Protocol

You should always shake hands with both men and women. Always shake with your right hand. Also give and receive with your right hand. Handshaking is a practice that has real meaning to most Nationals. You will learn quickly that Christian brothers have a unique handshake they will teach you.
Nationals generally do not hug or embrace one another, especially not the opposite sex. You should not initiate a hug but respond if you are hugged. Some of the Nationals will hug Americans because they know it is our custom. Men often hold hands while standing together or walking together. It is a sign of friendship and has no sexual implication so you need not be embarrassed. Husbands and wives and especially engaged couples are not demonstrative of their affection in public and are sometimes embarrassed by Americans who do.

If you smoke or drink, you must abstain from these practices while you are on the mission field. To our Christian brothers abroad these are considered major sins. Your witness will be destroyed with these actions since that person will not consider you to be a Christian. Furthermore, you will damage the integrity of the missionaries who have invited you to work with them. Being a guest in a home anywhere in the world is a trait which is appreciated and which builds a good relationship. If you are humble, gracious and courteous, as every Christian should be, any problems from a cultural faux pas will be forgotten. Let the Nationals advise you instead of you having all the answers. Let them buy the soda when they offer. Paying for everything can be a “put down.” Just relax, listen, and learn and everybody will be happy.

Remember that you cannot give a gift to everybody, even though in your heart you will want to share what you have. There will be mobs of people if you start giving out candy or pencils. Monetary gifts to individuals can often do more harm than good. Please check with your Team Leader before giving gifts or anything to the Nationals. Ball point pens, baseball caps, key chains or other souvenir type items from the USA or your state would be fitting gifts for a pastor you work with most, your interpreter, or possible one or two other special people.

History has shown us that one of the easiest ways to destroy a host ministry is to flood it with foreign money. Missionaries have testified that the heart and faith of these churches may be devastated by outside income. In an effort to build strong, vibrant churches in these countries, we must allow them to strive towards unifying their efforts in reaching their own stated goals.
Let us not undermine the vision of the pastor and stunt the growth of the church. There are countless illustrations of members within a host church choosing not to tithe in exchange for their reliance on others to fund the work of their local church. This is a faith killer and the creation of what we call a welfare state. Always coordinate your financial intentions with the Team Leader of the mission group to ensure that your best intentions are not in actuality detrimental to the host church. In addition, we will be capable of providing you with the accountability tools that will ensure good stewardship of the resources.

Unkept promises made by volunteers create many problems, particularly for the missionaries. People who find themselves in desperate straits tend to remember everything promised or interpreted as a promise. Please clearly communicate when you are asked to provide an item by saying, “I cannot do that” rather than, “I’ll see”. Your heart will be touched by the need. Please consult with your Team Leader before making any promise or giving any gift. Avoid giving money to individuals. This creates serious relationship problems. Gifts to a group, church, school or community can be acceptable, but we stress the importance of using the regular channels for financial gifts.

Missionaries have learned that it is wise to avoid taking a position concerning local politics. Even though the Nationals may want to invoke a foreigner in political discussions, it is wise to refuse to listen or discuss these issues. This is particularly true for the Christian witness. Few issues raise the emotion as much as political discussions while you are visiting in another country.

Personal security is related to wisdom of actions. Just as you would not walk the downtown streets of any major city at night, it is wise to follow the same practices while you are abroad. Neither should you wear expensive watches or jewelry. Safety is not an issue to be unduly alarmed about when you exercise good judgment, and follow the advice of the Nationals and your Team Leader about what you should do and where you should go. You will find the Nationals will be very cautious about your safety.