stylus. My strokes seemed awkward as I seemed to apply more pressure than usual to complete the swipes. It could be that I’ve been conditioned over the years to a smooth, silk-like stroke. I just couldn’t get used to the way the film would catch my stylus. I tried various styli with different weights and tips but the film continued to catch. I was forced to remove the screen protector because I just couldn’t get around this aspect of the film.


Pros:
“Lifetime guarantee”: What more do you need to be convinced of its toughness?
It does not alter the touch sensitivity of the screen.


Cons:
A rubbery-quality that tends to grab the stylus resulting in writing movements that aren’t as smooth as what I’m used to with most screen protectors on the market.

This is a great product that offers the ultimate protection against scratches and scrapes. However, your mileage may vary depending on your preference and usage of your devices. I’d highly recommend that you go online to www.shieldzone.com and check out their impressively vast array of screen protectors and body shields for a multitude of devices. They have an eye-popping demo and video section that highlights the strength and durability of Invisible Shield. Trust me… you’ve got to see it to believe it!

(Originally posted on Palm Addicts)

I know that many of you are familar with the college way of doing classes:
- 101 is for introductory classes
- 201 is for the theory centered classes
- 301 is for the research writing classes
- 401 is for the get out and apply the last three classes classes

Well, think of this as a 101 and a 401 class mixed into one. You are about to get a quick introduction into mobile blogging.

First comes from a recent posting at Palm Addict. The application in this case is called TypePad Mobile and supports Symbian Series 60, PalmOS and Windows Mobile devices. TypePad Mobile is a free application for your Palm, Windows Mobile or Symbian Series 60 smartphone that lets you post photos and entries to your TypePad blogs and photo albums with just a few clicks. Visit http://get.typepad.com/ from your smartphone to install it directly to your device.

I know I am on Blogger and TypePad is a competitor, but its mobile and helps you to better share the word, hope the Blogger folks don't mind too much.

The