To Timbuktu and Beyond

Table of Contents

A Prologue

How to Use This Book- An Introduction

Chapter 1- Sand or Bricks? Building a Strong Foundation

Step One – Develop a Global Vision

Chapter 2- To Go or Not to Go? How Do I Know if I am Called to Missions

Step Two – Seek God for Specific Direction

Step Three – Check Your Hearing

Chapter 3-Aim for God’s Highest Blessing!

Step Four – Take Steps to Obtain the Backing of Your Spiritual Authorities

Chapter 4- What Do You Mean “Wait”?!

Step Five – Take Full Advantage of Your Preparation Time at Home

Chapter 5- Narrowing the Field – Which Organization is for Me?

Step Six – Choose the Organization You Will Work With

Step Seven- Choose a Team

Step Eight- Begin the Application Process

Chapter 6- Mapping the Road to Success

Step 9- Assess Your Training Needs

Step 10 – Arrange For an On-Field Internship

Chapter 7- Who’s Holding the Ropes?

Step Eleven- Build a Secure Prayer Network

Step Twelve- Build Your Financial Support

Chapter 8- Who’s Holding the Ropes? (Continued)

Step Thirteen- Secure Your Lines of Encouragement and Counsel

Step Fourteen- Build a Team to Handle Practical Matters

Step Fifteen – Develop and Maintain a System of On-Going Communication

Chapter 9- Before Packing Your Bags

Step Sixteen- Study the Historical, Cultural, and Spiritual Dynamics of Your New Location

Step Seventeen- Inquire About Logistical Matters

Step Eighteen – Prepare a Detailed Budget

Chapter 10- Saying “Goodbye” the Right Way

Step Nineteen – Plan Ahead for Proper Farewells

Step Twenty- Go Out with Joy!

Chapter 11 – Landing on Both Feet

Step Twenty-One – Brace Yourself for Culture Shock

An Epilogue – Staying the Course

A Note to Pastors

Appendix A – A Partial List of Scriptures Relating to Missions

Appendix B- Country Research Questions

Appendix C- Pre-Travel Information Checklist

Appendix D- Preparing Your Family’s Budget

Selected Bibliography

Index