Due to extreme poverty, child labor is common in this country. Young women traveling from rural areas to urban areas to work as domestic laborers in cities are particularly vulnerable. Hands of Honor (HOH) is a preventive program that intervenes in the lives of these at-risk girls to improve their quality of life. You will help local churches expand current and start new HOH programs to reach these teens.

Responsibilities:

• Develop partnerships with women’s ministries to start HOH programs in local churches
• Participate in an HOH program
• Develop relationships with young women involved in HOH programs
• Train local leaders
• Mentor existing leaders while helping form new groups

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of World Perspectives Mission Course or other comparable mission course
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 45 or higher
• Training and/or experience in community development

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or graduate-level degree in community development
• Mentoring experience

Biblical Characteristics:

• Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to ministry
• Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8)
• Theological alignment with The Alliance
• Demonstrated flexibility and grace in all aspects of life
• Vibrant spiritual life
• Consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
• Ability to learn and recover from failure

Timeline for deployment:

Summer 2022
Once appointed and fund-raising and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language acquisition program and Pre-Field Orientation prior to deploying.

General Information:

Traditionally, this country has been ethnically and religiously tolerant. These values have been challenged recently as ethnic conflict opened the door to international terrorists setting up their bases within the country’s borders. Despite this, the team says they feel relatively safe and have policies in place to increase security and avoid at-risk locations.

The advantages of this city include neighborly people, a major river, a national park, and interesting restaurants and shopping. The disadvantages include heat, heavy traffic, pollution, and infrastructure issues.

Evangelicals have served in this country for nearly 100 years, yet fewer than 1 percent of the people are evangelical believers. Adherents of the majority religion make up 87.5 percent of the population. The country’s constitution protects evangelistic ministry, which government officials pro-actively enforce.

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. For those who do not know the language, one year of French language study in Albertville, France, is required, followed by the study of the local language. The goal will be to speak, read, and write French and the local majority language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach and train others.

Health Considerations:

This city will be difficult to live in for people with allergies. If someone is especially sensitive to heat and dust, they should be prepared to develop coping strategies. Vaccinations are required for malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever. Good medical care is available locally and at a Christian hospital nearby.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities, as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting team objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children’s needs, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Private schools, an international school, and homeschooling are good options. A homeschool co-op with children of international workers is also available.