In our ongoing research of returned tentmakers for the past 20 years, we have seen definite trends in what makes for fruitful ministry in the hard places. At the same time recognizing that there are no templates that work for everyone, as we have also seen tremendous spiritual breakthroughs through people who were ill prepared to go. God is bigger than man’s best laid out plans. This does not mean that people should deliberately leave unprepared.

I recently visited with a Christian couple who went to Central Asia on a teaching contract for two years. Even though we had urged them to attend some kind of specific tentmaker training before going, they had chosen not to. Even while they were already abroad, they declined our free scholarship offer  to attend one of our GO Equipped courses not too far from where they were living which also coincided with their holidays.

In listening to their story, it was full of exciting events and on the whole it had been a very positive experience for the family. They had attended the international church (locals were not allowed) where they had made many friendships that resulted in visiting each other’s homes and being a part of festivities. They had traveled in the region and made many friends among local people and with their students. They enjoyed eating out in restaurants and were well known in their community.

They could not point to any issues or hardships as it related to cultural adaptation, taking it all in stride with their great sense of humor.

When asked if they had any opportunities to share their faith with locals, their responses were vague, pointing instead to the wonderful multi cultural expatriate church where they felt very much at home. It became evident that no local person had visited their home nor had they visited local people in theirs.

It seemed to me that they were blissfully oblivious to the opportunities in their everyday lives to share the Gospel on so many levels with all the people God had put in their lives.

As much as I enjoyed hearing their story and being genuinely happy for their overseas adventure, deep inside I grieved at the loss to God’s Kingdom in a country where few have ever met a true follower of Jesus.

I’m going to repeat the title of this article: Don’t go until you know! Get training, get mentoring, get encouragement before you go. These things are available only a few quick mouse clicks away. You will find real people who will walk with you in your preparation. Add Kingdom values to your overseas adventure. GO Program Details.

By Ari Rocklin