Field and policy questions and online help

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What if I don’t know any foreign languages?

That’s OK. If you need the local language to do your work, you will have some intense language study during the first few months. This can be in a school setting or what we call the barefoot method (a tutor helping you to learn as you go).

Do I have to speak the local language?

You should expect to learn to speak the local language while in country. You may not need the language to get your work done, but you will need some language to show the local people that you care about them, their heritage and culture, and that you are not a tourist! Certainly you will learn proper greetings and departures, and how to bargain at the market.

What type of housing will I have on the field?

On the back of the job requests, don’t let the term "western style" accommodations fool you. It will probably not compare to western standards, but it will be adequate in which to live. Depending upon the country and the city, you may get a mission-owned house, or a mission-rented apartment or maybe just a room with a local family. You will learn all about the accommodations when you come to screening conference and discuss these specifics with the regional leadership.

Will I be provided a car on the field?

Not usually. We provide for all work-related travel, which could mean you are provided a mission vehicle, but it will usually mean reimbursement for all your public bus tokens, metro tickets and taxi rides.

If I have to come home in case of an emergency, may I go back to the field?

Emergencies happen. If there is an emergency in which your presence is required, like a death in the family or a severe accident, you will be able to contact your regional leadership and request leave from your assignment. You will use vacation days. If vacation days should run out, you will go on leave without pay status. This leave is not open-ended. A personal resignation may be required if your return to the field is delayed for too long. Any trip back to the States during an emergency is a personal expense.

What constitutes an emergency?

A death in the family or a severe accident would certainly constitute an emergency. However, a friend’s wedding or the birth of a new nephew might not. Prior to your going overseas, it is a good idea to discuss with your family and friends your criteria for returning to the States.

How do people handle funerals back in the States?

Whose funeral will you come back to attend? Parent? Sibling? Uncle? Grandparent? Friend? Neighbor? Family pet? Making the decision now before you go will help to prepare your family if you choose not to return. The deceased person will certainly not miss you at the funeral. Help your family understand your decision and the reasons you made it. If you wait to make the decision while the shock of grief is fresh, guilt will bring you home every time. Remember that you will have a mission family overseas to help you through the grief.

What happens in case of a medical evacuation?

This is part of the IMB's comprehensive medical coverage—we will take care of you. Generally this might be only to another city or country in your region that has proper medical facilities. Once healthy, you will return to your location and continue your work. If evacuation to the States is necessary, you will probably not return to the field. Once medically cleared, you could begin another term with a subsequent assignment.

Where can I find answers to policy questions while I am on the field?

Your mission treasurer or country representative has the latest version of the Manual for Field Personnel, which is the "answer book" for all policy related questions. You will receive policy MFP-1001 at screening conference, which as all of the policies related to short-term service.

Who is my contact for questions about the field policy, my assignment or anything missionary-related while I am in the States?

After you are approved by Staff Committee (and are scheduled for orientation) the ISC/Journeyman Team will hand off responsibility for you to the Richmond Associate, the one with whom you work while at screening conference. This person is your stateside contact for answers about the field, location, assignment, arrival date, policy inquiries, etc.

One should not contact field leadership for answers unless the Richmond Associate directs you to do so. Field personnel will communicate with field leadership, and stateside personnel work through their Richmond Regional Office.

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