Community Development

There is great need in various communities throughout Southern Thailand and we are able to partner with local foundations to make a difference through Community Development. Do you want to join us in this work?

Job Description

Our team has a close relationship with a local and established foundation in Southern Thailand. These are able to provide visas for short term, mid term and long-term workers whom desire to contribute their skills to community development initiatives in Southern Thailand under this foundation. We are able to make an impact on rural and urban communities through our community development work in word and deed. Currently possible projects in southern Thailand are:
- education and language teaching projects
- sports and football projects
- medical and health care projects
- farming, fishing or livestock raising projects

You will contribute to the vision and mission of the team by living and working incarnationally among our people. With this foundation you will be involved in sharing the good news of life in Jesus, making disciples and praying in order to kindle movements of Jesus-followers among our people.

The region is known for its plurality with multiple ethnic groups, cultures, religions and languages co-existing in the region. There is also a significant Muslim population, which distinguishes this area from other regions of the country.

Responsibilities

With each placement language and culture learning is of great importance as language is a priority and need for our work. New Workers would be required to divide their time between (a) working on projects, (b) language-learning, and (c) cultural studies.New workers would initially engage in full time language studies for up to 1 year (3-12 months) depending on length of placement. This would be followed by part time language study while working in the second year. We want our workers to be skilled in the language and culture of the people before beginning full-time working roles. Therefore, full time work can begin after passing Thai language level 2, which normally takes about 2 years or so. This would obviously be different for short term Serve Asia (SA) and mid term placements, with a SA worker one would study language throughout their placement. Mid term workers would follow a similar pattern to long term workers, but this would tailored to the nature and length of their placement.

Qualifications

Most importantly come willing to learn from others, able to adapt to a new culture and be flexible and have a servant heart.

If one has qualifications or experience in community development this would be very helpful, however, this is not necessary to be involved in this opportunity. A desire to serve poor communities (both rural & urban) and use any skills/abilities one has to help the foundation work is most important.

Living Situations

The applicant should be prepared to live an appropriate lifestyle within the community in which they will live. Among other things, this relates to dressing modestly, and being sensitive to the dietary restrictions of our neighbors, is very helpful as this would build bridges with your neighbours and friends. It also means contextualizing the language we use to share about Jesus. In the local culture it is important that the men relate to the men and the women relate to the women.

1. Committed to direct ministry among our focus people.
2. Able to maintain good spiritual health, even in the face of practical and spiritual challenges.
3. Willing to work together on diverse team of people from different cultures with mutual accountability, but also self-reliance.