International (MNN) — Making a commitment to serve permanently as an overseas missionary can be a daunting decision. Wouldn't it be nice to get a flavor of the field first?
The Mission Society recently introduced several new internship opportunities. Applicants must be at least 19 years old to apply. Internships vary in length, location, and requirements, but each is guaranteed to be life changing.
Internships are available on almost every continent and focus on a variety of areas including agriculture, art, child care, hospitality, teaching computer skills and teaching English as a Second Language. Most do not, but make sure to take note of the opportunities that do require fluency in a foreign language. Also note that each intern will raise support and will be instructed in how to do so by a Mission Society representative.
Below is a list of available internships. If you feel the Lord calling you to live out the Great Commission through any of these ministries, click here to fill out an interest form.
UNITED STATES
Agrimissions headquarters, Crockett, Texas
Term length: 2-18 months
Serve with Agrimissions, a ministry of The Mission Society whose motto is, "First the bread…then the Bread of Life." Agrimissions seeks to provide for the practical needs of the global poor by working with them in an agricultural context. The Texas internship will provide experienced mentorship and hands-on training to people who have agricultural interest, skills, and education. Interns will gain a basic understanding of how to apply their skills in a mission context. Longer Internships may also include development of internship curriculum, development of the Crockett, Texas facility, assisting the Director of Agrimissions, and a practical application trip to an agricultural mission site in Paraguay.
Clarkston, Georgia
Term length: 2-18 months
The New York Times calls Clarkston "one of the most diverse communities in America." Refugees and immigrants from countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Burundi, Burma, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, and Vietnam call this small metro-Atlanta city, "home." As an intern, the possibilities of service are endless. Teach English. Disciple new believers. Play with kids. Teach life skills. As a part of the internship, you will work alongside individuals and organizations that have invested their lives into the Clarkston community.
EAST ASIA
Term length: 10 months (September 2010-June 2011)
Teach English as a second language to students in a junior high, senior high, and/or university setting. Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in any subject. Teaching experience or certification is not required, nor is any experience in the host language, but both are preferred. Compensation will be available, if approved and hired.
Term length: 1-18 months
Work in small group discipleship in East Asia, helping university-aged believers to grow in their faith and share it with others. No language skills are required.
Term length: 6-18 months
This particular internship has two components. First, serve as a part-time home school instructor for children in the subjects of math and science. No education degree is required. Second, attend language school in China at one of the universities, allowing for great bonding opportunities with Chinese culture and university students. Someone interested in serving long-term would be ideal, especially because of the emphasis on language acquisition.
FRANCE
Term length: 1-18 months
Has God given you a gift of hospitality? Do you have a heart for serving leaders who serve Christ? Serve alongside a couple in Brittany, France who run a bed & breakfast that helps to provide rest and relaxation for pastors, missionaries, and other weary travelers. During the internship you will also have the opportunity to build relationships with people from the surrounding community. French language skills are preferred, but not mandatory.
Term length: 12-18 months
Calling all artists! Do you have a vision to see art transform culture in a positive way? So many forms of art have been hijacked by the enemy and used for evil. Join a community of like-minded artists in Paris, France who believe that they can create art for the glory of God. Individuals pursuing a career in the arts (visual, performing, media, literary, web design, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Fluency in French is preferred, but one must have at least a conversational understanding and ability in the language. Skilled artists only, please. A sample of your work will be requested for evaluation.
GHANA
Term length: 1-18 months
Akwaaba! You are welcome to Ghana. Work with children and adults in literacy and educational ministries in the village of Ankaase by partnering with the local Reading Town Library. The Reading Town Library seeks to enable the people of Ankaase-especially young people-to have better opportunities through education. Additional opportunities including children's Bible studies, youth ministry, community development, and community recreation are also available.
KENYA
Term length: 1-18 months (not available until November 2010)
Lend a helping hand to Life for Children Ministries, a ministry dedicated to working with underprivileged children and AIDS orphans. As a partner with LCM, you will work alongside Kenyan ministers and social workers to provide practical care and mentorship to children in need.
LITHUANIA
Term length: 1-18 months
More information is forthcoming regarding this internship opportunity.
PARAGUAY
Term length: 1-18 months
Join veteran missionaries on one of The Mission Society's oldest teams. Teach English, work with children at a primary school, or serve in a variety of other ministries in Paraguay. Conversational Spanish is mandatory.
PERU
Term length: 1-18 months (not available until April 2011)
Work with Kuyay Talpuy, an educational center in Huancayo, Peru. Travel to fairly remote villages in Central Peru is also a part of the assignment. The focus of this internship involves children's education, tutoring programs, family relationships, Bible study, and working with a new church plant. Conversational Spanish and willingness to work in a fairly remote area are mandatory.
Term length: 1-18 months
Work in literacy, teacher education, and English education in Central Peru. Opportunities also exist for ministry to single mothers and young families. Individuals with cultural anthropological experience or knowledge are also needed to help better understand the historical roots and cultural behaviors of Central Peruvians. Conversational Spanish is mandatory, and an educational background is preferred as well.
THAILAND
Term length: 1-18 months
Partner with Thai nationals in Northeastern Thailand to teach English and basic computer skills to children and young adults. In addition, share the Gospel and build relationships with locals. Other opportunities, particularly related to sex trafficking advocacy and justice ministries, may be available as well. No Thai language training required.
