Short-term-worker Program

     TCM has an ongoing need for short-term workers at Haus Edelweiss, our base near Vienna, Austria.  We need 200 short-term workers per year to serve Christian leaders who come for training.  Jobs vary from house-and-grounds projects (mowing lawns, etc.) to food preparation and serving, setting tables, dusting, sweeping, changing bed linens, doing laundry, etc.  A short-term worker must have a servant's heart to help the Haus Edelweiss staff give our guests the education and ministry they need and deserve.  We hope that your purpose in being at Haus Edelweiss is to serve others in the name of the Lord.

     Each short-term work trip to Haus Edelweiss is 17 days, including travel time.  Short-term workers must be at least 21 years of age and expect to work hard 12 hours each day.  You will rise up early and go to bed tired.  There are also many stairs to climb in the course of a day's work, so the worker must have good physical strength and stamina.

     As a short-term worker, you, alongside our full-time and long-term staff, serve the Eastern European and Central Asia Christians who come to study with TCM.  The staff realizes you may have certain gifts or talents that you regularly use at home.  The staff tries to incorporate these gifts into your service, but we often need help in areas outside your favorite activities.  It is best to come with the attitude of our Lord in Mark 10:45 who "did not come to be served, but to serve.”

     The TCM staff will orient and supervise workers during their time of service.  The Haus Edelweiss staff is composed of Americans who live in Austria year round.  They coordinate and help to direct the Institute sessions and workers like you over most of the year.  If you have any questions or concerns about your time of service, please ask.  For each area (kitchen, dining room, grounds, maintenance, etc.) one staff member will be in charge and available for orientation and questions.  Your faithful service to the Christians who have endured persecution for Christ is an indescribable encouragement.

     Each short-term worker is expected to provide his/her own airfare to and from Vienna. Specific dates for arrival and departure will be given to each worker when he or she is scheduled to serve.  TCM provides lodging and meals during your stay.  Costs for dining out and traveling for pleasure are to be paid by the worker.     You will be staying in a clean, comfortable room similar to college dormitory housing.  You will be assigned a room as soon as you arrive.  Each room has indoor plumbing, hot water, etc., and is very comfortable.  Each married couple is assigned to their own room.  If you are traveling alone, you may be assigned a roommate.  The Haus is physically isolated in a small valley near Vienna.  It is not close to shopping areas or other tourist attractions.  The area is rural.  So, in the evenings after the dinner cleanup, there is opportunity for prayer, personal Bible study, reading, walks on the trails in the Vienna Woods, board games, outdoor games (e.g., ping pong, basketball, volleyball), and swimming.

     Many rewards accompany serving with TCM as a short-term worker.  Serving Eastern European Christians is a rich experience.  You will be part of a work which is poised to help reshape the entire future of Europe.  These people you serve must overcome many obstacles when they go back to their homes to build God's Kingdom.  They will continue to turn Europe upside down with the gospel.  The people with whom we work in Eastern Europe trust and love us as much as we trust and love them.  We have a great responsibility to them.  What an incredible opportunity you will have to serve and be a part of building His Kingdom!  Many STWs return to America saying, "That experience has changed my life."

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY:

     TCM serves people from many language groups, cultures, traditions, and ethnic backgrounds.  They have many different norms, communication patterns, and unwritten expectations.  In such an intercultural setting, it is quite easy to make comments, commitments, or promises, which cause major problems and misunderstandings.  For example, a friendly American hug is not always welcomed or proper.  Jewelry and make-up do not always convey the same image as in America.  The Haus Edelweiss staff will help you become aware of many of the differences among cultures at the Saturday and Monday meetings.  The important thing to remember is you are meeting different cultures and need to monitor what you say and do.  Err on the side of conservatism when interacting.

LANGUAGE BARRIERS:

     Most of the Austrians with whom you come in contact will have some skill in English.  In fact, you may step into a store and the shopkeeper will speak English automatically because “you look American.”  With many of the Eastern European students you will also find some familiarity with English.  It may be limited and with a heavy accent, but with patience, creative hand gestures, and love, most messages can be understood.  Most of the Institute sessions have one primary translator who helps with the course of study and is usually happy to bridge the language gap.

INTERESTING/HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR AUSTRIA:

     Please see the links page for a listing of web-sites that will help you plan and schedule your personal time AFTER serving at Haus Edelweiss. 

     Interested individuals should contact Carol Fields, STW Coordinator, by phone (317.299.0333) or e-mail (Carol@tcmi.org) if you have questions about TCM’s STW Program.