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Mercy Ships International  

University of the Nations

MAKING PEOPLE FEEL at home doesn't sound as though it has a lot to do with firing Christians to take the gospel to the far corners of the world. 
        But a special training course run this month illustrates that giving visitors a warm welcome is as important to Youth With A Mission as its better-known enthusiasm for sending thousands of young people on short-term missions trips each year. 
        Hundreds of pastors, lay leaders, Christian workers and other individuals annually call on many of the mission's 600-plus ministry centers around the world, to learn more firsthand about YWAM's work - so staff from several European countries are gathering at one of the mission's training centers in Holland to find out about the best way to roll out the red carpet. 
        They will be learning more about the art of hospitality - one of the "foundational values", or central pillars, of the 36-year-old organization. As well as studying biblical principles, the YWAM workers will be given practical ideas on issues such as planning menus and overcoming cross-cultural barriers. 
        "It's a very important area of our ministry," says South African course leader Rita Pretorius. "Our homes or bases can be one of the most effective centers of influence in evangelism. Taking care of people in a godly way communicates to them that they have value, and are important to us and to God. Bible passages like Matthew 25 show how God is concerned about how we treat strangers, too." 
        In almost 20 years with YWAM, she has helped provide hospitality services in a wide range of settings, from ministry centers working among refugees in Thailand, to prostitutes and drug users in Amsterdam. 
        Overnight guests at YWAM centers typically receive a "welcome basket" with snacks, and a handwritten note of personal welcome. Many ministry groups also offer "guided tours" of their programs. 
        "A little kindness and respect can go a long way," says Pretorius. "Hospitality provides an opportunity to invest in everyone that comes our way, even in small ways.  We may not know the results of that at the time. Over the years I have known of several people who have gone on to full-time missionary service because they were touched by the care and concern they felt they had 
received." 
        Welcoming visitors can also be a safeguard. "It demonstrates that we are not a cult. A cult closes its doors and is secretive, whereas we open our doors and answer people's questions." 
        But hospitality isn't something that should be limited to full-time 
ministry. "We can all extend hospitality to everyone we meet in our everyday lives," maintains Pretorius. 
         "It's an attitude as much as actions. You need to make room in your own heart before you can make room at your table. Simple things can mean a great deal. Even just offering someone a cup of tea can provide a wonderful opportunity for encouraging someone or sharing your faith."

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