The work of Lay Missionaries depends on their individual talents and background, as well as the needs of the Church in Africa. Our desire is to serve the needs of the local people, helping to facilitate their own goals, rather than imposing our plans and projects upon them. Instead of taking a prominent and permanent leadership role, we work to support and strengthen the efforts of local personnel.

We serve in response to requests from African Bishops, and in cooperation with other SMA units/entities and other missionary groups in Africa. Placements are made as part of a complex process, recognizing the abilities of the individual, in response to the invitation of the Church in Africa, and in cooperation with other SMA and Church personnel already serving in the region.

Some SMA Lay Missionaries have used their talents in areas such as these:

• Ministry to street youth in cities
• Serving self-help organizations among the handicapped
• Agricultural improvement demonstrations
• Construction and operation of production facilities for fish, rabbits and poultry
• Construction of clinics, schools, living quarters, and offices.
• Computerization of diocesan offices
• Teaching science, math, language, religion, physical education, music, computer skills,
• construction skills
• Programs for pre-school children affected by war
• Improving the skills of teachers, nurses and midwives by teacher training and by working

alongside local professionals

• Medical care for leprosy patients
• Vaccination programs for young children
• Basic health education and clinical nursing care
• AIDS education for young people
• Religious education of Catechists and Religious candidates
• Bible study for market workers
• Participation in parish Small Christian Communities
• Small-business development for unemployed refugee women
• Grant-writing for child-soldier projects, for hospitals, for schools, etc
• Funds administration for scholarship programs
• Helping with refugee relief food, shelter, and recovery
• Community development projects

In many cases there are other things Lay Missionaries do that are less visible but equally important to mission. For example:

• Being present with people in need or in danger
• Making friends with neighbors of a different culture and religion
• Listening to stories of sadness even when little can be done
• Participating in the life of the local parish
• Sharing experiences at the market, on the bus, at the clinic–or just in the rain and sun!

In daily life together is the mutual gift of love and the sharing of the Gospel witness!

THE LAY MISSIONARY TIMELINE

Persons interested in finding out about S.M.A. and applying to the Lay Missionary Program go through a structured admissions process to be accepted as candidates. This can take weeks or months or longer, as it is an important and sacred process of discernment that should not be rushed.

Persons who are accepted as candidates for the S.M.A. Lay Missionaries enter the Formation Program that begins with about 3 ½ months at the Formation Center in Takoma Park, Maryland (just outside Washington, D.C.). The Formation Program normally begins in early September and concludes in mid-December. During Formation, the candidate continues to discern whether S.M.A. and Africa are the right path. If there is a mutual decision to go forward with the commitment, a candidate formally becomes an S.M.A. Lay Missionary at a Commissioning Mass in December. Lay Missionaries then go home to make final preparations and to say goodbye to family and friends. Departure for Africa depends upon schedules in the receiving country of service, but it usually occurs in early January.

Upon arrival in the country of service, the first two to three months are normally spent in Orientation to the local situation and to Language and Culture training. The situation in each country is different and the type of language, culture and orientation vary.

Following Orientation and Language and Culture training, full-time service in the Lay Missionary’s placement begins, and lasts for the next two years.

At the end of service, the Lay Missionary returns to the U.S. for a Re-Entry Program which includes a week or more of debriefing with the Leadership Team, and with other personnel, and a medical checkup. Then the Missionary reconnects with family and friends at home for a period of three months. During these months, the Lay Missionary is asked to “spread the word” about Mission, about Africa and S.M.A., and to help raise funds for the S.M.A. Lay Missionaries by speaking engagements and other means. Toward the end of this time, the Lay Missionary may ask to be renewed for a new commitment with S.M.A., for another two years.

After several commitments, a Lay Missionary may ask to become a permanent member.