posted on January 1, 2024
CAMA: Break Cycles of Poverty Among a Receptive Group in the Congo
Join in community development work with an existing Alliance Missions team to reach the Vili, a formerly resistant people group that is now receptive to the gospel. God is opening the hearts of the Vili to His story, and they are anxious to grow and share the good news with the rest of their people. Along with the established team, you will help the Vili develop strategies to thrive as individuals and as a community of believers in a challenging economy.
Position Type
- CAMA worker
- Agriculture/food security, community wellness/advocacy, health care
- Partially funded
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Work with village orality-based outreach centers the team has established in conjunction with the local church
- Help local churches develop plans by which they can self-fund the centers and help villages develop needed services such as agricultural, animal husbandry, fisheries, clean water, community health training, and basic medical care
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 40
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or graduate-level degree in the field of international development and/or agriculture, animal husbandry, creating handicrafts, or small business enterprise
- Orality training experience is helpful
- Prior knowledge of French
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:
Housing accommodations will be in Pointe Noire while the primary work will be carried out in various Vili villages outside that city.
World Factbook – Republic of the Congo
Joshua Project – Republic of the Congo
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. For those who do not know the language, one year of French language study in Albertville, France, is required, possibly followed by the study of the local languages of Kituba and/or Vili, depending on the length of service.
Health Considerations:
Clinics are available for emergency medical care. However, medical care is limited in this country.
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 Educational Plan and Options:
Local French and English language schooling is available but can be expensive. Homeschooling is available for grades K–7 as well as boarding school options for grades 8–12.
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].