Greetings,

I am about to leave on vacation for a few days and I thought I'd throw this idea out to our readers.  Let me know what you think...  As you know, I have been experimenting with social networking.  You can sign up for International Ministries - American Baptist on FACEBOOK and/or you can follow me - Catherine Nold - on Twitter.com.  We are gaining new followers everyday. Many of whom are not American Baptist... interesting!

But what about those people who are interested in our missionaries but who don't like to use the internet or social networking sites?  In fact, we have many loyal followers who have expressed concern to me.  They feel left out even though they are loyal supporters of our missionaries and projects.  I am thinking of new ways to include everyone based on their preferred communication method.

For some it's the web... but for others it's print newsletters and perhaps even the TELEPHONE!  Yes... ring, ring... hello this is an important message from Reid Trulson of International Minisitries....

What do you think?  For people who are not using the internet... would you be interested in receiving short (15-30 sec) news updates by PHONE from Reid?

How would this work?  We would collect phone numbers from anyone who is interested in participating in this news-by-phone program at World Mission Conferences and other events and through the On Location printed newsletter. We would create a private database with these phone numbers (we would not share them with anyone). Then whenever a big news event occurs that affects our missionaries (like the recent violence in India or the worldwide swine flu outbreak), Reid would send out a short recorded announcement to everyone who has asked to receive news-by-phone. In addition, each person who has given us an email address would also receive an email news release.

The people I've talked with about this at World Mission Conferences, board meetings and the biennial seem to like the idea of getting important information quickly by phone.  I promise that we will not abuse the priviledge of having your phone number and you will only receive IMPORTANT STORIES affecting our missionaries.

I'd be very interested in hearing what you think of this idea.  I am going to do more research after I return and I'll update you on what I find out.

Wishing you (and me) a blessed week!  Catherine