Andris Bjornson (left) and Clark Ritchie of Inveneo configure cellphones for responders to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Inveneo was among the partners with United Methodist Communications working to restore the communications infrastructure.
UMNS/MIKE DUBOSE
Andris Bjornson (left) and Clark Ritchie of Inveneo configure cellphones for responders to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Inveneo was among the partners with United Methodist Communications working to restore the communications infrastructure.
UMNS/MIKE DUBOSE
If you have a cellphone, think about the different ways you use it in a day. Then consider how you might use it as a tool for ministry and mission. Here are some suggestions from United Methodist Communications staff (and some of the tools and apps you might use). While many of these require a smartphone – one that can access the Internet – you can accomplish others with almost any cellphone.
With only a mobile phone, you can ...
... speak to or, even better, SEE someone halfway across the world in real time.
... write notes of encouragement on various “walls.”
... record an inspiring video message to send to the sick and shut-in (UStream, Vine, Instagram, YouTube).
... find directions to the nearest church or invite families to visit (Google Maps, United Methodist Find-A-Church).
... share videos for Bible studies, sermons, or even humorous inspiration (UStream, Vine, Instagram, YouTube).
... conduct Bible study with a remote leader (iPhone FaceTime, Google Hangout, Skype).
... participate in a small-group face-to-face Bible study (Skype, Google Hangout, iPhone FaceTime, ooVoo, Tango, Viber).
... share Bible verses with youth groups, singles groups or marriage groups (GroupMe, Google Hangout, Kik).
... take pictures of important events and share with your community.
... access the Official United Methodist Program Calendar.
... find stories from United Methodist News Service.
... read Interpreter Digital.
... access denominational, conference and local mission websites.
.... share documents, photos or prayer resources (Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Google Drive, DropBox).
... research and purchase needed supplies.
... relax and relieve the tension and stress of ministry with games, apps and other activities.
... relieve the loneliness of a family member, friend or missionary overseas.
... send and receive money (mobile money, such as mPesa).
... watch a lifesaving video (www.healthphone.org).
... read a book unavailable in print at your location.
... tell a story to a global audience.
... send a text message to a large group of people to warn them about impending violence or provide medical alerts (FrontlineSync).
... obtain insurance that will provide a midwife during labor, or cover the cost of agriculture/crops lost.
And with only the donation of an old simple cellphone, you can ensure that a community health worker receives a phone he/she needs (hopephones.org).
United Methodist Communications staff