• Home
• Urbana 09
• God's World
• God's Word
• MSearch
• Next Steps
• Urbana Archives

Organization

Founded in 1865

Vision
OMF International has proclaimed Jesus Christ among the peoples of East Asia since its founding as the China Inland Mission by Hudson Taylor in 1865. This diverse fellowship of 1,600 Christians from 30 nationalities ministers with a passion to realize an indigenous, biblical church movement in each people group of East Asia. Continuing the pioneering, risk-taking legacy of Hudson Taylor, we use a wide variety of creative short-term and long-term ministries to share the gospel with a human touch among East Asia’s unreached peoples. We seek to “become Christ” in each place we serve, learning and respecting the local languages and culture. By God's grace, OMF International will persevere until our mission is accomplished and our vision realized!

Networks/Affiliations: IFMA,ECFA,EFC,CMA,CMDA, WCA, STEER

Staff
108 full time employees inside North America.
1,850 field personnel outside North America.

Missions Opportunities

Expected terms of service:
1-3 months
3-18 months
2-4 years
4 years or longer

Qualifications for Applicants
OMF International distinguishes between three different types of missionaries. Our short-term department, Serve Asia processes applicants that wish to go with a team or individually for less than 6 months. The candidate department processes applicants that wish to go for a 1-3 year term (called Associates) and those who wish to go longer (called Career Members). While many of the qualifications are the same between these three categories, there are some differences. Main qualifications include: -Age 18 or older -A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. -Called/Directed/Lead, to follow the Mark 16: 15 & 16 directive. -Read and accept the Purpose & Principles of OMF, follow the guidelines outlined in the OMF Handbook. -Proper academic training and some Biblical background -Endorsement of a home church -Screening and Orientation Some differences based on length or type of assignment: -If serving under one year, some language is suggested and helpful, but not required. -If serving one to 3 years some language training within the country is strongly suggested.

Application and Candidacy Process
To begin the Candidacy processes (for Associates and Members), contact someone from OMF, either in person, telephone, via the Internet. An initial Application (Application One) needs to be filled out and returned. An interview follows this to see if the person wants to go on with longer applications. Included in this is the filling out of applications, securing references and doctrinal forms. Obtain 4 clearances: (Basically the same for Associates and Members) 1)Home side through paperwork and Candidate Course 2)Field side- obtaining a 'field welcome' from your intended country 3)Financial- being 100% pledged in support at least one month prior to going 4)Medical- physical and psychological clearance both in the States and the field you will serve on.

Training Program
OMF BridgeAsia volunteers are recruited and selected through a rigorous process and trained through a 3-week series that a Regional Mobilizer will go through with them. After that they will be released and mentored through their 1 year volunteer commitment in the BridgeAsia role they were trained for. OMF Serve Asia short-term workers are required to come to our May Orientation in Denver over Memorial Day weekend to receive basic cross-cultural training and field-specific training. When you return from your short-term trip, workers would come to one of two Debriefings in Southern California to allow time to relect on God's work over the period of time you spend on the field. OMF long-term workers have a couple of trainings. The first one is at the two-week Candidate Course at the US Headquarters in Denver, CO where applicants will be introduced more fully to OMF International, our history and values. Before heading to the field (but after support is fully raised), there is a three and a half week Orientation Course at the OMF International Headquarters in Singapore for further cultural training. Once on the field, each field will have a language and culture orientation.

Funding
OMF recognizes the need for clear communication regarding finances. The evangelization of East Asia’s peoples—and the mobilization of the people to go, pray and give to accomplish that mission –costs money. So we seek to give appropriate information in a way that honors God as Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides. We also try to honor His people by giving financial information in a way that helps them prayerfully respond to God. In other words, we explain our financial needs and trust God for His provision. Each member individually raises financial support, usually through a team of churches and individuals. Members are usually funded through donations from personal supporters or churches. Some receive income from teaching or business. General funds given to OMF are shared with missionaries.

Demographics & Policies

This agency invites:

• Non-English speaking candidates (While the mother tongue of many OMF workers is not English, English is a basic requirement for team building and communication both on the field and off.)
• Non-North American Candidates (Being an international mission with over 14 sending countries, 70% of OMF members are from outside North America.)
• Those who practice ?charismatic? gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing prayer, etc. (OMF members may exercise gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Members agree not to exercise these gifts where it knowingly causes offense to fellow members or churches.)
• Divorced candidates (Each situation reviewed individually for biblical grounds.)

Statements

Yes	Our agency has standard policies for the education of missionaries? children.
Yes	Parents make decisions regarding the education of their children.
Yes	Children are included in our orientation and on field support.
Yes	Both spouses are required to apply and qualify for missionary service.
Yes	Both spouses are considered paid staff members.
No	Non-employee spouses are expected to participate in the ministry on a volunteer (non paid) basis.
No	Non-employee spouses are included in orientation and on field support.
Yes	Our agency has a sexual harassment policy.
Yes	Women may hold any position in our organization.