With nearly 2,000 missionaries from over 30 countries, SIM International has plenty of opportunities to grapple with tensions in an international mission. Predominantly Western for many years, SIM has more recently received an influx of many others, especially Asians. On the whole, the mission believes that despite the tensions it brings, internationalization has been an enriching and strengthening factor in mission life.
Tensions are inevitable in any organization and they can be destructive.
The fighting in the former Yugoslavia, as well as conflicts in some African countries, shows that cultural and ethnic differences are an incredibly destructive force. Although the church is a divine institution, it's no surprise to find strife, division, and tension among its members. Likewise, the apostle Paul's mission teams faced strong tensions and one team split. International mission agencies are vulnerable to tensions from a number of different sources. Even something as innocuous as introducing a guest speaker can stir up trouble.