Fantasy or Reality???

Cross-cultural missionary??Understanding…definitiona person intentionally sent or going to a

country or culture other than his/her own, to work among a people group that is not the same as that of the worker.

To be part of God’s missionMissions?The expression of everything that God wants to say and

do towards humankind.“from supporting armed guerillas in South Africa to

protecting hairy gorillas in Zaire”

The act of proclaiming Christ through word and deed, resulting in the establishment of the church among a people of another language and/or culture, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

?only remote tribal areas

Rural or urban

Common questions…Is it for all Christian doctors?God’s calling unique for each child- Noah vs Abraham

Medicine as a calling and not a career- Kingdom perspective

Sense God’s call and be obedient

What steps can I take if I sense a burden?

Pray for clarityTalk to people in missions and get more

informationPlan visit to 2 or 3 varied settings – eg AP

group/SamPrepare wellGive a one year commitment – Novin and

then decideMarriage partner with similar conviction if

clarity

Is it a life term commitment?

1 or 2 years or even 5-overseas missionaries

Personally 12 Some life term-Dr

Tharian, KV etc Calling can change- eg

Moses Ultimate goal is the

transformation of the cross-cultural missionary!!

Is it a sacrifice?

Sacrifice if our life is the focus-what am I missing etc

When we look at the less fortunate- only privilege and a responsibility

Mark 10:45 - not to be served unto but to serve…..

Luke 17:10

Will I miss out on life?Yes! Heavy traffic and congested roads, pollution,

shopping malls, eating joints, high speed broad-band internet.

Life is much more than all these!In comparison- nothing much- depends on

perspective from which we assessPersonally gained more than missing out…

children

How can I contribute to the gospel?Early missionaries were trained in theology

and well prepared – 3-4 yearsBalancing both not easy Many personal opportunities with medical

workTeam workPartnering with other mission agencies- IEM,

FMPB etcPrepares ground for the gospel

Why do some get disillusioned?Youngsters-

inadequate preparationRomantic idea of

missionsIdealistic expectations*Good preparation and

orientation avoidsPeriodic breaksSeniors- power

equations, leadership issues etc

Adjustment in new culture, language, people-always an “outsider”…

Leadership roles without adequate preparationCannot be a “specialist” – hand in everything-

driving, delivery of cow, administration etcChildren’s educationElderly parentsFinance- reasonable Inter-personal issues- blown up because

communityLoneliness and decision making

The challenge of living “between two worlds”Early missionaries- new life in new land; no hope

of returning; loneliness, education, medical care Today- mobile communication, video-skype, air-

travel! “Every foreign land is for them a homeland and

every homeland is a foreign land.” The Letter to Diognetus about Christians -2nd century

Moving out of our comfort zones!!- call the shotsEg of Jesus

Meeting the needs of people who have no access

Being in the Lord’s will-deep fulfillmentExcitement of seeing God at work…totally

dependent.. HE IS FAITHFUL - NEVER FAILS!!

Growth and maturity in different fieldsChildren get a wider perspective of life and

living

Preparations and OptionsShort term visits as a student- mission tripsAfter graduation/PG do a scouting trip-pray for

clarity Life Partner key Join an existing mission hospital in a needy area-

EHA, GEMS, LEPROSY MISSION, CHURCH RUN…..Take up a closing – closed down hospital Pioneer as a team a new initiative- EMFI back-upTeaching in another state- AIIMS, Pvt Colleges….Private practice… in a needy areaOverseas Missions- OM, Africa opening up

God’s heart! The Bible- a missionary God concerned with all humankind!

Abraham- all the nations will be blessed..Gen 12

Exo 19:5 God drawing near to and

reaching out to humans.Incarnation is the

ultimate expression of this aspect of God's character

Wide perspective-openness and willingness