Mobile Ministry Magazine

The last time we talked about syncing Bible information with your desktop, we centered a bit on the Windows PC side of things. A recent post at Palm Addict talks about syncing Bible notes to an Apple Mac computer and a method that while a bit to setup, does work. Here is a snippet:

...Now, on the Palm, in your Memos, app, you want to create a new category, if you don't already have one, for your Bible notes. Make sure it's the active category when you export from Palm Bible +

Now, in PB+, write your study note. I always write the starting reference at the top of the note. If I reference multiple verses, I will add those references alone on a line so I know it's a "new" note. :-) (this is the big failing of PB+)
When ready, I export to the Memo pad.

Once you do a Hotsync, your notes are now in Palm Desktop, and you can open it...

Read the rest of this posting and let us know how you work with notes across devices or device and paper.

Traveling? Palm Addict Posts For You
PalmAddicts recently posted on sometravel related aspects of mobile computing that might be of some use. The Continental Airlines Mobile Site and Mobile Travel Aide from Creative Algorithms are covered in their posting.
~ posted via Mo:Blog

Chruch Tech Matters Unveils New Website
Another newly designed website launches. Church Tech Matters has unveiled the new website created by Jim's wife Maey (talk about a helpmeet, now that is something I'd want in a wife ;-) ). The new site is up with much to reexplore.

Congrats on the new release Jim. It looks great from my Treo.
~ posted via Mo:Blog

E-Sword Review at Church Tech Matters
Church Tech Matters is getting ready for a redesign of their own, but before that happens there is a review of E-Sword.

A lot of you are looking for low cost and quality Bible software for your desktop or laptop and E-Sword is very much hard to beat. For those looking for a low cost Bible reader for their Windows Mobile mobile device, there is also a Pocket E-Sword program that is quite similar and shares the low cost and high quality resources.
~ posted via Mo:Blog

Tasking Innovation as a Part of Outreach
One of the many things that fall across my plate as a matter of function and purpose is how can we in our churches and missional organizations can be both purposeful and innovative carrying the Gospel to those both inside and outside of the Body. To that end, I largely think on how at the intersection of technology and faith how a life can be grafted into Christ's. How can me being on my laptop at a cafe be an opportunity to extend a meal to someone hungry; how can a mobile phone and Bible software lead to dispays of love that speak towards Christ in the non-cliché manner.

What does this look like in my head? Well, everythimg from content delievery methods to the actual enablement of communities to stand on Christ alone as a source of bread and life (Deut 8:3, John 4). I see me on a PDA as more than just keeping my calendar and finances in check, but a means for me to take downtime and ake it prayer and people time.

Innovation in this sense is a mindset, a task if you will, to take the talents that are in my hands and the develop a means to exalt the Father while increasing His infulence to previously unexplored areas. For me that has been creating a magazine and resource, what does the concept of innovation as your gift's output look like?

This thought sparked by a reading at Church Marketing Sucks
~ posted via Mo:Blog

While it is true that MMM does touch on news and notes here and there, by no means do we come up with all of this content on our own. The team members and ministry partners of MMM contribute much in terms of news, notes, and prayers in helping MMM to be a suitable reference to you.

That being said, it would be wrong not to take some time to highlight their sites and ask for you to visit them as well. There are some amazing nuggets to be found all over:

- Christian Mobile Tech
- Palm Focus
- GospelShare
- Re:Views
- Noggle Mobile Office Consulting
- Mobile Cowboy
- Notes from the Trail

Thanks all for your support and prayers. To learn more about becoming a team member or ministry partner to MMM, contact us and let's open up that discussion.

Ok, maybe not a new day in the sense of the word that there was a lot of darkness to be had and some sleeping, but MMM does have a new look (finally). Things are not yet done with the entire look and feel, but as of right now, its about 90% done.

One of the things that you might notice if you are looking at MMM on your handheld is that the site degrades nicely on your mobile browser. Granted, I've left out some usability for those with normal phone browsers, but that is something that will be worked into the site as things roll along.

Another thing you might notice missing is the devotionals section. Now don't worry, they will make a comeback with the new look and feel, but those pages take just a bit longer than the rest of the site to hash out.

The links that used to span the side of the page are also not there. No, MMM is not being unkind, but we do want to change how we display the many websites that link to MMM and we to them. So, if you have a neat logo that you do not mind fitting into one of those little gray boxes over there, contact us with that logo so that we can repopulate the links list with the many of you who are MMM supporters and fans.

As for the things that did not change:
We are still on Blogger. At least for the time being. After considering a few MT installations and a redesign, I thought it wise to pick this one first since most of the design work was out of the way and will transfer cleanly to a new system (if we move).

Articles are still in full length, but we will be working to change that so that it makes the articles easier to read in full.

If you have any questions or comments, please do let us know. Or if something is not working (besides the header font in Safari - it's Apple's fault :P ) just let us know. We still have a ways to go and a few neat skins and features to add. Many thanks to the lot of you who have given feedback along the way, and especially the MMM team (who has probably heard enough of me wanting to redesign this site for a long time).

Oh yea, I'll bring back the old color scheme into this design as soon as I can, that color scheme looks neat in this layout.

A Chance for Mobile Ministry
I think that for me, a good part of my restlessness with technology is that I see the intersection of ministry and mobile tech as a means to empower communities. Whether that is taking a trip to another country to evangelize, or just enabling a minister/deacon to spend more time with his family. I feel that tgis is just so new pf am arena that the chace to tap it is just something to go for.

That is part of why I have sat silent this week. I am in oene part challenged with keeping God as the focus, and on another part making sure that tech is balanced in our lives. I also complaim that I am not doing this right or enough. Its more than just telling you a Bible reader is out there, its about telling you the Bible reader is anywhere so that you can stay connected to the Father.

My job doesn't make me mobile except for in my dreams. I was asked if this (MMM) is something that I could see myself doing. Sure. I can see myself promoting the appropriate use of tech to everyone. There should be those types of evangelists. There should also be those who understand the time ans place and respond to something before ot becomes a bigger issue: namely how one really does find balance with God and tech in an increasingly techie world.

I don't know the answers. I have seen tech push away relationships and foster ones that newould existed before. We cannot hide and hope this goes away, and we cannot be so blind to hold onto the newest thing that we miss where God's heart is for us outside of this. Yes, this is my own struggle, but I know that finding that place of balance is what we all want - if it is really possible.

A few people will tell you that I have gotten out of the download and tweaking game. I want tech that just works and was designed with a purpose. And if it were designed with the ability to foster those things that make community stromger, I am even more for it. Do all thing as if I werw doing it for God, even being on my Treo.

So that chance I want; that place. I want for men and women to see that tech is great. That the creative spirit God gave us is great
But it is so .uch better when the doors and windows we have to so anything are extended to those whom life would have otherwise shut off from hearing God's heart for them. Why not make the case that mobile tech shouldn't get us all to the place of saying "halleuah, He reigns." Because it should. At least, that has been one of the cries of my heart.
~ posted via Mo:Blog

MMM Looking for Writers and Speakers
At MMM, we want to keep pressimg out with issues and commentary that will give you a Godly view of how to be adept with all aspects of mobile tech. To that end we want to extend the offer for you to write for MMM. Just submit a request to be a contributor through the comment form and let's hear your end of mobile tech that is profitable for ministry and life.

And if you want to contribute in other means, submit your request through the same form.

We are also looking to do some speaking engagements. So if the idea of using mobile tech within your ministry, learning how to use some aspect of computing in your organization, or other tech areas appeals to where you or your organization works. contact us and let MMM be a light in person, not just online.

So don't let us hold you back, let's get to using tgis tech in a means that glorifies God.
~ posted via Mo:Blog

Just when I thought I was craving an iPhone, I discover a new piece of software for my Treo 650 that adds greater functionality...

I installed Pocket Tunes on my Treo 650 recently, and I've just got to say one thing... WOW. Really.

I have never used my Treo much for music. I've got several songs on my 1 gig memory card and use them as my ringtones, but I've never considered the possibility of using my Treo as a iPod-like device. Well, with Pocket Tunes, I've now got that capability and much more. First of all, Pocket Tunes, by NormSoft Software is ingenius. It has an attractive, skinnable interface, and it's extremely intuitive - almost Mac-like.

In no time, I had a little Air Supply and Men at Work jamming on the impressive external speaker on the Treo. In fact, Pocket Tunes is one of those delicious bits of software that make you all the more proud of your hardware. Why in the world the Treo doesn't ship with a full-featured media application like PT is beyond me. It's like I've owned this Hummer for the past year but have never taken it out of the garage. Pocket Tunes helps a person enjoy their Treo more than you could realize.

Not only does PT seamlessly allow me to use equalizer effects, add bookmarks to my music lists and so on, but get this... INTERNET RADIO. Yep. That only is worth the price. How cool is it to suddenly have a radio on my Treo? Too cool. You can get PT at $19.95 or $37.95 from their site. Here's the difference in the basic and deluxe package.

Very nice. Gotta go. REO Speedwagon is playing, and I Can't Fight this Feeling Any Longer.

Apparently, I was not that far off in posting my thoughts this weekend about getting away from the computer as a main focus item. According to a report at TG Daily, Americans now spend more time with computers than with their spouse. Here is a snippet:

...The study, which took a representative sample of 1001 adults, showed that 65% of the people polled said their "significant other" was receiving less attention than their computer, as part of an underlying trend of Americans' increasing devotion to and relationship with technology.

The results also showed that about 84% of Americans are more dependent on their computer today than they were three years ago. Additionally, the survey looked at problems most Americans face with computers. The average American spends 12 hours per month dealing with and trying to fix computer problems...

Read the rest of the posting.

Opinion: I am never usually a fan of extremely small sample sizes being used in a statistic, especially the one used here. 1001 people in a country of 280 million is very small and not really large enough to draw any substantial conclusions considering the diverse nature of the American ecosystem. Nevertheless, someone noticed a trend and it has made the news in some degree.

The point to labor home is that computing needs to be balanced with family and ministry responsibility. Not so much for the sake of getting things done either, but for the sake of making sure that your first areas of ministry (family, friends, job, etc.) are taken care of best.

thanks to Engadget for the posting

Carnival of the Mobilists #59
The Carnival of the Mobilists is back in under the tent. Check out this week's postings and engage in some discusion with other mobile tech users from around the world.
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

The New Scofield Study Bible Notes and new collections are the news from Olive Tree.

The New Scofield Study Bible Notes are an adaptation of the original Scofield notes, masterfully written by evangelist and Bible conference leader Cyrus I. Scofield (1843-1921). These notes provide serious Bible students with a wealth of information and study aids to further their understanding of the Scriptures. Included are an introduction and outline for each book of the Bible, together with background information for the different sections of the Bible, such as the Old Testament, New Testament, Pentateuch, Gospels, and epistles.

Visit Olive Tree's website to find out more about The New Scofield Study Bible Notes and to download for your mobile device.

Olive Tree has retooled its popular existing bundles, while adding to the group nine NEW collections designed for a diverse audience. Each collection comes with Olive Tree’s BibleReader software so you can read, search, compare, bookmark, highlight, and take notes, exploring God’s word wherever you are.

The Starter Collection gets you on your way by providing several popular Bible downloads as well as two daily devotionals. Looking for a variety of translations to enrich your reading? — the Bible Reader’s Collection has what you need. If your desire is to dig deeper—a student beginning your journey, a teacher assisting others, a pastor preparing sermons, a scholar looking into the meaning of the original language nuances of the text—Olive Tree’s new collections are especially tailored to meet your needs. Browse through the contents of each collection to see which one best suits your particular interests. Visit Olive Tree's Collections for more information and to download for your device.

An interesting and insightful post has been posted over at the Gadget Pastor asking the question of whether Bible programs on our computers and mobile devices make us dumb? Here is a snippet:

...However, I think it makes me dumb when it comes to Bible studying. The reason I say this is I don't attempt to find verses anymore using my Bible, I search for them using my PC or PDA software. While many call this productivity, I found that looking thru my Bible for a verse or passage meant I would stumble upon other verses that I have underlined or highlighted over the years. Even using a concordance is better as you will look up many verses or see other verses that are associated with your word or topic. While I may spend less time search for something with my PC, I can't help but wonder if I'm really missing something along the way...

Read the entire posting, and share your thoughts.

Should Computing Sit Down for Ministry?
Sounds like a weird question I am sure. But sit on it for a minute if you will and just think:

Should how you handle your computing sit down for the goals for your ministry?

Let me break down the question a bit and then maybe you can process it a bit more.

How do you handle your computing?
Are you the type of person that likes to tweak and tiddle with your computing devices. Is some level of stress relief for you found in looking for and installing new software, or purchasing something new so that you have that flavor of exploring a new device? Are you someone who (by your fault or not) has to admin a home or orgainzation's computing solution. You install or troubleshoot issues; help out other users for basic and not so basic tasks; or any number of other things.

How much of all of that keeps you away from actually doing the work of your ministry?

Are you a person that is driven by interacting with other people? Do you find a joy in being able to give an answer, just as much as you are in helping someone else to find the Answer. Are you the type of person who longs for those quiet places in nature, or just at home where there is little more than a light and your heart to be present with God with? Are you someone who has a family responsibilty, and at the same time your love for those things computing borders on being an unhealthy obsession because you minister more to the computer than to your family?

And so with all of that said, I say:
Should computing sit down for ministry? Or, should it enable your ministry to flourish?

When my laptop died on me last March, there was this void in my life. It was a positive one. I was the type of person who would come home and spend two hours playing a game, and then two or three hours on email and surfing the net. Sure, I would get in that time with friends, but most of my ministry happened between the keys. And admitly, most of my falling also did as well. When my laptop died, something in me rejoiced that I was no longer tied to the lap anymore. There was a chance - no a necessity - for me to get up and do something outside because I was no longer bound by the computer under me. I could truely be a mobile minister and allow the computing to augment what I did, instead of hold it back.

And so today, as I am now at home and resting after a long weekend, I read an article at Slashphone talking about the effect of the Apple iPhone on the Japanese mobile tech culture and realized that I am a lot like the japanese. I am not tied to a large screen and my mobile device plays the role of so many parts and pieces of technology that I cannot help but to be out and about. That might not be the opportunity or case for you, but as it is for me, I sit tonite and wonder how much longer will I sit down because of computing, or will I finally stand up and go somewhere, making computing the augmenting and connecting tool that it should be. Thereby putting myself in the place where ministry is always possible, where meeting Christ is always possible, where engaging God is always possible.

That is something that I cannot say that I want to sit down for ever again. What about you?
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

What Mobile Tech Cannot Address
It is finally snowing here in the DC Metro and I am taking a minute or two to just sit on something that I talked about with someone the other day.

While it is that mobile technology, just as any technology, has its use and place. There are just some things that we cannot expect moblie tech to do, and in fact trying to fit mobile tech into that place, is a misuse.

One of those things that mobile tech can do is make communication more efficient, however, it cannot replace face to face talking. We can use video talking, avatars on IM, instant messaging, and other technologies to emulate that experience, but we have to also have those times when we get face to face. This is the one thing about having a team that is so spread out that makes it hard.

Another thing that mobile tech can do well is keep us knowledgable about personal and world events. Being connected to news, Bible versions, and all other resources is a great thing. But moreso than the assimilation of knowledge of what is going on, or how something goes on; we have to also make a note about telling someone else about how it benefits them. Having accessilbity to get information is a window for you, but a door for someone else.

So, today, whether the weather is good or not. Do make sure that you are looking to be balanced with your mobile tech usage. Sure, not everything can be done by you, but for what is not possible, that is what we have hands and feet to get closer to one another for.
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

CTM Continues Bible Programs Reviews
ChurchTechMatters continues its series at looking at Bible software suitable for laptops and destops with its review of Bible Explorer. This is a very nice review and has many features that I would personally like to see out of PDA Bible products.
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

Asserting One's Right with Mobile Technology
The website SmartMobs has an excellent story on how mobile technology, specifically SMS, is being used to empower women to stand up for and enforce their rights to not be abused. I personally very much applaud the effort that is being made here and think that as an agent of change, using text messaging to report crimes (probably picture messaging can be included here as well to keep verifiable evidence) is a great thing.

But reading this had me go on one of those tangent thoughts: "what would the Samaritian woman (John 4) have done with the power of text messaaging. What about Mary Magedline and the other ladies who saw the empty tomb? Would the effect of Christ on the Jewish culture been greater or lesser because of that technology.

I know that there is a natural urge (on my part) to say what could have been in respect to technology, but I really do wonder; what would things look like today if Jesus showed up. Just how fast would that message travel? And how many people would report the truth without any additions?
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

The Diversity of Online Ministry
After reading an article at Think Christian, I cannot help but agree with them that it is nothing but avantageous for Chrisitans who want to use the Internet and computer technology as a "reaching platform" to be able to find unique and usable areas for people to be able to congreate in. In just this week, I have been approached about MMM and how it has been an encouragement to people who want to use blogs and mobile technology within their ministries.

The only caveat that I would always give is that there are a few downsides that should be noted in doing something unique:
- not being sure in your vision will cause you to give it up prematurely
- not having a plan of how to marry the online and offline aspects of your ministry will also drain you (no ministry is just online, you need the social/touching component)
- creating unique content is tiring and will be an additional burden to those married and/or with children

That is not to say that it is impossible to do something effective and diverse. But you do want to have your ducks in a row so that when you do press out in that minstry area, you are doing so strengthened in God, and encouraged by those around you.
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

The folks at Laridian have put out another quality release. Here's the info right from the press release:

..Laridian, Inc., a publisher of Bible-related software for mobile devices, today announced the release of the IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament and IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament in a format compatible with Laridian’s MyBible software for Palm OS and PocketBible software for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC. The PDA editions of these companion volumes provide cultural and historical background for the entire Bible.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament covers the New Testament verse-by-verse with relevant cultural, social and historical background so you can read the New Testament the way its first readers would have read it. The IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament covers the Old Testament passage-by-passage with valuable insight into the Israelite culture and worldview...

The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament and the IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament sell for US$14.99 each or together for US$19.99. The books require the PocketBible 3 program for Pocket PC or MyBible 4 program for Palm OS, each sold separately for US$10.00. All items are available for immediate download from the Laridian Web site.

thanks to Brighthand for the news.

Palm Addict has another neat posting, but this time in their forums where there is some good talk about software that one uses to help their walk in faith.

...Do you have software that helps you in your faith? Have you got a good e-Bible? Is there a commentary that you use daily?...or any other Palm related theme with a Christian theme...

Both Palm OS and Windows Mobile software are being talked about, so check in and walk that faith out :)

In a post over at Brighthand, the user Dogbarber has posted a few good things to keep in mind in this New Year towards reading the Word for relationship, not just out of duty:

...Since we are here at the begining of a new year, I'm sure there are many who have resloved to read through the entirety of their bibles in a year. However, I know from personal experience, if you do not have blocks of time available or are the undisciplined type, you will most likely be bound to fail.

I would like to recommend to you that if you indeed are inspired to get into the Word, simply do just that. Try not to set yourself up to unobtainable expectations such as reading x amount a day for 365 days a year.

Pick a book, I would recommend starting in John, and just read whenever you can...I like the mornin because my mind is fresh and the stress of the day hasn't hit me yet. Read a chapter a day, two chapters a day, whatever you can afford. Read slowly and intentionally. If you don't understand a sentence or phrase, re-read it again. The bible is not something to "get through". It is God speaking to us and should be treated as such. There are no prizes for who can "get through it" first. It makes no sense in flying through scripture and not having a clue what you read when you're done. Do not be afraid to take a day off if you just simply can't get the time, just don't go for days without it. Jesus said His burden is light, if you have a heavy burden and are kicking yourself for failing not to read, that is not of Him. Get back on your horse...

Read the rest of the posting, and the entire thread which started with talking about a suitable Bible reader for one's handheld.

Considering a Tablet PC
Being that I was just at CES, one of the more popular mobile devices talked about that were not mobile phones were tablet PC devices. These are computers that can range from being a bit larger than a PDA to something that is a laptop but will swivel the screen so that you can write on it juts as you would a paper binder.

While there are sometimes some definite advantages to using a tablet PC versus a PDA or convential laptop, there are some disadvantages. Tony Dye has started a post topic on Tablet PCs. Where do you see them fitting into your mobile device solution.

And a bonus question, do you see the Apple iPhone as more a tablet PC than a smartpthone/iPod?
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

More Bible Software Discussion
Over at Church Tech Matters there has started a discussion about more Bible Software. In the first installment, NET Bible is being talked about.

Read the article.
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

Palm Addicts And Pastors
ok, this is my second try with this. My Treo crashed when I went to publish this and I lost the entire post. Gotta love technology.

Palm Addict is a pretty popular website talking about Palm PDAs and smartphones, and occasionally other mobile devices and trends. I really like that site as there is a lot of articles there, and many different people from around the world contribute their experiences there.

One of their recent posts came from a pastor who uses his palm for preaching and teaching. Check out the post and the rest of the good stuff at Palm Addict.

Thanks to Sammy for the link.
~ sent from Treo via Mo:Blog

In a move that was widely anticipated but vigorously kept under wraps, Apple Computer and Cingular announced a new partnership today in the creation of the iPhone. Apple has dominated the portable music industry with its wildly successful iPods and seen its computing market share dramatically rise in the last several years with successive successful introductions of new laptops, desktops and software.

In January 2005, Apple switched to Intel chips inside all new computers. With today’s announcement, Apple and Cingular seek to revolutionize the cellular industry as well.

The new iPhone is also an iPod and initial reports indicate the following features:

* Fully functional iPod which supports iTunes
* Visual voicemail: a first for any U.S. cell carrier
* Unique internet browsing capabilities
* Integrated calling/music fade
* 4 gig and 8 gig models available initially

The Unofficial Apple Weblog is blogging live from MacWorld Expo. More news can be found there.

I was eating lunch with a pastor friend today, and we were talking about our Treo 650s. I related to him that I had been eagerly following MacWorld Expo to see if Apple was indeed releasing an iPhone. Now that the word is official, I can assure you that it will be my next phone purchase.

What the iPod did for the music industry, the iPhone will do for the wireless/cellular one. Apple seems to revolutionize everything it touches. Would that our churches could do the same...

A discussion on Brighthand began with a person asking about using the NASB with BibleWithYou. But like many discussions about translations, this one had started to run down the road of which versions work better for specific uses (aka, there are way too many translations of the Bible).

But in the mist of that thread I saw linked to a Bible reader that we haven't talked about here in a good while called BibleThumper. From the BibleThumper website:

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. Databases can be read directly from memory cards to increase the amount of study material dramatically.

The really interesting thing about this program is that it helps you to search for the direct meaning of a word from its Greek/Hebrew/Aramaic root, rather than the English word's definition. This is a smart way to study the Scripture and usually leads one to understanding the meaning of the passage as it was written for the original audience, as well as how best to apply it to your personal life (i.e., correctly dividing the Word).

While there are other programs that do integrate Strong's concordances/dictionaries, BibleThumper seems as if it were designed with the concordance in mind. If you are looking for a Bible reader that can help lead your studies better, this one might make for a good download.

Ok, I cannot help thinking about search and note-taking today for some reason. Ed's words really made a lot of sense to me as the area that mobile Bible readers could get a much better handle on.

I proposed a possible way to do it within Bible+ at the Bible+ forums. However, like Ed, whomever can do this first will probably get my money first (Bible+ is free, and so donations would be the order there to the developers).

Here is a snippet of what I proposed.
...On that same Bookmarks screen, you have an Export to Memos option. That option would export your bookmarks (all, current category, or select multiple categories - which goes to a radio button/check box screen) to Memos/Memo Pad with the Verse and then the categories. For example an exported entry would look like this:
Matt 6:1-13 - prayer, Jesus_sermons, hypocrites...
Read the entire posting.

What do you think? Is this something that should be done in YOUR favorite Bible reader?

After getting a PDA or smartphone to get one's calendar and task life into gear, the next thing that many people want to do is take note on their device. And while there is certainly some room for improvement on categorizing and organizing notes using the power of the mobile device, getting oneself already optimized is an even bigger productivity gain.

Lifehacker did a post some time ago about some note-taking methods. These are very good, and will lead to clearer notes, and easier remembrance of the notes that you take.

Read the Lifehacker article.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I get in these moods where I like to go out and just write my thoughts, or read, or just take in creation and breathe a bit. Being that I am in the middle of DC most of the week, that would probably sound more like a prescription of sanity rather than one of those fun trips, but if you can imagine a life where you can go 15-18 hours easily from one project to another, finding different ways to incorporate rest and productivity becomes quite the challenge.

That is one of the reasons that I have always seen mobile technology as a possibility for relieving some of the stresses of ministry rather than increasing it. For some, rest might be akin to biking on a trail and getting to a high point and just soaking in the presence of the Lord. I like getting that moment away from technology, and at the same time being in control of the tech around me to only use it for an occasional meeting place, rather than the preferred doing place.

When I read this article earlier today about changing the scope of what is possible within journalism, it got me thinking of "why not." Why not use my PDA and software to bridge gaps in fellowship. Why not use the various devotionals and Bibles to better my personal walk, and at the same time be out and about ready to answer a question if asked. Why not want to take ministry overseas or across the street, and leave folks with more than just a Bible and an amen.

I see the niche for mobile computing in ministry as not so much a transfer of the old way of doing things, but an expanding of those views and doings to something where the entire Body is able to see and receive the love of God. It's just that I think that at times mobile tech can be a better facilitator making those opportunities possible than anything else has before.

MMM is proud to bring to you another interview. This time we had a chance to speak with Ed Hansberry of PocketPC Thoughts. Many of you might recognize the name as Ed is pretty much on top of every release of Laridian's MyBible for Windows Mobile. We learned a bit more about Ed and how he uses mobile devices, plus he points out something very interesting about mobile Bible software that many of us have thought, and Ed's probably said it best. Read on for our interview.

What is your occupation/ministry?
I am the controller for MEGA Brands America, Inc. You may be familiar with some of our toys like Mega Bloks, Magnetix and the Dragons and Pyrates play sets. As for my ministry, well, my interest in mobile devices has really helped me there. It is through that interest that I am able to strike up conversations with people. Someone will ask what is on my device - I currently use an I-Mate K-Jam - and I always go over the usual, like contacts, appointments, music, emails, and then I tell them I have the entire bible on it that I use daily. If that piques there interest, I'll get a bit deeper into it, explaining that I actually have about 10 translations, numerous commentaries, dictionaries and daily study programs. From there, the conversation gets more personal and less technical, asking about their spiritual history. Something interesting will always pop up.


Has the change to more Internet technologies helped or hindered your work or the work of your ministry?
Absolutely helped. My conversations with people can be face to face or across the world. I do quite a bit of posting about Laridian's PocketBible application on Pocket PC Thoughts - generally when they have a big program update or a new book that would be of general interest - and I am surprised at how many people contact me just to thank me for posting that kind of information. They may then go on to say they are thankful to see a Christian posting this kind of information in a largely secular interest site. I am thankful for the opportunity to do so, and I think it is somewhat unique. Of all the technologies I am interested in that I have been involved with online to some degree, from Windows to Excel to Windows Mobile devices, it is mobile devices that has given me the most opportunity to also talk about my faith, and that was quite unintentional. I had no idea my interest would take me down this path in 1998 when my first device and began online posting about it.

You are pretty visible as a journalist. How does mobile tech help you maintain that balance between work life, ministry life, and family life.
My mobile device is used for all three areas of my life. PocketBible is of course used in my ministry. I then let the device help me keep track of studies, meetings, etc. Of course, those same features allow me to keep my life prioritized for home and work, keeping up with the kid's sports events, other family events, all of my work schedules, etc. My device is a phone enabled device so it is online 24/7, and my wife has a similar device. We use SMS to keep in touch with each other and keep the other apprised of what is going on that day. I also use it to chat with my boys when I am out of town. The internet and mobile communication is so wonderful in that regard. I remember back in the 80's and 90's when you traveled, the only communication you had with family was that nightly phone call. Now, a quick text message, a short IM chat or an email can happen at any time during the day. It helps us feel like we aren't so far apart.

Still, maintaining balance is difficult. Those same features that allow me to know what is going on in my life can easily encroach on other areas of my life. Anyone with a mobile email device knows what I am talking about. You get an idea in your head and you want to shoot off a quick email to a co-worker. That is great at work, but not so much when you are supposed to be relaxing with the family. I've had "to do" items run through my head at church too that I try to get down before I forget them, but at the same time, I've been at work and someone will say something at the coffee machine or over lunch that will get me thinking about some passage and I'll get back to my desk and open up PocketBible for a few minutes, perhaps to read up a bit on whatever topic popped into my head, or at the very least highlight the topic in my "follow up" color, which happens to be maroon, so I can review it later that day.

So, the lines between family, work and religion blur, and I think that is ok to some degree. It is keeping it from getting too bad or having one get the focus at the expense of another at an inappropriate time.

Do you have any hardware or software that you recommend/favorites?
Well, as I said, I have a K-Jam, which is similar to the Verizon 6700, T-Mobile MDA or Cingular 8125 that anyone can go pick up from their local carrier. For me it is a nearly perfect device. It maxes out at EDGE speeds, which isn't too bad for a mobile device, but it isn't up to the new high-speed 3G networks yet. Still, if I were buying a device today, I'd go for a K-Jam or something very similar. There is just something about the way the keyboard slides out that makes it very comfortable. As for software, I use Laridian's PocketBible, and have built an pretty extensive library for it. That is the great thing about Laridian. Their software is good, but their library is simply great for mobile users. They have a number of translations that should suit just about everyone.

My other must-have application is Pocket Informant. It puts my tasks and appointments into one screen that is easy to manage. It is quite advanced over what Windows Mobile comes with, but is still easy and intuitive to use. I use eWallet to keep track of those seemingly infinite number of online passwords we all have to contend with too. Finally, I just happen to be a nut about FITALY, which is an alternative input method that uses a key layout designed for stylus input. Even with the keyboard on my K-Jam, I am more often likely to use FITALY for most of my basic data entry. I would say that if I had to, I could live with just those four applications. Fortunately, I don't have to do that, so I have about 15 more apps installed for various purposes, some of which, just to have because I can.

Is there anything that you would like to see improved in terms of using the Bible and mobile technology from your perspectives as both end-user and journalist?
The biggest improvement I'd like to see is some way to take notes on any topic and cross reference to any passage, and be able to navigate back to the main topic from those verses. I guess in a way it would be like building your own Naves Topical Bible, but it would be more than that. To get around some of this I find myself putting keywords at the bottom of notes in PocketBible so when I search for a particular word, all those notes come up, even if that word isn't explicitly used in the note otherwise.

But even that is only a partial solution. There are really no good ways to take notes on topics and integrate them into the application. For example, where would you take notes on a discussion about omniscience? Just append it to one of the verses that talks about God's knowledge, then just add notes to all of the other verses you find on the topic that point them to the original note? That really is not very efficient or intuitive.

I must confess that I have trouble even visualizing the solution to this problem, but it is a real problem. There are so many issues that are biblical, but not specifically tied to a verse, chapter or book, and it makes it hard to know how/where to take these notes to they are readily accessible. The mobile platform is the ideal place for this solution as I run into this issue at church, Sunday school and on retreats, places where you would have either a mobile device or just a piece of notebook paper.

The first guy that comes up with a viable solution though gets my money, and gratitude.

Visit Ed's personal website, or catch up with him at PocketPC Thoughts.

Once again we would like to thank Ed for taking part in another MMM interview. I know that he talked about some really good issues and so do leave a comment here if you have any further questions for Ed, or insights that you might also have from similar experiences. Another interview coming soon, stay tuned.

I have been recently involved in this phenomena called blog tagging where friends will give five facts about themselves and then list five people they can visit. From what I can tell, blog tagging started with Russ @ The Law of Mobility.Now, since this is more of a community site than a personal one, I have left the personal nature of blog tagging to happen on my personal site. That being said, here are some facts about MMM that might interest you that you may or may not know.

1. The MMM team (all 8 of us) resides in 4 US time zones and one Asian one.
2. Palm Addict was a big inspiration towards the site design (they've changed a few times, our change is a comin')
3. The first issue of MMM first released to two groups of 50 and got 0 (that's zero folks) reads total.
4. MMM's feature article, The Paperless Pulpit, received some national media attention.
5. The MMM logo was made on a napkin and honed by a non-technical friend.

I wonder what can happen though if one starts blog tagging full websites though. You know, making connections between communities of sites.

If I am allowed to bend the rules, the MMM-tagged-5 would look like this:
- GospelShare: need a mobile Bible, you are probably covered here.
- Read/WriteWeb: Some really cool information on where the Internet is going and some excellent commentary and comments.
- eBible (blog): These folks have done an excellent job in changing the way that I look at the Bible as a community resource.
- Holy Culture Radio: a home away from home with some really nice fellowhsip despite the regional distances.
- Web Worker Daily: most of us here at MMM look forward to using the web as a main workplace and WWD has some good tips on how to be successful at it.