1. thankyou … for offering to assist the ACBM as a fieldworker
This presentation aims to help you prepare for your visit. Good preparation and an understanding of what to expect is essential to make your visit a success

2. About the ACBM The ACBM has been established to;
Represent the Christadelphian brotherhood in preaching the gospel throughout the Asia-Pacific Region
Foster the formation and spiritual development of ecclesias in this region
Provide where necessary financial and welfare assistance

3. The structure of the ACBM
Brothers and sisters in the Asia pacific region – Our entire reason for the ACBM is to preach the gospel, work with local brothers and sisters in the preaching work and provide them with assistance and support
Area teams and fieldworkers – Those closest to the activities of the ACBM who are actively involved in preaching and pastoral work
Regional Committees – Coordinate marketing, finance and mission activities
National Committee – External liasons, strategic and annual planning, procedural guidelines

4. Some facts about the… (insert Country)
Area team to complete…

5. Introduction
This presentation is designed to help prepare you for your experience as fieldworker
Every country has different cultures and customs some of which may be different to what you are used to.
It is important to respect these differences even if it sometimes means doing things differently to what you are used to.

6. What to expect Talk to your area team
All first time visitors will experience some degree of “culture shock”,
it helps to know what to expect.
Talk to your area team
Talk to others who have been to the country before
Find someone in your local community from that country (also a good way of preaching at home)

7. What to expect
Research the history, customs and cultural differences of the country you are visiting before you go.
Some suggested sources of information are:
“Lonely Planet” and other travel guides
CIA World Fact Book (can be viewed on the CIA website)

8. Preparation
Be familiar with the goals and objectives of your trip and how you can contribute towards these
What will you be doing? If you are doing Sunday School, Seminars etc. Prepare before you go
Contact other members of your team
More detailed information is available in the ACBM fieldworkers guide
The ACBM requests that all fieldworkers read the guide prior to departing

9. respect … The role of a fieldworker local culture
“Always be prepared to give an answer … for the hope that you have … with gentleness and respect”
1 Pet 3:15 NIV
respect …
local culture
local customs and beliefs
local languages

10. do … The role of a fieldworker
The role of a fieldworker is to
assist and support
do …
Listen to the advice of the local bro & sis
Ask questions – “how should we do this?”
“what do you think?” etc
Encourage local bro & sis to do as much of the “work” as possible and support where needed

11. don’t … The role of a fieldworker Dictate or demand
The role of a fieldworker is to
assist and support
don’t …
Dictate or demand
Try to do everything yourself
Expect everything to be done the way it is in your home ecclesia

12. Working as part of a team
Respect and appreciate the contributions of all team members
Be aware of the skills of all team members and look for where these can be used
Make sure all team members know the objectives/goals of the visit and maintain focus on these
De-briefing sessions at the end of each day can be helpful

13. Your team may include people from
Working as part of a team
Your team may include people from
diverse backgrounds
Brothers and sisters from different parts of Australia/NZ or other countries
“Local” brothers and sisters
Non-christadelphians (eg. driver, guide, translator)

14. Safety, health & security
Every country is different –
do some research before you go
Look at the DFAT website
Talk to your area team
Talk to your doctor
Follow the advice of the local bro & sis
Follow the scriptural principle and never go anywhere alone (Jesus sent them out “by two”…)
Think about culture, customs, way of dress etc.

15. Use of Social Media
Think carefully how you use social media. What you post in your home country may not be appropriate in another country
Social media is monitored by the authorities in some countries and brothers and sister have been arrested or placed under survelliance as a result of social media posts
remember … what you post on social media could seriously harm your brothers and sisters

16. Pre-departure checklist
Do you have a passport valid for at least six months after your planned return date?
Have you had all the required travel vaccinations?
Do you have any required medications etc. that you may not be able to purchase locally?
Have you familiarised yourself with the security information on the DFAT website?
… (to be competed by regions)
...

17. Post-volunteering depression
Some fieldworkers may experience a level of post-volunteering depression
Share your experiences with others
If you have any concerns talk to your area team
Christadelphian support services or other professional help is available if needed

18. How can I remain involved when I return home?
Share your experiences with others and encourage them to assist wherever they can
Plan to visit again if possible
Get involved with an area team or regional committee
Maintain contact with those you have visited