Mobile Ministry Magazine

In the earlier years of MMM, we had this series called "If Paul Had A Blog." What was really interesting about this series was looking at the effect of the technology that we use now on the missionary journeys that Paul experienced.

Since its been a while, I wanted to take another look at this. And given the attention that smartphones and mobility have taken with a more mainstream audience, we can get a glimpse of just how indepth technology is today, and some of the challenges that could be had.

First thing to note, Paul would have had a mobile phone. Probably not the N95 that I get to carry around, but something along the lines of the Nokia 6210 Navigator. This device has a few things that would have been beneficial - at least until a shipwreck or three - GPS with a built-in compass for Nokia Maps, ability to access the web, and a camera that had the ability to not just send text of what he was experiencing and whom he was thankful for, but images as well.

Now, he would have had to do all of this on a prepay system because there would be no way that a person could move that much across various countries and have a contract, it would just be a hassle in dealing with the billing.

He'd have the ability to use something like Nokia nviNe in order to allow others to keep up with his journeys. The really interesting part about this would be that we could see where he would be shipwrecked, and then when he gets a new mobile and starts up the service again, we can see that break in action and begin to keep him in prayer or launch a search.

Now, it would also be of his benefit to create sermons that could be uploaded and shared to places like YouTube, Flickr, Ovi, Facebook, or MySpace. He'd also have the benefit of being able to keep tabs with the latest policy changes happening from Rome with SMS alerts (if he was willing to sign up for an SMS service from Rome that is).

I would be interesting to see also how Paul would teach the use of this tech. He speaks on his ability to speak many languages to the Corinithians, but always emphasized the need to make sure that the Body was best served with whatever was brought to the table.

The more I think about it, the mobile tech tools of today present an easier means for us who are missions minded to be like Paul. Sure, we might not travel the world, nor need everyone to know what we are doing. But we can create lines that intersect with the lives of others, and then allow the technology to better accent or even encourage the lives of those who might not get a chance to see us in person.

I wonder if the Body is looking to go back towards doing this in various applications? It would be pretty interesting don't you think?

Labels: blog, camera, maps, mission, mobility, multimedia, Nokia, Nokia Maps, SMS, tech

Ok, so I've already blasted the fact that we don't get out enough and just commune with one another. The fact is though that there is sufficient mobile tech out to help these matters in these times. Applications such as Earthcomber and Google Maps have been around for a long time helping us get from point to point. And how Nokia Maps 2.0 joins the fray as another solid entry that gives you n excuse to be sitting still (lest you are reading MMM).

Nokia Maps 2.0

Nokia Maps 2.0 was previously a beta application in Nokia's Betalabs. It has recently been made an official release and adds several new features for those who are unaccustomed to using GPS, maps, and location-based services in their mobile device. And to those who are familiar, there are a few new wrinkles that can be explained in the terms Drive, Walk, and Discover

Drive, Walk, Discover

Drive is similar to how many use GPS devices when in automobiles. Nokia Maps 2.0 adds an improved Car Navigation component which adds PND-level car navigation experience with faster routing; an updated User Interface featuring a new navigation carousel with pre-defined navigation views such as navigation, arrow, and bird-eye views; and enhanced navigation features such as signposts and multi-stop route planner which are usually found on top-of-the-line GPS devices.

The Walk feature is designed for use when walking instead of moving quickly over terran such as in an automobile. Walk features a pedestrian navigation system which uses visual guidelines, contextual information about the surrounding areas, and in supported devices, the direction being walked. The Walk features public transit information for 17 cities with localized icons. For better performance, Walk uses advanced multi-sensor positioning using A-GPS, and pedestrian orientation using the compass feature (specifically to the Nokia 6210 Navigator device).

Discover takes advantage of the fact that there are areas to be discovered in traveling. This feature offers satellite images with hybrid rendering overlays for selected cities; a "one-box search" for places, addresses, restaurants, nightlife, outdoor, accommodation; and premium multi-media city guides including features photos, video, audio streams.

Use and Availability

Nokia Maps 2.0 uses vector-based maps provided by Navteq and TeleAtlas which cover over 200 countries and over 70 of them navigable. Maps can be downloaded over the air directly to selected devices or by using the Nokia Map Loader on a PC. A new beta version of the Nokia Map Loader is available on the Nokia Betalabs website.

Nokia Maps 2.0 is a free application, however some features may have trial-then-purchase limitations. Nokia Maps also uses data services in order to view and update map data. An unlimited data plan, or Wi-Fi connection is advised for use.

To download Nokia Maps 2.0 and more information, visit http://www.maps.nokia.com.

So, Get Out A Bit

Even if you do not have a Nokia device, that is no excuse to not get out a bit and see the community around you. Besides being able to interact with people, you can also find out about places to eat that you've not see and sow into local businesses. And you never know, you might end up going out and about and catch a crime in progress that you'd be able to report. (LINK HAS QUESTIONABLE AD CONTENT)

Get it? Use that mobile tech and let that faith intersect with someone :)

Labels: church, community, Earthcomber, Google Maps, Internet, maps, people, software