Ways to Prepare

 

Learn:	About God's Word and your Christian faith
	About missionaries, other cultures, and yourself
	Skills related to your profession or ministry
	The Language used in the country of your interest
Develop:	Basic interpersonal skills
	Cross-cultural skills
	A teachable spirit
	Flexibility and the ability to wait
	Personal health—emotional, mental, physical, spiritual
Practice:	Hospitality
	Sharing your faith and leading others to Christ
	Discipling new believers
	Missions work on a short-term trip
	Living on a limited budget
Read:	International news
	Missionary biographies and current newsletters
	(see reading list below)
Pray:	For persecuted Christians around the world
	For unreached people groups
	For God to guide you Step-by-step

 Short Reading List

 From Foreign to Familiar, by Sarah A. Lanier (an easy read that examines differences in "hot" and "cold" cultures)

On Being a Missionary: A Complete Look at What it Takes, by Thomas Hale (a comprehensive, yet easy to read "handbook" that answers many questions)

A Ready Defense and Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell (evidence for the Christian faith arranged topically, also explains some basic tenets of different religions and compares them w/Christianity)

Let the Nations Be Glad, by John Piper

Send Me!, by Bill Taylor and Steve Hoke

Operation World, by Patrick Johnstone   (mission resource book)