Opportunity Title: HIV/AIDS Ministry Volunteer
Location: Jos, Nigeria
Number of Positions: Various
CRCNA Ministry Involved: Christian Reformed World Missions
Time Commitment: At least one month - the length of your time in Nigeria could vary greatly depending on your interests, the time of year you are in Nigeria, and your availability.
Dates Opportunity is Available: Immediately
Purpose: To work with Beacon of Hope to educate and mobilize the Nigerian church in their response to HIV/AIDS through working with youth, assisting with pastoral care, building staff capacity, and more.
Background on ministry partner: Beacon of Hope is a joint CRWM-CRWRC ministry located in Jos, Nigeria. Working through a fellowship of 13 church denominations (TEKAN), Beacon of Hope seeks to:
a) educate the Nigerian churches and communities on basic HIV/AIDS information and how to respond to the pandemic
b) train and encourage youth/young adults to make informed and healthy lifestyle choices
c) mobilize the church on how it is called to respond to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in a caring and compassionate manner
Specific Responsibilities:
This volunteer position is flexible. Below are some possible ministry opportunities in which you could be involved:
1. Educating & Mobilizing the Church:
Assist the Beacon of Hope team as it works with the Nigerian church in their response to HIV/AIDS:
a) Assist in the coordination and planning of workshops with the Nigerian churches
b) Travel with the Beacon of Hope team as it conducts workshops and/or follows up with churches and people
c) Edit, refine, and/or give presentations that will inform people at such events of HIV/AIDS and related topics
d) Assist with the HIV/AIDS counseling and testing of people at such workshops/events
e) Assist in the development of a church accountability program that cares for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS
f) Edit, refine, and/or create materials that will be effective in educating and training people about HIV/AIDS
2. Youth Programs:
Work alongside a national Beacon of Hope Program Officer or supervisor who oversees the promotion, coordination, and implementation of the ABY Program (Abstinence, Be faithful for Youth):
a) Assist the ABY staff with administrative/office work and data analysis
b) Travel with ABY staff to visit various promoters and leader youth of the Youth to Youth program
c) Assist the Beacon of Hope staff in conducting workshops on faithfulness and sexual abuse as well as to train or upgrade promoters and staff
d) Participate in the development of the ABY program
3. Pastoral Care:
Assist Rev. Gerald Hogeterp as he leads a course/workshop on pastoral care and mentors national pastors:
a) Assist in the development of workshop materials
b) Assist in leading the workshop
c) Serve as a mentor/coach to those who are attending the workshop
d) Assist in the development of a church accountability program that cares for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS
4. Agency Capacity Building:
Assist the Beacon of Hope team in the development of its staff:
a) Edit and refine Beacon of Hope materials and presentations
b) Provide a workshop and training on leading effective workshops and presentations
c) Assist in the development of basic computer skills and knowledge for staff
d) Develop staff capacity to write papers and reports and develop plans
5. Other:
There are numerous other ministries addressing HIV/AIDS throughout Jos that could be visited to further your understanding of and involvement in HIV/AIDS ministry.
North American Responsibilities:
• Educate the CRCNA and others about the nature of the global church and its mission.
• Encourage CRC churches to develop a deeper passion and involvement in international missions.
• Communicate the nature and value of CRWM's ministries to the CRCNA and beyond and participate in support-raising for those ministries by developing and maintaining a network of supporting churches and individuals which will provide prayer, care and financial support for the ministry.
Qualifications:
• Mature Christian committed to Christ, who is a Canadian or US resident
• Flexible and adaptable
• Compassionate and respectful of other cultures
The specific qualifications and interests necessary for this volunteer opportunity will vary greatly. It is recommended that the interested individual have some of the below qualifications and/or interests:
• Medical – studies and/or experience in nursing, public health, medicine, etc.
• Communications – studies and/or experience in teaching, English, public speaking, communications
• Computers – studies and/or experience in computers, graphic design, development of presentations
• Social work – studies and/or experience in pastoral care, social work, counseling, etc.
• Theological – studies and/or experience in church pastoral ministry, teaching pastors, etc.
Expectations of the volunteer:
1) Complete and submit a volunteer application form and resume/CV;
2) Ability to pass a background check;
3) Raise prayer and financial support by inviting individuals, businesses and /or churches to give to this opportunity;
4) Attend an orientation session in the Home Office
5) Adhere to CRCNA Standards of Conduct
Budget: please note that costs are estimated and listed in US funds (budget yet to be determined)
Transportation to and from the field:
Transportation on the field:
Housing and utilities:
Ministry expenses:
Other expenses:
Total cost:
Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) An opportunity to foster new attitudes, perceptions and relationships;
3) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
4) The opportunity to share your Christian faith with others who may not know the Gospel;
5) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Nigeria;
6) Apply your current gifts and talents and discover some new ones;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and/or development work;
8) Grow in your understanding of the basic principles for international missions;
9) Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWM have impacted communities in Nigeria;
10) Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in Nigeria.
11) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided: ServiceLink and CRWM agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers and local community;
- pre-trip orientation (required)
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.
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