South Asia: Help Prevent Food Insecurity

Because of an ongoing economic crisis and widespread food shortages, 6.3 million people (30 percent of total population) in this nation are now food insecure. The successful applicant’s agribusiness expertise will help to develop a new hands-on training program for small business entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

This individual or couple will work closely with a growing church network, which will empower the churches to have an impactful role in increasing long-term food security through educational interventions. The successful applicant(s) will train farmers with best practices and help them pilot new crop varieties. Using the church network as a base, this worker will be part of seeing gospel influence expand into rural areas.

Position Type:

• CAMA worker
• Creative-access country (CAC)
• Partially funded
• Single or couple

Responsibilities:

• Spend 12–18 months based in Colombo, learning both Sinhalese and Tamil languages
• Deliver relief aid as necessary
• Identify and strategize practical interventions in food security during three months of traveling throughout the country
• Develop training materials that incorporate Christian discipleship, basic business skills, ways to maximize crop yield and profit, and other strategies identified to increase long-term food security
• Teach reproducible training modules and expand the church’s influence into rural areas

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 60
• Minimum of one year’s experience in an agriculture-related business or an ECHO internship
• Willingness to complete a three-month long pre-field immersion for south Asia experience in Atlanta, Georgia

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience living outside of one’s home culture
• Completion of a language acquisition course

Biblical Characteristics Desired:

• Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to gospel ministry
• Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8)
• Theological alignment with The Alliance
• Demonstrated flexibility and grace in all aspects of life
• Vibrant spiritual life with consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
• Ability to learn and recover from failure

Timeline for Deployment:

Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.

General Information:

This nation is a developing country with limited access to Christian witness. There are a number of unreached and unengaged people groups in this island nation. Most people follow the majority religions. There are churches in this city as well as informal fellowships. While workers should use caution when openly discussing their faith, private opportunities in relationship are frequent. The city is rapidly modernizing, but strong traditional roots permeate this urban culture. A range of housing options is available. There is electricity, running water, and a great variety of local and foreign restaurants. Public transportation is available, but applicants must be prepared to drive, motorbike, or cycle as well. The people are friendly and have a welcoming posture toward foreigners and children. The weather is hot and humid year-round with temperatures of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There are two monsoon seasons from April to June and September to November. 

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. It is expected that the initial 12-18 months in the country will be spent primarily on learning two different national languages. This multilingual country frequently uses both languages, so both will be required for daily ministry. The goal will be to speak, read, and write these languages at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Health Considerations:

There are two private hospitals that are internationally accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) due to their high quality of health care.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

There are three international schools that are expensive and highly competitive.

Compensation Package

The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.

Important Clarification

Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.

Whole-Life Health

CAMA Services is the relief and development specialized structure of Alliance Missions. As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.