ON JOB-RELATED ISSUES
While Part 1 provided information on the missionary journey in general and Part 2 focused on common concerns, this article will highlight job-related issues that send tentmaking missionaries to the field overseas.
Tentmaking missionaries need a job and the accompanying work visa to enter the missions field. Hence, how to get the right job is an important early consideration in the preparation process. The job should also preferably fit into a viable career long-term.
As with job searching anywhere, connections and networking make a difference. This is where finding other Christians with similar vocations or experiences will help. Getting connected to mentors with domain knowledge or job/life coaches on how to direct your search are also advantages of being part of a sending agency as well as a sending church.
GLS associates with well suited careers in education, IT, business, healthcare, and NGO work enjoy financial stability, credible identities, and make professional contribution that have kept them on the field even when other cross-cultural workers have been forced out because the government has identified them as missionaries. Take a look at how they have persevered and thrived at their workplace overseas.
Preparing for tentmaking missions and waiting for the right job may take longer if you are young in your career, have financial or family obligations, etc. But remaining available is the key.
Switching Jobs Overseas: Faith & Flexibility in Going
This couple’s story illustrates how things can change without warning throughout the missionary journey, and how God provided given their commitment to move forward.Mid-life Career Change
A story about navigating career changes overseas while remaining faithful to their calling.Integrity in Doing Real Business; Its importance in Witnessing to Muslims
A church planting missionary in a Muslim country changes strategy to find a business platform and then do business as mission. Find out why and how.