GO To Asia

In OMF we start with the Question, "What needs to be done?" Not just "What can I do?" Practically any skill you have can be used to further God's work on the Mission field. Needs and opportunities abound. There are three ways you can go with OMF…

SERVE ASIA is OMF's short-term missions program designed to:

· Give exposure to God’s work in Asia

· Give an opportunity to observe and be a part of cross cultural work first-hand.

· Think through on going strategic investment in cross-cultural work

· Evaluate God's calling in your life in terms of possible long-term overseas service in East Asia or the role he will have you play at home.

· Provide an intentional Discipleship process

SERVE ASIA is flexible to fit your schedule and ministry type. A Serve Asia trip ranges from 2 weeks up to 11 months. You will work with and under the supervision of OMF missionaries in the country of your choice.

Who may go?

Chances are, you are ready to go if:

· You have a maturing relationship with Christ.

· You are attending and serving in a local church group.

· You are willing to adapt to the lifestyle, customs and climate of the Asian country you will go to.

· A flexible attitude and a teachable spirit.

· You are at least 18 years of age (some fields may require an older minimum age) and in good health.

What do you do as a Serve Asia worker?

Your involvement will depend on your talents, the country and the missionaries to which you are attached. There is a wide variety of tasks, which can include:

· Helping missionaries involved in church planting, both in urban and rural settings.

· Teaching conversational English. Many young people and adults in East Asia are keen to learn English.

· Evangelism, distributing literature, youth and student outreach.

· Administrative work in the OMF field office or for missionaries who lecture in Bible colleges or secular universities.

· Caring for children and household chores.

· Other useful skills include, being able to play/teach a musical instrument, a willingness to try anything and a sense of humour!

Serve Asia workers should expect to:

· Grow in their relationship with Christ

· Develop Godly relationships with teammates, hosts and national friends

· Increase personal awareness of East Asia's peoples & be involved in God's pursuit of His glory among all peoples.

· Clarify a call to longer term ministry

Where can you go?

There are opportunities in many East Asian countries. We try to give you the greatest benefit in a country where your
qualifications and convictions are able to be best utilized for His Glory and if led to make you a long-term prospect for missionary service.

What costs are involved?

All your expenses should be self-supported or supported by your friends amd home church. The total cost is dependent on the country you are going to and duration of stay. It will include return airfare, board and lodging, and administrative fees.

Your Serve Asia Coordinator would advise on the costs applicable for your destination country and also based on the nature of the ministry you would be undertaking.

When should you apply?

Where possible your application should reach us approximately 6 months before you plan to go.

Associate program 1-3 years

The Associate program is designed to give people a taste of what it’s like on the mission field.

We want to provide a training ground to expand your understanding of mission and explore options for full time ministry. You will have the opportunity to use your existing skills, as well as learn new ones, under the guidance of experienced missionaries, professional workers and national pastors.

What is an Associate?

· Medium term (1 - 3 years)

· Introduction to missionary work, using your existing skills and learning new ones

· Training, mentorship and guidance of experienced missionaries and national pastors

· Each program is specifically tailored to its own field

· To teach you what we have learnt, so you can experience missionary life and work, expanding your understanding of mission and exploring options for full time ministry

What could I be doing?

· Learning to relate and interact with the local people

· Acquiring language and cultural skills

· Physically, mentally and spiritually helping the team carry out the vision

· Learning and working alongside experienced Christian professionals or missionaries

· Using your current field of study or work skills e.g. teaching English, computer skills etc.

Willing People Needed:

· To share our vision with passion and be willing to take prayerful risks on God's cutting edge

· To listen to God's voice, walk with Him and respond urgently to the opportunities He provides

· To communicate the Gospel through words and lifestyle that models the reality of Christ in your life

Qualifications needed:

· A commitment to God and a heart for East Asian people

· An interest in exploring the possibilities of long term mission or full time ministry

· No formal theological training required, however, you will be required to do some pre-field and on-field studies as part of the Internship Program

· Good physical and emotional health

· Ability to build relationships

· A sending church

· Prayer and financial support

Long Term: 3+ Years

From its earliest days, OMF has always believed in the long haul

We’re making disciples and planting churches, we want to see indigenous biblical church movements established. This means we are looking for members who will learn the language and get stuck into the culture of the peoples of Asia. Who are willing to become like them so as to live out the truth of the gospel in a way they can grasp. To know how to interpret and apply biblical truth so that churches are built on fundamental truths, not on Western cultural hang-ups. People who will keep on going when the going gets tough, persevering because they are called, and not depending on “results” for their sense of God’s leading. Building churches that will stand on their own with their own leadership, and be self-propagating.

This is our goal. It takes time, people, commitment, and resources. But we believe it is necessary

Why long term?

It takes a long time to:

· Learn the "heart language" and culture

· Build relationships

· Invest in lasting discipleship and leadership

· See a church established

· Develop a ministry that becomes self propagating

There are 3 main areas of long term service:

1. Church Related Ministries - Heart & Soul

Church planting, evangelism, Bible translation and leadership training lie at the heart of mission. That is why we need people to put their heart and soul into reaching East Asia.

The task is vast. There are so many people who have never heard of Jesus. Without God and without hope, they face an eternity without Christ…unless someone reaches them first.

Opportunities to serve:

· Preaching, teaching and establishing churches

· Working with students

· Teaching in Bible schools and universities

· Translating scripture

· Publishing books and producing literature

· Broadcasting the Good News on radio

· Helping the homeless, sick and unemployed

· Micro-enterprise projects

In places like:

· Cambodia

· Hong Kong

· Indonesia

· Japan

· Macau

· Malaysia

· Philippines

· Singapore

· Taiwan

· Thailand

2. Professional Services - Professionals with a Purpose

Can Christians with professional skills get involved? Imagine what would happen in East Asia if they didn't.

Around 80% of the world’s population lives in countries which do not welcome Bible teachers or evangelists. These nations are hungry for knowledge and modern technology. Qualified Christian professionals from abroad are welcome - as they work hard and show love to colleagues, their attitudes and lifestyle demonstrates the basis of their faith.

Opportunities to serve:

· English teachers

· Business people

· Computer experts

· Development and relief workers

· Engineers

· Healthcare workers and medics

· Researchers and scientists

· And many others...

In places like:

· Brunei

· Cambodia

· China

· Indonesia

· Laos

· Malaysia

· Mongolia

· Myanmar

· North Korea

· Vietnam

3. Support Ministries

Frontline support is the backbone of missions. OMF is committed to serving the church and bringing the Gospel to East Asia. But we can't do it without frontline support.

You may not be a preacher or church planter, but that doesn't mean you can't play your part in the urgent evangelization of East Asia's billions. Imagine what would happen if our workers' children went uneducated, if there was no one to help fix computers, if there was no where to stay, emails unsent, and no one to go to if you were unwell?

Opportunities to serve:

· Teachers

· Dorm parents

· Guest house staff

· Administrators and IT personnel

· Medical Advisors

· Business Managers

In places like:

· Cambodia

· China

· Indonesia

· Japan

· Laos

· Myanmar

· Philippines

· Singapore

· Taiwan

· Thailand

· Vietnam

How does OMF care for members?

Pre-field:

· Orientation

· Help with raising a strong team of partners for moral, prayer, financial and practical support

On-field:

· Orientation

· Language help

· Regular medical checks

· Prayer support

· Member Development program

· Ministry review

On Home Assignment

· Pre-home assignment training

· Help with resettling

· Schooling

· Links with MK/TCK networks

How do you educate children?

· There are home-side and field TCK advisors to help with schooling options, resources and practical arrangements

· International staff also give home school support, address issues and provide counsel to families in ministry

Do I have to raise support?

· Yes, but OMF has a non-solicitation policy so you will not be asked to specifically fund raise. Our work is done in dependence upon our God and in prayer and financial partnership with His people

· For over 140 years, we have seen God provide, during wars, recessions and abundant times - He is able