Ministry to the Homeless

Job Description

The Spring is an outreach center established by OMF in Wanhua, Taipei. It is currently led by a Taiwanese couple but there are needs for missionaries to assist with current activities and also facilitate the ongoing development of the work. It is hoped that with the more staff, The Spring can also establish a halfway house.

OMF is committed to reaching out to marginalised groups within Taiwan. There is a large number of homeless people in Wanhua and the Spring provides a place of practical care and a way for these men to come to know the love of God. A small church has been established for those who have come to faith through this work.

Missionaries will live in apartments in the neighborhood where they are serving, mostly in urban environments. Taiwan is wealthy and advanced, so the standard of living is relatively high. Communications and transportation are excellent. The culture, language, food and values of the people are primarily Chinese.

Responsibilities

Working alongside experienced missionaries and local believers in running an evening drop-in center, making contacts on the streets, counseling and assisting the men with personal problems, personal evangelism, leading Bible studies, training new believers, helping the men get medical attention.

Qualifications

* Some experience with similar types of people and ministry would be especially appreciated.
* Experience and training in counseling or social work would be a plus.
* Experience working with alcoholics or drug addicts would also be beneficial.

* Must have initiative, a burden for evangelism, and definite evidence of fruitful evangelistic ministry.
* Must have great sensitivity to those who are disadvantaged and hurt by society.
* Some formal Bible training is necessary. The government also requires incoming missionaries to have recently spent one to two years in Christian ministry.

Living Situations

* Willing to learn Mandarin or Taiwanese to a high level in order to communicate effectively.
* Need to adjust to a busy, crowded, and often noisy environment. Life in Taiwan is often exciting but also exhausting.
* Oral methods of communication (e.g. Bible storying, testimonies, music, drama) are most effective in evangelism and discipleship. A willingness to learn these ways of communicating the gospel is essential.
* Taiwanese people are deeply religious. Spiritual attack and demonic activity are not uncommon. Spiritual maturity is needed to deal with these situations.
* Practical skills or training in areas that can be used to serve marginalised people are a plus. e.g. counseling, social work, education