Stories from the Field, 6 Aug 2024
Speaker: Michael Wan
Michael has served in Wycliffe-related organisations for three decades, 15 years in the Philippines, and 15 years (to date) in Malaysia. One of his current roles is Field Security Officer (FSO) for his organisation.
Wycliffe missionaries often serve in remote areas, or countries where there are different kinds of risks, such as kidnapping, political instability, dangers to health, etc. The FSO’s role is to monitor the situation in the country and region to ensure that the members serving in that area are aware of the dangers and receive advice on how to stay safe.
Of course, every organisation has a policy document that members are made aware of before going to the field. This will spell out the responsibilities of the organisation as well as the individual member in the event of dangers and emergencies such kidnapping, illness or death. However, up-to-date advice on current and rapidly changing situations is still vital.
One of his early experiences was a two-week visit to an island in the Philippines with an American colleague. The locals on the island were hostile to Christians, and the area was also a hotbed of insurgents. They knew that they were under scrutiny and also heard rumours that a group was planning to kidnap them. At the end of the two weeks, Michael left but his colleague chose to stay behind. Two days later, Michael heard news that his colleague had been kidnapped by the insurgents! Thankfully, after intervention by the local government, his colleague was released. That was 30 years ago, but many missionaries are still working in places where there are risks of kidnapping!
As the FSO, Michael requires all members to have taken contingency training before leaving their home country, and also provides orientation when they arrive on the field. He also has the responsibility to advise people what they should watch out for and what they should and should not do. He tries to get as much information as he can about the area and the situation where they are, and advises the members accordingly. However, decisions are still ultimately the responsibility of each member.
Finally, some important pieces of advice from Michael:
· Never put yourself in a position where you can be a victim
· Find out about the local situation
· Listen to advice
· Take precautions
It is not possible to guarantee safety, but following this advice will reduce the risks!
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