Exloring Life Eternal

http://www.russianlanguage.org

Studying at the Institute of Strategic Languages and Cultures (ISLC) (formerly Russian Language Ministries) will give you a good head start in learning the needed language and culture. Their experienced staff is called by God to equip you in the Russian language & cross-cultural skills you will need to be effective in ministry. Courses are tailored to your learning needs and offer an intensive and focused experience with, gradual effective immersion in the language, communicative learning methods & flexible duration for all programs. Their U.S. based courses are taught in an encouraging spiritual atmosphere with a focus on future ministry.

<><
http://www.markharris.us

Dr. Mark Harris has made available a set of seven papers based on the research he did a few years back among Russian young people. In addition, there are four papers to help you understand Russian Baptist churches, and a few other miscellaneous papers on ministry in Russia.

CF: www.brigada.org

http://www.worldmapper.org

Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where [national/country] territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject [data-set] of interest. Maps will be added, and information modified during 2006.

Currently, the 56 online maps feature a diverse range of data-sets, which uses UN data (same basic info as the CIA apparently) include:
Land
Demographics (birth, age, etc.)
Population (various years)
International Refugees / Migration (various)
Tourism $ (various aspects of)
Transportation (various modes)
Communication (various modes)
Imports / Exports (various commodoties)

As more data is entered, more maps will be added.
Each map is accompanied by a printable pdf, an Excel data file with or without the map, and an Opendoc datafile in standard format.

The Univ. of Michigan has a role in the project:
http://www.sasi.group.shef.ac.uk/worldmapper/credits.html

They are copyrighted & are not mass reproduceable. Though other single maps have used one or two sets of data, this is perhaps the most extensive set of maps.

TO PASTE A GRAPHIC INTO YOUR PRESENTATION:
Right-click on the map.
Choose "Save Picture as..."
Save the PNG file on your drive.

In the presentation software, (such as MSPowerpoint):
Select "insert|picture file".
Paste it where you want it.
Done.

COPYRIGHT ISSUES:
If you're using the material to teach a class, "fair use" might be all you need to use that graphic. If you're using the material for any other reason... say... a profit motive, write to
info(at)worldmapper(dot)org
and see what you can negotiate. Again, the authors promise in advance
that non-profit use will usually be granted.

The poster is nice enough to use as a -placemat- at your next missions banquet. Write for permission, then find some generous
businessman with a color printer and a laminator.

Caleb Project's newest curriculum, "Outside the Lines: Connecting Kids to God's Global Purpose" is being tested at 14 locations around the U.S. and should be released early this summer. The 13 three-hour lessons, based on the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course, cover biblical, historic, and cultural themes written at different levels for children from kindergarten to eighth grade. Outside the Lines includes Bible lessons, prayer activities, crafts, skits, games, and simulations, all in printable PDF form, and two DVDs of videos, songs, slide-show presentations, and animation clips. Outside the Lines is a great way to help kids discover they don't have to wait to grow up before they can make an important contribution.

To view sample pages and learn more visit
http://www.calebproject.org/outsidethelines

ZWEMER -- What is currently taking place around the world as a
result of cartoons about Muhammad suggests we in the West need to focus
more on Muslims! This is the 10th Summer Institute in Islam, July 3-28,
2006 on the campus of Columbia International University in South
Carolina. In the four, one-week courses, the focus in on understanding
Islam, building healthy relationships with Muslims and training workers
to effectively present the gospel. With over 35 hours of class
instruction for each course, Zwemer's distinctive over other similar
programs is that it provides in-depth training for the Church's
greatest challenge in the 21st century. Material can be taken for
credit or as a seminar (non-credit).

Please follow the link to Zwemer:
http://www.ciu.edu/summerstudies

You can register on line or e-mail
muslimstudies(at)ciu (dot) edu
You may also call 1-800-777-2227, Ext. 3325.

Take part in a getaway for those in ministry.
See it at:
http://www.pastorsretreatnetwork.org/
Free meals, room, and more ... if you'll rest and enjoy life in a laid back sort of way. They want to take care of missionaries!

COST-FREE RENEWAL RETREATS FOR GLOBAL WORKERS
ELIM Retreats, a ministry of Barnabas International, is offering 7 spiritual formation/re-entry/renewal retreats for missionaries in 2006. The Retreat site is a 1400 acre private, gorgeous family property on the shores of Lake Huron, 2.5 hours north of Detroit, Michigan. The emphasis is on personal spiritual assessment and growth, interacting in small groups around the Word. The Retreat affords lots of unscheduled time. Each Retreat is 6 days. 16 participants of multiple cultures and
agencies have their own bedrooms, sitting rooms and in most cases,
private baths. Adult couples and singles only.

Find pictures, faq's, dates and registration:
http://www.barnabas.org/elimretreats

OR
hstewart5(at)juno(dot)com.

P.S. For a serious retreat only: they ask you not bring your computers.