WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

TYPES OF BI-VOCATIONAL LABOURERS
201
Residence Access: TM C has been in the country for almost ten years as a
result of his student visa. The nature of his programme involved the pursuit of
a Masters and a Doctorate degree.
Financial Viability: Initially, TM C had to raise funds for his education
from his support groups in the United States. Later on, he was able to get parttime
jobs in the South Asian country as a result of his training in a highly
specialised field. Thus he was able to support himself and his family through
his fund-raising and his part time jobs.
Scope of Potential Relationship among Locals: Both TM C and his wife were
very relational, people-oriented even while being quite high calibre achievers.
(His wife is a medical doctor who surrendered her career to follow her husband
and for the sake of her family). They also adapted easily to the local environment.
They even preferred to stay in almost the same living conditions as the locals,
who were mostly from a lower middle class economic bracket. Coupled with
his wife’s knowledge of medicine, they had developed very good relationships
and an outstanding reputation among their neighbours.
Opportunities for Ministry: With the help of their advisors (the veteran
missionary and lay person) they were able to focus their ministry not only among
their neighbours but also among some key men and women with leadership
potential both inside and outside the university. Since the pace of university
life was not as rigid, TM C had adequate time to deepen friendships and minister
to various people without overburdening and stretching themselves. Among
the fruits of their ministry are men who have strategic positions in the local
government and private sector. They have a disciplemaking vision which is
applicable to laymen like themselves.
Security, Sensitivity and Prudence: With the help of the orientation
programme which incorporated security matters and principles of prudence in
the light of the sensitive situation of Christian witness in the country, TM C
was able to conduct his life and witness in a very discreet manner. His manner
of ministry was done on a person-to-person basis and almost without any
group activities and events. His meeting with students was justifiable because
of his student status. TM C was also prepared along with his family to answer
questions with clear convictions which they had developed beforehand.
20 Years On: TM C, his wife and family returned to their home country
about 6 years ago. He has since completed his doctoral programme. While
back in their home country, they have had a fruitful ministry among international
students including some from their South Asian country. They are now planning
to return to South Asia as TM C has been offered a position in a university.