A Unique Plan
Inner conflicts, work-related tension, family problems, social injustices, environmental decay, and even international crises are not disconnected elements of today's reality.
The current state of the world is a result of people's choices, and in order to improve that state it is crucial that each person discover their full potential and become who he or she should be. It is equally important that we understand that there is a unique plan for each of us, which must be found and followed in order to obtain happiness and peace of mind for ourselves, and to impart the same to others.
To discern and effect such a plan we must know the Planner—God—and establish a close connection with Him. Then we can generate positive change in our own lives as well as in the world around us, and do our part to improve the society in which we live.
A missionary is someone "sent with a mission." That mission for a Christian is to make the world a better place by helping to improve the lives of as many individuals as possible, both physically and spiritually. The life of a missionary who knows and obeys God's teachings provides essential values and knowledge which assists others in finding God's plan for their lives, drawing on His infinite resources for strength and well being, and applying His loving teachings to their everyday decisions and interactions with others.
There is no "one size fits all" solution. Each country, culture and individual is unique, and a professional missionary must be versatile and able to adapt accordingly in order to meet the need. The dynamics and influences in society today call for highly qualified and dedicated volunteers to meet the challenge. This is no amateur league— proper training is essential.
The Professional Missionary Academy is an innovative training program created by the Family International for those desiring to make a positive mark on the world as a professional missionary. The PMA provides extensive training in how to effectively give spiritual counsel and assistance to others from all walks of life, and enable them to offer the same training to others.
PMA courses are designed as an e-learning program, which allows each student to study the course material on their own, interact with other students in international locations via on-line forums, benefit from a broad range of experiences, and share their own experiences with others.
Since a key to learning and absorbing training is implementation, the program includes opportunities for the students to have hands-on experience through a variety of Christian ministry related assignments which they must complete throughout the course—assignments which directly contribute to improving the society in which they live.
Additionally, in order to maximize the program's effectiveness, each PMA student is mentored by an experienced missionary who helps to guide them through the course, gives advice and encouragement, and supervises their progress.
The Professional Missionary Academy is an innovative training program created by the Family International for those desiring to make a positive mark on the world as a professional missionary.
In short, The PMA provides participant missionaries with experience, input and training that will help them to counsel and aid others. Students learn to help others improve their lives through the knowledge of God's love and Word, and to in turn provide spiritual assistance to those around them.
By focusing on inner change, which then results in outer change, a chain reaction will be sparked which can bring about lasting improvement in a community. This is a plan for progress in today's world that makes a difference where it counts the most.
