After completing all the paperwork you'll be invited to one of the three SIMStart weekends held each January, May, and September. At SIMStart you'll interact with a large cross-section of SIM personnel, participate in seminars dealing with preparation for life and ministry on the mission field, and meet others at the same point in their journey as you.
You'll meet with a Christian psychologist who will interpret your testing with you and you'll spend time with the Extended Short Term Associates Coordinator who will discuss placement options in greater detail. By the end of the weekend you and we will have a pretty good sense of how well we fit together.
You will also receive the STA Manual ("The Red Folder") which will provide specific instructions for next steps as well as general information for writing newsletters, applying for visas, etc.
SIMStart will also identify what next steps need to be taken in preparation for going overseas. Obviously, the practical stuff of passports, tickets, inoculations, etc. will be outlined for those going to the field soon. Some people might need Bible and/or cross-cultural training course while others may have family needs to address.
Placements can sometimes be confirmed very shortly after SIMStart for those planning to serve less than 24 months. The step-by-step process will be outlined for you at SIMStart. SIM will not tell you where you will go; we'll work together to prayerfully identify places that match your passions, field needs, and the direction the Lord is leading.
Once your placement is confirmed, you'll receive a cost estimate and can begin connecting with the people God has lined up to support you in prayer and with finances. More information on RDM is included in "The Red Folder".
The costs involved differ depending on ministry location and anticipated length of term.
Please keep in mind that by law we cannot receive funds for your ministry until your placement has been confirmed.
Three organizations - the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Third Culture Kids (TCK), and Missionary Training International's PreField Orientation (PFO) - team up each June to run a two-week training program for teachers and caregivers of Third Culture Kids (TCKs). SIM requires this valuable training program for all teachers who plan to serve at an international or missionary kid school.
