You can preview the 6-Part "GO PREPARED! Essentials" Short-term Missions Video Training Series for 10 day personal review -- with no obligation to purchase the set if you are not 100% convinced of its value. The 6 Teaching Sessions (approx. 30 minutes each) are: #1-Laying the Foundations; #2-Spiritual Preparation; #3-Building Your Team; #4-Cross- Cultural Training; #5-Ministry Without Dependency; and, #6-Re-Entry & Debriefing. If you decide to keep the "GO PREPARED! Essentials" set, the cost is just $99 + $6 S&H. If not, simply return the video set after your 10 day no risk preview. It is available from http://www.worldchristian.com or http://www.ywam.org/books/default.asp.
Mobilization International offer short term and career mission opportunities for active or retired police officers and firefighters. They have been reaching out to police officers in Latin America and the Caribbean for the past 7 years. Over 17,000 police officers have heard the gospel with over 7,000 making decisions for Christ. M.I. partners with Focus on the Family to distribute resources to those they minister to. Their first outreach to firefighters in Guatemala is planned for February 2003. http://www.missionmobilization.org/
Short term missions has the potential to change lives, churches and nations. The ServantPrep Seminar was developed by Mission Training International to prepare STM leaders as life-changing team trainers. This 3-day program develops the skills needed to understand the spiritual, personal, relational and cultural challenges and opportunities of STM experience. For more information on this intense, experiential, Scripture-packed seminar, read the article "Train That Team Well" in the current Short- Term Missions Today.
Mission Training International has cross-cultural missionary training and debriefing programs.
http://www.mti.org
"Maximum Impact Short-Term Mission
(MISTM)" is a 250+ page book for any person with a leadership,
teaching, receiving, or planning role in short-term mission. MISTM
provides a solid framework for understanding, structuring, and planning
short-term missions done right! Scheduled for release in March 2003.
Order pre-press by January 31 for $14.99 with free shipping. After
January 31, MISTM retails for $19.99 plus shipping. Order online or by
phone from STEM Press
http://www.STEMmin.org For
more information call toll-free 1-877-STEM-min, or 952-996-1385.
A US based service offering free personal assistance for finding worldwide
mission projects: Vocational, medical, short term, orphanages. Classified
lists of sending agencies, mission resources, travel tips, insurance, and
more.
Website: http://www.mfinder.org
Tel: ++ 1 208 723 4657 (USA)
This US based ministry is intended to assist those mature Christian women
over 50 years of age who wish to apply their domestic skills to assist a
missionary family or single missionaries by providing help as a nanny or
nannies, helping with cooking, music, education, teaching, entertainment,
shopping, babysitting, where children are involved. This can be an ideal
ministry for senior and retired women, and a wonderful opportunity for a
short term missions experience.
Website: http://www.missionnannys.org
A US based website devoted to helping people find all of the information they need in choosing and preparing for a short-term missions is coordinated, produced, and maintained by Mission Data International (m-DAT) and its volunteers. Website: http://www.shorttermmissions.com
This is a database of short-term opportunities put together by Mission
Network News and includes positions available to mainly US folk. Many
organisations, though, will be open to applications from outside the US.
Websites: http://www.mnnonline.org/stmdb/
www.mislinks.org/practical/shterm.htm
Center for Student Missions: http://www.csm.org/.
US$20.00 + carriage STEM International, PO BOX 386001, Minneapolis, MN 55438, USA http://www.STEMmin.org Phone toll-free 1-877-STEM-min.(Continental US)
YWAM International (Youth with a Mission) is one of the largest interdenominational, international Christian ministries in the world, with over 12,000 volunteer staff and thousands more affiliated workers in over 800 locations and over 135 countries. YWAM seeks to make a difference in a needy world. Believing that the gospel of Jesus Christ is about words and actions, YWAM staff offer practical help - from agricultural training to running medical clinics - in addition to sharing the Gospel. At the YWAM web site (see above), you will find a vast amount of information on its worldwide ministry - Bible study booklets, drama resources, short-term mission information, video and audio-teaching by YWAM leaders as well as much more. At the web site you can visit an online bookstore, learn about the new YWAM Arts programme, and read updates on YWAM's efforts to bring the Gospel of Christ to every nation in the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Check it out.
To Every Tribe: http://www.toeverytribe.com
Occasionally I come across mission web sites that are of interest, or people send me a message telling me to take a look. Here are two of them.
Global Missions Fellowship is based in Dallas, Texas and specialises in taking people on short-term trips and, with the help of a mother church, partner with translators to plant a daughter church. According to Bob Sjogren they have a good success rate.
To Every Tribe Ministries, also based in Texas, focuses on planting churches in the interior, unevangelised regions of Papua New Guinea and Mexico. A vital part of its ministry includes mobilising and equipping existing churches to reproduce and become missionary sending churches themselves. This web site will be relevant to anyone interested in tribal peoples.
SOURCE: Ask A Missionary newsletter, 8 April 2002 by John McVay.
http://www.CampfireResources.com
SHORT-TERM MISSIONS - SPECIALIZED TRAINING -- The "GO Prepared" specialized video training series known as the "Skills" has recently been released and is already proving to be practical and inspirational. Six new videos dealing with Construction, Medical, Fundraising, Recruitment, Evangelism, and how short-term missions trips impact the life of a church are now available.
For more information contact Jim at http://www.tcci.org.
If you haven't found your way to the Mission Finders web site yet then you need to check it out (see above). Brigada Today profiled two major directories of mission opportunities (one a listing of YWAM short- term outreaches and the other a listing of opportunities available in Christian orphanages). Both of these are to be found on the Mission Finder web site. In addition to this the site contains opportunities for tentmakers, information on mission training and short term opportunities as well as major section on mission resources (travel, insurance, FAQs about missions, links to other mission job lists etc.). This one certainly merits a bookmark and regular visits.
In searching through the Amazon site, I came across the following review which I thought was worth sharing since it speaks so well to the value of the book: "This book presents the basic principles of short term missions, shows how to develop critical cross-cultural skills, and addresses specific needs short termers experience. The pages overflow with foundational scriptures and true stories from short termers who have traveled with the authors during a dozen two-month mission trips to Africa, the Middle East and Central America. The experiences presented are realistic, sometimes humorous, and often life-changing. Short term missionaries are changing the world. This book will challenge you to consider the opportunities available for a short term mission trip. This is a great text for a small group study. It's fast paced, has short chapters, and is appropriate for high school students as well as adults. Highly recommended for mission minded individuals and congregations." Nancy has a couple of copies that she's selling for NZD$28.00 plus postage (that's $2.00 cheaper than the Mission Books web site price). Or you can order it from Amazon and pay USD$9.59 plus postage:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0830822690/drbobhall
ShortTermMissions.com, sponsored by Mission Data International, presents a fully searchable database of short-term mission trip opportunities. Visit the web site above for detailed information - descriptions and requirements for mission trips from many organisations. Find also mission agency information (US-based), discussion forums and practical articles that include: Seven Reasons Why You Should Never Go On a Short-Term Missions Trip, and Ten Commandments for Mission Trips Participants.
View the resources: Online at http://www.STEMmin.org/aboutSTEM/resources.shtml. To request a catalogue, call toll-free 1-877-STEM-min or outside US 952-996-1385.
a) IMPACT Teams - 2 week missions
For more information contact: IMPACT Teams at the University of the Nations, Kona, Hawaii, tel. 808-326-4464, Fax 808-326-4434.
Face to Face International: http://www.gospelcom.net/short-term/?ifc
http://www.missionfrontiers.org I doubt there isn't an article in the January 2000 issue of Mission Frontiers that hasn't been made available electronically. The latest (and last?) one to appear in my in-box is Monroe Brewer's article "Short-Termers and the Future of American Missions" - A mobilisation strategy for the local church in the 21st century." It's quite a useful article - despite the fact that it only seems to relate to "American" missions smile . Brewer works through a ten-step strategy that he has used in his own church to mobilise people for short-term missions.
Text copy of two of the articles from Mission Frontiers has come through. One is by Seth Barnes of Adventures in Missions (AIM) and identifies Ten Emerging Trends in Short-Term Mission. The other is by Luis Bush of the AD2000 and Beyond Movement and contrasts the relative benefits and pitfalls of both long- and short-term missions. If you'd like copy of either or both of these articles, let Bob know. Hard copy of Mission Frontiers should be arriving in New Zealand soon for distribution.
Missionary Ventures (MV) is an interdenominational mission agency based in Victoria, Australia. Their purpose is to encourage and support indigenous churches through personal involvement, ministry development and financial support. Through short-term mission teams MV serves indigenous pastors and enables them to develop ministries to reach out to hurting people within their own communities. Over 140 short-term mission teams are facilitated each year by MV: evangelistic, drama, construction, medical, dental, children's ministry, pastor's seminar, intercessory prayer and many more. For more information contact Robert and Deborah Watson.
Youth with a Mission
Youth with a Mission
Barb Foye
Czech Republic
Youth with a Mission
Allan Burney
Box 730, Turner Valley, Alberta, CANADA TOL 2AO.
Phone 403-933-3755. FAX:
403-933-3754.
Youth With a Mission
20 outreaches per year, worldwide`
Rick Shafer
PO Box 7, Elm Springs, AR 72728. 501-248-7236. FAX 501-248-1455.
Youth with a Mission
Worldwide. Send for magazine listing current opportunities
Mark Baxter
Nashville
Web: www.ywamnashville.org
International Teams
Jennifer Lichty
Director of Special Teams with International Teams
You can contact our office at KKI Scotland 100635.466@compuserve.com - Joke Vos
The organization I most recommend for teen groups is Adventure in Mission, out of Gainsville GA. They make it a point to run effective, meaningful, ministry trips; not just glorified summer camp. Their director, Seth Barnes, is one of the major proponents of ethical standards in the STM movement. And please let your pastor friend know about the National Short Term Mission Conference, held every January. The conference trains those in leadership roles, whether on the sending, taking, or receiving ends of STM teams. The conference has plenty for STM veterans, but novices are the ones who seem to find it a lifesaver. He/she can visit www.nstmc.org .
Visit OC International's web site above to learn more.
The Directory should be available early in the new year. The contact information from the Directory provides the basis for the "agency" contact information on our web site.
Short Term Mission Conference Set For Atlanta --- To learn more about the Short-term mission conference coming to Atlanta Jan. 26-28, click to: http://www.NSTMC.org Designed for those who organize Short Term Missions Teams, go on STMT's, wish their churches would get involved with STM's, or host STMT's. The 12th annual National Short Term Mission Conference is designed to train, equip, and mobilize for STM's with 40 workshops, keynoter Dr. Jim Judge and featuring Ken Medema. Those with further questions may call 800-636 3334 for brochures.
ShortTermMissions.com
Searchable Database Of short-term Mission Opportunities
Mission Data International recently rolled out a new website devoted to short- term missions -- ShortTermMissions.com. The website features a fully searchable database of short-term mission opportunities. It provides detailed descriptions & requirements on short-term opportunities from many organizations. ShortTermMissions.com also includes in-depth mission agency information, articles, and discussion forums. It is an excellent resource to refer people to. Take a look! Go to http://www.shorttermmissions.com/ and try a search for a 1-2 week short-term opportunity to Latin America for instance. Also, stop by the discussion forums. For more information e-mail Info@ShortTermMissions.com.
Also available is "Leaders Guide for Short Term Mission Leaders" by Lisa Chinn. Lisa is a well know Reentry specialist in the short term missions community and has done many seminars overseas as well as in N America. She has recently documented her research and put most of her seminar notes into a small book. It is spiral bound book, filled with research, and is easy to understand with many sources and footnotes. It is available for $10.50 + 1.50 shipping.
This should read: Reentry Guide for Short Term Mission Leaders Also available from Deeper Roots Publications is "Reentry Guide for Short Term Mission Leaders" by available for $10.00 = $1.50 shipping.
In Atlanta, Jan. 26-28. Church mission leadership chooses from 45 Workshops taught by experienced leaders on the things your church needs to know for doing short-term missions. Workshops include: how to recruit, how to interview, how to teach missions, how to do great team meetings before, on-site and after a trip, cultural dilemmas, conflict management, emergency issues, mobilizing families, the host's perspective, large church issues, and more. The plenary theme is Storytelling. Guest musician, Ken Medema will be putting music to stories....His story and your mission stories.
Even though the conference might be outdated, still you might want to visit their web site. http://www.NSTMC.org.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada creates a code to guide short-term mission efforts.
Amidst the extraordinary growth of short-term mission coming from North America, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has formally released a "Code of Best Practice for Short-Term Mission."
"The Code is not meant to be a document for policing mission efforts," says Gary Walsh, President of EFC. Rather, it is an attempt to respond to the growing need of raising the "effectiveness bar," providing a "framework" within which participating agencies can design their short-term programs, according to Geoff Tunnicliffe, Chair of the EFC's Task Force for Global Mission.
Seventy-five agencies were involved with the creation of the document that is a response to what Tunnicliffe describes as a "growing chorus of local church, denominational and agency leaders asking how we can raise the effectiveness bar for short term mission efforts." The existence of the Code seems to be at least a tacit admission of the growing set of problems and challenges the short-term phenomenon poses for the long-term interests in advancing Christian mission. Short-term teams have often been accused of committing cultural blunders. Addressing this concern, the Code has expressed in its core value number one, "a commitment to culturally appropriate expressions of lifestyle and ministry activities."
See the full text of the Code at: http://globalmission.org/canada.htm
Nate Wilson's Mission Mobilizer Forum can always be relied on to come up with a good mobilization article or two.
Dave Mays' Missions "Stuff" The "Stuff" book is an encyclopedia of all the things you wanted to know about doing missions but didn't know whom to ask. It is a compilation of one-page lists, outlines, forms, and resources covering everything from Short Term Missions Policies to Missions Pastor Job Descriptions. It is meant to be a reference book for local church leaders and those helping churches in missions.
For a preview, see http://www.DavidMays.org . It is available only on diskette (in Word) and only from David. Cost is $10 plus $2 S&H. Send check made out to ACMC to David Mays, Great Lakes Regional Director, ACMC Box 221, Brownsburg, IN 46112
SOURCE: David Mays.