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 Your son/daughter has expressed an interest in OM, or perhaps he or she is in the application process to go overseas for a year or more. This reality probably brings a wave of emotions ranging from pride to anxiety, excitement to concern. May we encourage you? All of those feelings are normal! We want to help answer some of your questions and provide practical ways you can help your son/daughter have a healthy transition to overseas living.
FAQsWhether your son/daughter is considering going for 10 months or 2 years, perhaps these questions have crossed your mind.
Operation Mobilization is an international, interdenominational mission agency. Over 90 nationalities are represented in our teams, creating a diverse, international community. We recognize many evangelical denominations--Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and many others, as well as nondenominational churches--and we choose to work together in ministry. We are not affiliated with just one denomination or church. If you want more information about OM’s vision and beliefs, please visit the About Us page. How does the application process work? We handle each applicant as a person with unique gifts, abilities and needs. Finding the right place for him or her, where he or she is challenged to grow and will experience cross-cultural ministry, is one of our goals during the application process. Applying and being accepted for overseas ministry generally includes the following:
How often can my son/daughter come home while he/she is overseas? Generally, we encourage the missionary to stay with his or her team and ministry for the full length of his or her commitment, unless there are extenuating circumstances. We want to allow the new missionary enough time to adjust to the new culture, team and ministry. Can I visit my son/daughter while he/she is overseas? Yes! Most teams allow visitors after the first 6 months on the field. Waiting a year is even better! After the first 6-12 months, your son/daughter can ask his/her team leaders if having visitors is OK. We encourage you to explore the idea of visiting and seeing your son/daughter in his/her cross-cultural home and ministry! What can I do to help my son/daughter while he/she is overseas? The best way to help your son/daughter while he/she is overseas is to ask him or her how you can help – not every day, but maybe once a month. Each person handles overseas living, culture shock and homesickness differently. Some want their parents very involved. Others would prefer more personal space and time to figure things out on their own. Some practical suggestions include:
Will I have someone to contact if I have questions while my son/daughter is overseas? Yes! After your son/daughter has been accepted into OM, he/she will be assigned a Member Care Coordinator. Your son/daughter will have a name and email address that he/she can use from anywhere in the world to contact the OM USA office. You may also contact the Member Care Coordinator in emergency situations or with major concerns or questions. What health insurance options does OM have? Every applicant is handled on a case-by-case basis. We provide different types of coverage for different lengths of commitments. Your son/daughter will be informed of the coverage needed after he/she has been accepted by OM. The cost of insurance coverage is usually included in the monthly support budget he/she will raise. Are there plans in place for medical/political emergencies or natural disasters? OM highly values every individual within our organization. We make every effort to have strategic plans in place to handle crisis situations depending on the team and country. Why does my son/daughter need to raise support? OM is a faith-based mission agency. We want to allow people the opportunity to be involved in advancing God’s Kingdom through giving to someone they personally know. Raising support is an incredible blessing as we see God work through others to supply for our needs. For those going on long-term assignments, OM provides training materials on how to build a support team. How is the financial support used? The support given on behalf of your son/daughter comes to the OM USA office. Because of IRS regulations, all support must be given to Operation Mobilization, and then transferred to your son/daughter overseas. The support amount usually covers the cost of health insurance, travel, room and board, plus a small amount of spending money. A small percentage of the money also goes toward the administrative costs of OM. Each team has a structure set in place to dispense money on a regular basis and in the amounts agreed upon by the team’s leadership. Still have questions? This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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