GemStone Media participates in ICCM

Two of our GSM team members participated in ICCM (International Conference for Computing and Mission) in the Netherlands in February. Sixty-five people representing 31 different organizations attended the conference. Ted and John not only attended ICCM, but they also had the opportunity to present workshops: "Building a Server Attached Network on a Shoestring Budget" (Ted) and "Web Design for Techies" (John). It was a great opportunity to encourage and help others in various ministries across Europe!

ZBCS updates their look

We had a chance to work with the folks at Zaporozhye Bible College and Seminary (Ukraine) again. They decided to ask us to create a new logo for their school and update their brochure and website, as well as provide files for some travel displays and banners. It was a challenge to do all of the brainstorming and editing via skype calls – and they were very specific in what they wanted – but they expressed several times that the end result was just what they were looking for!

The video team will be working on a video for them as well, so stay tuned!

Launching the How2Video series

The How2Video website and last four videos are ready for viewing! Check it out by going to how2video.org. As a reminder, the first three How2Videos are:

• Introduction (ways to set up a video shoot)
• Get Your Story Straight (how to write a video script)
• Grab Your Gear (equipment you need to make a video)

The final four videos of the series are:

• Clearing Things Up (how to create good audio for your video)
• Jazz Up Your Shots (in depth look at lighting, framing, and composition)
• Shooting 101 (how to record your story to video)
• Get it Out There (editing and distributing your story)

The How2Video website contains plenty of useful tips and information for creating a great ministry video. There are helpful forums and a place where you can link your own video to share, as well as see what others have done with their videos.

Our prayer is that the How2Video website and series will enable and encourage missionaries around the world to use video story-telling to share what God is doing in their specific areas, which we hope will compel the Church to become more involved in the Great Commission.

Welcome Erik and Shannon!

We're excited that Erik and Shannon, appointees with GEM, have come for a couple weeks visit. Erik will be joining the GemStone Media team to work as a website builder/designer and graphic designer, while Shannon joins Crescendo Arts' local team to work with the Art Factory, an art outreach ministry. Erik and Shannon hope to finish their support in time to move to Europe next summer (2011). They are a fun couple – full of enthusiasm and creative ideas – and we can't wait to have them here with us full-time! Learn more about Erik and Shannon here.

Help for the hurting

We were asked to create a brochure for a non-profit organization that is just getting started in Bulgaria. Focusing on two very relevant social issues facing Bulgaria, and with a vision to address other issues, this organization hopes to begin strengthening the communities it has come to serve, both educationally, and spiritually. The website is being developed by our team as well. Coming soon...

eDOT Website

A new and updated design for GEM’s eDOT ministry. eDOT stands for "Electronic Discipleship and Outreach Training".

Check it out at www.gemedot.com.