Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement culturally appropriate nutrition education and intervention programs, including maternal and child health and dietary diversity 
• Train and disciple local health workers, volunteers, and caregivers in basic nutrition and food preparation using local resources 
• Participate in a multi-disciplinary health-care team for a community-based palliative care program 
• Use nutrition as a bridge for evangelism and discipleship 
• Model holistic health and discipleship for local health-care staff 

Ministry Location Information: 

The ministry location is a mid-sized town about one hour from the capital. This crossroads area is a central location for the evangelical Church. Influential theological and medical institutions are located here. The town is inhabited by several different unreached people groups. The Church is small, and more gospel access is needed! Adequate housing along with modern amenities are available. The team will support new workers during the process of cultural learning and facilitate new relationships and ministry encounters. 

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 Alliance Polity course 
• 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 in community or clinical nutrition 
• A recognized bachelor’s degree (or higher) in dietetics, nutrition, or public health nutrition 
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 45 
• Certification as a registered dietitian (or international equivalent) 
• Experience in discipleship and/or evangelism  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Overseas experience   
• Experience in community health  
• [Note: Professionals with a master’s degree (MS, MA, MSc, MPH, PhD, or DrPH) can be professors at the nursing school.] 

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. 

A high level of French (level B2) is required to communicate and teach health-care professionals. French language study involves a 12-month period in France. Upon arrival to the country, the worker will study the local language before starting ministry responsibilities. The length of time in local language study will be discussed further depending on the worker’s ministry focus/role.  

Health Considerations: 

The ministry location has high temperatures (80–115ºF) and occasional dust storms. There is a high level of air pollution at times. Quality health care and various specialty doctors are available in the capital. There is a small but growing community of expats/IWs in town. This town is a 45-minute drive to the beach for getaways.  

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. 

This ministry is part of a larger team with other work in church planting, reaching professionals through business and leadership training, and medical ministry. A spouse could also serve in any of these areas.   

Children’s Education: 

There is an American Christian school, currently serving grades K–8, a 30-minute drive away. Parents can carpool if desired. There are also quality French schools in town. For secondary school children, boarding possibilities are available at the American Christian school in the capital city.