SHORT-TERM MISSIONS TO AFRICA
Each year the Family Resource Centre Canberra (YWAM) takes a short-term mission to Africa, usually Uganda.
A short term mission is a function of Youth With A Mission involving a YWAM leader leading a group of Christians to minister in needy and usually remote parts of the world for a limited short period.
FRCC short-term missions are for a period of approximately three weeks and normally occur in September-October each year and are engaged in family ministry. They are directed and set by by Dr Bruce Litchfield who is an experienced long-term YWAM leader and the director ofthe FRCC. They mission is led by Pastors Reinaldo and Wendy Acosta of Sydney who have been very capably leading outreaches to AFrica for five years.
Attending such a mission is a wonderful and unique opportunity and those who go come back home very different persons. Many go a second and third time. An increasing number of Christians in affluent countries such as Australia are disillusioned about the materialistic style of the kind of Christianity practiced at home and want to something more significant in God's Kingdom. More and more are going on short-term missions. They want to minister to the poor and needy as exhorted to do so often in Scritpure (Deuteronomy 15:9,11, Psalm 112:9, Isaiah 54:6-14, Matthew 19:21, James 2:1-8).
Persons interested in being part of such a mission are required to complete an application for enrolment form (see attached Application Form). If accepted they will become part of the team and be provided with a comprehensive Mission Handbook which will fully inform them of what is involved.
To assist you with necessary fundamental information, including costs, details about Uganda, ministry opportunities, what to take and other practical matters, extracts from the Mission Manual appear below:
Extracts from 2009 Mission Manual
Reaching out to the very needy families of
In view of greater family health, unity, fulfilment and happiness.
Purpose statement
We believe God’s purpose in sending us to
1. To promote the biblical principles of family (family values) in view of happy and healthy family life.
2. To teach these principles to national leaders in view of their propagation throughout the nation.
3. To promote healthy marriage
4. To promote healthy parenting
5. To promote family communication
6. To promote healthy sexuality
7. To teach on family addictions
8. Christian leadership training
Initial
Dates
The outreach is for three weeks and commences in
On arrival the team will all be staying 2-3 days at the rather basic Flight Hotel,
Location
The outreach will be based mainly in
Costs
Costs for the outreach including airfares and ground fees are yet to be finalised but will be in the vicinity of $3,500 plus pocket money.
Our travel agent is Tendai Travel from Box Hill,
Pocket money ($300-500US – USD cash only) will be needed to cover extra costs such as purchasing bottled water, additional food to supplement the very basic and bland local food, possible medical and pharmaceutical expenses, internet usage, postage, souvenirs, and gifts.
Please note that US dollar bills issued before 2000 are not generally accepted, and large denomination bills ($100) are preferred.
If anyone wishes to return earlier they will be required to cover their own transport costs from Jinja area to
Heath - injections
You will need a Yellow health card and be immunised against Yellow Fever. This is the only mandatory requirement. You also need take with you malaria preventive medication (daily doxycycline is best – this is also a general antibiotic). Lomotil or similar medication is also advised. Your local GP may suggest others. Good medical attention is available from western trained doctors in
Visa
A Ugandan visa is necessary, which you may get from the Ugandan High Commission in
Ministry opportunities
Ministry opportunities will be available in accordance with individual giftings, and will include giving personal testimonies, teaching on family values in churches, seminars, schools, orphanages, etc., counselling, one-on-one support, spiritual warfare, intercession and leadership training in churches. Ministry will be to adults, parents, children, orphans, victims of abuse, and to the sick and dying. Opportunities to minister are endless. Locations for ministry are being planned by our very capable Ugandan representative,
Ministry materials
This very comprehensive outreach manual should answer any queries you may have, as well as provide you will most of the teaching material you will need.
You will also need to purchase a copy of our book, Happy Families ($20 + post) available from the
Recreation - white-water rafting the
A recreational day may be set aside during the outreach to go white-water rafting on the
If a team member desires a free day for rest this can normally be simply arranged.
What to bring with you
Please travel lightly for the ease of transport in small vans, confined spaces, etc. Please take note – this is an important practical requirement of coming on outreach.
We would like you to tie a green ribbon on the handle of your luggage for recognition on arrival at the airport, etc.
Generally speaking, the best policy to follow when travelling to other cultures is: When in
Beds and bedding will be only average in most places. As the temperature is tropical only a sheet over you at night is normally necessary in bed. You will not need a sleeping bag – they are bulky.
Appropriate clothing (see separate section).
You will need to bring your Short-term
Don’t forget US dollars cash pocket money (see Costs above).
Electrical system is based on the 240v British system, so British-type adaptors are necessary (three pin). It is good to have a multi-adaptor and surge protector with you. Blackouts are frequent.
Your swimming costume (or shorts/tee-shirt) for rafting the
We strongly suggest that, in addition to the above, you take the following:
- Hat (protection from the tropical sun).
- Umbrella.
- Torch (streets are dark in villages, blackouts are common).
- Bible.
- Notebook.
- A small towel.
- Sunscreen lotion.
- Insect repellent.
- Multivitamins.
- Some antibiotics (just in case).
- Antiseptic (eg. Tea Tree Oil) and Band-Aids.
- Lomotol (for diarrhoea)
- Stemitil (for nausea)
- Panadol, Alka Seltzer, etc.
- A good supply of any medications you
- Vegemite and other small favourite snacks.
Working as a team
It needs to be emphasised that working well together as a team is essential for the outreach to be successful. We do not want any friction. This can easily occur when under the pressure of difficult transport and living conditions in such countries. It is up to each one of us to work diligently toward this at all times. I encourage all to study the words of Paul in
Cultural Awareness and Tips
General comments
1.
2. Exercise care in not suggesting or inferring that we in
2 We go with a servant heart to serve these great people in view of the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
3. The East Africans are a wonderful, beautiful, gifted, musical and happy people. Affirm them every opportunity you have.
4. Respect and treat the Africans as equals. Diligently avoid any racial or colour discrimination.
5. Be aware that most people regard themselves as Christians (many nominal).
6. While there is a very high proportion of Christians, there is also a very high rate of serious tribal conflict.
7. Christians generally do not drink alcohol!!
8. Exercise care in not being too dogmatic about polygamy in existing Christian
marriages.
9. Avoid displaying signs of affluence as much as possible (remember that pets are better
off in Western countries than the average African is in
10. Giving to the needy. Many will come to you directly or indirectly with pitiful stories
pleading for financial help – some genuine, some not. Begging in the streets is also
common. Be very careful in these situations – if you give to one, dozens of others will
immediately flock to you and also want money. Most persons in
need. It is unwise to discriminate. Be careful about giving financially to anybody without
full investigation of the need, seeking advice from local leaders and acting in a manner
that is appropriate to the culture.
12. Time means little to most Africans. It takes about 10 times longer to get most things done
– so be patient and allow enough time to do them
13. We will be staying on the YWAM Base some of the time so please note the following comments in Welcome and
Dress
Ugandans dress modestly and are offended if visitors dress otherwise.
You are therefore advised to dress in public as follows:
- Women dress with non-revealing clothes, medium to long skirts (no slacks or
shorts) and short-sleeved blouses.
- Men dress with long trousers (shorts only at the Base). Men generally need to wear
ties while ministering
In view of the tropical climate, take light clothing but a cardigan or jacket is advised for the odd occasion when it may be a little cool. A hat is essential.
It is good to have one or two sets of good clothes for church, seminars, official functions, etc.
In view of the very poor roads and walking tracks you will need to take good strong walking footwear.
Food
A good general policy to follow generally when travelling to other countries is When in
However, food generally will be sparse according to Western standards, plain, bland and low protein, high carbohydrate (matoke, cassava, rice, potato, sweet potato, corn meal, etc.)
Fortunately, fruit is generally plentiful. It is suggested that you eat only fruit which has a skin on it (eg. bananas, paw paws, avocados, pineapples, etc.).
Supplemental Western food (snacks), etc. can be purchased from the many small Indian-run super-markets in most towns.
Drink only bottled water – freely available from the supermarkets.
Currency
So therefore only take US dollars in cash - for personal items, souvenirs, etc. and obtain some Ugandan shillings as soon as you can after arrival (eg. airport).
Safety
However, theft is not uncommon, so carefully guard your belongings at all times.
Prevention of illness is important by following standard practices of prevention – eat right foods (fruit with skins on are safe) and drink right drinks, frequent washing of hands, avoid respiratory infections, etc.
Gopod medical attention is avaliable in Kampala less thsn two hours away.
Communications
Email communication can be done at the many Internet cafes in Jinja.
You can use your mobile phone as long as you have international roaming installed (from Telstra – normally done over phone). It is relatively cheap for persons to ring you from
What is Youth With A
To know God and to make Him known
Youth With A Mission is an international and interdenominational missionary organization founded by Loren Cunningham over 40 years ago.
YWAM is people from many nations and denominations, unified by love and the common goal of fulfilling Christ's last command, Go in to all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15) and Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19).
YWAM now has grown to become one of the largest missions in the world. It operates in over 1000 locations in over 150 countries of the world, with 16,000 volunteer workers. Large numbers of others are engaged in short-term missionary work. Staff and workers are volunteers supported entirely by contributions from church congregations and friends.
YWAM'S calling and anointing is based on the Great Commission -
1. The Great Commission in its scope has in view all people groups in the world.
2. YWAM is specifically called to:
- Evangelism, into all unreached people groups and society in general,
- Training - YWAM's University of the Nations is for training people for missions,
- Mercy ministries - YWAM has ships constantly engaged in mercy work as well
as having many centres throughout the world engaged in it.
3. There are seven main areas of influence in people's lives, which are called the "Mind Moulders" - family, church, education, media, arts, government and business. A goal of YWAM is to impact these areas of society with the gospel of Jesus.
4. Another goal of YWAM is to see tens of thousands of workers mobilised on the following nine frontiers of world evangelism: the Muslim world, the Buddhist world, the Communist world, the Hindu world, the Small Half, Nominal Christians, the Cities, the Poor and Needy, and Tribal Peoples.
5. Short-term and long-term opportunities are offered in YWAM to serve in the areas of evangelism and mercy ministries.
6. YWAM sees themselves as trailblazers, pioneers, and settlers.
7. YWAM’s basic training program and entry into YWAM is the
What is YWAM Family Ministries?
Family Ministries (YWAM) began with family camps in
The mission statement of family ministries YWAM is, To glorify God, to bring the Gospel to the unreached families of the world and to restore families to their biblical destiny.
Family Ministries is a three-fold YWAM ministry.
1. A MINISTRY OF YWAM, involving:
- Seminars on family, marriage, parenting, healthy sexuality and family addictions.
- Family restoration.
- Camps for family enrichment.
- Family counselling.
- Family therapy clinics.
- Short-term missions.
2. TRAINING. As one of the three main streams (or divisions) of the
Health Care of the University of the Nations (YWAM), it offers the following training:
-
-
-
- Bachelor of Arts (Family Ministries).
3. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE, A centre of the University of the Nations. The FRC conducts seminars on family values, provides resources on the family, engaged on research on the family, short-term missions to developing countries on family values, and Foundations of Family Life Seminars in conjunction with Family Ministries Schools.
The family ministries program began in YWAM Uganda in 2001 by Dr
A short-term mission team of 11 came from
The first
The second YWAM FMS was held in Jinja in August 2004, with 53 students (including weekly students attending Foundations of Family Life Seminars).
The third YWAM FMS was held in Jinja in June-October 2005 with 46 students (including seminar students).
The fourth YWAM FMS was held in Jinja in June-October 2006 with 30 students (including seminar students).
The FMS continues in Jinja annually.
Graduates from these training programs have gone into the highways and byways of
The FMSs, and associated seminars, radio and TV presentations have had a major impact particularly on the Ugandan nation.
In addition to YWAM Family Ministries Schools, Bruce and Nellie are committed to taking YWAM short-term mission teams from
Bruce and Nellie have also commenced an Australian Institute of Family Counselling (
The Need in Africa
As in most parts of the world, including
The main areas of need in
THE BIG TEN AREAS OF NEED
1. Poverty – unemployment, idleness, apathy, hopelessness, (Gen.1:26-30,
Prov.30:7-9, Psalm 1, 1 Thess.3:6-15,
2. Family health - HIV/AIDS (among highest in world), malaria, and other diseases
(Lev. 11-15, Matt.10:8, 1 Cor.6:18-20,
3. High family dysfunction and brokenness, and associated rejection,
shame, low self-esteem and high rate of addiction (Gen.1, 2, 12:1-3, Eph.5:21 – 6:4)
4. Degradation and disrespect of women (Gen.1:27, 28, Gal.3:26-28, Eph.5:28).
Women are oppressed and men are depressed.
5. Domestic violence (spouse abuse) – physical, sexual, wife rape
(Eph.4:1, 2, And 5:2, 25, Col.3:19, 1 Pet.3:7)
6. Sexual immorality – especially marital unfaithfulness affecting 95
percent of both spouses, and rape of girls, with associated near zero sex
education (Eph.5:3, 1 Thess.4:1-7, 1 Cor.6:18, Heb.13:4)
7. Polygamy (Gen.2:24, Eph.5:31-33, 1 Tim.3:2, 12)
8. Teenage pregnancy (highest in world) (1 Thess.4:1-7)
9. Orphaned children (second highest in
(James 1:27)
10. Very high child abuse – all forms (eg. over 95 percent of women have been sexually abused as a child) (Matt.18:5-7, Eph.6:4)
The Church has failed to address these issues. It has concentrated on evangelism and spiritual issues and lacked discipleship training - the application of biblical truth to the whole of life.
The world is evil not because of those who are evil but because of those who do nothing about it
We want to do something about it.
There are, of course, some cultural strengths which most not be overlooked, and these include:
CULTURAL STRENGTHS
1. Strong family ties
2. Strong community spirit
3. Friendliness
4. Politeness
5. Modesty of dress
6. Relatively little pornography
Other very positive things that are happening in
- The Ugandan Government is a relatively good Government. The economy is gradually improving after the devastation under the regimes of Milton Obote and Idi Amin. The Ugandan shilling is gaining strength against the US dollar.
-
Ministry
Ministry opportunities
Ministry opportunities for team members will include:
- Giving personal testimony.
- Public seminars
- Small seminars
- Speaking in church services, schools, orphanages, etc.
- Informal small groups
- One-on-one support
- Counselling (limited – not prolonged)
- Children’s ministries
- Preventive health education
- Ministry to widows and orphans.
- Teaching principles of healthy family life (family values).
- Teaching in relation to family addictions.
- Teaching principles of good financial management.
- Teaching principles of Christian leadership.
Team members will be used according to their giftings.
Regular team meetings will be held to determine this, as well as for general planning, checking teaching topis and material, prayer and support.
Team members are required to obtain a copy of “Happy Families” by Bruce and Nellie Litchfield from the AIFC National Office and take it with them for reference to assist in ministry.
Ministry and teaching guidelines
Teams members are requested to study the book, Happy Families and use that as their resource for teaching, ministry and counselling and to keep within the bounds of what is taught in it, and what they have been taught in the Advanced Diploma program
Those engaged in teaching/ministry should note the following:
- Respect time limits
- Consider the comfort of audiences.
- Prepare yourself spiritually and pray for a fresh anointing from God to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and to the culture.
- The following teaching and seminar material is primarily for Western cultures and needs to be modified for East African culture.
- Keep the teaching simple, informal and easy to understand.
- Be interactive throughout all teaching. Encourage questions.
- Set your boundaries and do not allow yourself to get exhausted.
Teaching topics
The following teaching topics are relevant to the short-term mission and will be covered in this Manual.
- Biblical Principles of Family
- Biblical Principles of Marriage
- Biblical Principles of Parenting
- Biblical Principles of Sexuality
- Family Communication.
- Family addictions.
- Christian leadership.
Teaching and seminar material
See the full Mission Manual which is issued to each team member and Litchfield, B & N. Happy Families.
