Short Term Missions Manual C3

I. Resources
A. Team Resource
Let the Nations Be Glad: the Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation by Jason Mandryk What is the Mission of the Chruch? by DeYoung & Gilbert Total Church by Timmis & Chester For the City by Carter & Patrick Churches that Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with Good News and Good Works by Sider, Olsen & Unruh When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert, John Perkins and David Platt

II.

On the Field
A. Team Participation

So you have determined that God is moving you to participate on a mission or outreach effort to glorify Him. It seemed like a good thing to do when you signed up. And for many right about now you may be asking yourself, what have I gotten myself into? Well dont panic, it is not new ground and the number one priority after completing the work is ensuring everyone has an exciting experience. However, let us not forget this is not a vacation and it is work, although you may not perceive it as work once you begin. It is one of the most fulfilling things you can do and something all believers are called to do. So first let me say welcome. You have chosen to be a part of a bigger picture that extends well beyond your church walls and even beyond your community. In some cases this may be beyond the international boundaries of your homeland for many, it is far beyond your personal comfort zone. That you have chosen to do this is awesome and we are happy that you have chosen to do this with Christ Community Church. If this is not your first time to participate in a similar project, welcome back. This trip should many more new experiences and opportunities to learn. You will find that each time you go, God will provide a new perspective, consideration or emotion that you may not have sensed before. For many, a missional outreach of any kind can, if we allow ourselves to be open, reveals to us a deeper calling on our life into some area of ministry. For some that area may be mission either locally, for others it could be on an international level. If this is your first trip again let me give some assurance that you have NOT made a mistake. You have in fact taken what could be one of the biggest steps toward fulfilling Gods call upon your life. It is very important to understand where each person fits into the plan to both the team and to the individual. No one does mission alone. We are all part of a team though we may be working separately or together, we must always remember that. The actions of one can without intention have a direct impact on others in

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the team as well as the local agency, church or field missionary that we are working with. So lets discuss what a team is. According to Dictionary.com, a team consists of: 1. A number of persons forming one of the sides in a game or contest. 2. A number of persons associated in some joint action. We are both a number or group of persons forming one side of the ultimate contest, and we are all associated in a joint action. The contest being willing participants answering Gods call to go and reach the lost. The joint action might be considered the combined effort of C3 joining or working with field missionaries to accomplish the greater goal. Joh 15:4 Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me. We can only do this in God's power and will. I Cor 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. Division can destroy any positive work we do. Phili 2:1-3 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. We must always remember, we are here to serve not to be served, to love unconditionally and without judgment, yielding our right to our own wishes over that of others. So we must first remember who we are and why we are called. We are not single persons who are seeking to serve. We are each a vital part of the whole and must each work together encouraging each other. When the task becomes heavy, we can know that our burden is not ours and that do nothing for ourselves, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves. By doing this, everyone will return with a deeper knowledge of what happened and how it was accomplished. If we are united in our work we will get more out of it but more importantly, God will smile, both for the work accomplished by the team and for the work done in the individual which is made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we step back and rely on Him we can do great and mighty things.

B.

Dos and Donts

There are many Dos and Donts associated with a project. Dos are things that are consistent in most countries just as here at home. Do be polite. Greet people with a smile. Do conform to local custom when interacting with local people. In some countries it is improper for a man to speak with a woman directly. Be aware and sensitive to these kinds of things. Dont talk politics. Many people around the world love Americans but may have a less than favorable opinion regarding the American Government. This is almost always a sure way to offend someone before you even begin. If you have never travelled outside the US or beyond border towns, you Rev 02 06/21/2012

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may experience a different attitude toward what some see as American arrogance by simply not embracing the local customs. When considering what to wear, you must always consider the local custom not only of the country but if working with a local church their local Christian custom. For example in America it is becoming more and more common to see women speaking from the pulpit. In Arad, Romania a woman cannot even interpret for a male speaker in some churches. We should not see this is as wrong. It is their way of doing church and we cannot take our culture into their community without potentially doing them harm within their community. It is okay to ask. Do ask before a service or church event, what is appropriate and not appropriate. Do show respect to the local church leadership and respect their position in their community. At all times refrain from use or consumption of ALL tobacco and alcohol products. Whether you believe in Christian liberty or not, these are almost universally never appropriate in most other countries. The same is true of many western ideas. Recall what Paul said in Romans 14. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brothers way.1 And, It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.2 So rule number one demands that you to think before you speak. Always remember you are a guest. This does not mean that you would ignore poor or wrong theology but teaching theology is generally not the purpose of the trip. It would be far better to exemplify Christ through your actions than through your words.

C.

What not to Expect

Expectations are always a challenge regardless of the most seasoned traveler. Try to limit expectations to what God will do. By approaching it this way you will not be let down as all other expectations are dependent on the work of men. In practical terms do not expect the temperature to be perfect or for the sun to always shine. Do not expect the plans and travel to be on time or comfortable. Dont always expect that the local meetings will start on time like your local church committee meeting and dont be put off by late comers or people who seem disinterested. Try to put yourself in their shoes. A guest has come to visit your church committee. No regular business is to be conducted as this person is

The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ro 14:13. Ibid, Ro 14:2022.

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going to address your group but does not speak English. After about 30 min. of translation at the end of a 10 or 12 hour work day you might just doze off too. Dont expect people to move out of the way or to give you special privilege though they might. If you dont take any of these expectations along you will not be disappointed. Dont expect everyone to be nice and welcome you into their home. Remember in some parts of the world, they have been told that Americans are bad and Christian Americans are very bad and only wish to change them. Managing the team expectations can be a challenge but with preparation many of these pitfalls can be averted or at least minimized.

D.

What to Expect

While a project undertaken domestically or even locally could be different you should always be prepared for poverty. Americans while being probably the most publically compassionate people in the world are on average much more comfortable talking about helping and sending money than we are at actually rubbing shoulders with those we wish to help. We dont like the sounds, smells or visuals that come with poverty. Expect poverty, raw odors, unclean clothing and homes, then you may be surprised at how well some actually do who live in those conditions. I heard a saying once that went like this, we may be poor, but soap is cheap. You may be very surprised at how clean some can be in such filthy conditions. The point being that if you wish to truly help and be seen as someone who genuinely cares, you must forget where you live, forget yourself, and embrace the people. Many times this is literal. In many countries men openly embrace and even kiss as a standard form of greeting. Know the local customs so when you are approached you dont repel. People see this for what it is; a feeling of superiority because of position. We must always remember the only difference between us and them is the Grace of God. It is not because we are better. Just as God chose Abraham out of all the people, He did so with a plan which involved Abraham stepping out and going into the world. He was obedient to Gods plan. We were given gifts and blessings beyond any country in the world.
8

Long ago, Scripture knew that God would make non-Jews right with himself by believing in him. He announced the good news ahead of time to Abraham. He said, All nations will be blessed because of you. (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18) 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham. He was the man of faith.3 These blessings were not given for us to squander but to bless others to accomplish one goal, that of service to the King our Lord. His plan of global redemption will happen with or without us. Choose to be a part of His plan and not your own. Expect people to have fun, to be amazed, and for God to do something that may affect each of us on different levels having memories that will last a life time not only for you but for the people.

New International Reader's Version., 1st ed. (Zondervan, 1998), Ga 3:89.

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E. What now?
Pray. Pray for the people you will meet. Pray that God will open their eyes to see and give them ears to hear His Truth. Pray for your team mates, that they will be strong and courageous as God told Joshua. Pray for safe travel for all, that nothing will be lost and there will be no issues in customs, that we will all arrive safely, with everything we need to fulfill His mission on our lives while we are there. Pray for your family while you are away, for God's protection and guidance in their lives while you are away. This can often be a difficult time of trial for those who do not go as they feel left behind. It can be a time of temptation and trial on many levels. Pray that they too will be strong and courageous. And finally, praise God in your prayers for providing the means and guidance that has allowed you to be a part of His bigger plan.

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