Workin' For A Livin'

It is very important to understand the work and employment culture wherever you are doing international ministry.

Example: Here in Peru, the typical workday runs from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This means that if we have a ministry meeting, most Peruvians will not be able to arrive until after 8:00 PM, particularly if they are working full-time. No one in Peru is singing "9 to 5" with Dolly Parton. Peruvians sing "9 to 8."

As well, there is almost nothing in terms of workers' rights or union protection here in Peru. Overtime is frequently demanded, without any additional pay. If a worker wants to leave the office early - let's say for a ministry meeting or study - then he or she risks being fired, as it is not work-related or a family emergency. It's a tough situation in a country where unemployment and under-employment is around 50%.

In our case, knowledge and understanding of the Peru work culture helps us to make our ministry more effective. It allows us to know more precisely when to schedule meetings and conferences and studies.

It is just as important that you know the work culture wherever you are doing international ministry. Don't try to schedule an after-work meeting at 6:00 PM if everyone there is working until 8:00. All you'll do is scratch your head and wonder why no one showed up. It's probably not the case that people don't want to attend, but that they fear losing their jobs if they cut out of work early. It's important to know the difference, and to know the local employment culture, and to ... work ... around it.