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

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

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

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

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.

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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) ...

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

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