My missionary journey has taken me quite a few places. I’m very grateful for missionaries that pioneered the way long before I was born. Not too many years ago, the thought of a missionary in a foreign country having a blog was unheard of. Wait a minute… Blog wasn’t even a word not too long ago! The term “blog” was not coined until the late 1990s. I am grateful for pioneers and without a doubt thankful for technology.
Anyway, I wanted to share with you the apps I use on my iPhone. The apps are tools I use to be more effective, relevant and look just plain cool. I do not use Android so I am not sure if they are available for those that do.
I have only paid for one app- the Tom Tom GPS app. I did so out of necessity due to being totally lost in a favela (ghetto or slum) in São Paulo in a borrowed mini van. That is a great story for another time…
5 Killer Mobile Apps for Missionaries (or anyone else that is reading)
1. Anti Mosquito- Sonic Repeller
When you are in the jungle delivering Good News and water filters to the people who could use both, there is sure to be resistance. I have faced my battles with witch doctors, diarrhea (yuck..TMI) and locals changing the price on me. I can handle that. But the mosquitos is what I need help with! I have no real way to measure the success rate of this app since I am constantly using other methods or repellant. Here is the concept: the app emits a very unique high frequency sound (ultra sound) that the insects dislike. The pitch of the sound is so high that most humans won’t notice anything.
The app does not guarantee a 100% protection as there are over 3500 known mosquito species in the world and they all react slightly different to the repellent.
2. Striiv
This is a pedometer app I use everyday. We do not have a car so I am on foot quite often. Trust me, I would much rather be driving everyday, but I know that walking is actually good for me. My thinking is that if I am walking anyways, I may as well see how far and view the results. I love tasks that are measurable. I don’t know why… but if I see the actual results on my phone, I am more apt to enjoy the activity with a better attitude. I know- it is shallow, but it is what it is. This app measures and records the number of steps taken, calories burned, miles/kilometers traveled and you can set your goals to see how well you are doing. It is FREE!
3. Konvert
Conversion are part of my everyday life as a missionary. Living in Brazil means I am constantly converting weights, distances, area, speed, temperature and currencies. This app does it all and it is all on one screen. 12 unit conversions all in one place. Great tool!
4. Word Lens
One of the coolest apps I have seen. I love the idea behind it. Unfortunately, I have not had much use for it. It takes pictures of signs in any language and translates it to English. So cool I only wish I would remember to use it! Signs are pretty much a common sense thing for me. I usually guess what the sign is trying to tell me. Then a few minutes later I remember I have this cool app I could have used…sigh. Glad it was free. Here is a picture of the app in action:
5. WhatsApp
What is not to like about free international texting?!?
Over half of a billion active users??? That is what CEO and Founder Jan Koum tweets…
That my friend is nothing short of amazing! You can use WhatsApp using 3g or wifi to send and receive text messages, pictures, audio notes and video messages. What a great way to keep in touch with the people from the good ol’ USA and also here in Brazil.
Well, there you have it. The life of a missionary isn’t quite what it used to be. Technology has helped the missionary of today be better for everyone they come in contact with.
How about you… any suggestions for apps that you use?
Please- share in the comment section below.
