• Gastro-Geographical Linguistic Tour of Latin America:  Think you know Spanish?  Enough to order at a restaurant maybe?  Think again…
• Chinese Prayer Partner!  Eastern missionary network meets Western missionary network…
• Will you care in 2012?  In this post, a glimpse of the Muslim world in North Africa.
• Wedding fruits  Yes, this is it – your chance to see a Tanzanian wedding!

For example, in this post, What I have been doing, is that water or… ?

Oh, and speaking of strange liquids…

Question: What does it take to become a career missionary?  Answer.

Some thoughts about The Comfort Zone (oh, and if you’re wondering about the accident…).

Every once in a while you need some pictures of Fuzzy Friends.

And since we’re celebrating, why not get to know a part of the country and read a little history?

Finally, check this out.  Coming from Keeping an Eye on Paraguay, this is apparently a traditional bottle dance – and also part of a ministry event (a women’s tea) from 2010…

• First, a couple of posts from Chile – first, a glimpse of how Chileans are getting training to serve the Lord, and finally a personal story of the challenges of growing up adopted.
• Next, thoughts on testing from God in Kenya.
• Incredible stories of people coming to Jesus in Papua New Guinea.
• Getting… that… paperwork… can… take…. some…… time!  Adventures in Costa Rica.
• Missionaries are sometimes just outsiders wherever they go (including Mexico)
• Coming back to the field (in this case, Peru) for a second term…
• The incredible value of little tiny coins in Chile.
• Working together in Honduras (with some great pictures to show for it).
• Every missionary family has its own balance, and every missionary has his/her opinion about every person’s role.  Here’s how one missionary wife (or perhaps wife of a missionary?) finds balance serving in Paraguay.

Finally, a couple of posts from Japan.  First, a post entitled simply Earthquake, and then some thoughts on ministering to and praying for Japan.

• How would you like to visit some ancient Incan ruins?  Check out Just to the South of Lima, Peru…
• Some pictures and thoughts out of Ecuador – TIST (Things I saw today)
• Why do missionaries love to party?  Check out What Made this Party so Special in Paraguay
• And just for those who love Bilbo, check out The Things I See… (also in Paraguay)
• Arajuno–or “Jungle Light” – medical ministry in Ecuador
• The sacrifice of missions?  One missionary in Ecuador reflects on the past 24 years.
• Exciting stuff in Columbia!  Check out this post about Two Sundays of public services
• And how about a similar story coming from Chile?  Don’t miss the Exciting First Service!
• And while we’re in Chile, check out this retreat – Catching Up: (First) Church Ladies’ Retreat
• What does the Christmas season look like in Brazil?  Check out Christmas In Santos
• Fun and creativity with this goal: Teaching the True Meaning of Christmas in Brazil.
• And more thoughts about sharing the Gospel in Brazil – A Chance for a Changed Life
• What is Jesus building again?  Thinking about it at The River Iriri (Brazil)
• More sharing the Gospel in Brazil – Christmas Cantata #1
• In Argentina, It broke.

*phew* – and that’s only a few of the many blogs we watch down in South America!  Keep track of these and many more on the home page here.

By the way, you’ll notice I have more posts here from Brazil than any other country.  That’s because we still have more bloggers from Brazil than anywhere else in South America.  However, some other countries are starting to challenge them – such as Ecuador and Peru!

• Christ School Stories (Uganda):  The stories of a couple of students.
• Am I a Cool Christian? (Philippines):  On being a cool blogger, a cool church, and a cool Christian.
• nou la (Haiti):  "We’re here. We’re watching the place we love fall into further chaos. We’re sad. We’re hopeful. And we’re praying."
• Crossing The Passion River (Guatemala):  A common event for these missionaries – some pictures of the crossing.
• Bangkok Taxi Evangelism (Thailand):  "Sealed inside an air conditioned bubble, far from the eavesdropping ears of society-at-large, Bangkok’s taxi drivers will give you their uninhibited opinion on just about anything. Politics. Religion. Education. The monarchy. Their hometown. How to manage multiple wives in different cities. Nearly nothing is off limits. "
• More nuggets from Russia (Russia):  Cold day?  Whatever you do, don’t open your mouth!
• Oh, What a Day! (Paraguay):  Here’s where la lucha (the fight) comes in.  Sometimes minor setbacks, sometimes big problems.  Also, from the same blogger, check out Manger Scenes.
• December Kekchi Pastors Module (Guatemala):  More students!  49 pastors hearing God’s Word…
• Christmas Dinner Recipe (Malawi):  Actually, this is the same video I posted below.  (Warning: real insects are harmed in this video)

I already commented on how many countries were represented – that’s great!  Those who entered represented 8 countries, and the missionaries they talked about also represented 8 countries.

But let’s talk a little about some of the posts – this is especially for missionaries, who wonder what people like to hear about!

Out of the valid entries, the most popular blog was The Jungle Hut.  People especially liked the posts about living in the jungle in Venezuela, though the Vernoys are now in Paraguay.

The most popular post was actually The Kitchen.  Interesting choice, since it wasn’t a post about ministry specifically.  But people liked how it showed courage in the face of change – starting over and turning a negative into a positive.  More than one person enjoyed hearing about the resourcefulness and ingenuity that went into the work!

Let’s face it – it was also a recent post at the time of the contest!

For older posts, people also mentioned Thw Witch Doctor’s Chant [sic], an old post from the oldest daughter of the family, Jackie (who hopefully is still writing!).

Another popular blog was Copeland Ramblings, and their post From above!  Also a current one, but still excellent (I might have to copy that one!).

Probably the second most popular blog was paradoxuganda.  Always well written, one person commented,"I could (but won’t) go on for hours about the ways that God has used their blog in my life, to enlighten, challenge, and encourage me and my family."

Their most popular post was Adventure -vs- Quest, a post most missionaries can relate to.

Also, many people were impacted by various posts about Dr. Jonah Kule, who died during an Ebola epidemic.  From the day of his burial is Bundibugyo, Where the tears never run dry, and a year later Remembering Dr. Jonah Kule 1966-2007

More popular posts included Things Are Not As They Seem… from Comings Communiqué in Brazil, and Five Years Ago Today from The Jungle Hut (another post from the kids!).

Yes, blogs can be used in ways you never expect.  They can disciple, they can give people a glimpse into another culture, they can help you connect with people – and every once in a while they might even win you something.

Check out the comments in the original post for more interesting posts and blogs!

All winners were chosen using random.org out of the valid entries here.

So, without further ado, here are the winners!

• 1st Prize:  Congratulations to Jesse Shanks, winner of the Kindle 3G and the new book Discovering the Songs of Christmas!  The Shanks are in Togo.  Mark N. from the USA entered for them, and he will be receiving the all new Operation World along with the CD ROM, and 2 copies of Discovering the Songs of Christmas.  Mark’s favourite post, and the one that resulted in all these prizes, was Sunday afternoon neighbor time.
• 2nd Prize:  The second prize winners are in Senegal – Norm and Debra Copeland!  They won 2 copies of Discovering the Songs of Christmas.  Kathleen Bowcock from the USA put in the vote for their post The kids are starting school!  Kathleen will also win two copies of Discovering the Songs of Christmas.
• 3rd Prize:  For the third prize, Rita Vernoy is the winner of a copy of Discovering the Songs of Christmas!  Sherry in the USA voted for her favourite entry, The Kitchen.  So Sherry also wins a copy!  (Incidentally, this was the most voted for post!  How about that?)

The prizes will be on their way to the winners right away!

Just to demonstrate the international reach of this site, the people who entered this contest came from 8 different countries on 5 continents!  And the missionary bloggers were from 4 continents and 8 countries!

Thanks, everyone, for entering.  But now, there’s more you can do!

All three of these prizes would make great gifts for missionaries!  They could be in a care package that your family puts together, or your church or small group could get together and send something to a missionary (like a Kindle!).

Why do these things make great, encouraging and useful gifts?  Click the links below to find out!

• Kindle 3G
• Operation World along with the CD ROM (also a great addition to your church or family library)
• Discovering the Songs of Christmas (also a great gift for a pastor or neighbour!)

How would you like to live and work in this place in Burkina Faso?

In many places security is a big deal – here’s one way they deal with it in South Africa.

And over in Uganda, a description of a house some new missionaries are moving into.  (Page was temporarily down when I wrote this – check back or try here if it still doesn’t work.)

Not specifically house related, but this post takes a good look at ministry and challenges to ministry in Mexico.  Also in the category of things missionaries see and deal with regularly, this post from Paraguay.

One last house picture, as a missionary family finds a place to live in Sudan.

By the way – do you want to introduce your children to houses around the world?  Try Imagine a House: A Journey to Fascinating Houses Around the World.  It was written by retired Peace Corps volunteer Angela Gustafson for kids.

Talk about people around the world, and pray for them today!

Here are some of the experiences missionary bloggers have been through lately.  For example, this blogger in Niger laments If I want to feed my family… …I have to go grocery shopping.

Speaking of groceries – spotted in Thailand was the Sausage-Cake Sandwich.  Full pictures provided in case you want to check your local grocery store.

And a day of adventure in Senegal – yes, it’s Caca water!

All right, I’m glad that’s over.  But… wait!  Danger looms ahead!  This time, not from roaming the country, but from blogging — as seen in this Disclaimer in Peru.  Yes, always remember – the world is reading your blog!

Finally, some peace.  A good report on a concluded Bible study – A SWEET ENDING in Bolivia.

Quick fact of the day from Taiwan:  Early Christian Influence on Asian Buddhism

And finally, some reminders to pray.  First, out of Honduras, challenging times:  Praise and thanks for prayer.  And an incredible post from Paraguay – Thoughts on a Funeral.  Not only will you learn about missions, and Paraguay, you’ll learn about God’s grace.

Kyiv, Ukraine in the wintertime
Courtesy of Stuck in Customs

For example, let’s take a look at some Christmas traditions in Italy in Getting Our Winter Holidays Straight or Saint Nicholas, Babbo Natale, and Befana the Christmas Witch.

In a more general tour of cultural suprises, check out THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT LIVING IN PERU…

Just a little video to show you what the weather is like in Kyiv, Ukraine.  And how about Christmas Is Coming To Kyiv

All right, it’s not cold everywhere of course.  Check out The Paraná River, a Gift from God from Paraguay.

And since this site is all about connecting via the internet, I can’t resist this post from Venezuela – Virtual Friends.

Finally, just a simple reminder to make those connections with people around the world and people passing you on the street – you know, the Crowds (Moldova).