What would you say is the most important item in a missionary's tool kit?
Of course, there are many answers, but high up on the list are skills in the local language and understanding of local culture.
Following the example that Jesus gave us, mission is all about
- relationships
- overcoming barriers
- communicating with people
How can we get to know someone? Of course, we must be able to talk to them! We must learn how they feel about things and avoid habits and actions that might cause offence. We must show them in ways that they can understand that we care about them, and we must be able to listen and respond at a deep level, the level of the heart. Does that sound like an impossible goal?
Language learning and developing cultural understanding are life-long tasks for cross-cultural missionaries, but the task is not impossible! We believe that if the Lord calls us to do a particular work, he will provide us with all that we need to do it, and that includes giving us skill in language. However, the "gift" does not come ready made and ready to use. We have to commit ourselves to study!! In OMF Cambodia we place a very high value on language and culture tools.
Our Vision:
To see every OMF member in Cambodia working effectively with the advantages of excellence in:
- language
- cultural understanding
- relevant skills
So we have developed a program to encourage and support new team members through the study/training process. The first year is devoted to full-time study, which is followed by apprenticeship and consolidation. By the end of the first term, each missionary should have a basic tool kit, and sufficient skill to use it.