WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

ON-FIELD ORIENTATION
121
In adjusting to new customs, workers will need to deal with personal
feelings and attitudes. At first, we may distinguish between “my kind” of people
and “their kind” of people. Identification takes place when these two circles of
people disappear, and we become part of the same local circle.
6 Language Learning
Learning the language of the people is indispensable if the worker wishes
to communicate on a heart-to-heart level. The standards of language proficiency
for both husband and wife should be determined, and the best available methods
be agreed upon. Language learning also gives valuable cultural insights.
7 Ministry in the country
During orientation, it should be evident to the worker that strategy and
ministry methods in the new country could be different from the ministry “back
home”. For ministries to multiply, they need to be contextualised, as already
discussed in Part One.
In penetrating new fields, creativity and patience are qualities needed.
Disciplemakers who are relational are a definite asset in the initiating of new
ministry frontiers. The ministry must be viewed as a long-term process2 . Workers
should speak to and learn from veteran missionaries who have this long-term
view of decades, and not just a few years.
Mission agencies learn from their past achievements and weaknesses.
New workers should not repeat the same mistakes, if they seek to do far better
in their ministries.
8 Prayer
As prayer is a key to an effective spiritual life and ministry, practical
opportunities for prayer, scheduled and unscheduled, should be included in
any training curriculum. Prayer should be a priority in an intensive orientation
programme. Leaders should be models and schedule periods of prayer, including
days of prayer. A day of prayer should be planned with some variety. The leader
prepares specific information and items for prayer. Prayer for individual
missionaries and workers, selected countries and unreached peoples as well as
prayer for one another may be included.
2 Refer Appendix B Six Critical Factors For a Multiplying Ministry