Simulated missionary experience raises awareness

Regina

"The Journey", an SIM program, simulates the challenges of becoming a missionary by taking people through a series of steps beginning in their own "Comfort Zone" and ending in the "Land of Muchnede".

After responding to the challenge of the Great Commission at the local church, participants simulated attending Bible school, studying cultural anthropology, applying with a mission agencey, and taking a language orientation--all within an hour.

Local international volunteers were extremely thorough in their role as embassy personnel, closely screening applicants before granting them visas to the Land of Muchnede. After flights were arranged through the "Fly by Night" travel agency, the international flight was a highlight of the evening. The inflight movie, "Ee-Taow", was a dramatic portrayal of the wholesale conversion of a tribe in Papua New Guinea, and an inspiration to the first-time missionaries. The gruelling ordeal of customs and immigration, effectively conducted by more uniformed international volunteers, confronted them upon arrival at their destination, but even then they energetically entered the Land of Muchnede.

Matthew Choi of Regina Chinese MB Church, with the help of several other members, tranformed the church gymnasium into the Land of Muchnede and gave the missionaries an excellent cross-cultural experience. They were faced with beggars, moneychangers, a foreign language, and "do you really expect me to put that chicken foot into my mouth?"

Overall the participants were enthusiastic about "The Journey" and said it gave them a new perspective on the challenges missionaries faceon both sides of the ocean. They felt they would be able to pray more effectively for their missionaries. Helen Braun and the missions committee were excited about the response and grateful for the leadership of Phil and Marcia Leskewich in conducting the event.

Kathy Varcoe

Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 36, No. 6 Home Page