International Ministry Guidelines for Successful Christian Camp Partnerships
by Dan DeGroat, Executive Director
International ministry is business as unusual. Working beyond our borders is not just an "away game"—it's a whole different endeavor. When an athletic team plays on another team's field, it is taken for granted that the only difference will be the location—and maybe a time zone or two. Not so in cross-cultural ministry.
· With international camping, only the name remains the same. The playing field is a different shape, and the boundary lines are relocated each quarter. And speaking of quarters, there are 3 per game, (this is all explained in the rule book; see below). Scoring isn't the same either. Though points are earned by crossing the goal line (if it can be found), the number of points varies on each score, and is based on a vote by the opposing team.
· The Away Game Rule Book is in hieroglyphics, and takes special glasses to read. However, those glasses are not available until you've been a player for a minimum of two years. Even then, some players never get their glasses.
Both teams can have as many players on the field as they wish, but the visiting team can only have nine.
Sound confusing? And this is just what foreigners think about us!
· As you head into cross-cultural ministry, you know that within you there is much information and experience. It is quite possible that your camping expertise is more than that of the all the staff at the foreign camp combined. It is also possible that your understanding of how all your knowledge applies to their culture is zero. Therein lies the risk: knowledge isolated from it's origin and application contexts will always be misunderstood, and usually misused. Misunderstanding spoils the relationship. Misuse spoils the work. That's why you need them as much as they need you—a good thing to always remember.
Bottom line: Go in asking and listening; be a learner. You're learning how your expertise can be the most beneficial. Do not assume you already know. Even if your assumptions turn out to be right, the relationship bridges you build by starting in this way will make the difference from now on. Seek to be the greatest in the Kingdom—by Jesus' definition. (See Matthew 23:11.)
Examples:
· I was teaching at a staff training seminar overseas and used the word "nurture." My interpreter looked puzzled and we had to pause for explanation. I had taken for granted that "nurture" would be understood, but learned there is no equivalent word in that language. I could only convey the meaning by using an illustration that everyone in that culture was familiar with. I explained: "We need to treat those who work for us with the same care and involvement that we put into our gardens. We carefully prepare the soil, plant the seeds according to the requirements of the particular plant; we water, fertilize, pull the weeds. We give regular, loving, care so the plant can reach it's full potential and be healthy and strong." I learned that it's only when knowledge is placed within the listener's context that it can be understood.
· Another time my topic was Camper Discipline. I was using discipline in the sense of behavior problems and correction. I even referred to Hebrews 12:11 which says "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful . . ." Then I learned that discipline is always translated in their Bibles as punishment. The students had expected a seminar on camper punishment.
A Too-True Scenario:
A zealous American went into a particular developing country to do street evangelism. He did not think to contact those already involved there, but was "led " to go on his own. The first day he read his gospel tract to five different people on street corners and prayed with each of them to receive Christ. He was elated, and went home to write the good news to his supporters. That evening, one of the five who had prayed met in a bar with friends who all shared stories of praying with Americans over the same little booklet. "I prayed with three guys today", one said. "I beat you!" said another, "I prayed with four!" The others had only prayed with one. "We'll get some more tomorrow." This zealous evangelist's knowledge of the information was high; his knowledge of how to best use it was lacking.
What we think we understand, and think we see, are not necessarily reality because we press all our perceptions through the grid of our American cultural experience.
If you were told the temperature will be 25 degrees when you get off the plane in Siberia, you'd want to be sure and have your coat with you, right? Wrong. They use the centigrade temperature scale there. It will be a balmy 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Without knowledge of the other culture's "scale", misunderstanding is inevitable. Many well-meaning servants of Christ are walking around in other cultures offering winter coats on summer days.
The New Rules.
What are some major pitfalls I should avoid?
Note: Most of these tips apply to developing countries, because the assumption is that most will go where the need is the greatest. But many of the principles are useful worldwide even in developed countries.
· Giving Money Too Soon. Why: The recipient will not likely be accustomed to handling large amounts of cash; it places temptation in their path before trust and accountability are in place to handle it. The money will be either misspent or create a false affiliation based on money rather than relationship. This will always jeopardize the future. RULE: Don't give money on the first visit except to reimburse or cover direct costs (meals, ground transportation, lodging, etc.).
· You may give an inexpensive gift as a thank-you, take someone to dinner, or discretely leave a small amount of cash in local currency at a home where you stayed overnight to help defray the cost of your visit. These should be given in private. Gift examples: picture frame, photo album, scented candle, table-top tapestry. Money may be given eventually, but now is not the time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.")
· Talking About the Price of Things. Why: It's so far outside your new acquaintance's sphere of experience that he or she will almost certainly become either overwhelmed by the magnitude or discouraged by the comparison. When someone earns $50 a month, or the camper fee is $5 per day—for you to speak of $500 for sports equipment is almost beyond comprehension. Don't talk about the value of your camp facilities, the price of your new pool, or staff salaries. Don't bring camp brochures to show 'em whatcha got—not at first; it will not help. Leave everything behind but your expertise and your heart. De-emphasize your things, refocus on theirs. Don't start sentences with, "At our camp we . . . " Instead say, "Here's an idea that might help; Do you think it will work?"
· Remember that believers in many countries have probably never seen a check book, much less balanced one; they've never had a credit card; their bank is a hollowed-out book on the top shelf; and it's a hunt-and-gather, daily survival existence. When you're accustomed to spending all you have in order to live each day, "planning" and "budgeting" are not in your vocabulary.
· If someone came to your camp on their private Lear jet, drove up in a Hummer H2, had a hundred times your monthly salary in their pocket (you know . . . just a little extra spending money), and offered to donate seventeen Lincoln Navigators to housekeeping. . . you might find it difficult to really be yourself around them, too. (1 Corinthians 8:11 "For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother from whose sake Christ died.")
Making Promises. Why: It creates false hopes, and sets you up as untrustworthy. Even non-promises are taken as promises in places where the need is great and the perceived wealth of the visitor is also great. Here's how it looks:
· What they said: "We need some new sports equipment."
· What you said: "Maybe we can help with that."
· What they heard: "We're coming back with lots of new free sports equipment."
· What you should have said: "I see you need it, but I can't promise to bring you any equipment; I did not plan for that. This trip is just to get to know you; thank you for letting me know your needs."
RULE: State explicitly that you cannot promise any provisions; you are here only to learn about the ministry, meet the leadership, and pray about further involvement and God leads.
(1 Corinthians 2:2 "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.")
· Giving Expensive Gifts. Why: In a gift-giving culture it is necessary to reciprocate. They will not have the means to respond with a gift of similar value. Thus you have, unknowingly, embarrassed and demanded the impossible of your new acquaintance. (Romans 12:17 "Respect what is right in the sight of all men.")
· Telegraphing Wealth. Why: As they observe where your treasure appears to be, those you've gone to serve may question where your heart is. Leave the Rolex and Mont Blanc at home. Present yourself as one content with minimal means and they will feel a greater kindred spirit with you right from the start. They will not feel the pressure to help you maintain what appears to them as an extravagant lifestyle.
Conversely, sloppy appearance, torn faded jeans, etc. may also alienate you. Remember that many churches in other countries, particularly developing countries and those in the post-communist world, are very conservative. Think "ultra-conservative". So, makeup should be used sparingly, if at all, at least until you determine what seems appropriate among those with whom you will be partnering. (1 Corinthians 9:22 ". . . I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.")
Misusing Your Interpreter. Why: Without an interpreter, you are mute and deaf. They are your ministry partner, not your sherpa, slave, and gopher. Always remember: you are the one who can't speak their language. Never take your "mouth" and "ears" for granted. Think of them and treat them as your truly equal partner. Make sure their room is as nice as yours, and end your visit with a thoughtful gift (pen and pencil set, good day pack, Day Timer, quality picture frame, etc.) Give the gift after the time together, and just before you depart. Also pay them their salary on the last day unless other arrangements have been made.
It is not appropriate to give the interpreter additional cash as a gift. They have been contracted for a specific amount. Going beyond that will make it very difficult for your host to use that interpreter again, as they will demand more and more salary each time because "the rich Americans will pay it." Pay what was arranged and no more so as not to spoil the relationship. (Romans 12:10 ". . .give preference to one another in honor.")
Salty Dog?
Eat what's placed before you. If Jesus can turn water into wine, he can turn dog leg into chicken. Yes, they eat dog meat regularly in some countries; Uzbekistan is an example. Americans offend when they load their luggage with peanut butter, Cup 'O Soup, and junk snacks. One American sent his interpreter out to McDonalds every day to bring in food. Such behavior says, "I'll only go so far in this cross-cultural thing. Your food tastes bad. There are limits to what I'm willing to endure for you." This doesn't mean you can't bring treats to share, or a few granola bars to hold you over during a crazy travel schedule. Or if you have special medical dietary requirements. But other than these reasons, receive what you are served with gratitude, and at least eat some of it.
Also be aware that your host may laugh at your jokes about the food. But they're just being polite because of their spirit of hospitality. You will have hurt them.
Make no mistake about it: America is the country the world loves to hate. Some countries more than others, but all to some degree. Misconception, resentment, jealousy, and bias abound—even from within modern developed nations, and even among Christians. Some of it is justified: look at what Hollywood brings them. And a few years ago many foreign believers found it impossible to comprehend how the president of the United States could commit adultery, lie under oath, and yet remain a member of the his evangelical church. Thank God that within the Body of Christ these feelings may be tempered and true fellowship enjoyed. But even so, these believers still live among their own lost culture; getting friendly with Americans may not endear them to the very people they are trying to reach, and we must to be sensitive to that. So if you need to become invisible for the partnership to work, do it. The treasure you're laying up is not on this earth anyway.
It's not about facilities, it's about people.
The future of missions is the equipping of indigenous servant-leaders. Invest first in people, not things. In training, not facilities. In mentoring, not real estate. You could take equipped and passionate Christian camp leaders, put them on a deserted island, surround them with children, and fruitful camp ministry would happen. Invest first in people and their development. Resist the temptation to invest in real estate. Wait. There is time. What is in the heart can never be confiscated. Proceed slowly in this area; God will show you when to take next steps.
Additional Resources
Do's and Taboos Around The World edited by Roger E. Axtell; John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Morrison, Conaway, and Borden; Adams Media Corporation
Ministering Cross-Culturally by Lingenfelter and Mayers; Baker Book House