We’ll be having computer labs (called “1-2-1 at Lake Hart”) during the lunch hour on the first Tuesday of each month at headquarters.  A dozen staff have volunteered to be available to answer questions on topics ranging from Macs, social networks, mobile devices, eMail, blogging, TntMPD, MailChimp, and more.  Twenty-eight staff came to our “trial run” lab in February.  I asked them what they thought of the lab:

“This was very helpful!!!  I like the informal setting where we can ask questions.  It is very difficult to grasp the tools we have available.  What is very basic for one of your experts, is very complicated for some people.  We need more bridge builders like you!!!  Sign me up to come again.”  ~ Tim C.

“I am interested in coming again. I actually really liked the free open ended way the lab was handled… I really wasn’t sure what I was going to ask [Mike] but as I sat there and fiddled with my MAC I really had a lot of questions. Thank you. I’ll be there next month.” ~ Lori D.

“Thanks agai...

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Why are all of these people smiling so big? 

Last week 3 of our teammates (see Mark, Kay and Karin below) traveled to Ghana and Kenya to “train the trainers” in the launch of a mobile phone based Bible leadership project.

The smiling gentlemen you see here are holding their training certificates after mastering the skills needed to install specific Bible software on mobile phones and administrate Bible leadership courses for hundreds of eager students in their own countries.

Yesterday we showed you a video presenting a quick overview of the project – called “Pastors Training in Leadership (PTL)”

Purpose of PTL:

Pastors Training in Leadership (PTL) is a three level series of courses on a mobile phone designed to equip pastors for church planting. Created by the Nairobi International School of Theology in Nairobi, Kenya, these courses provide theological training for pastors and lay church leaders.  Church growth in this area of Africa is happening at an exponential rate – and there is a drastic short s...

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Over two years ago in September, 2009, I published my first post on eQuipping for eMinistry. This blog is meant to help you with what you’re already doing and/or to equip you to try something new.  I thought you might be interested in where I’m going with it.

e4e has over 750 followers and subscribers from every continent, averaging about 400 views on the site every week.

Topics have included (click on the links for some examples):

• MPD: practical tips and tools
• Communicating well
• Blogging and websites
• Social Media
• Mobile phones
• Tech Tips
• Travel Tips
• Step-by-step tutorials
• and more

Leaha will continue to submit her thoughtful and open-hearted posts six times a year.  Karen will add to our how-to’s content.  I hope to continue posting twice per week and am open to contributions.  I’m especially hoping to add more topics on:

• Photo tips
• Your true stories about using technology for ministry
• Practical Win-Build-Send help

Besides the content on the blog, Karen and I are working ...

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A PDF, portable document format, is a great format to save documents  before sending to someone else because  a PDF file is basically a picture of a file that you have created.  Without converting to PDF, if you send a document directly, such as a .doc, you assume the recipient has Word installed on their computer and exactly the same fonts that you have used as well.  (If they don’t have the font, their computer will choose a replacement font).

Actually, the easiest solution for creating PDF files is under the last heading on converting files, so skip to the end of this post if you like. (You’ll also learn how to edit PDF files under that heading.)

Creating and Editing PDF Files Using Microsoft Office

Probably the most straight-forward solution for a PC is to download the add-on for Microsoft Office 2007.   After downloading you will have a Save As… PDF option in your Office software.  I also like this option best because the hyperlinks work within the document.

If you don’t have Microsoft Office ...

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You’re on staff, so you’re also a writer.  You pull out a pen or a laptop and compose prayer letters, eMails, thank you notes, blog posts, Bible studies, books, and more.  Your writing in any of these ways is a ministry to others.

Whether or not you enjoy writing, do you take any time to improve your writing?  Good word choices, proper punctuation, and accurate spelling all add credibility to your writing, while a dash of spice in your writing invites others to continue reading.  In her delightful way, Heather Holleman offered us five tricks for adding spice to our writing in How to Write with Flair:

Eliminate feeble verbs… These verbs don’t show anything happening. Use exciting verbs. I love verbs like grapple and fritter. Grapple with strong verbs to fritter away the feeble ones.

(After this great advice, I better examine my verbs on this post!)

We want to help you be a better writer, so here’s some more of the many recommendations you’ll find on eQuipping for eMinistry. . .

Stephanie Reeves encou...

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