posted on January 1, 2024
CAMA: Agricultural Development (Field of Practice)—General
Through hands-on training, CAMA is helping local farmers increase their ability to produce food and earn a living for themselves and their families. Utilizing biblical principles, we empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their methods, expand their yields, find markets, manage their finances, and more. Our goal is to point others to the good news as they come to support themselves in ways that are sustainable, dignifying, and promote good stewardship of God’s creation.
Position Type
- CAMA worker
- Agriculture/food security
- Partially funded
- Creative-access country (CAC)
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Work alongside a farm project and their team in teaching and discipling people
- Help local farmers come out from under the yoke of spiritual oppression by using agriculture to build relationships share the gospel and imitate principles we see in God’s creation
- Assist in finding solutions to problems farmers face so they can increase yields and find sustainable profitability
- Manage demonstration fields, taking care of “God’s garden” by doing things on time to a high standard, stewarding the resources God has given us well, and exemplifying the fruits of the Holy Spirit
- Assist with agricultural trainings in local villages.
Required Qualifications:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 50
- A B.A. (or demonstrated experience) in agricultural development, farming, or animal husbandry
- An understanding of a biblical basis in integrating agriculture with ministry and integral development
Preferred Qualifications:
- An internship/experience of working on a farm or with ECHO is preferred
Biblical Characteristics:
- Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to gospel ministry
- Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8)
- Theological alignment with The Alliance
- Demonstrated flexibility and grace in all aspects of life
- Vibrant spiritual life with consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
- Ability to learn and recover from failure
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer/fall of 2025. Once appointed and fundraising and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.
General Information:
Varies according to region and context. More details will be provided as locations are discussed.
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.
Varies according to location. Details will be provided as ministry location is determined. All workers should anticipate at least one year of full-time language study.
Health Considerations:
Varies according to region and context. Details will be provided as ministry locations are identified.
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.
Each spouse will declare a field of practice and participate in local ministry.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
Varies according to region and context. Additional details will be provided as the family’s needs are discussed and ministry locations are determined.
Compensation Package
The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.
Whole-Life Health
CAMA Services is the relief and development specialized structure of Alliance Missions. As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.
Important Clarification
Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.
Questions?
Please email Lisa Ramsey at [email protected].