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Lesson 5 Preparing for Cross-Cultural Ministry Part B Practical Behavior in our Host Country 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 Crossing the language barrier cont. • 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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 Be Prepared for Crisis Political • Civil unrest - travel restrictions • Incarceration Accidental • Illness - medical emergencies • Death Personal • Rape • Immoral behavior Natural • Flood Suggestions: 1. Prayer 2. Have current U.S. Embassy information 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 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 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