CONTENTS THE PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK MIS SION

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2 CONTENTS About MAP A visit from MAP More ways to make use of MAP Resource Section What role does mission play in the Christian life? I ve signed up to go - what now? I m considering long term mission - help! Book List THE PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK The idea of this little pack is to give you, as mission secretary, and other members of your CU Exec a feel for some of the resources which are available to help you as you seek to bring mission to the centre of university CU life. With this information, we hope that you will feel better equipped and supported in your role and will gain a greater understanding of who and what might help you to fulfil the vision which you have for your CU for the year ahead. Above all, we pray that it will inspire you as you consider just how much God is doing in His world and will encourage you and your CU to be part of that bigger picture MIS SION [MISH-UHN] NOUN, ALSO CALLED FOREIGN MISSION THE WHOLE CHURCH, TAKING THE WHOLE GOSPEL TO THE WHOLE WORLD. Ref. Manila Proclamation989 WHOLE CHURCH... Everyone within the body of Christ WHOLE GOSPEL... For the whole person (spiritually, socially, physically) WHOLE WORLD... Locally, nationally and internationally

3 ABOUT MAP BACKGROUND The Mission Agencies Partnership arose out of an increasing sense among mission representatives that we could be much more effective in bringing about God s Kingdom if we worked together as agencies. Therefore several years ago some agencies took the initiative to begin to work more closely together to bring mission from the fringe of the church to the heart. MAP now encompasses over 45 agencies and together we seek to organise and run events which will give a broader perspective on mission than if we were to maintain an individual approach. We believe in sharing resources, gifts and fellowship in order to be better stewards and servants of Jesus Christ. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAP & IFES As an organisation, IFES Ireland is part of the MAP network and as such has been working closely with MAP members over the last number of years in relation to MAP s mission input to the CU programme. To facilitate this relationship, MAP has recently entered into a voluntary partnership with IFES to enable us to help you more effectively. MAP is responsible for: 34 Maintaining regular contact with you throughout the year. Providing ideas, input and resources as appropriate. Planning and delivering a programme with your CU for an annual mission s tour. Keeping IFES informed of plans and developments and meeting with them as appropriate. In turn IFES is responsible for: Helping to schedule meetings between MAP and you as student reps. Encouraging you to keep mission high on the CU s agenda. Feeding back information to MAP as part of the ongoing review process. 3 ROLE OF THE LINK PERSON Each CU exec mission secretary will be assigned a mission representative from MAP to partner with them for the year ahead. Should you have any queries relating to MAP mission tour or on how specific agencies could be involved in helping resource your CU or small groups then that person should be your first point of contact. We are keen to support and equip you as much as possible in your role so would be happy to be a sounding board for you at any stage throughout the year. Please do maintain regular contact with us; we are here to help and encourage you.

4 A VISIT FROM MAP Each year MAP is available to visit CU and be part of an evening focused on mission. Here are the components that make up a MAP visit: MAP intro MAP speaker MAP stands your link person from MAP can give a short summary of who MAP is and why MAP is visiting the CU. we have a wide pool of experienced speakers who can deliver a message to inspire students to get involved in mission. we can provide up to 0 mission agency stands which students can visit to meet with representatives and pick up information that will help them discover how they can get involved in Mission. HOW TO PREPARE 3 Meet with your MAP link person to discuss the evening. During Summer Planning schedule in a date for MAP night you might like to have the MAP link person come and share with the committee a little about the work of MAP. Continue to liaise with the link person to organise the details of the evening.

5 MORE WAYS TO MAKE USE OF MAP STUDENT RESOURCES As students explore their faith, a number of questions commonly arise - should I go on a short term team? Is God calling me to be a missionary? How can I marry mission with everyday life? In the following pages of this handbook, we have offered brief answers to each of these questions. Please feel free to give out copies of these answers to students as they require them. SUMMER TEAMS MAP can help to facilitate a summer team for your CU. Options range from the nearby to the very faraway! If you come to your link person with some ideas of where you d like to go and what you d like to do, they will help you explore your options. PRAYER GROUPS MAP is very keen to inspire students in their prayer life for the work of mission. There is a regular student prayer meeting at lunchtime on a Tuesday in Belfast. To find out more about this or to organise a prayer group talk to your link person. SMALL GROUP ISSUE NIGHTS A seminar style issue night is an excellent way to get small groups educated and inspired about the many things that God is doing in the world and the many issues that confront Christians across the globe. Here are some of the different issues that MAP has expertise in: HIV/AIDS in Africa Migrants in Northern Ireland Sharing your faith Issues around Islam Bible translation World religions Leprosy Christians in politics Discipleship RESOURCE SECTION Overleaf you will find a number of handouts that you can photocopy and give out to any students thinking through issues around mission. 3 3 What role does mission play in the Christian life? This article explores briefly the theology behind mission, and what our role in God s plan is. I ve signed up to go - what now? This article gives some helpful pointers, checklists and timelines that will help students plan for a mission trip. I m considering long term mission - help! This article explores key points to consider for those who are thinking of long term mission.

6 What role does mission play in the Christian life? When we think about mission, the starting point for each Christian is God. What is the overall picture of God s mission in Scripture? What do we know from the ministry of Jesus and the Apostles about their mission? While there is a wealth of information that could be discussed here, in simple terms God worked throughout Scripture at bringing back his rule and his reign on earth, and in particular in the hearts and minds of humanity. Christ began to preach and show the coming of the kingdom of God on earth, the Apostles, and all believers after his death, resurrection and ascension continue to preach and show the coming kingdom of God on earth. We have Christ within us, and act not just as the hands and feet of Christ, but as the whole Body of Christ on earth. We all have very different roles, but our goal is the same. Our goal is to further the Kingdom of God on earth. Missionaries and all that One of the classical ways to do mission is to become a missionary. So what if you are called to be a missionary someone who leaves the comfort and familiarity of their own culture to minister in a foreign culture? The Apostle Paul was clearly mandated to be a cross cultural missionary. He was a Jew and his call was to the Gentiles. Many Christians in the book of Acts were not given this mandate. Take for example the churches that Paul plants, he expects that they will be a witness in their locality the Thessalonian church is a great example of this. But some were called to cross cultural mission with Paul Barnabas, Luke, Apollos, John Mark to name but a few. Others were called for a season to minister cross culturally. Take the witness of Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch a short term mission trip that brought about the introduction of the Gospel to Africa! This leads us to another important question what is the place of short term mission in the theology of God for us today? A short term mission trip can be an excellent way to test the call of God on your life. Is God calling you to long term mission in a different culture? Is He calling you to devote your life to working with children? Or maybe caring for the sick? Has God given you a deep burden to pray for a people, a project or even a nation? Perhaps it is also a financial burden to give of what you have? Do you have a spiritual gift that can help to build up the church? Are you an encourager? All those questions can be answered in the context of a short term mission trip. Short term mission trips are therefore useful in helping you discern your role in the Body of Christ. The Role of Mission in the Christian life: Overall our mission is to both speak of and show God s kingdom values, being an active and useful part of the Body of Christ, using the gifts and following the leading of the Holy Spirit as we seek who we are to serve and how we are to serve. 4

7 I've signed up to go - what now? So you have picked your short term mission team or placement what now? How do you prepare properly for a short term trip? To get the most out of your trip there are a few essentials to be aware of before you go, while you are away and as you return home. All these essentials should be covered by the mission agency and/or church which is sending you. To get you started: It s important that you understand the Biblical Basis of Mission before you go. Find out about the history, vision, aims of the mission agency you plan to go out with. Your mission agency and/or church should inform you about: Cross Cultural Issues What is culture? Introduction to the culture you re visiting What is culture shock and can you deal with it? How might you be viewed by your hosts? Health tips Physical... Emotional... Spiritual Travel and Safety/Security Team Building Get to know one another Discuss expectations/hopes and fears What is a team? Resolving conflict Assign specific roles to team members Worship and prayer together Introduction to your host country Practicalities Outcomes and goals of the trip Project details Lines of responsibility Emergency procedure Time management Language learning Preparing to return home Reverse Culture Shock Itinerary Finances Insurance Cover (health/travel) Involving your church Child protection issues Debriefing arrangements It s important to have someone in your church who will be your link person while you are away and when you return. This could be a returned missionary or a mentor in your church who will pray with you and for you, be your contact person, and help organise a debrief for you when you return. Ask your church leader about this. Prepared to Go!? is a training day organised by MAP every year for those going on short term mission. Continued...

8 RE-ENTRY You have been on your short term mission trip and have now returned home... I ve returned home now what? Returning home after time away can be a joyful experience but it may also be a time of mixed feelings and unexpected difficulties. The initial delight to be back on familiar territory with friends and family nearby can be quickly replaced by feelings of disorientation. From research the main issues that may be encountered in the initial days, weeks and months after you return home are: Loss Missing your team mates or the country you returned from. Isolation Your priorities and expectations may have changed while you were away and your peers may not understand this. Reverse culture shock This can be unexpected and many are not prepared for it which can make it worse. Readjusting to your home culture can take weeks, if not months to get used to. Practical issues If you are at college or university you may have a lack of income, especially if you put money towards your trip. This can be difficult and something to be aware of when it comes to looking for accommodation or work. Relationships with your home church As you have experienced a different culture and maybe a different style of worship or church service it can be hard to settle back into your home church. They can seem apathetic or complacent compared to what you just experienced. Take time to talk this through with another church member to help you see why there are differences, and perhaps identify what you can do about this new burden on your heart. Health Tiredness is to be expected after a busy time away and readjusting to life back home can take some time. Make sure you pencil in some time to rest. Being away can bring up a whole host of issues which is why it is good to talk these things through with someone. Reflecting back on your experience and how you are feeling now is what we call a debrief. This is usually done by your mission agency and/or church who will ask you a series of questions about your work, your experience, your team and lessons that you learnt. Here are some of the types of questions you may be asked: What were the highlights and lowlights of your experience? What were your original expectations? In what ways were these fulfilled? What is the biggest challenge you face now you are at home? Debriefing is an extremely beneficial tool that agencies and churches use to help you get the most out of your experience. 6

9 3 I'm considering long term mission. Help! Begin praying early If God has put a spark of interest within you for a specific purpose, pray that he would fan it and keep it there throughout your time at university. Choosing courses Choose a course you re interested in! God gave you those interests and made you individual, with a heart for mission. If you re already in the midst of studies, it s important to finish well as no doubt God will use your student experience to prepare you for the next chapter. If there s a specific ministry that appeals to you, talk to people already involved about your choice of course. They should be able to help and guide you. Seek their advice on whether you need further study, e.g. theological training or another language. Do you have optional research modules which provide you with the flexibility to delve into your specific area of interest? Some mission agencies can facilitate this as well as provide exposure to overseas mission. Keep an interest Sign up for newsletters and prayer diaries from your chosen field and be active about getting involved. The more time you spend with people who have experience in your field, the more guidance you will receive. Many mission agencies arrange evenings for students to meet together so see if there s one that you can join. If there s not one in your area, you might consider helping them to form one. Get involved in university communities Contact international student ministries to meet people from outside your own culture. This is usually a greatly enriching experience through which friendships are formed. Organisations such as Friends International provide training in cross-cultural friendship and evangelism and welcome local participation for international student events. Are you a member of a local church? If not, it s important to make sure that you are. Apart from the fact that most mission agencies view church commendations as a requirement for applications, it is important for your spiritual well-being to have a group of people who are fully behind you in prayerful support and encouragement. These are also people to whom you will find yourself turning to for Godly wisdom and advice. Talk to someone at your church about your interest early on Perhaps seek a spiritual mentor who can pray for you and encourage you along the way. Be open with your family about your plans and ideas. Intentionally introduce them to the ministry that you are interested in. Sometimes it can be a surprise for them to realise that this may require you to leave your home country, earn less money than what is often expected of graduates from your chosen course of studies but if you can bring them with you from the beginning, this will help. Use your holidays to gain some experience and insight through summer teams or shortterm placements at home and/or overseas. Don t stress about it! Student life is fun, so make the most of opportunities to serve God now. Keep praying and being intentional and He will bring his plans together for your future. _

10 BOOK LIST Not so secret being contemporary agents of mission Graham Orr This is a good all round book on evangelism and mission regardless of the context and culture you find yourself in. It Encourages us to rethink how we can live as missionary Christians in our own culture... challenging, thought provoking and ultimately heart warming says one review. Live Life on Purpose Claude Hickman The aim of God s entire biblical story has one mission, reaching all the nations, and one method, all believers. Finding your life purpose only makes sense in the context of God s plan to reach the world. Discover the part you were meant to play in God s epic plan. Radical Discipleship Roger Steer These days being radical is associated with violence and intolerance. But what does it mean for a Christian to be a radical disciple of Jesus? Hudson Taylor was a radical disciple. He broke social and cultural expectations to remain true to the Gospel. This one is quite thin 93 smaller than normal pages. Out of the Comfort Zone George Verwer It s Time to Transform Global Missions. Respected missionary and Christian leader George Verwer sums up his life experience with mission work as a sender, a doer and a trainer and talks straight about what is really needed in missions in the st century. To get the job done, mission workers and organisations need a grace-awakened approach. No longer should mission agencies compete with each other or dwell on minor theological differences. In Out of the Comfort Zone Verwer identifies the key elements for working together to win lost souls for Christ. Mission agencies have different strategies, and even within a mission or church there can be tension and division over strategy and details of how things should be done. Must we be so dogmatic on matters that the Bible is not clear about? Can t we accept that God works in different ways among different groups of people? The work of God is bigger than any fellowship or organization. George Verwer 8

11 Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream David Platt What is Jesus worth to you? It s easy for Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...but who do you know who lives like that? Do you? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a successful suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment--a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring. Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation (Operation World Set) Jason Mandryk Operation World, the definitive global prayer handbook, has been used by more than a million Christians to pray for the nations. Now in its 7th edition, it has been completely updated and revised by Jason Mandryk with a team of missionaries and researchers, and it covers the entire populated world. Included in this updated and revised 7th edition: All the countries of the world featured Maps of each country Geographic information People groups within each country Economic information Political information Religious make-up of each country Daily Prayer Calendar Answers to prayer Challenges for prayer Whether you are an intercessor praying behind the scenes for world change, a missionary abroad or simply curious about the world, Operation World will give you the information necessary to play a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission. Introduction to Global Missions Zane Pratt, M. David Sills, Jeff K. Walters Missions is the work of the church to reach and teach the peoples of the world for Christ s sake. The missionary call is a vital part of the life of every follower of Jesus Christ and, therefore, the church. But the effective discipleship of all nations requires a solid biblical, historical, and practical foundation. Therefore, the study of missiology demands the effective application of biblical studies, theology, and history. This text brings the rich heritage of evangelical missiology founded on conservative theology to a twenty-first century audience passionate for the proclamation of the gospel. Introduction to Global Missions brings the authors decades of combined missionary and teaching experience to a survey text appropriate for college or seminary classroom. 9

12 BOOK LIST CONTINUED Give me this Mountain (Biography) Helen Roseveare Give Me This Mountain is the British title of the autobiography of Dr. Helen Roseveare, graduate in medicine from University of Cambridge, in the late 940 s. A well-known missionary doctor and author, with several of her works still in print, she worked in the north-eastern province of the Belgian Congo with the Heart of Africa Mission in the 950 s and 60 s. She established a substantial pioneer medical service and assisted the churches before Congo s independence in 960, and continued there for some years after, at a time when many had to flee for their lives. Helen tells her story in down to earth terms, from playing cricket for the ladies university side (a liberated woman even then), to her return to Britain after five months as a hostage in rebel terrorist hands. Her candid account is an antidote to any delusion that missionaries are saints who float about an inch off the ground, and see a blinding light from heaven when they receive the call. She almost failed in missionary school through her personal failings. Her own admitted stubbornness, pride, know-it-all attitude, and inability to work with others made her a liability. The final decision to send her overseas came when an incident with a broken washing line proved that she at least had a sense of humour in the face of adversity! Physical dangers and her personal ambition in the Congo often almost sank her, but her faith and hard work brought her through. Her story is one of bright mountains, conquered after experiencing the dark valleys and learning to give the glory to God. ONE MORE THING... The Kairos Course ( is an excellent course for students considering mission and ministry. For more information on when it is being run in Northern Ireland contact the MAP coordinator: info@mapmission.org. Want to know more? To chat about how we can best partner and work with you, please contact the MAP co-ordinator. info@mapmission.org phone