In a world with growing political instability, terrorism and poverty, a good contingency plan is essential to those who serve cross-culturally.
Do you have an emergency contingency plan? Unless you are a very “event-oriented” person, you will wish to make some Preparations for emergencies.
Actually, considering world conditions at present, it is important to make good contingency plans and to review your plans regularly.
Here are a few tips:
1 · Keep all your personal and travel documents together in a safe location that is easily and quickly accessible to you. These should include passports, health records, important names with addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. I would also include emergency cash in small denominations.
2. Pack (or make a list of what you would pack) a small suitcase for each family member include only what you would need for a few days: underwear, jacket, pajamas, toothbrush, etc. If you take medications you should put a week’s supply in the bag, also.
3. Make sure you have a power bank ready to charge your phone.
4. Check to make sure your “telephone tree” is up to date. This is the one number you can call to let someone, outside the country, know what is happening and then they pass the news along to everyone else.
5. Maybe sure that your employing organization has well-developed emergency contingency plans. Request a review of those plans with you and others near you.
6. Learn to assess the risk level in your area. Don’t glamorize it or downplay it. Be realistic.
7. Keep fit. Keep spiritually fit as well as physically fit. Together these help you stay emotionally fit. This is good to do always.
8. Remember Who you work for and why you are there.
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should, I fear? The Lord is the fortress of my life, whom should I dread? When the wicked advance against me to eat me up, they, my opponents, my enemies are the ones who stumble and fall. Though an army pitch camp against me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, my trust will never be shaken. Psalm 27: 1-3
By Bruce Campbell Moyer
Bruce Campbell Moyer passed away to “his last great adventure” on May 11, 2019. Prior to his retirement from Andrews University as a professor, he was involved in the training of cross-cultural workers and the development of cross-cultural training curriculum. He also developed and directed Global Partnerships, a tent-making program, recruiting and training people for mission in “creative access” countries.