WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

196 WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES
Another friend made contacts with businessmen in a Southeast Asian
country and learned how he could gain access into the country. A group of
Europeans visited a Southeast Asian country and had several job offers to fit
their skills. They have been able to operate as a team and also network with
other tentmakers in the country. They were purposeful men and women who
believed God wanted them to serve cross-culturally. Sometimes tentmakers
have obtained jobs that do not perfectly fit their qualifications or skills. They
have been challenged to be learners as they developed new skills.
Successful tentmakers are those with initiative, adaptability, faith, vision
and courage. The harvest fields are ready for such men and women.
CASE STUDIES AND ISSUES INVOLVED
The following three case studies are about tentmakers in Asia. The key
issues involved in each case relate to:
Personal preparation
Networking, Residence Access
Financial Viability
Scope of Potential Relationships among Locals
Opportunities for Ministry
Security, Sensitivity and Prudence
PERSONAL PREPARATION involves educational qualifications and
marketable skills required for the particular occupation in the country. It also
includes discipleship and basic ministry training.
NETWORKING relates to the tentmaker’s links with those who pray
and support him. These relationships may be either informal or organised.
Tentmakers need a healthy sense of independence balanced with a degree of
accountability.
RESIDENCE ACCESS informs how the tentmaker gained entrance into
the country and his occupational status.
FINANCIAL VIABILITY concerns how his financial needs are being met.
SCOPE OF POTENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG LOCALS tells how
his occupation opens doors for relationships with people in the local culture.
Relationships are also initiated by tentmakers who are relational.