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Since its inception, Diaspora Intercultural Academy has been committed to three primordial areas of ministry: Research, Literature, and Training. However, some sub-areas were naturally added because of its commitment to service in Brazil and Russia, as it also serves the Church in the United States.
DIA is committed to do research in the areas of Mission Theology, Intercultural Studies, and Church-based Community Ministries. Such research foci are key for the analysis and interpretation of a missionary action that is holistic, attending to the whole needs of the whole human being.
A question is often raised, "Isn't this commitment a rather theoretical effort?" The answer to that question is direct, but very simple: Unless we understand the theory, we will not be able to accomplish any reasonable task. Successful practice is based on sound theory; the same way that effective Christian life is only lived because of sound doctrine.
One of the most important areas of DIA's vision is to turn its research and training into printed forms of communication. The literary ministry will offer books, essays, articles, and other literary works available, both in hardcopy and electronically. Important topics covered are in areas of Missiology, Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication, Biblical and Theological studies, Pastoral Issues, and Apologetics.
Although there has been a steady growth in Christian literature in Portuguese, there is still a great need for reliable literature in Theology, Bible Studies, Pastoral and Missiological studies. At the same time, there is also a need for affordable literature so that pastors, evangelists, and missionaries with low income would have access to it. The same applies to Russia, where contemporary Christian literature is also in great demand
DIA is also committed to offer missiological and missionary training to any Christian who feels called by God to minister in various categories. There are two universities and two colleges in the immediate area around Lewiston, Idaho, and those schools draw a large number of young people. There are over 150 Christian churches in the same area, with a variety of people with many different spiritual gifts and talents. DIA is committed to the Northwest United States (Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington) as an opportunity to serve in this important area of ministry. By doing so, DIA seeks to serve the young people and adults who want to use their gifts and talents in God's Mission.
DIA aims to fulfill the Great Commission by empowering people who want to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God with those being called by the Savior. In order to accomplish its goals, training is offered in different models: night classes, for those who cannot attend school during the day, distance education and informal training sessions such as seminars, workshops and directed (personalized or tailored) studies.
Independently from the missionary training, any Christian who would like to receive biblical and theological education, should have this opportunity be extended to him or her. DIA is committed to providing such opportunity to interested believers in the United States and abroad. As part of its program, the Academy is working means to start a Center for Cosmopolitan Studies in Brazil by the year 2010.
Many pastors in Brazil and Russia are unable to afford good literature and continuing education opportunities during their ministry. DIA is committed to providing sound and affordable Christian literature in Portuguese for Brazilian pastors who cannot build their personal libraries, and continuing education events as closely to their ministry sites as possible. This will maintain the cost of such events at a minimal cost for them. The preparation of literature in Russian is also a concern, and efforts are being made to help in the production of such.
Missionary trips are key in the raising of the vision and awareness for the mission task given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ. Many full-time missioners received their calling during or after an important missionary trip that they were part of. Short-term missions are a significant element in the ministry of Diaspora. These short-term missionary treks can be just for a few days, a few weeks or months, or even a couple of years. These trips serve their purpose as in loco education, missionary internships, mutual learning among different cultures, exchange of information and friendship. This list is almost endless.
One of the items of DIA's articles of incorporation is related to long term mission work. The Academy, in order to practice what it teaches, is committed to the "sending" of missionaries on long term missions as well. The sending of missionaries is primarily through the Church, but DIA is ready to work along with the local church in order to fulfill the Great Commission through missionaries strategically serving under its statement of faith and corporate guidelines.
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