Communicating with one another is the backbone to any relationship. Effective two way communication is essential in developing a healthy partnership between the church and overseas worker. If there is no or little communication it will not be long before the relationship breaks down and dies.
For the well being of the cross cultural worker this is an essential part of the overall care package.
Ideally your church will have a definite plan in place to make sure that you and your worker stay in touch. Some churches assign a home group to a family or single worker overseas and give them the responsibility and privilege of partnering with your overseas workers.
These days there are many ways to communicate, really there is no excuse for not staying in touch. How we do it and how often are really the main questions.
One of the biggest issues related to communication is security. It is very hard for people living here in Australia to realize how important this is for the cross cultural worker, especially if they are working in a closed country of which there are many these days. Not only can lack of security jeopardies the worker, but the whole organization and even more importantly the national believers.
In many places around the world to be a Christian can lead to severe persecution and even death. In Australia we need to realise this and take to heart the guidelines and methods that the worker suggests. Thankfully modern technology both hinders and helps in secure communication.
Computers are the tools we all use and they are potentially the main cause for security breakdowns. It is imperative that your worker knows how to use a computer and all its security features. Computers are where we often store a lot of confidential and private information. We do not want to share this information with others so having a computer means that it is necessary to have it set up with Virus Scan software, Anti-spyware and a good Firewall. And it is imperative that those at home also know how to communicate securely using modern technology.
When:
When is a good time to be in contact, the simple answer is anytime is a good time. The important thing is try to be consistent and regular. Obviously birthdays, Christmas and other important occasions are a great time to send a card, small presents etc. Why not make a date in your diary to be in contact in some form on a monthly basis. One pastor we know schedules a time every month to “visit” via his web cam!
How:
Here are a few ideas of how to keep in contact using secure means:
Email: Sign up with an offshore secure server. Cotse, Securenym, Swissmail etc. They cost a bit but well worth the peace of mind. By using these servers we can rest knowing that our email traffic is fairly secure. Especially if both computers are sending and receiving via the same server. Look up these providers on the net, sign up, set up your email program and you are ready.
www.cotse.net
www.swissmail.org
The organisation with whom your worker works may have security guidelines for correspondence. Take note of these and put them into practice. If you are unsure ask your worker.
Skype: Web based secure way to both “chat” on line or speaking through a mike and listening via your computer speakers. A headset with mike and earphones makes it even easier.
It is free and secure. www.skype.com
Web cams: Using Skype and other providers like Windows Messenger you can use a web cam to actually see and talk to each other via the Internet. Why not plan to have a monthly “pastoral” visit with your worker via the Internet!
Snail Mail: While emailing is the most common form of communicating across the oceans, don't forget about the old hand written letters. There are some people who either don't have access to the internet or are not comfortable at using it. A hand written letter being delivered to your door / post box can be a very welcome sight for someone far from home.
Parcels: At this stage we can't scan a block of homegrown chocolate into the computer and send it overseas. So again parcels are a very good way to encourage your cross cultural worker. Christmas and birthdays are great times to do this. Including things that are typically Australian are very much appreciated.
Beware that if you send meltable or perishable things, that more often than not the receiver on the other end is in the northern hemisphere where it is the opposite season to downunder!
Telephone: Calling on the phone can be expensive, but these days you can purchase phone cards for $10, $20 or more and call overseas for a fraction of the price. Sometimes for as little as 2 cents a minute. There are many different cards. Here is one site to visit to find the best card for where you want to call to.
www.telephonecards.com.au
A friendly, familiar voice is a most welcome encouragement.
Web Sites: More and more people have their own web sites. These are great for a cross cultural worker to have and use to post prayer points, news and photos of what they are doing on a regular basis. They can be known as a Blog.
These web pages also enable the site visitor to reply and comment to what has been posted on the web page.
If the worker isn't able to do this themselves why not find someone in the church who can put it together for them and then instruct the worker how to add and edit the site.
One negative side to web sites is that the people at home have to be pro-active in visiting the site to stay up to date. Maybe an automatic notification can be built into the site to inform people that it has been updated (such as RSS or email updates).
There aren't many excuses for not keeping in touch these days. Everyone connected to the care and support of cross cultural workers needs to make the effort to stay in touch and stay informed so that our prayers for them are current and hitting the mark!
Got $10?
Showing you care doesn't have to cost the earth. Here are a few ideas under ten dollars.
- Buy a phone card and chat with your cross cultural worker. Different people could use the same card.
- Tim Tams, Snakes, Minties and other Aussie lollies are always a welcome treat. Three dollars to buy and seven dollars to post - use airmail.
- Compile and send a CD of the music you listening to. You can do this through a variety of Internet sites. Record your church's worship team to send.
- Burn a DVD of the footy finals and send it over.
Ask some questions!
Questions show you care and you can really begin to understand what is happening in the ministry of your cross cultural worker. Some churches have a form they send at regular intervals to ask specific questions of their cross cultural workers. This could entail topics such as family, spiritual well being, finances etc. If you would like an example of such a form drop us an member [dot] care [at] wec [dot] com [dot] au (email).