Missions Launch

 FACTS & STATS

Location: Middle East, with Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, the Gulf of Aden to the south, and the Red Sea to the west.

Capital: Sanaa

Climate: Hot and humid climate along the west coast, temperate in the mountainous west, and harsh, hot desert climate in the east.

Population: 23,822,783 as of July 2009. About 45% of the population live below poverty line and the unemployment rate hovers at 35%. Yemen is one of the poorest nations in the Middle East and their economy is based on dwindling oil resources, agriculture, cotton and leather industries, food processing, aluminium and cement. 

Ethnic Make-up: Arab including Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans.

Religions: Sunni Muslim 70%, Shi’a Muslim 30%, Others such as Christians number about 3000, Jews about 500, and Hindus about 40. Islam is the state religion, but the Yemeni constitution guarantees freedom to practice all faiths. The entire population regardless of religion is subject to the Shari’a law. Proselytising and conversion are prohibited by the Government. Christian missionaries are restricted to working in charity, medical and educational services.

Language: Arabic

Government: Republic

Travel Issues: Travel to Yemen requires a passport that is valid for at least six months, a valid visa to enter Yemen, travel documents showing return or onward travel, and an International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you’re arriving from an infected area within the previous five days. Some countries are eligible to be granted visa on arrival and you have to check with your local embassy to ascertain your status. 

Health & Safety: Most countries place Yemen on a status of high risk due to frequent terrorist activities and an unstable political situation. Foreign nationals are advised to stay within the city limits of Sanaa and not congregate in large numbers in hotels and restaurants as groups of expatriates and tourists may invite attacks. Local authorities place restrictions on visiting certain areas that may be dangerous for foreigners and this has to be adhered to at all cost. Sailing or yachting along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden poses yet another security risk in the form of pirates operating in these waters.

SOCIETY & CULTURE

The People

Yemen used to be the site of ancient civilization but is now one of the poorest nations in the Arab world. The Yemeni people are simple unassuming folk who are entrenched in their age-old traditional way of life.

The Religion

Yemeni people are all Muslims and belong either to the Sunni or Shia faction. Their lives are governed by the Islamic Sharia law that dictates daily routine, food, clothing, and life styles. Great importance is given to the practice of religion by every man, woman and child. Religious observances such as festivals and fasting are undertaken with great zeal.

Role of Family

The Yemeni family is hierarchical with the oldest male member being the most important member. Extended families are the norm. Even within families there is a tangible segregation between male and female roles. Men take care of business which could be anything from agriculture, herding and trading in animals or working in some industry, while women take care of the home and children. Women are rarely seen outside their homes.

Ancestors

The Yemeni people show a great deal of respect for their ancestors. Tombs are revered, even if the occupant is not a relative. In fact, unknown mausoleums are accorded the same respects as family tombs. The Yemeni people bury their dead within walls of mosques and in cemeteries with elaborate rituals and prayers for the departed. They believe in the afterlife.

Recreational Activities

The Yemeni people are extremely friendly and cheerful people who love to congregate as a community and enjoy the company. However, this will be done in segregated groups where women and men do not meet in mixed company. Men enjoy card games and watching sports on television, while women gather indoors to sing songs, apply mending designs on their hands, and catch up with each other.

Anything else important for this culture

The Yemeni are a very conservative people and it will certainly offend their sensibilities if confronted with an unabridged version of western culture. It would be advisable to dress conservatively, no matter how hot the weather. Refrain from alcohol and pork products. Women should not travel alone or even with just other women without a male chaperone.

ETIQUETTE & CUSTOMS

Meetings & Greetings

yemen man and daughter

Yemeni men greet each other with a soft handshake that may linger depending on the relationship shared. Women may greet each other similarly or hug and kiss each other on alternate cheeks if they share a very close bond and are seeing each other after a long time. Men and women do not touch or even make eye contact on meeting. If greeting people in a group always greet the older members first. If you shake one person by the hand, make sure you do the same with everyone in the group. If in a large group, it would be more appropriate to offer a general nod at one and all.

Courtesy

It is considered rude to make eye contact or stare at the members of the opposite gender. Women are expected to keep their gaze lowered when in the presence of strange men. Always show respect to older and superior people.

Gift Giving

There is no culture of gift-giving as such, but if invited to a home a simple gift would be a fine token of appreciation. Gift giving is only between really close friends and relatives and not acceptable between new acquaintances. So only consider giving a gift to someone with whom you’ve established a deep bond.  Do not make a direct offer of gift to someone of the opposite gender.  Do not gift alcohol or cheap souvenir items. Gift options among Yemenis include handmade carpets, silver handicrafts, and luxurious local perfumes and may just stop short of an expensive car.

Dress Code

Formal suits are acceptable for business and first meetings. Formal casual wear are also considered fine. Women need to dress conservatively and keep well-covered from shoulders to ankles. Local women wear the hijab or tunic that covers them completely. While foreigners are not expected to wear this, a head scarf would be a good idea.

Dining Etiquette

Dining may take place seated on the floor on lush carpets supported by comfortable cushions or on modern furniture depending on where you are. Food is almost always eaten off a communal bowl. Always wait to be seated. You have to wash your hands and be clean before sitting down to dine. Commence eating only after the eldest member has begun. Eat only with your right hand. Your plate will be refilled till you have tasted everything on the table; so go prepared. Your refusal will be taken as a sign of politeness on your behalf and you will be pressed to eat more. Guests are expected to have three cups of tea. Gently wobbling the cup side to side is an indication that you do not want more.  Do not smoke while at the table.

Visiting a home

If invited to a Yemeni home, it is a sign of your being accepted. It is a rare honour and you should show your appreciation. Dress neatly and conservatively to show respect for your host. Leave your footwear outside the entrance. Carry a token gift that you should offer discreetly to the children or leave behind unobtrusively. Never offer money or very expensive gifts.

Communication Style

Yemeni people will never come out with an outright negation and say No. they have the urgent need to save face—theirs as well as yours. So, it would be wise to take a hint and recognise a Yes which could in fact mean a polite No. They value respect and good manners and this will place you in their good books making future communication a piece of cake.

Dos and Don’ts

The Islamic law or Sharia has extreme penalties for law breakers. Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law and this will entail the same penalty as a criminal offender. Long prison sentences and heavy fines are the breaks even for what you might consider minor offences. Yemeni society is highly patriarchal and so men tend to dominate women in all fields. Even foreign women may not be spared a taste of this attitude. However, though considered inferior, women are treated with a good deal of respect and dignity. Do not take photographs of military installations, local women, and mosques without permission.

swordsman by mavilimon
pool by Arab in far east
boy by kevincure
all others by Ai@ce

David Brainerd was born in 1718 and was considered for a time as an American missionary to Native Americans. Brainerd enrolled at Yale after turning 21, but was later expelled over a comment about a college tutor. (He remains the only expelled student to have a building on Yale’s campus named after him). This little bump in the road, however, did not throw Brainerd off course. He continued to prepare for the work of ministry.

David Brainerd worked at an Indian settlement near Stockbridge, Massachusetts and then went on to minister to the Delaware Indians of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His focus was on both the physical and spiritual needs of these people, which set him apart from some missionaries of that day.

In Brainerd’s lifetime he was not responsible for many conversions. But, due to his writings, such as his Diary and Other Private Writings, future missionaries gained guidance in approaching the high call of missions.

For those who will venture out as new missionaries soon, remember that you will gain helpful information for those who follow, just like you have received helpful information from those who went on ahead of you. Someone, someday will follow in your footsteps also. Therefore it’s important to talk about the journey, jot down your feelings and ideas so that perhaps God can use it to encourage a new generation of missionaries. Technology has allowed today’s missionaries to instantly chronicle their trips for future reference. Wouldn’t it be awesome to provide a foundation for others like David Brainerd did?

Photo by dtcchc

This week in Urbana, Illinois, over 20,000 potential future missionaries are gathering together to consider their calling, worship, pray and study missions.  they will listen to speakers, purchase books, and finally end their week with an opportunity to pledge their lives to missions.

Urbana was started in 1946 after WWII when the country began to gain a burden for the world they learned of through the veterans. Since that time, over 250,000 students have attended over the years.

Besides focusing solely on missions for a full week with international speakers and missions experts, the students also have an amazing opportunity to talk and even interview with over 300 missions organizations to find which ones are out there and might be best for them.

Urbana is an amazing event and is responsible for helping many many missionaries to the field. Even if you missed it this year, it is worth checking out the next time it comes around. The students praying about their futures could also use your prayers, so please remember them.

Even if you couldn’t attend, they have some excellent videos of their main speakers that you can find on the Urbana09 website. Please visit to see what is happening this year and what the topics are.

If you want to pursue or learn more about missions but can’t attend Urbana, there is an amazing class that is held all around the US call Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. This class is excellent even for those who did get the chance to attend. So either way there is a chance for you to learn more about God’s heart for the nations and your place in His plan.

Tweets from ChinaKat79

RT @mandythompson: If you’re scared, you’re going to find every reason 2 not do what you know you need to do. W/ faith, you just do it.~Bono

@bradpalmore Contrary to popular belief, I have not seen 1 fortune cookie in China!!

Whoa, watching The Sound of Music in Chinese is a whole new experience!! Of course, the music is still in English.

I must be running on pure adrenaline!! I even went to Chinese class & understood most of it!

The stars look so beautiful tonight! It is 19 degrees out there-brrrr!!

What an incredible weekend!! I am so blessed-my cup truly overflows!

Ha, just heard our team member preaching at GR this morning “I don’t believe you have to go to China to go to heaven…but it might help”

@dcmba You should have seen Ikea in Beijing today!! Craziness!!

Words cannot even describe how full my heart is and how thankful I am God is allowing us to be part of this amazing opportunity.

@jamhess I am trying to let Him guide, or else I’m pretty sure I would have never ended up in China! He’s really teaching me 2 trust Him!

Oh my word, I am so in love w/these people!! Am looking forward to going home, but it really is going to be hard to leave. Such blessings!!

Just had such an amazing seeker’s study. Discussed Romans 5-SO powerful!! 

@csoutherland Yes it is & it’s pretty awesome worshiping in a diff. language, but I’ll admit I do miss singing in my native tongue at times!

I took a leap of faith & need YOUR help to stay here. Can you help us bring the Good News to China? http://tinyurl.com/btlfeet Thanks!!

I am preparing to send out my latest e-newletter from Beijing!! If you are not on my list…why not?! Let me know if you’d like to be added!

How many of you can say you have bargained (sometimes in a different language) for your Christmas presents?!

We are all missionaries. Wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ, or we repel them from Christ. ~Eric Liddell

Headed out soon to teach the Bible to my Wed morning ladies-I really love them!! Last time this year!

Man, I have been having so many more lonely moments lately, but God will sustain me! Praying 1 day I can share my adventure w/someone

RT @jclayville: i could more easily contain niagara falls in a tea cup than i can comprehend the wild, uncontainable love of God.

Headed to my first Chinese class in over a week…hope I remember everything!!

Ok, 11:30 & now to sleep. Talking w/friend from high school about our work in China-I LOVE it when people are interested!!

For the record, it REALLY bites to be alone in another country and sick.

Ugh. So tired…can’t sleep. Need to drift off & dream in Chinese soon Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream…

@prudychick Thanks!! I would love to share with you how God brought us to China! It is late here, though-so I will try tomorrow.

RT @perrynoble: Jesus said the harvest is plentiful-let’s live, pray, believe & share Christ w/others like we believe what He said is TRUE!!

We had a new lady tonight who was asking some amazing questions. Never been to a study in China. Look fwd to talking more w/her!

RT @chineseteachers: hallelujah = 哈利路亞。哈利路亚

Think you have to be perfect to be used by God? A lot of people are disqualifying themselves and waiting and waiting until they are perfect until they allow themselves to be used by God. However, there are a couple of problems with that logic.

First of all, no one on this earth will ever be perfect. If you are waiting for that, you will be waiting till the day you day.

Secondly, it’s not your strength but God’s Spirit that will perform his work. He just needs those that are willing, and He will take care of the rest. He can even use your mistakes to accomplish His will.

Thirdly, if you look at the Biblical “greats” of the Bible who did amazing things for God, you will see that they all had tons of flaws, imperfections, and sins… yet God used them anyway.

Watch this video from Igniter Media for a great reminder that God doesn’t use the qualified, but the willing.

If you want to find more great videos, Igniter Media has many to choose from on their website.

William Carey was a famous missionary to India. He was called the “Father of Modern Missions” because he was actually one of the few missionaries of his time. In fact, when he told his pastor about his desire for missions, he got yelled at. “Young man, sit down! When God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your help or mine!”

However, nothing stopped him from following his convictions. He didn’t even care where he went as long as it was where he was most needed.

“To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map,” he used to say.

As a child, Carey was extremely poor and worked as a shoemaker. He had no education, but he taught himself languages, and ended up translating the scriptures into over 40 different languages. He also was a really hard worker. In India, he took a job at an Indigo factory just to get to know the local people of the village where he lived.

At the end of his life, he had founded a mission that had 30 missionaries, 40 teachers, 45 stations and almost 600 church members. In addition, he helped form the English Baptist Missionary Society, which has reached thousands in different parts of the world.

So, no matter what other people think of your plans, you can be confident in where God is leading you. What do you think He might have in store for YOUR future?

To read more visit http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b3careyw.htm or purchase his biography at Amazon.com.

Photo by chenyingphoto

FACTS & STATS 

Location: Northern Asia; between Russia in the north and China in the south.

Capital: Ulaanbaatar

Climate: Desert, continental with large variations in daily and seasonal ranges.

Population: 3,041,142 as per July 2009 estimates. About 36% of the population live below poverty line, while the unemployment rate is about 2.8%. Mongolian economy is based on agriculture and dairy for the large part and they also have considerable mineral deposits. Copper, coal, gold, tin, and uranium make for industrial production and foreign direct investment. China is the biggest trading partner and receives about 70% of Mongolian exports. The country has succeeded in paying off its huge foreign debts to Russian and looks set to play a part in the Asian economic scene.

Ethnic Make-up: Mongol 94.9%, Turkic 5%, Others including Chinese and Russian 0.1%.

Religions: Buddhism 50%, Shamanism and Christianity 6%, Islam 6%, Others 38%. The Mongolian Constitution grants the freedom to practice any religion; however, proselytizing is frowned upon and may face governmental intervention. Christian missionaries have embarked on various projects in Mongolia even in the face of bureaucratic harassments.

Language: Khalkh Mongol 90%, Turkic, Kazakh, and Russian.

Government: Parliamentary/ Presidential.

Travel Issues: Travel to Mongolia requires a passport valid for at least another 6 months and a Mongolian visa permitting you to enter the country. Foreign nationals intending to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days are required to register their presence with the police within 10 days of arrival. Those arriving for a period of up to 30 days need to apply for an Entry and Exit Visa and those staying for more than 90 days need to apply for an Entry Visa. If arriving by train, you can apply for a single, double, or multiple entry Transit visa. Visa applications have to be made to the Mongolian consulate.

Health & Safety: No vaccinations are mandatory, but precautions are advised against Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Tetanus, and Typhoid. It is also advisable to get up to day information regarding any influenza epidemic at time of travel. Use bottled or sterilized water for drinking and washing purposes. Avoid unpasteurized milk and go for tinned or powdered variety.

SOCIETY & CULTURE 

The People

The Mongolian people hold fast to their ancient culture and remain largely unaffected by other influences. They live a pastoral life herding animals such as cattle, sheep, camel, and horses. The nomadic tribes are referred to as Five-Animal People for this reason. Their houses are called ger and are made of felt-like material which can be taken down without too much trouble and transported elsewhere. Traveling Mongols never carry supplies as it is the Mongolian way of life that every traveler be welcomed and fed, no matter what.

The Religion

Mongolia has no state religion but Buddhism is the major belief that guides their lifestyles. Shamanism and to a lesser extend, Christianity and Islam also have followers. They are tolerant of all faiths but frown on blatant proselytising.

Role of Family

Mongolian families can be quite large, though not necessarily extended. It is quite common to have a number of children and include old parents. Generally, families tend to follow the nuclear model. In rural areas, married couples have their own tent and inherit a share of the family herd. The eldest son usually inherits the parent’s tent and herd of animals. Families live close to their kin as part of the same herding camp.

Men engage in herding and trading of animals while women take care of the home chores such as milking yaks and preparing food.

Ancestors

Respect for ancestors pervades the social fabric and they are honoured before every important event and on special days of the dead. In a home, the hearth symbolizes ties with the ancestors.

Recreational Activities

Mongolians have a rich repertoire of songs and music for every occasion. Horse riding is taken up with a passion and children are said to be able to ride a horse even before they can walk.

Anything else important for this culture

Inside a ger, the altar space is kept holy. Do not point your foot towards this area when seated; neither should you point anything sharp, such as a knife, towards it. The central support columns in a ger is believed to be a link to heaven in addition to symbolizing the husband and wife of the family, and as such, should not be used casually to lean against or support yourself. It is considered inauspicious to spill milk inside a ger. Never stand on the threshold of a ger, but gain entrance immediately.

Photo by The Wandering Angel

ETIQUETTE & CUSTOMS

Meetings & Greetings

Greetings are confined to a handshake and a nod of the head and are not prolonged affairs. Women may just smile and offer a verbal greeting such as “Sain bainuu”, which means “How are you?” Hugs are reserved for very close friends meeting after a long time.

Courtesy

Social hierarchy is a given in Mongolian culture as in most Asian communities and respect for older people are palpably shown. The suffix “-quay” is added to the name when addressing an older person. Never overtake an older person or walk in front of them. Always take off your gloves, even at sub-zero temperatures, to shake someone’s hand in greeting. It is impolite to take someone else’s hat and wear it. 

Gift Giving

After you’ve enjoyed the hospitality of a Mongolian family, it would be a good gesture to discreetly offer the children some token of your appreciation, which can then be passed on to the parents by them. Do not offer parents money directly.

Dress Code

Western attire is suitable in the big cities for both men and women. In rural areas it would be wise to keep it casual depending on the weather, or go ethnic. The traditional Mongolian dress is a single body length piece with a bright sash, called the Deel.

Dining Etiquette

Dining will usually be seated on the floor on or on low stools. It is rude to refuse anything offered and you are expected to take a bit of everything. On festive occasions, a bowl of liquor will be passed around, of which you have to at least pretend to take a sip, if not actually enjoy one. The ritual includes dipping your index finger into the brew, flick a few drops upwards to the sky, sideways to the wind, down to the earth, and touch your forehead for the ancestors. If offered snuff and you do  not want to or know how to use it, just  smell the tobacco and pass it on with your right hand.

Visiting a home

Mongolians have a high sense of hospitality and go all out to welcome visitors. Once you’ve been welcomed into a home, men often exchange snuff boxes. It is good etiquette to accept even if you do not have one of your own to offer in exchange. Tea or fermented milk will be served in small bowls and this has to be accepted with both hands or with the right hand supported at the elbow with your left.

Communication Style

Mongolians in the rural areas rarely speak English or any other language other than their own. However, they smile warmly to indicate welcome and appreciation.

 
Photo by Ironpark

Dos and Don’ts

Guests are welcomed unannounced at all times in a Mongolian home, but it is not acceptable to knock on the door to announce your arrival. Instead, stand back and yell “Nokhoi Khori!” which means, “Hold the dog!” This needs to be done even if there’s no dog. Do not take off your hat indoors, but it is acceptable to slightly dip it in greeting. Ensure your sleeves are rolled completely down while offering or accepting anything. It is rude to accept things with rolled up sleeves. Do not whistle indoors. Do not point your legs northwards as that is where the altar is located. If seated on the floor or on a low stool, do not stretch your legs outward but fold it under you. Fire is considered sacred and so it is sacrilegious to burn rubbish in it or put it out with water. In cities, the minimum age is 22 years for alcohol consumption and 18 for smoking.

Hawk, rosy cheeked girl, shepherd girl and landscape by tiarescott
Girl in pigtails by chenyingphoto
Contest photo by John Pannell
Man in ger by Wolfiewolf
Pony by yeowatzup

Photo by Pratham Books

Amy Carmichael was a famous missionary to India. She ended up being a surrogate mother to literally hundreds of orphaned and unwanted children there.

Even as a child, Amy was filled with compassion towards others. Once, she and her brother helped a homeless woman that the rest of her village viewed as an outcast. People started looking down on her for helping the woman, but she didn’t care. Ever since, she began helping people that others viewed as outcasts only more and more.

She once wrote, “Can we follow the savior far, who have no wound or scar?”

Although she felt called to India, others tried to stop her. They said she was too weak and frail. One missions organization wouldn’t even take her because they didn’t think she could handle the rough life overseas. But she didn’t let that stop her. She not only took in hundreds of children, but she stood up and fought against the caste system and for the rights of women.

So, no matter what your limitations, God can use you to make a difference for Him. He doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called. What do you think He might have in store for YOUR future?

To read more visit http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b3carmichaelAmy.htm or purchase her biography at Amazon.com.

Learning languages can be pretty difficult at times. Here are some real signs found in China with a few translation issues of their own:

Photo by Augapfel

Photo by Helga’s Lobster Stew

Photo by Click Cluck

Photo by Box of Badgers

Photo by rheanna2

Photo by xiaming

 
Photo by Augapfel

When I’m standing face to face with Jesus, I want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

I often wonder what it will be like when I’m standing face to face with Jesus.  What will I say?  Even more importantly, what will Jesus say to me?  After reading over the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30, perhaps like me you want to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  (Matt. 25:21 NIV)

The Parable of the Talents is about a man who was going on a journey.  While he was away, he entrusted his property to his servants.  To one he gave five talents, to another he gave two talents, and to the third he gave one talent.  When he returned, he found that the servant whom he had entrusted with the five talents immediately put the money to work for him and gained him five more talents.  The one he gave the two talents to had earned him two more talents.  But the servant he gave the one talent to went away and hid his talent in the ground. 

In return for their hard work, the first two servants were rewarded with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share in your master’s happiness!”  (Matt. 25:23 NIV)

Instead the other servant who hid the one talent in the ground until his master returned heard these words, “You wicked, lazy servant! …You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.” (Matt. 25:26-27 NIV)

Each of us has been entrusted us with the incredible honor, as well as responsibility, of making disciples of all nations.  But first we must be willing to do our part if we want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  (Matt. 25:21 NIV)

Photo by midiman

——————————————————–

To see the full list of reasons, Click Here.