WESTERN ASIA

PROPOSED DESTINATION:   Not publicly displayed

PROPOSED DATES:  May 8th-June 3rd, '08 (these are approximate)

PARTICIPANTS: 6          

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2008   

PURPOSE:   

To reach out uniquely in the community and build up the reputation of the fellowships in the area while also allowing the participant a new platform of experience for using the arts in ministry. The vision is to use the arts in order to build relationships with people and pass on these contacts to long-term workers.

MINISTRY DESCRIPTION:        

The first days will be spent in orientation in Spain. This time of about 4 days will include:

- teaching on integrating art and faith;
- practical exposure to language, culture and Islam;
- development and preparation of ministry ideas;
- visits to art galleries and art workshops;
- time for solitude.

After the conference,  the team will travel together to country of service.

Ministry will revolve around using the Visual Arts to support the efforts of local workers and fellowships who aim to reach out uniquely in a couple of communities. Activities could potentially involve visiting and working alongside local artists, believing and non-believing, connecting with a local arts college, running an exhibition as well as workshops, and/or working in partnership with local ministries, churches or common interest organizations.

TOTAL APPROX. OUTREACH COSTS:  1,330 USD / 914 EURO

**NOTE: All costs subject to change with exchange rates and trip detail adjustments.

Figure also does NOT include air flight, personal pocket money, visa cost or OM Home country fees to cover application, insurance and administration costs. A detailed financial breakdown of costs will be given to applicants.

TRIP PREPARATION:

Participants should come prepared to pioneer and bring whatever art supplies for personal and team use.  The art team is responsible for the purchase and supply of the materials needed to complete the art projects planned. Included in the outreach costs is an art supply fee that will help towards the purchase of some of these items, yet we ask that the artist still consider planning and packing additional supplies that may be needed and hard to come by in other countries. The team can raise awareness of the outreach and its needs among local churches and inner circles.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT:
Each participant is expected to make his/her own flight arrangements, complying with the dates and information given by outreach planners. OM workers in-country will arrange pick-up from the airport.

VISA INFORMATION:

Participants should check with the embassy or inquire from their OM home country office.

ACCOMMODATION:

Pending location of activities, either hostel/hotel accommodation, in homes of host families, or hospitality flat near to ministry offices and an international church.

COMMUNICATION:

On-site phone/email will either be done from the hotel or an internet cafe nearby.

HEALTH:

The team leader should be aware of any physical concerns or limitations upon each participant’s application and arrival.  People need to be physically healthy & able to walk where they need to go.

THE TEAM EXPERIENCE:

The team will be expected to work closely together in keeping each other accountable as well as to design together creative ways of engaging the community through their artistic efforts. This will take initiative, a pioneering spirit and team work on behalf of the participants.

The team will also be expected to work under the leadership of the OM ArtsLink team leader, the on-site OM contact as well as local fellowship leaders. There will be daily devotions to maintain team unity and spiritual focus, as well as opportunity to join in some meetings of local fellowships to build ties and get a better understanding of long-term work in the area.