Responsibilities: 

• Interpret for Deaf American teammates and disciple local Deaf believers  
• Help with a job development project  
• Learn local sign language and the local language  
• Share the hope you have  
• Serve, care for, and build evangelistic bridges with the local Deaf community   

Ministry Location Information: 

This is an unreached country with a rich and complex history situated at the crossroads of Asia and Russia. It is a stunning, mountainous land where cultures blend and traditions run deep. We live in a large city surrounded by farmland and villages. While this is a developing country and there are occasional interruptions to running water and electricity, these services are generally available. You’ll find modern conveniences like coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants in the city. Summers are hot and dry, often reaching over 100°F, while winters can be quite cold. The people here are incredibly hospitable—we often share tea and meals with neighbors and friends. There is a significant need for the gospel in this region. With 98 percent of the population following the majority religion, opportunities to share Christ and disciple new believers are both urgent and abundant. 

Characteristics of International Workers: 

• Spiritual maturity 
• Holistic health 
• Confirmation of call 
• Ministry experience 
• Education and work experience 
• Cross-cultural awareness 

Required Qualifications: 

Vocational Track  

• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent  
• Minimum of two years of ministry experience 
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience  

Clergy (Consecration & Ordination) Track  

• Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration   
• Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry 
• Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience  
• 15 hours of intercultural/missions studies  
• If married, one spouse must meet the clergy track requirements, and the other spouse must meet either the clergy OR vocational track requirements 

Both Vocational and Clergy Tracks 

• Completion of Alliance Polity course  
• A recognized bachelor’s degree  
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• ASL certification 
• Community development experience 

Language Expectations: 

Language is an essential part of ministry. Those who do not know the language will attend a language study program. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others. 

Language learning will be done through working with local language tutors who know both the local language and the local sign language to learn and pass language proficiency tests. You will also utilize flash cards for vocabulary building of spoken language.  

Health Considerations: 

This location does not have good medical care, so it is not advisable to serve here if there is a need to be near a good medical center.   

Expectations for Spouse: 

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc. 

Children’s Education: 

Homeschooling is recommended at every grade level. There is the support of a full-time teacher who can provide homeschooling assistance or facilitate teaching in a one-room school house setting. Local pre-school in the local language is available here, but there are not good primary or secondary school options locally. For secondary school, boarding schools could also be an option to consider; however, homeschooling through secondary would also be supported.