Einsätze

Responsibilities:

The SIM-related church denomination in Benin, the UEEB, has two Bible schools which would greatly appreciate and benefit from the skills and teaching that an agriculturalist would be able to share. The person or couple would live on or near the chosen Bible school compound, joining in the life of the Bible school family while teaching basic agriculture principles applicable to rural areas and communities. A specialization in areas such as the following would be helpful: livestock raising, gardening, food processing (how to better prepare and preserve foods), improving seed quality, water and wells, or reforestation.

1. The French Bible Institute in Soudé: SIM colaborates with this UEEB French Bible school in the northern part of Bénin. The school's goal is to train men and women who will serve the Lord, most often as pastors and pastors' wives, in different regions throughout the country. They have 23 hectares/56 acres of land waiting to be used for the benefit of the school and its students.

2. The Fon Bible School at Savi: This UEEB Bible school in the south provides Bible training in the Fon language. They also have land which they would like to use.

The agriculturalist at either school would:

- study the possibilities for crops, gardens and nurseries, and for raising animals; instruct and guide the students in their field work; and help them acquire more knowledge and skills in these areas.

- plan, put into practice, and demonstrate innovative agricultural methods and projects that the pastors can use there and in their future locations around the country.

- contribute to the betterment of the Bible school students' nutrition through test projects carried out on site.

- study along with the students how these agricultural projects can not only provide more and better food supplies for them, but also how they can be used to supplement their income while at Bible school and later on when they are in full-time ministry; teach, discuss, and demonstrate good business practices.

Ministry 2: DL- Livestock--Animals/Poultry/Fish

Other Ministry Possibilities: Teaching in the Bible school (if you have biblical training) along with other ministries which would add to the spiritual and social life of the Bible school, such as discipleship and mentoring, children's clubs, sports, music, teaching French or English, etc. There might also be opportunities for ministries within a local church.

Professional License: Agriculturalist

Required training: Or appropriate training in the domain of agriculture and farming.

Recommended Experience: Experience in several agricultural domains is highly recommended.

Personality Issues/ Cultural Considerations: Self-starter; enjoys rural, simple living (both Bible schools are in the "bush country").