Missionary Mentorship Program
Practical Mentorship - Hands-on Experience
In the remote jungles of Burma, our discipleship school is a lifeline for Burmese young people, offering them spiritual growth and practical skills to live with purpose. Yet, finding committed teachers willing to serve in such an isolated and demanding setting has always been a struggle. Meanwhile, we noticed a recurring challenge: new missionaries, brimming with passion to serve across cultures, often arrived unprepared. Without proper mentorship or training, they faced cultural barriers and discouragement, sometimes stepping away from missions altogether. This gap revealed a pressing need—not just for more teachers, but for a way to support and equip those eager to serve.
That’s why we launched the Missionary Mentorship Program, a 10-month experience that turns challenges into opportunities. New missionaries step into dual roles as teachers and learners, guiding Burmese youth while being mentored themselves through a hands-on mentorship curriculum. From prayer and fundraising to language learning and cross-cultural ministry, they gain the tools to thrive under the guidance of seasoned mentors.
The result? Our school gains passionate educators, the Burmese community is uplifted, and participants emerge ready for a lifetime of effective, resilient missionary work. It’s a powerful cycle of transformation—for the missionaries and those they serve.
Program Overview
A Note From Dave:
I have been working as a missionary for more than a decade. I have seen too many missionaries come onto the mission field, excited and fired up to start a rival, only to leave discouraged and frustrated that most of their plans and ideas didn't work.
I have seen missionaries with terrible newsletters and updates, I've seen phoney newsletters, I've had missionaries ask me "can you send me some pictures of sick kids in the hospital so I can include them in my newsletter, people like that kind of stuff."
I want to see missionaries become integrated into the local community, stay connected to their home community, and navigate the complexities of not really fitting anywhere. I want to see missionaries focus on what matters - making disciples of Jesus.
So if you feel a call to missions or cross-cultural work, maybe its worth it in the long run if you take 10 months to get mentored on the mission field - you'll gain practical experience and real world mentorship to set you up for a career in missions.
Phase 1
September - December
This is an Introduction to Cross-Cultural Work. The first 3 modules you'll work through are Spiritual Foundations, Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Language Learning.
Phase 2
January - March
This is getting into the Nuts and Bolts of Missionary Life and Work. The three modules in this phase will cover: Missionary Skills, Practical Ministry, and Personal Development.
Phase 3
April - May
The final phase prepares you for a Future In Missions. There are four modules in this phase: Team Dynamics, Contextual Understanding, Spiritual Warfare, Integration and Application. In this phase you will also build your vision statement and ministry plan for your future.
How It Work
1
Apply and Interview
Do you feel a call on your life to serve the Kingdom of God as a missionary? Maybe you just want to try it out? Maybe you're looking to gain experience in ministry. Step one is to apply to the program. We'll do some reference checks and set up an interview time to walk through the program.
2
Practical Field Experience
You will be serving in the roll of Discipleship Teacher during your mentorship time. Arriving in Thailand, getting organized, and transitioning to the Jungle Discipleship School campus is all part of the program. We will get you fully equipped for jungle life and ready to start making disciples.
3
Self-Paced Learning
Each week you will have a reading, some reflection questions and a task. You will be expected to keep up with the mentorship curriculum as well as your discipleship duties at JDS. At least once a month you'll have a scheduled time to sit down one on one and talk through what you're learning and experiencing as a new missionary.