How Much Rest Does a Missionary Need? By The Family International (TFI)

This is a topic that many missionaries are uncomfortable with. Many missionaries feel that there is

The Family International in Africa

The Family International has been active in Africa since the 1970s, but it is over the last decade t

Five Reasons to Take Family Mission Trips by The Family International

Taking a mission trip as a family with The Family International is exciting, challenging and reward

 

How Much Rest Does a Missionary Need? By The Family International (TFI)

September 18, 2012 in Humanitarian work, Missionary Work, The Family International

This is a topic that many missionaries are uncomfortable with. Many missionaries feel that there is an expectation for missionaries to be able to work at a continuous pace, unless on furlough. They feel accountable to their supporters to judiciously watch their spending, and not show any signs of frivolity or unnecessary spending.

Depending on the country the missionary is serving in, not resting or taking vacation days can be hard for the locals to understand. Some cultures are serious about their vacation and days off, and believe it is necessary for good health. When these locals observe a missionary never getting time off they may wonder about their health and express their concern.

click here to find out more about tfi the family international

In other cultures vacation is seen as superfluous and the locals work 15 hour days, six days a week. To these locals a missionary taking weeks of vacation may be very difficult for them to understand.

Then, there is the fact that, as a missionary you have a demanding job. If you live in a foreign country you are likely communicating many hours a day in a language you are not fluent in, and that in itself takes great mental effort. You are away from your creature comforts, family, and friends, and have to pace yourself.

tfi The Family

The general consensus of experienced missionaries is that every missionary needs some time off on a regular basis. You must refresh. This doesn’t mean that you regularly need extended vacations, but you do need time to unplug from your work regularly. If your work is very busy, you may need to get away to a different location for a few days each year, minimum.

The amount of time you spend off, how much your vacations cost, and how regularly you take them will vary from missionary to missionary. But, one thing is certain; you must take some time off. Even Jesus had to get away from the crowds sometimes. If you do not take time to rest, relax and restore you will not last over the long haul. Problems will emerge in your health, personal life and ministry.

Some missionaries are uncomfortable talking with their supporters about taking days off. If you have questions about this you should speak to your organizations leadership to see how to present your needs and the needs of your family to your supporters.

For more information: http://www.thefamilyindia.org/

No Comments »

The Family International in Africa

August 2, 2012 in Humanitarian work, Missionary Work, The Family International, Volunteering

The Family International has been active in Africa since the 1970s, but it is over the last decade that The Family International has become a strong proactive presence in Africa.

The Family International in Africa

The Family International in Africa

Today The Family International is active in 19 African countries, with 24 missionary teams, 22 Family community centres, and several associate projects. The needs are great, and TFI’s efforts in Africa have been recognized by NGO and government officials.

Family members use their experience and expertise to bring God’s love in a tangible way, whether it be bringing the much acclaimed STEPS character building educational program to help children traumatized by war have hope for a happier future, or organizing ongoing medical relief programs in rural areas.

 

The Family International Initiatives

The Family International also run a number of initiatives for sustainable micro enterprises aimed at helping families and communities economically. The Family International run orphanages and schools, and are active in their local communities in a number of ways. In each project the goal is always the same: to help each individual realize their worth in God’s kingdom, and to communicate God’s love in a way that can impact their life in a positive way.

Tags: ,
No Comments »

Five Reasons to Take Family Mission Trips by The Family International

July 24, 2012 in Evangelizing, Missionary Work, The Family International, Volunteering

Taking a mission trip as a family with The Family International is exciting, challenging and rewarding. The most obvious challenges, or the things that generally stop families from making mission trips together are:

  • Cost
  • Health
  • Schooling

Those challenges will be present in just about any travel scenario, so you just have to plan and work around them. If God has called your family to take a mission trip together, you can be sure that He will open the doors and provide your family with opportunity to let your light shine.

Five reasons to take a mission trip with your family and The Family International:

1. Your kids get to see God’s love in action, and actually be a part of that action. It gets kids out of their own little world and reaching out to others. Many children are more free to reach out and interact with strangers during a mission trip environment than they would be at home. It builds their confidence to share God’s love.
2. It creates fabulous family memories. You can be sure it will be an experience your kids won’t
forget. That doesn’t mean that it will be perfect. Likely your children will experience things they
are not used to, like extreme heat and no air conditioner, new foods, lack of media, and other
things that will challenge them. But, they will still most likely emerge with some valuable life
lessons, and great memories.

The Family International Mission Trips

The Family International Mission Trips

3. Experiencing another culture. A broad world view is such an important thing to give your
children. Through experiencing another culture you children will understand true want and
true abundance much better. When they see children playing soccer with a ball made of tightly
wound plastic bags in a muddy field, yet still having a blast, they might think about complaining
a little less.
4. Great educational value. There is a wealth of education to be had though learning some of the
history, religious beliefs, culture and geography of the country or region you are visiting. While
your kids might not do much book work during your trip, this kind of education will help shape
their thinking.
5. Break Routine. Routines are great, but sometimes you just have to break out of them, give new things a chance to happen, air our relationships, and see each other with new eyes. A mission trip offers your family that opportunity.

 

Find out more about: The Family International wiki

No Comments »

The Family International – Why Give Overseas

July 24, 2012 in Non Profit Foundations, The Family International, Volunteering

By The Family International: A common notion in the US, and other Western Nations is “why should we give overseas, we need help right here?” It certainly is true, one needn’t look far in any direction to find someone in need, even in the US.

This saying is used by The Family International often: “charity begins at home,” but, the need goes well beyond the borders of home. Only about 2 cents of every dollar given in to philanthropy by US foundation grants goes overseas. In fact, American foreign aid has dropped over the last 10 years to the point that the US is now giving less to foreign aid than any other industrialized country in the world.

Why Give Overseas

Why Give Overseas – TFI Missionaries

The good news is that even you can make a difference. Overseas is one place where your giving can make a serious impact. If you look at the needs of the entire third world, yes, it’s overwhelming. But, on a specific community basis, it’s easy enough to make an impact. The needs of each individual community are able to be addressed. Most need food, and a plan to farm their food. They need water. They need medicine. They need education for their children. And, in many cases, they need vocational education.

In most nations people expect far less than even those in the lowest income bracket in the US. There are effective charities and humanitarian organizations that have been able to address these needs on a grassroots level, and are actually changing circumstances for entire villages and communities.

This is where your dollars will stretch and impact. The Family International organization says “In some of these places donations of $20 a month can feed a family, or provide a small business with startup capitol”. This kind of giving is very rewarding, as you see the relationship between your contribution, and the changes taking place.

The Family International suggests “For the most rewarding experience, pick a specific project to get involved with, and foster a long term relationship with the project. You may even want to visit the location, and get to know the community you are sponsoring.”

Giving and getting involved with needs from overseas can widen your world view, and change your perspective on life at home as well. You will probably find yourself valuing your life more, and also evaluating your needs and wants against the plight of a community you personally know. Contact The Family International for more information.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Volunteering as a Family – By The Family International

July 24, 2012 in Evangelizing, Missionary Work, The Family International, Volunteering

The Family International suggest that as parents raising a family today we face a very different set of challenges than parents faced for generations before us. The modern parent isn’t worried about building their log cabin in time for winter, or whether the crops will be sufficient (unless of course they are a farmer), or finding the time to spin enough wool into yarn to weave cloth for their children’s cloths.

The Family International Suggestions for Parents in The Western World

Parents in the Western world face a different monster altogether and a big part of it is the fact that our kids are growing up in relative luxury, especially when you compare to what children expected out of life even 100 years ago. Back in the day daily chores were an expected part of nearly every child’s life.

The Family International

The Family International Volunteers

And we’re not talking wiping the table, or making the bed. Chores like rising early to milk the cows, or shoveling manure, chopping wood, or washing laundry by hand were typical for even young children.

Today parents have to actively teach their children to look beyond their own needs and wants and become valuable members of society, from their family nucleus, to the community around them, and eventually the world.

The Family International suggests that ”Volunteering as a family is a great way to instill a servant’s heart in your children and inspire them to regularly engage in Christian service”. Many parents find that their initial attempts to convince their kids to give up their free time for volunteer work are met with complaints and balking. However, in time children begin to enjoy the feeling of contribution and building community. They start to feel a part of something, and value being needed. Slowly children develop a greater awareness of the needs of others, and a deeper concern for their well being.

Some families start small, by donating books to a book drive, or giving unused items to charity. Others cook and serve at soup kitchens and food banks. Families might find housebound members in their community to visit with, or bring meals to. There are numerous options to choose from, even for giving in your local community. The specific activity you engage in is not as important as the fact that you are teaching your child to contribute, and engage their community.

Try and pick a cause that your children will be inspired by, and that is along their line of interest or expertise (yes, even kids can have “espertise”). For more information on Volunteering contact The Family International 

1 Comment »

Safety Tips for International Missionaries by The Family International

July 24, 2012 in Evangelizing, Missionary Work, The Family International

The Family International Missionaries

The Family International Missionaries

If you are new to missionary travels, you may feel a little insecure at the thought of traveling to places that are unfamiliar, and possibly dangerous. Family International Missionaries often face danger and adventure in their travels, and it’s one of the things that make the experience so exhilarating and memorable. Many missionaries have fascinating tales of God’s protection that serve as faith building testimonies to share with future missionaries. That being said, you want to make sure you stay as safe as possible. And, with a few precautions you can greatly maximize your safety and security. With time you will learn to recognize dangerous situations, and how to avoid them, deal with them, and keep yourself and family safe. The Family International suggests These few tips for your travel:

  • In your packing, try not to look too rich. Don’t buy designer suitcases and laptop bags. These just draw attention to you and your belongings.
  • Be sure you research any restrictions your destination country has on items you may want to bring in. Some countries have restrictions on literature, and other things you may not think about.

 

More Tips By The Family International:

Once you arrive, and as you go about your daily life, here are a few more things to be mindful of:

  • Don’t be out and about with your passport, visa or other documents. A photocopy will do for identification purposes.
  • Do not photograph military personnel or installations, border protection points or government buildings that could be sensitive.
  • Know the location of your embassy and have their phone number on you. You will probably also want to register with your embassy so that they can be aware of your presence in case of an evacuation or some other emergency.
  • Always inform your family, fellow missionaries or colleague when you are going out, where you are going, and when you are expecting to return. If you have a cell phone, or number where you can be reached you might want to leave them with that information as well.
  • Keep you attire, hair style, accessories and make up simple. Especially be mindful of watches and jewelry that can sometimes be too great a temptation for impoverished locals to resist.

The vast majority of people you meet on your travels will be wonderful and greatly appreciate your presence and help. Keeping yourself safe allows you to spend your time ministering to those who really need you. For more information about Missionary tips contact The Family International.

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Loving your Enemies -By The Family Missionaries

July 24, 2012 in Missionary Work, The Family International

“Love your enemies” was one of Jesus mandates from the Sermon on the Mount. These three simple words consistently prove how weak our Love is without God’s help, as we all indeed know that it is not easy to love one’s enemies. This can be especially true if you are involved in humanitarian work or missionary service in a war torn area or country.

The Family International

Loving your Enemies The Family Missionaries

Although missionaries and humanitarian aid workers are instructed to remain neutral in situations of conflict, it can be difficult not to feel anger, hatred and a desire for revenge when you actually witness the atrocities of one party or another. As a Christian we can take the “hate the sin, love the sinner” approach in that we are able to understand that those committing acts of violence and war are still people who Christ loves and forgives. We must pray for God to speak to the hearts of each individual involved in conflict, and to bring them to His love and forgiveness.

As Jesus said, “they who live by the sword will die by the sword. Mat 26:52” One of the reasons that we seek to stay out of the conflict is that we do not wish to participate in any activity that will perpetuate the cycle of violence. Rather we seek to lay down our lives to bring peace, even as Jesus did.

However, you may sometimes find that protecting the innocent may sometimes require a definite response. There may be times when Christians, and possibly even missionaries and aid workers, will have to defend the defenseless. This is not “living by the sword” or using violence as a first response to conflict. This is the last resort course of action when lives are in danger.

If you are ever in a life threatening situation, such as what you might face in war time, or terrorist situation, you may wonder what the right response would be. If God has entrusted a flock into your care, then your response should be to seek first their safety and their protection. Hopefully this will mean removing them from harm’s way.

The Family International Missionaries and aid workers who choose to serve in areas of conflict should be clear as to what their organization’s policies are, and ready to uphold them.

Tags: , , , ,
No Comments »

The Family International Building a Local Work

July 24, 2012 in Evangelizing, Missionary Work, The Family International

As the saying goes “give a man a fish and you feed him today, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.” One of the greatest marks of a successful missionary effort, or humanitarian project is how well the project or mission is able to run after the missionaries and aid workers have pulled out.

The Family International Building a Local Work

The Family International Building a Local Work

This means that one of the primary goals of the mission is training leaders to take up the ministry. Even if your plan is to remain on the mission field for the rest of your life, you do not really know what is going to happen. There are all kinds of unexpected reasons that missionaries have to leave, such as health related issues, political situations, loss of visa, to name a few. If you have set up your ministry in such a way that only you can run it, once you leave all your hard work may crumble. However, if you have trained worthy individuals to carry on in your place, your work can continue to thrive even after you have left.

Here are some tips for establishing a successful local work:

  • As much as possible work within the framework of local customs and culture. The more that is familiar to the people, the easier it will be to keep it running after you leave.
  • Don’t just give orders, explain why you are doing what you do. The greater the understanding people have, the more it matters to them to preserve it.
  • Find those with a servant’s heart and train them to be leaders in your ministry.
  • Create procedures and organization. It is easier to keep a well structured operation running than it is to create one.
  • Try to make the work locally sustainable. This may take time and effort, but the more self sufficient the operation is, the easier it will be to preserve it if outside help should become unavailable.

Of course, the only way you can leave a successful missionary work behind you is if you teach and train your flock to follow and obey God’s Word. God’s word will be the “lamp unto their feet” even when you are gone. Both through your everyday example, as well as through your diligent teaching of God’s Word you will be able to raise up a strong group of followers who will carry on.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Tips for Prospective Missionaries with Children By The Family International

July 24, 2012 in Evangelizing, Missionary Work, The Family International, Volunteering

Missionaries with Children

Family International Missionaries with Children

The opportunity to serve on a foreign mission field with your family along side is a dream of many a missionary. Giving your children the opportunity to experience life in another part of the world, and within another culture is certainly a formative and exciting experience for your children, but it also presents some challenges and issues that you want to be aware of before you embark on your mission.

Here are a few of the challenges you may face:

  • Education. Continuing your child’s education is absolutely necessary. So, you must decide how you will do this in a new country. Many missionaries choose to homeschool. If you choose this course, you will probably want to order your curriculum, work books and all school supplies before you leave. Other options are correspondence school and putting your children in a local school.
  • Health. A third world country will present health issues that you probably have not faced before. Bacterial illnesses and parasites are a new thing you will face. Focus on your children’s health and boost their immune system as well as you can to prepare them for new exposure. You will probably also want to get some vaccinations for certain illnesses before your departure, depending on where you will be going.
  • Culture shock. Depending on the age of your children this may or may not be an issue. Younger children tend to adjust more quickly than older children do. For younger children play up the excitement of traveling, seeing new sights and brining God’s love to new people. Also, make sure you bring familiar items that will make transitioning easier, such as favorite toys, books, and pictures. You may even want to bring some favorite foods, like peanut butter, if they are not available in your new country, just to make the transition easier. With older children they may have a more difficult time leaving friends, and the comfort of home. Be gentle with them if they struggle with these things. Try to help integrate them into your new work as soon as possible. Feeling needed and valued on the mission will help them understand why the sacrifices are necessary.

Overall, the experience of serving as a family can be an extremely positive one. Support your children in prayer, be understanding in your communications with them, and do your best to make the experience a fun one. Get in touch with The Family International for more information.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »