We recently came across some advice given to those writing to missionaries in sensitive situations. What would you add? Here is the basic list:
Avoid using the following ‘Christian’ words, but don’t let this put you off communicating! Be creative, or you can use the following suggestions:
Christian = like minded (person)
Church = ch./where our family meets
Prayer = pr./talking/chatting
Missionary = fieldworker/colleagues
mission org = the company
God = our father/Dad
Bible = the book
Please don’t use any word that begins with evangel…
and
Please don’t criticise the government of the host country!
Replies
2 bits of advice here. First is to consider using small encrypted devices that can be security wiped e.g. BlackBerry handsets (Z30, Passport etc). Email Certificates can be bought for around £10 and imported into most devices for secure encrypted email. BlackBerry handsets can also be Encrypted quickly and easily and when password entry is used is virtually impenetrable. The device can also be secure wiped by using a 'Security Wipe' feature if the person suspects that people may confiscate it or arrest them. All items can be backed up on laptop and again the file encrypted so data can be quickly transfered back to the device if data needs to be securely restored.
Secondly consider a satellite phone which is encrypted. Check on the host country whether they can be used as in a few countries they are illegal e.g. Burma and North Korea but other countries may have a restriction. E.g. India where they allow Inmarsat ( British Satellite Company ) but with a licence obtained before arrival in the country. Russia also you can register a sat phone for up to 6 months for business purposes. I can hire these sat phone handsets for £1.50 a day for 1 month to 2 year missions or £1.30 a day for 2 - 4 year missions with talk time options to suit. see www.shepherdgroup.biz and email me for details on Communication options and / or security advice and training.