Individual Preparation University Ministry Overseas

Here are some things you can be doing to prepare you for University Ministry overseas:

  • Training in English as a Second Language (ESL) would be helpful. See if you can find training in your area. If not, volunteer with an ESL program through your BCM or local church.
  • Read up on the predominant religion in your area to have a basic understanding of their beliefs.
  • A good book that will help you understand other cultures is Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier.
  • Physical exercise—walking and a lower fat diet. You need to be in good physical shape.
  • Work on your scripture memorization.
  • Develop relationships with students on your campus or in a local church that may be from the area you will be working. If they are from another country, become a conversation partner with them and meet with him/her weekly.
  • Pray for opportunities to share your faith through friendships/relationships made while on the field.
  • Work on your testimony, practice communicating with International students on your campus, who use English as their second language. Develop a clear presentation of the Gospel. Avoid church words and phrases. Instead, think about what an International student will understand.  For instance, if you use the phrase “walking the aisle”—that means nothing in other cultures or people who have never been to church, except going from one part of the building to another!
  • The basis of your ministry will be building relationships through which you can share your faith.  Read one of the books below to help you prepare for sharing through your relationships:

Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels

Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels

Peppermint‐Filled Piñatas by Eric Michael Bryant

Questions to all of Your Answers by Roger Olson

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller

More Ready Than You Realize by Brain McLaren

God’s Blogs by Lanny Donoho

Getting Your Feet Dirty: A down‐to‐earth Look at Following

Jesus by Don Everts

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey

  • Begin collecting small gifts that you can give away. Anything with something USA or TN on it is good. Examples: key chains, bookmarks, stickers, pens, pencils, and postcards. Local businesses may donate these. Your church or BCM may want to help you collect these items.  Also take pictures or your family, friends, school, etc. to show.
  • Read a good book on Prayer Walking like: Prayer Walking: Praying on Site with Insight by Hawthorn and Kendrick or Walking the Talk by Dan Crawford and Calvin Miller. Or participate in prayer walking training or a prayer walk in your area.
  • Find ways to involve your home and local church. By asking them to:

Pray for you and your people group

Conduct a Prayer Walk at your church

Help you buy some ESL materials

  • Visit these websites to find out about your state or country and people group:

http://www.joshuaproject.net/index.php http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

http://www.infoplease.com/states.html http://www.peoplegroups.info/