As of 2009, any new applicants who wish to continue in short-term mission for over 12 months, up to a maximum of 24 months, can now opt for the On Track Plus programme.

Reasons for OT+

As we seek to walk with people on their journey in mission, we find a good number who want to serve for a significant time (more than a year) but who, for various reasons, are not yet ready, or able, to commit themselves to longer term partner status.

The issue has been highlighted in an EMQ  article called “Middle Mission”  ( Jan 06 edition) which says:  

“Mission agencies need to start recognizing and developing programs for people in  “Middle Mission,” individuals who are somewhere between short and long-term commitments. Many people today (most under the age of thirty) have done several short-term mission trips but are not in a position to make a long-term commitment”

(full article available on request) 

This programme is designed to prepare individuals for effective long term missions service by providing  “stepping stones” between short term and long term service.

OT Limits

OT limit is 12 months TOTAL TIME spent serving in an Interserve country team.

OT+ limit is 24 months TOTAL TIME spent serving in an Interserve country team.  

People who have completed a total of 12 months in OT and who want to continue to serve with Interserve in the OT programme need to apply for the OT+ programme (this can be done while on location in the country team). 

People who have completed  a total of 24 months and who want to continue to serve with Interserve are required to return to their home country and choose from one of the following alternatives:

- Apply as a partner

- Apply as a returning professionals (conditions apply) 

Application process and requirements for OT+

National Offices selection will be of greater depth for OT+ than for the OT programme; more in line with a partner application process.The application will include:

- Completion of OT+ application form ( and a copy to the ICOT)

- Signed OT+ commitment 

- Full medical and psychological tests (as for partners) 

1. -Suitable references (as for partners)
   

2. -Interview with NO personnel staff
   

3. -Suitable orientation (generally more than for the OT programme) including planned attendance of
   

   E2S during the OT+ programme

- Adequate financial support for the duration of the programme (encourage a percentage of support

  to be raised). 

- Language learning will be part of the requirements for most countries 

- Invitation from CTL to join the OT+ programme. 

Application for OT+ while on location in Country team

If the person  on location serving with a country team wishes to extend an OT programme to an OT+ programme, the following criteria must be met before the commencement of the OT+ programme (i.e. before the beginning of the 13th month of short-term service). 

The applicant will:

- Have completed a minimum of 6 months OT experience 

- Filled out the OT+ application form and returned it to the National office with a copy to the CLT  

  and the ICOT. 

- Signed the OT+ commitment

- Agree to attend E2S and the yearly country team conference during the OT+ programme

- Normally language learning will be part of the requirements for most countries  

Costs for the OT + programme 

All people coming for OT+ we encouraged to raise their financial support.

 

- $25 per month contribution to International costs of Interserve 

- There will be National office charge 

1. -Share of the country team costs equal to what partners contribute as per country budget (this   
   

  includes country conference costs).