December
Christmas Online
Apart from the traditional Christmas shopping purchases, what else can you do online at Christmas? Well, you can send electronic Christmas cards all over the world for free, you can buy alternative Christmas gifts to benefit the most needy people on earth (some organisations, like Tearfund, offer vouchers so your friends can decide where the money goes) ... you can even countdown to the big day using an innovative online advent calendar! All these links, and more, can be found in OSCAR's Christmas section.
See OSCAR's Christmas page at www.oscar.org.uk/christmas
Bereavement
This month we have an excellent article written by Annie Hargrave entitled 'When you're not there when someone dies'. It offers some sound advice for anyone who loses a loved one at home whilst they're away on the field. It's an experience that many mission workers go through but few are prepared for.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/hargrave.htm
Plug it in
If you're a frequent traveller to different countries you'll know how difficult it can be to connect your electrical or phone items to a foreign system. If you're prepared you can at least take the right gear or know what to buy when you arrive. We have some unique links to help you with this, including illustrations of plugs and voltage info.
For electrical info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/shipping/take.htm#otherelectrical
For phone info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/communications/telephone.htm
Email Holiday
Here's an innovative way to deal with emails over Christmas and New Year. HitMeLater.com allows you to have it resent to you at a time chosen by you. This way your inbox doesn't get cluttered when you're least able to deal with it. The FREE service permits 5 email redirections a day for up to 24 hours, but a small cost of $12 per year permits unlimited emails for up to a month. You could even use it as a reminder for important days.
For HitMeLater.com, see www.HitMeLater.com
OSCAR's Annual Appeal
Now that you've used OSCAR for FREE throughout 2008, we're asking if you'd please consider OSCAR in your Christmas giving? We survive on donations and just a small gift from each of our regular users would make a huge difference to our services. What's more, one of the giving facilities we use, the Big Give, will double your donation made to us in early December AND claim the gift aid back too!
To 'double your donation', go to www.thebiggive.org.uk/charity.php?charity_id=269
For other ways donate to OSCAR, go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/donate.htm
November
Mission that doesn't cost the Earth
How does your 'mission' impact the environment that you are in ... and what can you do about it? This month's guest writer, Ruth Valerio, helps us to explore a holistic approach to mission which includes caring for the whole of creation, not just the human part. She also poses a few questions to get us thinking about what this might look like in practice.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/valerio.htm
Virtual Morals
As more of our communication and information gathering happens online, it's important to take a step back and check that we're applying our Christian morals and values to all that we do. One such attempt at this came out of a group of Christian bloggers who put together a list of Ten Cyberspace Commandments. Though geared for bloggers, these can be adapted for any online activity or social networking function.
For more info, see www.eauk.org/articles/blogging-ten.cfm
Will Aid
This month is National Make a Will Month where many solicitors swap their will writing skills for a donation to charity. If you haven't made a will yet, particularly if you're planning to embark on mission at some point in the near future, now is a good time to do so. Recipients of the donations include Christian Aid.
For more info, see www.willaid.org.uk
Christmas Shopping
It's that time of year to get your shopping organised for Christmas (unless you're one of those people that bought everything 10 months ago in the January sales!). If you're buying items through any of the main online retailers, don't forget that you can often benefit your favourite mission organisation by doing it through their affiliate scheme (usually at no extra cost to you!). See OSCAR's affiliate page at www.oscar.org.uk/about/affiliate.htm
We've also put together a page which lists the various Christian organisations who produce Christmas cards and gifts.
See OSCAR's Christmas page at www.oscar.org.uk/christmas
OSCAR's Annual User Survey 2008
Our usual annual survey but not at our usual time of year. However, we would really like as many of our regular (and occasional) users to take our survey so that we know what you think. It's all confidential and takes just a couple of minutes. This year we're focusing on social networking and would like to know your views on how this is impacting your mission involvement.
To take the survey, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/survey.htm
October
Mission-Net
What part does short-term mission experience play in gaining a long-term vision for mission? Our guest writer this month, James Clarke, recounts his first experiences of mission and tells us why this was instrumental in him being bitten by the mission bug. As Mission-Net's National Motivator for the UK, James also tells us how Mission-Net is hoping to inspire, motivate and mobilise 6000 young people from across Europe for mission.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/clarke.htm
Calling all MKs/TCKs
If you're a Missionary Kid/Third Culture Kid, or if your children or those under your pastoral care are, we'd like you to fill in a survey for us. Xenos, an organisation that seeks to serve Third Culture Kids, is conducting this survey to establish what's needed and what's being done to care for the younger members of our mission families. The survey is being promoted through OSCAR and Global Connections and between us we hope to capture a decent snapshot of what's needed or already provided for MKs/TCKs from the UK. Make sure your voice is heard.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/xenos
And the Winner is ...
We have a winner for our summer photo competition (chosen by the Redcliffe marketing team). It's Nigel Spencer with his wonderful photo captioned "Gabi's got the giggles". This photo was taken at one of Janz Team's summer camps for disabled kids and their carers in Moldova. Each year Janz Team send a team to help run this camp. Perhaps you'd like to help put a smile on the face of more children like Gabi?
For more info, email
How Stressed are You? Part 2
Last month we had a feature looking at resources to help you determine how stressed you are. As a follow on from that, we would like to highlight some services and resources for those of you who determined that your stress levels are too high or you need help in knowing what to do to alleviate the stress in your situation. Services like Interhealth and HealthLink360 provide occupational health advice and assistance to the mission community. OSCAR's Health section and Pastoral & Spiritual section both include links to numerous services and facilities set up to help mission workers through stressful times.
For more info, go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/health & www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral
OSCAR on Jobrapido
UK based Christian job vacancies that are advertised on OSCAR also now get listed on Jobrapido's web based service. We've been working hard to get submitted mission opportunities both in the UK and overseas more 'out there' and in places where people would see them. A survey conducted this last month amongst those who advertised with us at New Wine showed an encouraging number of responses. Jobrapido is the latest service to include our vacancies. More to come ... watch this space!
For more info, go to www.jobrapido.co.uk/?w=www.oscar.org.uk
September
Vulnerable Mission?
Doing mission without creating dependencies and unequal partnerships isn't easy, but if it's the right thing to do how might we go about it? This month's article, written by Jay Gary, highlights the topic of Vulnerable Mission and points us towards a series of conferences on this topic taking place in the UK, Germany and the US in 2009.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/gary.htm
Mission Resource Sheets
We've redesigned and updated our 24 mission resource sheets. These were part of our stand at New Wine summer conferences and are available for you to download, print and use, or display at your church, conference or organisation's office. Alternatively, why don't you ask us to come and display them for you at your next mission event or conference? That way you get the backup of a computer and advisor to help attendees with their questions and enquiries about mission.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/mrstand.htm
How Stressed are You?
Are you struggling to cope? Have you reached the point where you'd like to 'throw in the towel'? Stress is inevitable and not always a bad thing; an elastic band is useless unless it's stressed ... but too much stress and it starts to deform and even break. Headington Institute have some great online resources for helping humanitarian workers cope with stress, including some online self-examination tools for you to understand where you're at and whether it's time to do something about it.
For more info, go to www.headington-institute.org
Print your own Stamps!
If you regularly send letters or packages from the UK to overseas destinations, you'll either have a collection of different valued stamps or you'll be making regular trips to the local Post Office. For those serving overseas, it's traditionally been a good idea to keep a stock of UK stamps so you can send letters back with those returning to the UK to post when they get home. There is now a better alternative. You can print whatever stamps you need when you need them, to whatever value, right from the Royal Mail website.
For more info, go to www.royalmail.com
eBay for Charity
eBay for Charity has had a makeover. For those of you who use eBay, there are benefits to utilising the eBay for Charity listings. Once you sign up and select your favorite charity (which I'm sure must be OSCAR!), each time you sell something you can assign a percentage to go to the charity. If you do this, eBay will credit you with fees equal to the percentage you donate. In addition to the normal eBay service, the item will also get a blue and yellow ribbon graphic in search results and go into the eBay for Charity pages giving you extra exposure. Our experience is that items go for a higher price when they are in the Charity listings ... so everyone wins! Try it and see.
For more info, go to http://pages.ebay.co.uk/ebayforcharity
August
Mixing Business with Mission
For many people, business is something they do in their working week and mission is something that the church does. But what if business itself was seen as a mission opportunity? This month we have a short article introducing the topic of Business as Mission. Bryan Hilton, coordinator for the Business as Mission Forum, provides some basic advice for anyone thinking of using their business skills in a mission context.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/hilton.htm
Virtual Holidays
If you're not able to take a real holiday over the next month ... why not treat yourself to a holiday in a virtual world? There are a number of worlds online (i.e. Second Life) ready to be explored and at least one company, Synthravels, are offering virtual tours to get you started and help you find your way around. It might even open up some new opportunities for mission.
For details, go to www.synthravels.com
Surf Secure
If you work in a place where you don't have the freedom to use the Internet without being monitored, you should consider using an anonymous surfing service. There are several available, some work better than others, but they all protect your identity and other 'sensitive' information from third parties who might be out there and interested in what you're doing.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/communications/internet.htm#privacy
Trading Fairly
One way that everyone can make a difference in the world that we live is to use our consumer power each time we shop. We can do this at our local supermarket by selecting fair trade goods or through specialist fair trade retailers. Trading Fairly is a comprehensive online listing of the UK’s fairly trading retailers and wholesalers. Their extensive on-line database has hundreds of fairly trading companies registered on it and is fully searchable by locations, descriptions and product lines.
For more info, see www.tradingfairly.co.uk
OSCAR Update
It struck me at New Wine that a number of regular OSCAR users don't know that we send out a monthly email called the 'OSCAR Update'. It comes out at the beginning of each month and includes the new month's features, upcoming events and new job vacancies posted in the previous month. It's the best way to keep abreast of what's new on OSCAR so you don't miss anything. You'll also get a few nuggets of info not available on the website.
To subscribe, go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/contact.htm
July
Mission-minded Church - Programme or Personality?
Is mission about 'doing' or about 'being'? When it comes to churches we've long thought that mission-mindedness was reflected in the activities and events that the church does. However, shouldn't this really be an outworking or symptom of something much deeper? Tony Kirk, our guest writer this month, suggests to us that in order for a church to take up it's responsibilty for mission, both locally and globally, it needs not just a new programme, but a change in personality. Not an easy thing to achieve but Tony also offers some practical guidance to get us on the right track.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/kirk.htm
Church Missions Profile
There are a few resources available online to help your church assess it's mission focus. One that's available online is the Propempo Church Missions Profile. This simple tool helps church leaders and members gain a clearer picture of their church's mission involvement from six perspectives: "Missions is a ... possibility, project, program, priority, purpose, or passion." Twelve different areas of church life are examined against these markers.
For details, go to www.propempo.com/drupal/node/5
Last Minute Holidays
Are you taking a holiday over the next two months? Whether you follow the tradition of the UK and take time out over the July/August school holiday period or not, it's important for all mission workers to have time away from our ministries and all its demands. If you haven't planned anything and think you're too late ... try OSCAR's pages for holiday and retreat venues, both in the UK and around the world.
For within the UK, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/comingtouk/holidays.htm
For the rest of the world, see www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/locations/logistics.htm
Car Hire Insurance
If you've ever rented a car, you'll be aware that the insurance offered with the car hire is often lacking in cover. In fact, in most cases you are still liable for excess charges if you have an accident or if the car suffers any damage at all. Insurance4carhire.com provides an insurance product that covers all these excesses. Furthermore, you can take out a daily or annual policy, depending on how often you rent.
For more info, see www.insurance4carhire.com
OSCAR at New Wine
If you're heading for New Wine this summer at Shepton Mallet, why not pop into the Marketplace and say Hi to OSCAR? We're running the central mission advice area which includes job opportunities, resource sheets and access to all of OSCAR's online resources. Look for Oscar the questionmark and come and have a chat.
To visit New Wine's website, go to www.new-wine.org
June
Kids These Days ...
With all the technology available to youngsters these days, they often only experience the world 'virtually' through a screen. How can we compete when it comes to presenting mission and educating them about the issues of the 'real' world they live in? Experiential learning and interactive activities have to be the way to go. This month's guest writer is Georgina Varney and she tells us about an interactive children's event that she has been pioneering called 'One World'.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/varney.htm
Mission Vacancies at New Wine
Once again, OSCAR is running the central mission advice and resources area in the marketplace at the New Wine summer conferences. One of the main features of this area is a Job Opportunities board that we host. As a special concession to organisations already advertising their opportunities with OSCAR, we are able to promote them at all 3 weeks of New Wine for the amazing price of just £10 per vacancy! Don't miss this opportunity to get your vacancy in front of the 20,000 Christians who will be attending New Wine this year.
For details, go to www.oscar.org.uk/vacanciesindex.php#newwine
Virtual Orientation
There are a variety of ways to prepare for cross-cultural work, from the traditional course at a college or training establishment through to a variety of online offerings that help you get 'up to speed' on cross-cultural issues. Many of the mission colleges are also starting to offer their training online, the latest development being an online version of the en route course from All Nations Christian College. This 14-week foundational cross-cultural mission training course comprises online lessons & resources, community learning (through weekly discussions) and personal reflection in workbooks.
For more info about orientation, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/training/preparation.htm
For details of en route online, see www.allnations.ac.uk/eLearning
Bible Commentaries Online
If you're preparing a sermon or bible talk and don't have access to commentaries and study aids, why not make use of some of the bible study resources now online. Our Pastoral & Spiritual Resources section includes links to Bible study aids, devotionals and a whole host of materials to help you in your ministry. Recently added to this section is the extensive FREE Bible Commentary provided by Dr. Bob Utley, a retired Professor of Hermeneutics.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral/resources.htm
For the FREE Bible commentary, go to www.freebiblecommentary.org
Photo Competition
For the summer we are running a photo competition. Whether you're a mission worker (long or short term), supporter, resourcer or enthusiast ... we would like to receive one photo from you which sums up the work that you do, with a one line caption of between 10 and 20 words. The winner will have their photo published on OSCAR's front page for a month along with your caption and a link to your personal, organisation, church or project website. Don't miss this unique opportunity to show up to 10,000 users what you do!
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/photocompetition
May
Called to be Single?
Are you called to be single or are you called to be married but just haven't found the right person yet? How do you seek God's plan for your life in the relationship department and how do you cope with the plan when it unfolds? Our guest article this month is written by Fiona Cooper, a missionary in South America. Fiona focuses on the topic of singleness on the mission field and explores whether, for her, it's a calling or just a situation she finds herself in. There is also a new feature; you can now leave a comment after reading the article.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/cooper.htm
Low Airfares for Mission Workers
How do you find the cheapest airfare? If you're Web savvy you probably search online through every flight portal website you can find, looking for the best deal with the least stopovers and travel time. If you're not so Web savvy, you might like someone else to do that for you. Why not let OSCAR help and try both? Firstly, use our Flights page as the starting point for your online flight search. We have many of the popular (and some of the little known) flight search facilities linked from that page. One that comes highly recommended by one OSCAR user is skyscanner. Secondly, use our Travel Agents page to link to Mission, Christian & Charity travel agents in the UK and around the world. Many of these provide special airfares for mission and humanitarian workers. A little shortcut hint ... rather than trawl through all their websites filling in form after form, why not put together an email with your requested journey and times and email it to each of the agents on the Travel Agents page. That way they do all the hard work for you and you can think about more important things like 'What to take'.
For our Flight page, go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/travel/flights.htm
For our Travel Agents page, go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/travel/travelagents.htm
For our 'What to Take' page, go to www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/shipping/take.htm
Thirsty?
Where do you get your spiritual nourishment? Many mission workers often find life on the field a spiritually dry experience. Often the lack of good devotional material is one major factor of this. OSCAR's Pastoral and Spiritual section is designed to help encourage and nurture you through your mission experience. The Resources page has a host of online devotionals that you can access from anywhere in the world. Two new services recently launched are: 1/ Deovox, a FREE audio devotional and bible study resource produced by Damaris in the UK; and 2/ Easybibles, easy to read parts of the Bible at different reading levels in many languages ... a useful resource when leading bible studies in different languages.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral/resources.htm
Prayer Requests by SMS
Technology provides many ways by which prayer requests can be sent quickly and directly to those who can pray. One of the quickest, suggested by OSCAR user Sarah Harris, is to use one of the Internet SMS (text message) services to send urgent prayer requests to the mobile phones of praying friends immediately, without having to wait for them to check their email.
For more info about SMS, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/communications/telephone.htm#SMS
For other services and advice on praying for mission workers, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter/roles/pray.htm
Froggybank
Statistics show that online shopping is growing at 9% each year and in 2007, 15 pence in every shopping pound was spent online. If this included you, why not use your spending power to raise funds for mission? It doesn't have to cost you a penny more. OSCAR has set up various affiliate schemes where you can shop as you normally do, but OSCAR receives a contribution from the retailers. One of the most recently launched services to offer this facility is froggybank! Why not hop onto their website and see how it works?
For more info, see www.froggybank.co.uk/oscar
For our other affiliate schemes, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/affiliate.htm
April
Making Money with Morals
Did you know that you could use your financial potential to support mission without giving a penny? Ethical investments have become big business for many banks, but what if we're about our Father's business? Chris Sheldon, Director and Deputy Chief Executive of Kingdom Bank and our guest writer this month, explores this topic and makes some suggestions to help us invest in the kingdom.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/sheldon.htm
Gift Aid Reprieve
Many charities and full-time Christian workers have been concerned about this month's cut in income tax rate, which normally would result in a cut in Gift Aid payments. Well, the good news is that last month's budget announced that the government has plans to make up the difference in gift aid payments for the next three years. This gives donors a little longer to adjust their giving amounts accordingly and beneficiaries a little longer to make plans for the shortfall.
For more info, see www.stewardship.org.uk/budget08.htm
Mission Guest Houses
If you're planning some time away over the next 6 months and want a place to stay, don't forget to ask OSCAR. We have a section dedicated to mission guest houses and other accomodation around the world. Over the last year or so, one of the most popular email requests we've had has resulted from an entry in this section highlighting a Mission Guest House list put together by Ken MacHarg. We also have a section for those returning to the UK and looking for holiday accomodation.
For guest houses worldwide, see www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/locations/logistics.htm
For UK holiday accomodation, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/comingtouk/holidays.htm
Adopt a Missionary
As well as being a good principle, 'Adopt a Missionary' is also the name of a US based website encouraging support for mission workers. OSCAR has always been 'the mission workers advocate' and we would want to encourage everyone to adopt a missionary and treat them like you would one of your extended family (the ones you get on with, I mean!) and support them on a regular basis in as many ways as you can think of. You can even do this if you're a missionary yourself! OSCAR's supporter section is designed to help you better support mission workers.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter
To visit the 'Adopt a Missionary' website, see www.adoptamissionary.info
Serving as Senders
This international best selling book by Neal Pirolo is now in its second print edition in the UK and is available online and from all good bookshops. The main differences from the first edition, apart from the stunning new cover, are the updated resources and information. There is also a day course based on the book which can be run in your church or area. It's a great way to inspire and enthuse your congregation to fulfil this important biblical role. As one previous attendee said "the best missionary day I had been to".
To order the book, see www.bookbrain.co.uk/pricesearch.aspx?isbn=1850786771
For more info on the course, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/trainandconsult.htm#sas
March
Online Social Networking and Christian Unity
Why would Christians get involved in online social networking? This is a question many people ask and as this area of the Internet grows, so do the answers and reasons for involvement. In our guest article this month, Keno Ogbo, founder of Spiraluniverse.org, explores how social networking can promote Christian unity and highlights some of the benefits to those of us engaged in mission. She also points to an excellent guide to social networking that Spiraluniverse.org are putting together and lists four easy steps to get you started.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/ogbo.htm
Earthquakes, Floods and Tales of the Unexpected
If you're outside the UK, you may have heard about the UK's largest earthquake in 20 years shaking the country in the early hours of Feb 27th. If you're in the UK, you probably felt it. No one knew it was coming and they say the insurance bill for the damage could top 10 million pounds. This earthquake, and certainly the floods from last year, show that whatever environment you're in, you should be a wise steward and make sure you have contingency plans for things like finance, safety, health and travel. OSCAR's crisis management section can help you think through the 'what ifs' and put together your own personal contingency plan.
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/crisis
Insurance - Financial Luxury or Peace of Mind?
Adequate insurance is one big issue to consider when contingency planning. When we lived in Uganda we had a lightning strike on the house. It fried all electrical equipment that was connected to, or even near, the house electric system. The bill was high, but it was all covered by a personal effects insurance policy taken out before our overseas service. I reckon in that one claim we got back more than we paid in premiums, so it really was worth it for 'peace of mind'.
Why not let OSCAR help you select the right insurance products and gain that 'peace of mind'?
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/finance/insurance.htm
International Cuisine & Customs
If you are planning a mission event at your church or housegroup, no doubt you'll already have that important ingredient in some form ... food! Why not serve something with an international flavour that will enhance your event and reinforce the focus of the evening? OSCAR has collected together a few resources that include international recipes & customs. There's even one site, MyHATT (Hands Across The Table), that provides everything you need to plan and run your cross-cultural meal.
For international recipes, see www.oscar.org.uk/supporter/roles/holdanevent.htm
For cross-cultural customs, see www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/locations/profile.htm
OSCAR Users Top 1000 a Day!
Last month our daily visitors on the OSCAR website went over 1000 on several days. With the busy times on the site (mid afternoon GMT) being 10 times more busy than the quiet times (early morning GMT), you can expect up to 75 people per hour logging on and staying on the site an average of 4 minutes. So in the busy times you might be on the OSCAR site at the same time as several other people from other parts of the world! We would really like to introduce some of you to each other, so please make use of our OSCARactive section and read about and interact with other users through the blogs and social networking sites.
For more info, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive
February
A Tale of Two Teachers
This month we have a double bill feature article for you! Two guest writers give us two different ways in which teaching skills can be used in a mission context. Firstly, Janet Lucas responds to last month's article about 'Christian Gap Years' and suggests that learning to teach English is a great skill for gappers. Secondly, John Crump tells us how those who retire with teaching skills and experience can be a real asset in all sorts of mission situations.
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/lucascrump.htm
Pocket Sized Health
Berlitz have a new Travel Health Pocket Guide due out this Spring, but we've managed to get hold of a copy early. We even know how you can pick up a copy of your own before the official launch! Grace Robinson provides us with a review of this small guide which no travelling pocket should be without.
To read the review, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/messageboard/thpg.htm
Book a Holiday
This is the time of year when people all over the UK are booking their summer holiday. Mission workers need holidays too (or especially!) but it's often the first thing to get squeezed when the coffers are short. No worries ... OSCAR maintains a list of special holiday deals or places available to mission workers. Why not get your 2008 holiday sorted now, then you'll have time to look forward to it.
For holidays in the UK, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/comingtouk/holidays.htm
For holidays outside the UK, see www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/locations/logistics.htm
God Mobile
Something else that gets squeezed when we're busy is our time resting in God's presence, both in prayer and Bible reading. OSCAR has a pastoral & spiritual resources section that highlights some of the various creative resources that help with this. Resources like Scripture Union's new WordLive website that feeds God's word to you via mobile, iPod or email ... or their PrayLive Facebook application which reminds you to pray whenever you view your Facebook profile. SOON Ministries has a new Ephesians study book and St. Andrews bookshop has recently launched its own E-devotional service. Why not try something new to breathe life into your time with God.
For pastoral & spiritual resources, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/pastoral/resources.htm
What's in a Name?
One of the questions we get asked quite frequently is 'What does OSCAR stand for?' It's an acronym of 'One Stop Centre for Advice and Resources'. However, we tend to play down the acronym and use our full registered title, 'OSCAR - the UK Information Service for World Mission'. That's because there are a few other 'oscars' out there. Aside from the academy awards, who hold most of the oscar internet domain names, there is the 'Organisation for Sickle Cell Anaemia Research' and the 'Open Source Cluster Application Resources'. Confusingly, the charity regulator in Scotland have chosen the web address www.oscr.org.uk which is so similar to ours that we now get quite a few enquiries from Scottish charities. In addition, the boys name 'Oscar' is on the rise, so don't be alarmed if you call us asking 'Is this Oscar?' and get a slightly hesitant response ... it just means that we're thinking through the possible responses. Personally, I think 'One Sees Clearer After Repentance' was a much better explanation!
To find out more about OSCAR, go to www.oscar.org.uk/about/intro.htm
January
Christian Gap Year - what's the difference?
To kick off our articles for the New Year, we're looking at Gap Years and in particular what makes a Christian Gap Year different to all the other Gap Year opportunities that are out there. KJ Duursma, who runs Year4God, a UK based Christian Gap Year website, helps us answer some key questions ... what are Christian Gap Years? When's the best time to take one? And what sort of things are on offer from Christian organisations?
To read the article, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/articles/duursma.htm
Mission Opportunities on OSCAR
Last year OSCAR advertised over 170 individual mission opportunities through our website (nearly double the previous year) and around 60 at New Wine summer conferences. We're currently looking at ways of improving our job vacancy system, but in the meantime we've added a few extra features. There is now a 'medium term' category for opportunities between 3 and 12 months (to cover gap years). We're also entering into partnerships with some other mission vacancy websites to jointly publicise opportunities. Whether you're looking for your first short term mission opportunity or something for the next phase of your Christian service, OSCAR is the place to start.
For more info, go to www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/vacancies/jobopportunities
OSCAR's Extra Services
To keep OSCAR comprehensive and inclusive, basic listings are offered FREE to mission and support organisations. We do, however, offer various extra services for those who want them. The annual 'package' is the most popular and includes a dedicated link page and several vacancy listings ... it's a great way to raise your organisation's online profile. Individual mission vacancies can still be posted for a one-off fee (no increase from last year!). Sponsoring a section of the OSCAR website is another way to get your organisation's name highlighted on the site and help OSCAR at the same time.
For details of this year's 'package', see www.oscar.org.uk/about/package.htm
To post individual job vacancies, go to www.oscar.org.uk/vacanciesindex.php#submission
For sponsorship details, see www.oscar.org.uk/about/sitesponsor.htm
Frequent Flyer?
If you're planning a flight in the next few months, there are a few shortcuts to help you prepare and make the right choices re. airline/seats etc. OSCAR has put together a page of Frequent Flyer hints and tips, many of them gleaned from other OSCAR users over the last few years. One website of note is the brilliant SeatGuru which really is the ultimate source for airplane seating, in-flight amenities and airline information. A must view if you have special travel needs or younger family members who need space and/or entertainment!
For more info, see www.oscar.org.uk/service/logistics/travel/ff.htm
Social Networking Update
OSCAR's Facebook group now has over 80 members, and we've also launched similar groups in other social networking platforms ... namely Bebo, MySpace and YouTube. If you are a user of any of these networks, why not join us in the OSCAR group?
We have also added a feature at the bottom of every OSCAR webpage that allows you to social bookmark that page with any of the social bookmarking services (like del.icio.us, digg or reddit).
To access OSCAR's social networking groups, go to www.oscar.org.uk/oscaractive/socialnetworks