First "feedback" to "pilot group "

Minutes of “Mapping” feedback meeting held on 8 March 2007 to "Pilot group" in Durban

Mike Dunleavy chaired this first meeting and it was opened with prayer.

Mike shared how the Lord had spoken to him about mapping and how his involvement started.

In the overview of the project, some points was emphasized:

Ø This is not about “mapping” and “technology” but the building of trusting relationships between organisations and their representatives. The aim is relationship building for further Kingdom collaboration and not just to get everyone on the ”map”

Ø The history of this project shows that this is not a “man” thing but that it was orchestrated by the “Holy Spirit” and nobody can claim that it is “his/her project.” This is a beautiful demonstration of how “the Body” needs its “different members” to work together to move forward.

Ø This is the start of a “process” where the Lord knows the end but we all have to “enjoy the ride”.

Feedback of the three stages of the present project.

The first two stages were to get each organisations data “on” the map and then “into” the computer’s powerful GIS program (Geographical information System)

Simon Ric Hansen gave feedback on the first two stages. He also demonstrated the power of the back-office GIS system. The GIS system gave us the power to deal with the complexities of all the data but displayed it in a easy and understandable way. A special “Church” tool had to be designed to manipulate these databases. Simon also highlighted the duplications and places where there was not much done in the valley It was all displayed on the “Big Screen”.

The third stage was to get the data from the desktop computer GIS system onto the internet.

Johan Labuschagne demonstrated this part . He first showed how the maps itself were designed in a free tool “Google earth” which is ideal to demonstrate “Think global but act local”

He then demonstrated the editing of project and ministry/church data on the internet where each organisation can add/edit their own non map information at http://www.crossconnections.net/flexinode/table/6 and keep it updated. (usernames and passwords were mailed to main data providers of each organisation)

Data verification were then done by all present. There was a suggestion to email the present data to verify it.

The Way forward: Some of the ideas and suggestions out of the brainstorming session and follow up discussions were:

1. Verification of all existing data: All involved make sure that their data is correct and if not contact Johan 0312814842/0825141984 to be finished by end of March.
2. Fundraising for further research in the Valley. Anyone with contacts are welcome to help to raise funds for proper scientific research in the valley. (The present project have no cost implications for the “mappers” since it is a “labor of love”)
3. Using the present maps: The success of this project lies in using the maps. If we all use it and get others to use it, it will be a success.
4. Promoting it- with demos at fraternals. Mike will look into this
5. Looking into an easy categorization method- Peter Stocholm will look into this.
6. Getting more role players on board that are not yet part of the project: All will look into this.
7. Making contact with the local fraternal for more participation from their side: Wade will look into this.
8. More contact between the present role players were suggested and encouraged especially if they are working in the same location or ministry focus area. All will look into this
   1. There are also a possibility of an exhibition in the valley- Vusy of Light Providers will follow up
   2. The (no agenda) Valley breakfast every second Thursday of the month at Roses in Kloof Spar, is an ideal platform for building this trusting and loving relationships.
9. Looking at a better way of communication between the “Mapping” group and the start of documenting your experience and lessons learned to share with each other. All will look into this.– Johan will further look into the web gathering and easier ways of communication as the “Mapping group”
10. There were requests for sharing the list of organisations working in the valley as well as the projects in the valley. Johan will look into this – (bearing in mind the problems with spamming when emails are published on the net.)
    1. Unverified lists now available: Maybe wait till end of March after more verifications are finalised

i. All Organisation data: Weblink

ii. All Project data:- Weblink

A word of thanks :

Mike firstly thank

Ø The Lord for helping all with this project

Ø Simon and His dad for the donation of the GIS system to the project as well as all the data capturing etc.

Ø Johan was thanked for the networking and the web development and the hosting of the maps and info.

Ø Scott was thanked for the venue and the refreshments.

Ø All were thanked for their participation and encouragement to bring this project where it is today.

Peter closed the meeting with prayer.