Attitude

Transparency

The attitude of transparency that we are looking for can be derived from the definition of the word. Transparency means that light is allowed to pass through so objects can be seen on the other side. Our goal is for thoughts, feelings, and motives to be open and easily seen in the life and work of all our missionaries. As we move forward together in planning with our missionaries and praying for them, we hope that they will be willing to share transparently with us along their journey.

Spirit of Redemption and Reconciliation

Matthew 18:15-20 (New Living Translation):

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Sensitivity

In any work where people labor closely together there is a need for sensitivity to each person’s background, perspectives, worldview, etc., but this is even more true in ministry where people are our primary goal. Multiplied by 10 is the importance of sensitivity when working in cross-cultural ministry where the religious background of those we are ministering to is far from Christian.

Community

JFA endeavors to promote a community of believers that can find ways to fellowship and support each other even when there are great distances between them. Connecting with other JFA missionaries, learning from each other, and finding friendship and developing relationships when possible, is highly encouraged. Other JFA missionaries may be some of the few people who can relate to your experiences in the field.

This community should also be extended to workers from other organizations and even other faith groups where you are working. Building good relationships whenever possible is paramount. You and those from other spheres can benefit greatly from those relationships.

If you work in a project, a church plant, a school, etc., we hope that this community of faith with be on your mind in these situations as well. We are a family of God and we want to share that with others.

Mindset of Growth

Going overseas has a lot of “NEW.” Almost everything around you will be different or new: the food, the language, culture, sights, sounds, smells, etc. Preparing to have a mindset of learning and growth in your new setting will be imperative. We also desire to see our individuals, families, and projects grow in Christ and grow together. We are ever learning how to better represent Christ and His mission through JFA. We ask that you partner with us in your personal lives and spheres to live for Him each day.

Procedural

Financial Clarity

In order for JFA to run smoothly and ethically as a non-profit, we have procedures for dealing with funds that our missionaries can help us with! This is a three-fold request:

1. We ask that all funding requests, receipts, and reports go through email to our Accounting Department (acct@jesus4asia.org). Even if they were talked about on the phone, social media, or in person with a specific JFA staff member, it is important that they are repeated in an email to Accounting for record keeping purposes. Please note that receipts should be submitted to Accounting for purchases over $100 USD.

2. Keep our Accounting Department updated on what funds are being used for and how they are distributed. If specified funds were sent, please let Accounting know that those funds were used for their specified purpose.

3. Please be considerate. Overdrawing funds on a JFA account or asking for last minute changes can be stressful for those who work in the Accounting Department. If you have questions, please ask them, and if Accounting has questions for you, please answer. Accounting not here to control the money, but we are here to keep operations clear and proper.

Updated Documents

If you get a new passport, get a new visa or extension, have a new baby, etc., any new documents for travel and identification, we request a hard or electronic copy be sent to the JFA office.

Communicate with Family, Friends, and Donors

While JFA plays a supportive role in sharing updates about the work in different projects, we cannot keep donors updated on all projects at all times. Your donors would much rather hear straight from you! JFA asks that missionaries going overseas develop an exposure plan that is a means for donors to receive updates and for other people to learn about their work. When the missionaries are consistent in following their communication plan and providing updates, many more individuals get to hear about the work and how they can be a part of it!

You may be wondering what this looks like. Here are a few options:

• Blog/Website: This is a place that people can go to read current and past updates about the mission work you are doing.

• Social Media: Sharing long or short updates on social media means that anyone you allow to follow you can see your updates on these platforms. This also allows updates to be shorter but more frequent.

• Video updates/Vlogging: If you would rather talk than write, this is definitely a great option!

• Photos: Incorporate these in all of the above platforms!

You may choose one avenue that works for you, or you may find a mix of the platforms to be your calling. Whatever it may be, having a plan and consistently updating is a blessing for the donors, for JFA, and for others seeking for their own calling. Whichever option(s) you choose, please let JFA (info@jesus4asia.org) know so we can subscribe too! This ensures that we will be on the same page when your donors call the Tennessee office.

Communicate with JFA

While we believe that a communication plan is critical, we feel that keeping JFA updated is even more important. JFA will follow your communication plan updates, but if things are going on that you haven’t been able to share through those avenues, or that you don’t feel you can share with a general audience, please contact us!

NOTE: JFA wants to hear about what is happening with you and your project no less than once a month either through your communication plan options or directly from you. We will also contact you at times to discuss how things are going in your project/family/ministry.

Accountability

JFA believes that we are all accountable first to God for the way we live, interact, and use resources given through JFA. We also want to be open to questions from our missionaries, and we will endeavor to answer concerns or work through any misunderstandings. We will also endeavor to grow from your feedback. We expect the same courtesy from our missionaries. Fostering the principles listed above under Attitude, lets us work together to live up to the standard for which we have been called: helping, encouraging, and empowering each other in honesty, transparency, and love.