Memory cards for phones

Many ministries have granted permission for their media to be shared in free-to-copy manner for microSD cards and USB drives. This audio, video and pdf media comes compressed to the right size for memory cards.

This includes mp3 audio, videos in mp4 and 3GP formats, and pdf and other digital text.

For languages spoken by millions of people, typically you can find audio and video about the life of Christ, often a Bible overview resource, and possibly some other Christian films, answers to common questions, and worship videos. Digital text resources may include copies of Bible and Christian ebooks, tracts, curricula as available.

Memory cards offer the greatest flexibility for the best cost for reaching most otherwise disconnected people.

MicroSD cards are inexpensive compared to the value of what they can do. They cost $3-$9 (* change to local currency),  possibly the same price of a low-cost Bible. MicroSD cards can hold the digital equivalent of a library of books and Bibles and racks of CD”s and DVD’s. Over time, microSD cards of larger capacity get cheaper. MicroSD cards are compact. They are all the same small size on the outside. This makes them very convenient for storing and sharing media. MicroSD cards are durable as long as they are stored properly. This helps them avoid damage by moisture, extreme temperature changes or dust. MicroSD cards are available worldwide, sold in shops in even many remote villages. MicroSD cards always stay with their owner, even if you never see them again – People can use them anytime because they always keep their phones with them, and make sure to keep them charged. MicroSD cards reach people of any language by helping them get gospel films in their own language. MicroSD cards work in most in the world, including older feature phones.  MicroSD cards are already valued and used. Many recipients already appreciate their value relative to the cost of blank microSD cards in local markets, and many people know how to use them. MicroSD cards are secure: Users can hide microSD cards separately in safer location. They are usually easy to get into and out of a phone quickly

If you are prepared, you will discover that you actually have multiple ways to freely share these digital resources: Lending, Giving, Loading, and Reimbursement

1. Lending: Lending a memory card that is yours. This has the benefit of them potentially returning it  to you after they have listened to the media you gave them. This may allow you to ask about what they thought about it.  Ideally you will have already pre-loaded microSD cards with their language and give them microSD cards.
2. Giving the memory card. In some cases, you know you can not see them again. 
3. Loading: Copy some or all of the resources onto the space of the internal memory of their phone, or onto their existing microSD card, USB drive, or computer.
4. Reimbursement: If the recipient has or can easily get a blank memory card, you can ask them to provide for equivalent blank microSD card to trade for a pre-loaded microSD card. For example, you can pre-purchase these blank cards and allow the recipient to reimburse you at cost. 

As you feel comfortable, you can also start an ongoing SMS chat to discuss the media.Or you can arrange for another trusted person to meet with or contact the recipient later to discuss or give more resources.

Yes. Being intentional includes preparation. We must prepare to have digital gospel resources in any possible local languages, even at unpredictable opportunities, even when no electricity or internet data plans work.

MicroSD cards allow you to be prepared, if you take the time to load digital gospel resources onto the cards in advance. David prepared for facing Goliath by grabbing five smooth stones. Likewise, you can look for gospel resources in five local languages. Then you can be more ready for whatever doors God opens.

Buy at least a few extra microSD cards to keep with you at all times. Load these cards with appropriate media that you want to share in local languages, especially helpful for those who are not yet Christian. Choose a small set of media files – audio, images, video, etc. – that include media on the life of Christ and ideally foundational stories from the Old Testament.

Though you can share gospel resources with only memory cards, you might find it helpful to also get these other accessories to help copy files faster and help the recipient to use the media in the way they need..
microSD card readers, or even better, OTG adapter or cable
OTG Dual drives
If you can get one of these, load it with some media relevant to your participants, then let them try using it if time allows.
1. Port USB hub
2. microSD card readers (both 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports)
3. Sample storage cases or satchels for microSD cards
4. Speakers – Look for something with battery recharge ability, for frequent power cuts or taking to locations without power. Preferably, it has an option to link with the cellphone by either bluetooth or 3.5mm audio cable, so that the recipient can use one option if the other is not useable.
6. Earbuds for quiet listening and more secure listening.

If people cannot hear with adequate speakers, the media will be less effective. And if people cannot receive the files quickly enough,fewer people will receive them. If people are coming from a remote area without electricity, then either help them get a portable charging backup, or help them find how to get a solar powered media device.