The Advanced School of Missions (ASM) seeks to train and send young people to volunteer in the service in the challenging 10/40 Window region. This is achieved through a linguistic, cultural and spiritual immersion program, in partnership with the Middle East University, the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission and the South American Division.
The project lasts two years, divided into one year of training and one year of service. During the training year, the volunteers take part in enriching cultural, historical and biblical sites, as well as getting to know projects in operation in the region.
THE YEAR OF PREPARATION
The program includes intensive English language learning (20h/week), theoretical classes ASM, and face-to-face activities focused on local culture, worldviews, health care in missionary health care in missionary contexts, specific cultural characteristics of the Middle East, understanding of Islam, emotional care and mission in the reality of the 10/40 Window. Contact with the local culture, including the daily use of English, is an essential part of the training.
The ultimate goal of this year of training is to equip volunteers not only with theoretical knowledge, but with the practical skills and cultural sensitivity necessary for service in the 10/40 Window.
DURING THE FIRST YEAR THE VOLUNTEER WILL EXPERIENCE
– Study English 20h/week in the classroom.
– Internship of 10h/week in some sector of the university or project in the region of Beirut, Lebanon.
– Involvement in a church department or project (Pathfinders, Adventurers, Chaplaincy, Worship, Sabbath School); the student will choose one of these activities to be part of the leadership.
– Immersion in existing projects in Lebanon and historical sites
– Mission Trip
THE YEAR OF SERVICE
During this year, volunteers are playing a key role in supporting the missionaries who are already working in the region. They use their talents and gifts to offer practical and emotional support, becoming an essential link in the mission.
Careful consideration is given to choosing the specific project for each volunteer, taking into account their talents and gifts and the needs of the church in the different countries of the region. The aim is to align the volunteer’s skills with the specific needs of the needs, promoting effective and meaningful service.
This combination of training and service aims to create a solid foundation for volunteers, enabling them not only to understand, but also to effectively get involved and contribute to the advancement of the mission in the 10/40 Window.
MISSION
As part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s official pre-service volunteer preparation programs, ASM trains students to be adequately prepared for service in the 10/40 Window region.
GOALS
– Strengthen Adventist identity by investigating missiological aspects rooted in the Bible, improving the ability to carry out tasks in the mission field.
– Acquire an understanding of the cultural, linguistic and religious aspects of the MENAUM region, exploring their connections with Adventism.
– Develop self-care skills, with a special focus on mental health and well-being.
– Encourage students to be spiritually prepared, emphasizing the importance of developing a solid faith through a personal relationship with God.
– Provide practical service experiences, promoting cultural immersion and engagement with local projects.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Local young people from the MENAUM region and foreign volunteers from different professional and academic backgrounds professional and academic backgrounds, willing to serve as volunteers in the 10/40 Window territory.
CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
The course curriculum combines theoretical lessons and practical activities. The areas of study are divided into 4 sections:
1. Mission in the MENAUM Region
2. Middle East Studies
3. Adventist Relations with Muslims
4. Self-care.
The Advanced School of Mission is designed to be taught in 60 sessions of 2 hours each, totaling 120 hours of continuous missiological training each, totaling 120 hours of continuous missiological training.