MISSIONS TRIP GUIDELINES

One of our most important projects is Community Service. Its activities vary from Medical Outreach, Tree Planting, Gardening, Feeding, Evangelism, Relief Operation and other practical support activities for the community. It aims to provide encouragement to tribal Churches. This practical assistance opens the door to win people to the Lord.

The following are guidelines to keep in mind if considering a visit:

VOLUNTARY BASIS
Involvement is on a voluntary basis and volunteers must be able to pay for their own travel and food expenses. In addition, TMFI requires their churches or fellowships to endorse each individual by providing a signed letter of recommendation from their Pastor.

PACKING LIST
The following is a list of essentials for a trip:

• Sleeping bags or lie lows
• Identification papers
• Notebook, pen, Bible
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Insect repellent
• Water container & purifier
• Light clothing
• First aid kit (antibiotic ointment)

TRAVEL TIPS

1. Pack light. Chances are you will have to carry all your own supplies. A good backpack is a necessity.

2. Break-in new shoes before the trip. Blisters are not a pleasant experience. Aside from hiking shoes, bring hiking sandals as well.

3. Consider taking items you would not mind giving away if you see a need.

4. Remember that your dress code will be dictated by the host culture, not your own taste. Avoid wearing "very short" shorts, sleeveless and mid-rib clothes. Also consider leaving your jewelry behind.

5. Some of the people you meet will enjoy seeing pictures of your family. Take some pictures to show them.

6. Stay with other team members while traveling to avoid being left behind or separated from the group.

7. Upon arrival, hold all your bags tightly while in crowded and confusing areas like the terminal/airport. Listen well to the team leader and follow instructions quickly.

8. Be aware of the image you are projecting to those around you while in the bus, ship or plane. Be sensitive to the people from your host culture that are on board.

9. If you suffer from any kind of travel sickness, be sure you have proper medication. Remember that it may be difficult for the team to slow down or stop for you. Taking precautions is both helpful and thoughtful.

10. Transportation difficulties often cause a great deal of stress. Anticipate the difficulties and remember flexibility! When taking public utility vehicles you have to wait a long time for a ride. Waiting is part of the experience. In fact, the longer you wait, the greater the experience! Remember that God is as interested in remaking you as He is interested in making the project.

CONDUCT, ATTITUDE & MANNERS

Volunteers must be culturally flexible. This is a must!

Assume the role of being a learner. Think of yourself as a person who is there to study and learn. Avoid, however, asking too many questions with pen and notebook at hand.

Be aware that at times you may feel your prejudices. You may become frustrated with the way things are or the way people behave. Prove deeper. At times, you will feel your culture is better or more "sophisticated" than they are. Resist the temptation to inform the host church about "how we do things". The sharing and exchange of views is healthy, but watch out for being ethnocentric.

Take the initiative to reach out. Tribal people tend to shy away from you and not speak. Go ahead! Take the risk and try to speak the language. People will really appreciate the effort. And don't worry, they'll forgive you when you mess up!

When it is the first time the team has been together, there is a tendency to be with them most of the time. Take time building relationships to your host culture. You are there to minister to them.

Living together in strange places, combined with the different aspects of group travel, requires everyone to be gracious and patient.

Anything can change from day to day. A flexible team member will learn to accept the unexpected as the norm. Refrain from complaining! It is contagious and will dampen the spirit.

Respect the leader's authority and encourage others to do the same.

Avoid making any promises or commitments.

While in the community, and even in the host family, avoid being alone with opposite sex. Always be in a group.

Giving to the host must be done in wisdom. Give your gifts instead to the team leader and let him or her facilitate the distribution.

Respect the work that is going on in a particular area you are in. Realize that your team will be there for just a short while but the local church leaders/missionary will be there for a long term. Respect their knowledge, insight and instruction.


WORK & MINISTRY TIME

Every team member has work to do. Be helpful and cooperative. Instead of grumbling about problems, propose solutions!

Assume the role of being a servant. We are there to serve not to be served. Remember how Christ served His disciples!

Be prepared to minister. Prepare a testimony, sermon, special number, skit, mime etc. During ministry/prayer time, women will pray for women and men will minister to men.


DISCOMFORTS

Teams will be exposed to difficult and primitive conditions. Volunteers must be physically fit. Most tribal areas are only accessible through long and grueling walks.

Immunization against tropical diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid and cholera is a must. Don't forget to take malarial prophylaxis (THIS IS A MUST!). Please only take Cloroquine Phosphate or it's equivalent. Always consult your doctor before considering this kind of travel.

Volunteers with heart conditions or other medical problems must have a doctor’s authorization allowing them to join the trip.


COST

Upon request, an estimate of the cost can be sent. The cost of each trip varies. It is inclusive of coordination expense, transportation, food and other expenses incurred for the trip. Accommodation at the base is free.


FOOD

Food that is brought to the community is normally in cans. Some may not like that, but always remember that because of the distance and difficulty in transporting the goods, we can’t bring everything we like to eat in the mountains. If someone is on a special diet we advice that s/he bring his/her own food.

When eating, share even just a small amount to your host or people around you. In some tribal areas it is considered a sin if you don't share