Lesson 5 Preparing for Cross-Cultural Ministry Part B

1. Lesson 5Preparing for Cross-Cultural Ministry Part B

2. Practical Behavior in our Host Country

3. Crossing the language barrier • Trying to speak the language engages the culture and enters their world • Demonstrates respect • Opens the door to building relationships • Everyone can learn 20 phrases & key vocabulary before a trip • Be willing and ready to laugh at yourself

4. Crossing the language barriercont. • Individually—learn some conversational phrases • Team—learn a song in the native language where you are going (sing in church) • Be patient • Don’t be fearful of trying to speak the language, be willing to get out of your comfort zone • Don’t isolate yourself due to embarrassment

5. Taking Photos • General rule: Ask for permission • Respect people’s privacy • Children generally like their photos taken. Afterwards show on the digital screen. • Don’t be surprised if you are asked for money • Do not take photos of security people or places • Be sensitive • Pre-plan for documenting trip experience with video

6. Using Media • Very effective way to document and communicate stories • Prepare and practice before trip • Understand that you are outsiders and have come to learn • Gain trust in receiving community • Make connections through established relationships • Describe your purpose for being there and desire to take video clips and photos • Be patient • Always ask for permission before shooting

7. Health issues: as you prepare • Take necessary medications with you including: • Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for stomach and diarrhea • Motion sickness pills and something for headaches for high altitudes if necessary • Inquire with host about contact lenses • Plan to bring a first-aid kit and leave it with your host.

8. Health issues in country • Drink only bottled drinks. No tap water, especially for brushing teeth. • Carry personal bottles of water with you and drink a lots of it. • Eat what your host recommends • Eat at host recommended restaurants

9. Health issues in country (cont) • Eat only cooked foods • Do not eat raw fruits & vegetables unless washed in Clorox solution • Do not eat off the streets, even though it smells soooo good! • Pray for God’s protection - and willing to take some risks at counsel of your host receiver.

10. Basic Sanitation Guidelines • Wash your hands frequently to minimize any bacterial contamination • Carry antibacterial jells and alcohol wipes but don’t use them in front of the host nationals. • Avoid ice

11. Health Issues: Be Prepared • Team leader should have medical information for every person (can be kept confidential) • Check with CDC and in-country host about recommendations for vaccinations (www.cdc.gov/travel)—plan ahead • Determine what medical-related skills are on the team • Plan for some form of medical and travel insurance

12. Security & Safety Issues • Travel in groups and where it is safe • Keep billfolds and purses well protected • Do not leave anything in unattended vehicles • Take only what money you will need • Do not go alone to ATM to withdraw money • Be willing to give up your money if robbed

13. Security & Safety Issues (cont) • Don’t carry your backpack on your back in crowds • Use only official transportation: busses, radio taxis • Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your host • Keep with you at all times: contact information for your host, lodging, embassy copy of your passport BE ALERT AT ALL TIMES

14. Political Civil unrest - travel restrictions Incarceration Accidental Illness - medical emergencies Death Personal Rape Immoral behavior Natural Flood Be Prepared for Crisis • Suggestions: • Prayer • Have current U.S. Embassy information

15. Interpreting the Cross-Cultural Experience • Switching from passive to active in interpreting what is going on around us • As we interpret we adjust the knowledge we have gained • Result: question our assumptions • Key is awareness • Need time for reflection • Maximize benefit by JOURNALING—before, during, after

16. Persevering in the Cross-Cultural Experience • Capability to “hang in there” through cultural differences • Low vs. high in perseverance • Adaptation vs. isolation • “Motivation shapes cross-cultural engagement more than anything else” • Danger of focusing solely on the task

17. Planning for Re-Entry • Begin at the beginning—create and help shape expectations • Pre-field training—connect training to returning • On-field de-briefing—connect learning to returning • Post-field de-briefing—plan to set aside adequate time • Follow-through—church, participants, receiver hosts