When is it most likely for a missionary to leave the field? All to often missionaries leave the field before their first term is over and others leave after the first term never to return. No one doubts that the first few years are usually the most difficult.
New missionaries must simultaneously deal the overwhelming task of relocation, learning a foreign language, new schools for their children, unforeseen problems with visa’s and immigration, they must relearn how to drive, read a map, pay the bills and buy food.
Going to church can be an exhausting and daunting experience which may include new church traditions and unknown expectations from the national partners. If that’s not enough add to it the possible need to adapt to a new climate, a lack of Western type medical care and worries about becoming victims of crimes that wouldn’t have crossed their minds before.
Part of our wonderful team of missionaries in Ukraine.
Now you might be wondering, “How does anyone make it on the mission field?!” The good news is that missionaries do survive and not only survive, there are many who thrive at the work God has called them to.
Part of the reason for success of any missionaries is good preparation. Recently our team of missionaries here in Odessa, Ukraine got together to evaluate the effectiveness of our ministries and make some strategic plans for the year.
I asked our team to write out some advice for new missionaries. What kind of things would they have wished they had known or were they glad they knew before they came.
Here is the list they came up with. Some of the advice is specific to Ukraine or Eastern Europe but some of it is also broad enough that it could be useful anywhere in the world.
These are in no particular order.
- Make learning the language a priority (Check out my post on tips for learning a foreign language)
- Don’t be afraid to sound like a 3-year old
- Be aware of culture shock
- Be aware of the influence of your own culture
- Expect change
- Take time to learn the culture
- Cheating is normal
- Bribes are expected
- Sometimes Ukrainians can be blunt
- Plan to start events late and to end events late
- Be patient with yourself and others
- Don’t take all criticism personally
- Bring official documents with you to the field, i.e.-birth certificates/marriage certificate/diplomas
- Learn to be a good listener
- Learn to appreciate and accept your teammates
- Don’t feel like you have to have an answer for every question (humility)
- Keep your sense of humor
- You don’t have to respond and you shouldn’t respond to every request for help
- Be prepared to use public transport
- Dress warm
- Be prepared not to be in control of situations
- Be prepared to try foods you never thought you’d try
- Don’t look at the stray dogs
- Do everything you can to not walk in the mud/keeping shoes clean is very important
- Carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Door-to-door salesmen never give free stuff away.
- Carry exact change
Naomi Suko
February 17, 2013I like the “Don’t look at the stray dogs” point. 😉 Great post, Papa. We miss you!
Caleb
February 17, 2013I could also add, “Don’t make eye contact with the police when you’re driving by!” Thanks Naomi!
Naomi Suko
February 17, 2013That’s some good advice. 😀
Dan Erickson
February 18, 2013As one who respects and believes in cultural and religious variety and freedom, I am often concerned with missions that do not fully understand the culture and deep-seated beliefs of the people they tend to before trying to convert them.
Caleb
February 19, 2013Culture is huge because it touches every aspect of life. Often we are not aware of our own culture until we go to live in another culture. It is vital that missionaries understand culture because without that understanding it is impossible to effectively communicate truth.
Loren Pinilis
February 19, 2013I laughed when I read “Dress warm.” I took a missions trip to the capitol of Mongolia – close to Russia and the coldest capitol city on Earth. Yeah. Dress warm, indeed.
What’s the deal with the stray dogs?
I don’t know a lot but one thing I’ve learned throughout all ministry is to be faithful in planting seeds and leave the fruits to God. I can imagine it’s a roller coaster ride emotionally.
Caleb
February 19, 2013Loren that sounds like a pretty cold place. Where we are in Odessa really isn’t that cold but I suppose it all depends on what you are used to.
We have a lot of stray dogs that run around in packs on the streets. They can be very territorial. Most of the time you are ok , but if you stare them directly in the eyes they can get vicious.
I think that’s great advice that you gave. Too many times we try to do everything on our own and blame ourselves if it doesn’t work of praise ourselves if it does. Thankfully God is in control of the results.
Rosalie
February 28, 2013I thought it was because you would want to bring a puppy home. That is how it is in Greece.
Caleb
February 28, 2013Well, our kids would like to take a the puppies home with them, but I’m not ready to add a puppy to the 7 people who already live in our apartment!
Naomi Suko
February 20, 2013Papa, I recommended your blog on mine: http://bit.ly/Yxi3Lg
Caleb
February 20, 2013Thanks Naomi!
Naomi Suko
February 20, 2013You’re welcome. 🙂
Lacie
February 22, 2013Wow….glad I found your website, It does answer some of our questions. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Caleb
February 24, 2013Lacie, this is a short list but hopefully it is helpful. It comes from missionaries who have all been there and are speaking from experience. Thanks for stopping by!
Debbie Crawford
December 22, 2013Remember God’s grace to you because you also are going to have to extend grace many times.
Renee' Flory
January 19, 2016Great list! I would also say:
* ‘Get off the computer and get out there and be with the people. Social media can kill, or at least stunt, immersing yourselves in those whim God has called you to love and serve.
* Let go of self-sufficiency…and don’t go to experienced teammates for [all of your] help…go to the locals. Need them. Ask them for help. You will quickly build trusting relationships when you need them and trust them.
* Laugh at yourself. You will surely blunder in language and make many social faux paus. Like all the time you thought the pastor was hung up on clothing [O-dezhda] when he was actually talking about hope [NA-dhezhda]!! Like at least for a year. 🙂 I was making up some great sermons in my head!
* Let what breaks your heart in the new culture motivate you to dive in more than you ever imagined possible.
* Love the people deeply. Fight for them. Champion for them. Or you’re in the wrong place…either locationally or with your heart. They’ll know if you love them sincerely. They won’t hear you or your Gospel otherwise.
* Accept the quirky things in the the culture rather than judging them. We probably do some pretty odd things ourselves, if th
GGreat list! I would also say:
* ‘Get off the computer and get out there and be with the people. Social media can kill, or at least stunt, immersing yourselves in those whim God has called you to love and serve.
* Let go of self-sufficiency…and don’t go to experienced teammates for [all of your] help…go to the locals. Need them. Ask them for help. You will quickly build trusting relationships when you need them and trust them.
* Laugh at yourself. You will surely blunder in language and make many social faux paus. Like all the time you thought the pastor was hung up on clothing [O-dezhda] when he was actually talking about hope [NA-dhezhda]!! Like at least for a year. 🙂 I was making up some great sermons in my head!
* Let what breaks your heart in the new culture motivate you to dive in more than you ever imagined possible. A college student in bed with one asking about the source of her depression motivated me to learn her heart language to hear her heart. (She finished school 3 years later!)
* Love the people deeply. Fight for them. Champion for them. If you can’t (or, to be honest, won’t) you’re in the wrong place…either locationally or with your heart. They’ll know if you love them sincerely. They won’t hear you or your Gospel otherwise.
* Accept the quirky things in the the culture rather than judging them. We probably do some pretty odd things ourselves, if they weren’t so normal to us.
* Ask tons of questions. Show interest in the their lives and culture. Jump in to their lives!
* Always be ready to give answer to the hope in you …and why you would leave the country everyone wants to go to…to come to theirs, whom many want to leave…same answer. 🙂
Caleb
January 19, 2016Wow, these are all great additions to my list Renee’, I especially like your experience with Nadezhda and Odezhda!
Michael Wetzel
January 19, 2016Great post Caleb. Good advice. Yes, Renee…good advice about the computer but I have to say – the computer sure has been a God send for us back home trying to keep in touch with you guys. Love how the world has opened up like that. And I know Caleb spends time on these blogs and video reports….but man…they are great for keeping us informed. Good job.
Caleb
January 20, 2016Thank you Michael, it is great to be able to stay in touch over the ocean via blogs and videos.