Is this for me?

You are reading this because you probably like what you have read about the YHM so far. It sounds like an exciting place to be, doesn’t it? Some say that serving in the Shelter was the best time of their lives. But will this be true for you as well?

Besides telling you about the wonders of doing missions in Amsterdam, we would also like to present you with some back to earth questions. These are the hard questions that you should ask yourself before signing up.

1. What is my motivation?
Realize that serving in the Shelter YHM is not summer camp. It is not just fun and doing things you enjoy. It will be a great experience to be living in Amsterdam, but a sense of adventure and exploring alone is not enough. Your main motivation should be to serve and glorify God.

2. How do I feel about evangelism?
The main goal of the YHM is to tell people about Jesus Christ. Part of this is relatively easy: you can be a witness by showing kindness and hospitality to people and speak about how wonderful Christ’s love is. But the Gospel message is more than this. Are you also ready to tell people about the need to repent of their sins, that everyone is lost without salvation, and that Christ really is the only way to God? Are you convinced of this your self? Hopefully you are. What will your heart be like when you speak about these things with a guest? Self-righteous or humble? Cold or compassionate and motivated by love? (Take a look at our evangelism statement)

3. Am I prepared to step out of my comfort zone?
You will be living in a different culture, eat different foods, meet people who have never been to college with you and might be from a completely different type of church, people in the streets speak a different language, and your mode of transportation will probably be different than you are used to at home, you will share a room and make new friends, in the hostel you are asked about your faith, if not you will need to be bold and start a conversation with a complete stranger. You not only need to survive outside your own comfort zone, you also serve, lead, and be effective in ministry in a context that might not be yours. Are you prepared to “become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1Cor. 9:22)

4. How will I deal with being away from home?
Depending on the period you sign up for, you may be away from home for quite a while (up to one year). Have you been away from your parents, brothers, sisters and friends before, how did you cope? How will they cope with you being away? Will they support and encourage you through telephone calls, emails or letters? Will they pray for you?

5. Am I prepared for a cultural experience?
When you first arrive in Amsterdam, every new experience will be interesting, funny or cool. But after a few months most people start to compare the new culture with how things are at home and get frustrated or anxious about some things in the new culture. The way people talk, customs, and foods – it just isn’t like you were used to. When you go through some level of resentment, you hopefully are able to hang on and persevere. Most staff members go through a down period. After this, things pick up again. You find a way to be yourself and to identify with the new culture and environment. You will enjoy it so much that going back home might be tough. The culture-shock coming home often is bigger than when arriving in Amsterdam. To some it feels like a black hole. To some extent you can prepare yourself for this, though, and also friends and family can play an important role.

6. Am I willing to give up my own preferences?
Have you ever considered that some of your behavior might be unacceptable to a staff member from another country? Maybe the way you speak about people who are different, or the slang or curse words that you tend to use, without meaning any harm off course.
Or could it be possible that some things you find acceptable for a Christian to be involved in, are actually a burden or a temptation to other Christians? That is why we ask you not to smoke, drink alcohol (including beer), watch certain movies, dress in certain ways or go out on a date with a person from the other sex. It is not about what you can handle, but keeping in mind others. “Be careful that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling-block to the weak” (1Cor. 8:9)

7. Am I devoted to prayer?
How much time do you spend in prayer each day? How much do you read your Bible? Is it reasonable to think that you will increase this as soon as you are doing missions? Why do you think so? Your personal relationship with Christ is the basis for everything else. You will be able to deal well with all the area’s mentioned above if you are rooted in Gods word. But this doesn’t come by just being part of a ministry team. A chef in a restaurant can prepare meals for other people all day long, at the end of the day he still needs to eat to nurture himself and stay healthy. Make personal prayer and Bible reading a priority.