Going it alone

We recognise that there are increasing numbers of mission workers out there who aren’t serving with a mission agency, and it’s for you that Syzygy is really here.

We call these people ‘independents’. We salute your heroism, because you’re prepared to go overseas without all the usual supports in place, just because God has called you. Yet your needs are just the same as those who are with an agency, so you’re much more likely to experience serious stress-related issues, emotional challenges and practical problems which can reduce your effectiveness in mission.

Some will have the support and encouragement of family, friends and church, to varying degrees, but even they won’t be equipped to provide you with the training, orientation, cross-cultural briefing, regular debriefing and accountability that go with being part of a professional network.

So these pages are for you! We hope that they will help you survive and thrive in your ministry. Please get in touch with us at info@syzygy.org.uk so that we can discuss with you further how we might be able to help you.  Just click on the orange link below to go to a pdf exploring the relevant subject.

Getting ready to go.  The things you need to do in order to be prepared.

Being cross-culturally aware.  Entering another culture can have a lot of repercussions on yourself and others – here’s how to be ready.

Linking in with others.  You might be trying to do this on your own, but it’s easier if you have help.

Sustainable finance.  Make sure you have enough money to finish the job!

Avoiding damaging the ministry of others.  You can innocently cause a lot of harm if you’re not careful.  Here’s how to get it right.

Security issues.  How to protect yourself and your ministry.

Who is there for you when it all goes wrong?  We never expect it to go wrong, but planning for problems helps you avoid them, or at least get out of them quicker.

Cut adrift.  What happens when you become independent through no fault of your own?