WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

176 WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES
and appropriate ways of problem solving among Asians. Sometimes a third
party may be needed - usually an older discerning person.
In counselling married couples, it would be preferable to speak to
husband and wife together. The leader can help couples to develop constructive
responses to each other. They can learn to relax and develop a sense of humour
also helps to relieve tensions on the field.
Not all problems faced on the field have a spiritual root. Leaders need to
be alert to workers’ real needs.
Overwork is common. Overwork seems to be particularly hazardous
among certain personality types. Those who are engaged in “open-ended” work
are the most vulnerable. Cross-cultural workers could labour almost non-stop
each day, and at the end of the day still think of work to be done.
Some of these workers seem to lack an inner “referee” to govern their
lives. For various reasons, they will ignore the symptoms that tell them they
need a rest. They will therefore overextend themselves. Such people do not
complain of overwork. They complain that they are unable to work as long or
as well as they “should”. People who succumb to fatigue are not tempted to be
slack. Overwork tempts them as they are propelled by the ministry. Such workers
should be encouraged by their supervisors to have a realistic schedule and to
take appropriate breaks.
Those labouring under hot climatic and culturally stressful conditions
should plan for more frequent and shorter breaks. A longer holiday of at least
two weeks annually will enable the worker or the couple to be renewed.
Because supervisors cannot be readily available on the field, workers
should meet informally among themselves to encourage and affirm one another.
This practice can build individual morale and promote excellent team spirit on
the field. All too often, field work is done without visible rewards.
Encouragement from fellow-workers and supervisors may be the only tangible
reward.
SUMMARY on Stress Prevention
Stress prevention is always best. Cross-cultural workers should maintain
their health through proper diet, exercise, rest and sleep. They need to plan
their priorities and pace their lives well. Learning about themselves and their
responses to stress can help workers to be more alert to symptoms and factors
causing stress. Building a realistic view of self, relying on the grace of God for
the Christian’s well-being will contribute to a healthy self-concept.