Short Term Opportunities

Short-term workers serve from less than 2 months up to 2 years depending on the placement and make a real difference to the work of the Red Sea Mission Team. TEFL/TESOL has been the main focus of our Short-term work, although there is now a growing number of other opportunities in the medical and practical fields. Details are given below.

Flexible, hardworking and a love for others ...

Short-term workers with the Team do need to be over 18 (up to retirement age!), prepared to live and work with, and at the direction of, the long term workers already there. They need to be flexible and hard working, healthy both physically and psychologically. A sense of humour helps!

As English is the language of communication within the Team, those for whom English is not their mother tongue must have good English, at least the Cambridge First Proficiency exam level, preferably the higher level too.

In our African situations it is necessary to have enough French to be able to survive (travel, shop, etc.) unaccompanied by a bi-lingual person. Elsewhere in the Red Sea Area some Arabic is helpful, and depending upon the length of placement, some tuition will be given in the language after arrival.

All short-term workers must understand and agree to our Basis of Faith. They must be firm in their faith, able to depend on their own personal relationship with God. In view of the places in which we work, a basic knowledge of Islam is essential. Appropriate orientation is an essential prerequisite to any service with us.

Prayer Support

While the Red Sea Mission Team facilitates a person going overseas, it is the Home Church who sends the worker, recommending him/her to the Team. They are then responsible to be involved in prayerfully and practically supporting their worker. Any involvement with World Mission involves an intense spiritual battle and the support of caring praying people is essential.

If you have not already done so, we would encourage you to share with your church leadership your thoughts about serving God overseas, asking for their advice and prayerful support.

Finances

Short-term workers are required to find their own return airfare, an indication that the Lord is calling and providing. They will also need to pay any incidental expenses associated with their travel (e.g. inoculations, visas, travel insurance etc). Accommodation will be provided living with other Team members. Whilst all work expenses are paid, and an allowance given for food and personal needs, any help towards these from the Home Church or supporting friends is appreciated.

As with all our workers, short-termers should be prayerful for their financial support, seeking the Lord to provide as he will.

Benefits

Getting involved overseas has many benefits for the Short-term worker. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain a wider understanding of a different culture, to see the problem and challenge of cross cultural communication, and above all to demonstrate your commitment to obey the Lord and step out in faith, whether He consequently leads to further work overseas or back to work in the UK. In the latter case praying for and giving to work overseas, and involving other Christians and your church in your concern, is a much-needed contribution to overseas world mission.

Short-term work can, and often has, developed into long-term involvement. Usually, though, a long-term worker is expected to have attended a Bible or Missionary Training College (or similar training) for help in cross cultural communication skills, basic Bible knowledge, and pointers on how to evangelise and then nurture Christians in another culture. The relevant Home Council would need to be involved in such long-term commitment as they select applicants for both short-term work and for full Team membership.

Short-Term Opportunities: