To Timbuktu and Beyond: A Guide to Getting Started in Missions
Ebook
Timbuktu has become a metaphor for remote and inaccessible locations. However, it is a real place with real people. Like much of the world’s population, few of Timbuktu’s residents have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel. While the task may seem daunting, the Church is not sitting still! Each year hundreds of Christians are joining the vast force of cross-cultural missionaries flung around the globe. To Timbuktu and Beyond serves as a practical, step-by-step guide for those getting ready to go into missions. It begins with the basic question of knowing and confirming your calling, working through the various steps of preparation, training and logistics, and carrying you through your first few months on the field. Each chapter has a series of tasks for you to prayerfully complete. Missions is the most fulfilling career path you could possibly embark on—not to mention an incredible adventure! To Timbuktu and Beyond will help you in preparation for your journey, because what you do before you go will have a significant impact on your future success.
A Prologue
How to Use This Book- An Introduction
Chapter 1- Sand or Bricks? Building a Strong Foundation
Step One – Develop a Global Vision
Chapter 2- To Go or Not to Go? How Do I Know if I am Called to Missions
Step Two – Seek God for Specific Direction
Step Three – Check Your Hearing
Chapter 3-Aim for God’s Highest Blessing!
Step Four – Take Steps to Obtain the Backing of Your Spiritual Authorities
Chapter 4- What Do You Mean “Wait”?!
Step Five – Take Full Advantage of Your Preparation Time at Home
Chapter 5- Narrowing the Field – Which Organization is for Me?
Step Six – Choose the Organization You Will Work With
Step Seven- Choose a Team
Step Eight- Begin the Application Process
Chapter 6- Mapping the Road to Success
Step 9- Assess Your Training Needs
Step 10 – Arrange For an On-Field Internship
Chapter 7- Who’s Holding the Ropes?
Step Eleven- Build a Secure Prayer Network
Step Twelve- Build Your Financial Support
Chapter 8- Who’s Holding the Ropes? (Continued)
Step Thirteen- Secure Your Lines of Encouragement and Counsel
Step Fourteen- Build a Team to Handle Practical Matters
Step Fifteen – Develop and Maintain a System of On-Going Communication
Chapter 9- Before Packing Your Bags
Step Sixteen- Study the Historical, Cultural, and Spiritual Dynamics of Your New Location
Step Seventeen- Inquire About Logistical Matters
Step Eighteen – Prepare a Detailed Budget
Chapter 10- Saying “Goodbye” the Right Way
Step Nineteen – Plan Ahead for Proper Farewells
Step Twenty- Go Out with Joy!
Chapter 11 – Landing on Both Feet
Step Twenty-One – Brace Yourself for Culture Shock
An Epilogue – Staying the Course
A Note to Pastors
Appendix A – A Partial List of Scriptures Relating to Missions
Appendix B- Country Research Questions
Appendix C- Pre-Travel Information Checklist
Appendix D- Preparing Your Family’s Budget
Selected Bibliography
Index
- Title: To Timbuktu and Beyond: A Guide to Getting Started in Missions
- Author: Marsha Woodard
- Publisher: William Carey Library
- Print Publication Date: 2009
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781645086062, 9780878080151, 0878080155, 1645086062
- Resource ID: LLS:9781645086062
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-31T19:04:17Z
Marcia Woodward came to faith in 1979 in East Africa on a backpacking journey "looking for the meaning of life". She launched into full-time missions in 1982 and has served in Latin America, Europe, and North Africa. Her experience includes church planting, prison ministry, and discipling children and youth. As a member of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and in partnership with a number of other mission agencies and church networks, Marsha teaches and equips new workers for pioneer missions.