WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

TYPES OF BI-VOCATIONAL LABOURERS
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was later led by the Lord to consider starting a ministry among the several
international students from all over the world who were enrolled in the
institute’s various programmes.
Networking: His New Zealand friends gave him both encouragement and
advice on an individual basis. He was also referred to his NZ friends’ associates
for prayer and networking. TM B was often visited by other friends who were
concerned about developing a work within the country.
Residence Access: His student status until he graduated from the
international institute enabled him to stay in the country. Later, he accepted a
job within the same institute as a research associate which enabled him to
continue to stay in the Institute for a longer period of time.
Financial Viability: His present job enables him to support himself. As a
student his funds were raised personally. His interaction with the locals is minimal.
Scope of Potential Relationships among Locals: His effective sphere of
influence and interaction is with the students and faculty within the institution
and this has borne fruit in the ministry.
Opportunities For Ministry: Most if not all ministry fruit (TM B has adequate
evangelism, very good establishing and probably equipping gifts) has been
within the confines of the Institute which seems to be open to their activities
(they have regular fellowship meetings). Through his stay within the institute
over seven or more years, TM B and the team he has developed has seen the
conversion and growth in discipleship of international students from almost
all Asian countries.
Security: Within the confines of the institute the environment for the
spread of the Gospel is quite unrestricted. TM B and fellow members of his
fellowship openly identified themselves as Christians and actively engaged in
outreach activities.
20 Years On: TM B left the Southeast Asian country to serve in a Central
Asian city about 10 years ago. Some students he had led to Christ were back in
Central Asia and he continued contact with them.
Going to a different country meant having to learn a new language. TM
B works with an agency which provides micro-credit help to the local people
needing to start small businesses. He is part of a team of co-workers serving
Christ in the city. In that context, TM B has befriended a host of local young
men and families and continues to advance the Gospel. One of the key persons
he discipled when he was an agricultural engineer, has reached out to his family
and relational networks. TM B’s long term perspective of ministry has seen the
foundations laid in a few lives.