Team manual for Brentwood Baptist Site Visit Nov2011

Guatemala Mission Trip

Team Member Manual

Site Visit

Nov 13-15, 2011

The Shalom Foundation

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing to go to Guatemala. We are glad you will be joining

us in the work there. It is our prayer that God will challenge you spiritually and help

you grow in your faith as a result of this trip. God is actively at work in Guatemala,

yet much work remains to be done. Your interest in helping is an answer to prayer.

Short-term teams have been partnering with

us since 1995 for the purpose of outreach to the

people of Guatemala through evangelism,

construction, medical, dental, and educational

activities. Regardless of your area of outreach,

most people find the greatest rewards are in the

relationships that are made. The most significant

work that you will do will be loving people and

spending time with them being a witness for Jesus

Christ, rather than building a wall or helping

someone meet a physical need.

The people of Guatemala know that you

have spent a significant amount of money and time

to come and they feel honored you would choose to

do that for them. Let us encourage you to focus not only on the tasks of this trip,

but also on the relationships that will develop along the way.

We have put together this manual to help you prepare for the trip. This

manual is prepared to provide you with practical information that will help make

your trip successful and enjoyable. Please read it, commit to attending the

scheduled team meetings, and follow the guidance of the team leadership. Even if

you have previously participated in a Guatemala mission trip, it is important to

attend all meetings to help build team spirit.

We ask that you be patient and flexible as you prepare, travel, live, and work

with the team. Evaluations from those who have gone before indicate that any

inconveniences you may experience will be overshadowed by the gratitude of the

people you will serve. You will find the Guatemalans friendly and easy to get to


know. The work you do will be a great help to them and will bring hope to many.

Our team leadership is ready to assist you in any way we can.


The Shalom Foundation’s History in Guatemala

The Shalom Foundation has been active in Guatemala City

for more than decade serving acutely poor children and

sharing the Gospel. Through our supporters and

volunteers, Shalom has touched thousands of lives, have

completed more than 70 homes, conducted 170 surgeries,

and have helped build a Christian school serving over 700

students.

The Shalom Foundation currently sponsors more than 130 students providing for their tuition

and other associated education expenses. Through the years 475 missions team members have

traveled to Guatemala City with The

Shalom Foundation in God’s service to

others.

In June, 1991, several founding

members of The Shalom Foundation

Board took their first trip to Guatemala

City. In 1995, a 22-member team

provided construction assistance and

conducted the organization’s first

Medical/Dental “clinic”. Annual Missions Trips were planned and led each year since that time.

In June, 1996 a 26-member Construction Team began work on Shalom Church with Pastor

Alvaro Perdomo. In May, 1997 a 48-member Missions Team provided construction work on

Shalom Church and provided much-needed medical treatment -- the largest Shalom team to

travel to Guatemala at the time. The Construction Team traveling in May, 1998 began

construction on Shalom School. In January, 2000 Shalom Missions Team members attended the

Shalom School Dedication with the traditional beginning of the new Guatemalan school year


(January 15). Construction Team members traveling in April, 2001 participated in Shalom

Foundation’s first Home Construction project building 6 homes. In 2003, Shalom Foundation

outfitted a commercial kitchen for the “Food for Thought” Nutrition Program. In May, 2004, 48

Shalom Team members provided medical and dental services, eye exams, computer

programming as well as home and school construction.

Construction Teams have

continued to travel to Guatemala

building on average 6-7 houses

each year, renovating Shalom

School and Shalom Church. The

Medical Missions Initiative has

seen 7 medical trips to Guatemala

City with the cooperation of

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s

Hospital at Vanderbilt and Belmont

University. With the purchase of the Shalom Surgical Center in 2008 even more trips are in our

future!


GUATEMALA – An Overview

Guatemala is a beautiful country decorated with mountain peaks, rivers, valleys, volcanoes, beaches and jungles. The country and its people have survived decades of turmoil to experience now a time of hope and healing. With the help of people like you, the future for the children of Guatemala can be bright and full of possibility.

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. The country covers an area slightly smaller than Tennessee. It is located in the Central Time Zone. Several airlines including Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines fly from the United States into a newly modernized airport in Guatemala City.

As for the weather, Guatemala maintains a tropical climate and is called the “Land of Eternal Spring.” Average year-round temperatures run 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night. June through October is the rainy season, while November through May sees the drier, most pleasant conditions.

Guatemala operates under a democratic constitutional government. President Alvaro Colom began his presidency January 15, 2008 and will be president for 4 years. T he vice president, Rafael Espada, is a well known heart surgeon who practiced medicine in the United States for many years.


Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Romans 8:36

Guatemala Facts

Population: 13,002,206 (2008)

Comparative Size: Slightly smaller than

Tennessee

Climate: Tropical; hot and humid in

lowlands; cooler in highlands

GDP: $67.45 billion

GDP per capita: $5,400

Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian & Spanish/ called “Ladino”), European 59.4%,

K’iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, Q’eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%

Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Indigenous Mayan beliefs

Languages: Spanish 60% and Amerindian languages 40%

Major exports: Coffee, sugar, bananas, clothing, petroleum

Life expectancy at birth: 69.69 years

Independence: September 15, 1821 (from Spain)

Currency: quetzal; quetzales per US dollar average 8.15 in 2009


Prayer

PRAYER is the foundation of our ministry. Invite others to support and join you in prayer for your trip

and your team.

Pray that…

We will be equipped with every good thing to do His

work. (Heb. 13:20-21)

All spiritual, physical and financial needs will be met.

(Phil. 4:19)

We will be pleasing to Him in everything.

(I Thess. 2:4)

We will be united in spirit, looking out for one another with love.

(Phil. 2:2-4)

Our words will be full of grace and encouragement.

(Eph. 4:29)

There will be protection for us and our families.

(Psalm 91: 9-10)

We will be flexible and content in all circumstances.

(Phil. 4:12)

We will be filled with compassion, kindness, humility and patience. (Col. 3:12)

We will be completely useful to the Master.

(II Tim. 2:21)

We will be light to the nations, so His salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

(Is. 49:6)

My focused vision prayer/verse is:


My Prayer Partner, who will prayerfully journey with me in preparation before and during the trip, is:

My Prayer Team:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Name: Email:

Prayer Requests


Cost of the Mission Trip

Approximately $2,000 (depending on airfare) per person + contributions for the construction.

You will only need money for personal purchase while there (gifts, souvenirs, etc.) and for meals and incidentals during travel to and from Guatemala.

The cost of your trip includes:

o Airline ticket

o Guatemala airport exit tax

o Ground transportation, including vans and fuel

o Lodging, including room and access to related facilities

o Meals

o Insurance

o Team manual

The team is also responsible for raising the funds which will pay for the costs of building a class room for the Las Conchas School. These funds will be raised by the team collectively. Raising funds for this purpose is not raising funds for you. Please feel confident in your efforts, knowing that the funds will be put to God’s service and will used to help others in desperate need of assistance.

Please make all checks payable to The Shalom Foundation.

Online Donation pages:

N/A For THIS TRIP with Sharon and team – sample only

http://theshalomfoundation.donorpages.com/Nov2011Community

(Click “Become a Fundraiser” in the left column)


http://theshalomfoundation.donorpages.com/Nov2011Community

Guatemalan Mission Team Meetings

The pre-arranged, scheduled Team Meetings are a required part of your preparation process. These meeting provide an opportunity for you to meet the other individuals participating in this Mission Trip to Guatemala. Team members will come from other church congregations in the community as well as from inter-personal contact and encouragement from past missions trip participants, Shalom Foundation Board Members and Staff, Shalom Partners, many different “walks of life”.

Important information will be reviewed and shared with the group during each meeting. There will also be time for open discussion and time to answer questions each week. You should commit to attend every meeting.

Links:

www.TheShalomFoundation.org

www.Facebook.com/ShalomFoundation

Recommended Planning Schedule


http://www.Facebook.com/ShalomFoundation

http://www.TheShalomFoundation.org/

3 to 6 Months Prior:

Meet with your team, begin planning and praying together (please make this a priority). Plan your financial needs for this trip. Be timely in turning in request for money. Ensure passport is ordered and updated. Make an appointment for your immunizations with The Global Clinic or your private doctor Put all meeting dates on your personal calendar(s) PRAY

3 Months Prior:

Start reviewing your packing list. Locate your passport, or confirm process timeline. Begin preparing for activities in which you will be involved such as your fundraising efforts. Think through materials, supplies and gifts you will want to bring. Prepare and send out support letters in order to obtain funds in a timely fashion. PRAY

1 Month Prior:

Complete immunizations and fundraising efforts. Assemble items on packing list. Obtain all materials and gifts to be packed. Remember weight limitations are strictly enforced. Confirm finances for the trip. PRAY

1 Week Prior:

Pack luggage --remember flight restrictions are strictly enforced by airport staff. Attend the team packing party a couple of days before departure to pack group supplies. Review this manual and ensure you have thought through all necessary preparations. Make sure you are eating well, getting rest and exercising for optimum health. Have family and friends praying for you and the team. PRAY

Day of Departure:

Prepare for the unexpected! (Flights do not always run on time.) Be flexible! Allow yourself plenty of time so you arrive “on time” at the airport. This is very important for your entire

group. PRAY

Return:

Know what additional follow-up vaccinations you may need (Hepatitis A/B) usually within 6-12 months of return.

Share your journal, photos and stories with family, friends and supporters.

Prepare for post-ministry letdown and reverse culture shock.


Team Support

There is something you should not leave home without – A SUPPORT TEAM. A support team is made up of those people who are committed to joining you in ministry through prayer, finances and encouragement. Support “discovery” is the process of identifying these people around you. Those who support you need to see themselves as a part of the team.

In a team concept, everyone has a responsibility. In short-term missions, those who serve through giving and praying are just as important as those who serve by going and working. You should identify those people you need on your team and send them a support letter. In this letter, they should be made aware of the following information:

Where are you going and with which organization?

What will you do?

Why are you going?

What are your prayer needs?

What do you hope to learn?

How does this fit in with your life plans?

How much support do you need?

What is your support for (airfare, materials, etc.)?

Are gifts tax deductible?

Where is support sent?

Who should be the payee on the check?

All gifts and correspondence should be acknowledged promptly. To show your appreciation, a small gift from Guatemala would be appropriate – pictures, stamps, coins or currency. A follow-up letter upon your return should be included with your gift.

Early into the meetings, the costs of the trip and fee due dates will be provided to all team members. Each team member is asked to turn in monies as soon as possible because reservations for lodging, airline tickets, and team materials must be purchased in advance to secure the most reasonable rates available and to accommodate our travel schedule.

We will discuss team support in more detail in the fundraising section of this manual.

Suggestions for Funding Your Trip


Biblical Principles:

A. Paul urged the church at Corinth to give financially. (II Cor. 8,9)B. Paul thanked the Philippians for their support of his ministry, knowing that

they would benefit by giving (Phil. 4:17) and that God would supply their needs according to His riches. (Phil. 4:19)

C. Jesus taught His followers to seek God and His kingdom first and material needs would be provided. (Matt 6:33)

D. God’s plan is to provide support for His work through Christians who give of their finances. (Matt. 10:20, III John 5-8)

What to Do:

A. Pray…ask God to provide. (I John 5:14-15)B. Be willing to use your personal finances, for yourself and others. Be sure you

have an eternal perspective. (Matt. 6:19-21)C. Realize many Christians would cheerfully contribute to your need because:

a. It is personal; they know where the money is going.b. They are eager to give to something that will accomplish results.

D. Make a list of every possible avenue of support, and take steps to make them aware of your need. You are not raising funds for yourself but to serve others, to bring the gospel to those who will hear.

a. Family b. Friendsc. Teachers/Administratorsd. Businessmene. Church Acquaintancesf. Community Leadersg. Employers

E. Contact them by phone, letter, appointment (or a combination of these).

What to Include in your Letter:

A. A personal greeting.B. How you are growing in your Christian life.C. Why you are writing – to ask them to prayerfully consider investing in your

summer and the lives of these people living in desperate conditions.D. What you expect to get out of the trip.E. The cost involved in the project ($1,400).F. A request to consider an amount (i.e., a range of $25, $50, or $100).G. Who they should make the check payable to: (with your name & “Guatemala”

on the memo line).H. Words of appreciation for considering your opportunity.I. A handwritten signature and/or note on your letter.J. See sample letter for further suggestions.


Follow Up:

A. Call people back in a timely fashion. Be positive, don’t put this off.B. For those who invest in your summer, send them a handwritten thank you

note in a timely manner. We also highly recommend sending a follow-up letter after the trip giving an account of what you did in Guatemala.


Sample Support Letter

(Date)

Dear _______________________________,

In __________ I will have the privilege of participating with a team of adults and students from my church and other local churches on a short-term mission trip to Guatemala. Guatemala has tremendous needs due to its poor economic and social conditions. We are partnering with The Shalom Church of Guatemala to help the local church members by __________________________________________.

I am very excited about this opportunity. Our team will be working with the Guatemalans, but we will also be working on building relationships. But as much as we are going to give our lives away to serve the Guatemalans, I know this trip will deeply impact me personally and I look forward to the growth I will experience as well.

Realizing that a trip of this type does not happen without the involvement of many people, I am asking you to consider how you might support us as we pursue what we feel God is leading us to do. There are two areas of need: prayer and financial. Prayer for unity and safety with our team, for us to be sensitive and obedient to God’s leading and that God would change lives — ours and the people in Guatemala. You can help financially by contributing to help offset the costs of the trip and supplies. Will you please consider joining our support team?

If you wish to help, please detach and return the form below to me in the enclosed envelope by ______________. If you would like to write a check, please make your check payable to _____________________________________. Thank you so much for considering this.

Warmest regards,

_________________________________________(Your signature here)

o Yes, I will commit to pray for you leading up to and during your trip to Guatemala.

o Yes, I will make a financial contribution to your trip, as indicated below.

________$500 ________$250 ________$100 ________$50 ________Other gift

Name _________________________________ Address ____________________________________


E-mail _________________________________ Phone ______________________________________


Mission Trip Support Tracking Form

Your Name: ______________________________________________________

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches In Christ Jesus…

Philippians 4:19

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Culture Shock

Recognizing and coping with the differences between your culture and the culture of the host country can do much to lessen the stress of travel. Several ways to enhance your travel experience before leaving are to learn several words and phrases in the language of the host country, meet and talk to an individual from that country, or visit a worship/church service where they speak the language of the host country. Try to understand why you do things the way you do in your culture and why others do things differently in another culture. Be careful how you compare one culture to another. A desire to learn and understand not only helps you become informed and adjusted, but also communicates servant-hood to your host culture.

Tips for Communicating through a Translator

Speak to the audience, not the translator.

Speak slowly and clearly. Speak loud enough for the translator to hear and understand you. Use short simple sentences. Allow time for the translator to speak. Be conscious of the time factor. Remember, everything has to be repeated.Avoid slang. Slang confuses the audience because it does not translate well.


Cultural Research

The more you understand about the culture of Guatemala, the more effective you will be. It is possible to gain a great deal of understanding about Guatemala, and begin adjusting yourself personally for entering that culture. As you research and study, look for ways to creatively impact your host culture with the message of Jesus Christ. Speak with nationals from the host culture, the Internet, libraries, travel brochures, and periodicals for your research. Creatively prepare a report for your team.

Religious Background: Study the religious beliefs of the people. How do these beliefs differ from Christianity? How devout are the people? What are creative ways to communicate the message of Jesus Christ to these people?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Political Background: What is the primary political system of the culture? How long have they operated under this system? What would be the major differences in thinking politically from your home culture?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Social Background: How is the social structure set up? Family? Male roles? Female roles? How do the sexes interact? Dating? How should your team adjust to honor their social structure? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Geographic Background: What is the basic geography and climate of Guatemala? How does this climate affect the people? (For example: A hot culture often shuts down during the afternoon and has events late into the night.) What can your team expect to experience as a result of the geography and what adjustments will they need to make?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Historical Background: Research and historical overview. Has the country been war torn? Is it stable? Is there a strong world influence? How does the history affect the way the nationals view themselves? What, if any, recent changes have occurred?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Economic Background: What drives the cultural economy? Industry? Agriculture? Tourism? What is the standard of living? Average income? What can your team expect of the culture’s living conditions?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cultural Background: Investigate the country’s cultural celebrations. Holidays? Arts, drama, music? Is their culture tied to the religious beliefs? How do they celebrate?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Statistics and Other Facts: Population? Crowded living conditions? Racial mix? Etc.? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Spiritual Development

Your initial motivation to go on a mission trip may be self-centered. Before leaving, you may have the thought that you are going to change someone else’s life – that they will be the recipients of your efforts. However, upon your return, you may realize that you were changed by the ones you went to help, or possibly, you both were changed. As stated earlier, “It is our prayer that God will challenge you spiritually and help you grow in your faith in Jesus Christ as a result of this trip”. Also, you will find the greatest rewards are in the relationships that are made on the trip. Most importantly, this includes a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.

Journaling

It is recommended you take a pen and journal to record the events of your trip on a daily basis. If you keep a journal, you will find yourself referring to it for many years. Journaling is an important way for you to process what you are experiencing and learning on the trip, as well as revealing areas where you may need to experience spiritual growth and maturity.

You may want to begin your journal before you leave in order to record what God may be revealing to you. Once you’re on the trip, you will want to journal daily. Some of the information you might want to include might be: (1) your relationship with God, (2) your relationship with others, (3) your impressions of the host culture, (4) special people, places, events, food, (5) what you are learning about yourself, (6) and what you are learning about “kingdom building”. Later on, your journal may help you realize that you did not understand all you had experienced on your trip. Allow God to use this journal as a tool to grow spiritually. This journal will help strengthen your witness to others about your relationship to Jesus Christ and what He means to you – how your faith in Him is growing and changing your life. (Journal pages are provided for you in the Appendix of this manual.)


Health & Safety Tips

Before you leave, give copies of your passport and any credit cards you plan to use to a family member or trusted friend.

Several days prior to departure, begin drinking plenty of water. Guatemala City’s elevation of just less than 5,000 feet is significantly higher than Nashville’s elevation of 746 feet.

Once in Guatemala, drink only purified water; use only ice that has been made from purified water.

Your team’s leader will have a first aid kit; see him/her for first aid needs. Do not eat ANY foods from street vendors. Eat only fruits that can be peeled. Take hand sanitizer and use it often. NEVER go anywhere alone; remain with the group AT ALL TIMES. Clean out your wallet. Take only necessary identification, credit cards or cash. It is

advisable to purchase a special pouch or belt for the purpose of discretely carrying your valuable items.

If you don’t need it, don’t take it. We strongly suggest you leave all non-necessary valuables at home, including ALL

jewelry EXCEPT an inexpensive watch. You will be expected to be “on time” to all meetings and all group functions. When possible, always ask permission before you take a picture of someone:

“¿Un photo, por favor?” While traveling in vehicles in-country, always wear your seatbelt.


Immunization Information

Required Shots and length recommended time between shots

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are good for 20 years once you have completed the series correctly.Tetanus is good for 10 yearsTyphoid is good for 2 years

Global Outreach ClinicBrentwood Baptist Church7777 Concord RoadBrentwood, TN

Schedule:

Clinic hours are between 6-8 pm with check in from 6-7 pm

Information at

http://www.globaloutreachclinic.org/1.0.12/

Notes: You must make a reservation to attend this clinic They prefer cash – if you pay with credit card a 5% surcharge will be added Enter at door “B”. There will be signs directing you to our location within the

building.

Pricing:Hep A - $79.00 (2 shot series to be completed within 1 year.)Hep B - $55.00 (3 shot series to be completed within 6 months.)Twinrix (Combo A & B) - $118.00 (3 shot series to be completed within 6 months.)Tetanus (TDaP) - $55.00Typhoid - $66.00

For an important presentation on travel medicine, please visit:

http://www.slideshare.net/kevinmcquaig/travel-medicine-information


Immunization Information, cont.

Shots, Etc.7648 Hwy 70 South at I 40 (exit 196) suite 15Nashville, TN 37221(615) 469-7413

Office HoursMonday - Friday 9am to 5pmSaturdays 10am to 2pm

Pricing:Hep A - $80 per dose x 2 dosesHep B - $75.00 per dose x 3 dosesTwinrix (Combo A & B) - $125 per dose x 3 dosesTetanus (TDaP) - $65.00Typhoid - $80.00 injectable or $85.00 orale

Note: All of their services can be obtained on a walk-in basis but you may want to call just to make sure they have all the vaccines. You may pay by cash, check credit or debit card. They do not accept insurance but will give you a receipt that you can file on your own.

Vanderbilt Travel Clinic 1301 Medical Center Drive TVC Suite 2501 Nashville TN 37232 Phone: (615) 936-1174

Office Hours:Monday and Thursday 8 am to 5:30 pmWednesday and Friday 8am to 2:30 pm

Appointments Only

Hep A $82 per dose x 2 dosesHep B $77 per dose x 3 dosesCombo $122 per dose x 3 dosesTetanus $53 Typhoid $77

Note: They do not accept insurance


Travel and Packing Tips

Travel light—you carry what you pack. Take only what you need.

Leave valuables at home. Clean out your wallet. Take only necessary legal photo identification, credit cards or cash. If you plan to bring your cell phone with you, check with your cellular phone carrier well in advance regarding international phone service and equipment requirements. Your cell phone will not complete calls in Guatemala without the proper service options which are often free or inexpensive while other systems may be more costly.

Pack a carry-on bag for necessities and a change of clothes, prescription medications. Consider sharing a carry-on bag with a teammate. Be aware of current Transportation Security policies.

Each piece of luggage should have a highly visible tag for easy identification. Do not leave team luggage unattended.

Remember your manners when traveling—be courteous and considerate of those around you. Remain as a group. Team leadership does not need to organize any search parties.

Know where you are supposed to be, what time and be there. Consider taking clothes and shoes you can give away. The nationals can use the clothing and

you can gain space to bring back souvenirs. Put a copy of your passport in each piece of your luggage and leave a copy at home with a family

member or friend. We will provide airline baggage restrictions when tickets are booked. One of your checked bags

will be for team supplies and donated items for the mission.


Packing List

GENERAL CLOTHINGID/Passport/Copies of passport Pants/JeansBible Long or short-sleeved shirtsNotebook/Journal T-shirtsPen/Pencil Skirts (below the knee)Cash/Credit card Work shoesSnacks Other comfortable shoesWash Cloths/Bath rug ScrubsSoap BeltInsect Repellant Jacket or fleeceSunscreen SleepwearSunglasses SocksCamera/Film/BatteriesAlarm Clock PERSONALExtra Mirror Pain RelieverFlashlight Pepto-BismolWater bottle Contacts/GlassesSmall extension cord Toilet paper rollHand sanitizer Small pack KleenexBaby wipes Personal hygiene itemsDeck of playing cards Personal medicationsDevotional book VitaminsCell phone and charger Lotion


Saying Goodbye

Value the moment. Tell your new friends good-bye. You may or may not ever see them again.

Leave a picture or small gift as a token of friendship. This would be better if done in a private setting.

Hugs and words of appreciation of expressions you will not regret. You have probably made some close friends and it will be appropriate to give a good-bye hug.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Don’t get so emotional that your words become “intentions”, and you fail to fulfill your promises.

Reverse Culture

Shock

The person that returns from a mission trip is not the same person who left earlier. When you come

home, you will feel like you have returned to a different country. You will be experiencing reverse

culture shock. Some suggestions for helping to cope with what you are experiencing are: 1) express

your feelings to a person who has been through the re-entry process as well as your team mates. 2) talk

with team leadership or a pastor that can help sort out your emotions, and 3) read through your journal.

There may be information that you recorded that will help you readjust to your home culture. Plan to

attend any discussion activities or “reunions” of the team members you traveled with. This

communication process may help you share your experiences with others with joy, peace and hope.

Your work will have blessed many lives and many families.


Missions Trips without “Guilt Trips”

Imagine that you’re on a celebrity’s luxury boat, cruising through the warm turquoise waters off the coast of Palm Beach – only days after serving and weeping over the poorest of the poor in Mexico. How could you allow yourself to indulge in such a frivolous activity, knowing that a village could be fed for a week on just the cost of fuel for this two-hour jaunt? That nagging question hung over me like a cloud that even the swiftest boat couldn’t outrun.

I had recently returned home to Palm Beach County, Florida, from Reynosa, Mexico, where our church team had worked with people who lived in shanties built over the town’s abandoned landfill. Children with rawhide feet ran without concern over shards of glass and metal that worked their way to the packed-dirt surface. I drank purified, bottled water while toddlers mouthed the solitary, rusty spigot.

Now I was having great difficulty reconciling myself to my affluent surroundings. As our cruiser left the inlet for the open sea, I thought of those delightful, dusty children who would never lay eyes on an ocean. My conscience roared louder than the dual inboard motors.

Like me, you may have participated in a short-term mission project that exposed you to disturbing conditions and underprivileged people. Then what? What are you supposed to do when you return from the land of scarcity to the land of plenty? How are you supposed to feel?

Got Guilt?

Many missions veterans report experiencing reverse culture shock when they return to their home country. After adjusting to a foreign (often impoverished) culture that likely is more relationship-driven and less frantic than their own, participants are thrust back into a culture of excess that wastes much and seems grateful for little, a commercial world enslaved to clocks and cell phones.

Some returnees become severe social critics who attack all that seems wrong with their homeland. Others struggle to find meaning in their daily work. Ron is an architect who recently returned from a project in Romania. “After experiences that seemed weighty with eternal significance,” he said, “it was hard to come back and get excited about calculating the measurements of an elevator shaft.” Many returnees simply feel confused as they try to reconcile opposing worlds.

I had my first missions experience as a 14-year-old when I went to Haiti with my church youth group during Christmas break. We were a typical noisy throng of teens when we boarded the bus at the Port-au-Prince airport. Minutes later we grew silent as we drove through the city streets. The sights and smells of abject poverty opened our eyes wide and clamped our mouths shut.


During that trip, I experienced a hybrid of compassion and guilt. Days earlier I had been a gift-greedy teen enveloped in the abundance of an American Christmas; the lingering holiday memories only accentuated my guilt. I could almost imagine myself back home ripping into my pile of Christmas packages while homeless and disabled Haitian street children peered in through the living room window. I remember feeling as if I needed to apologize for my decent clothes and good health, for having my own room in an actual house. I almost wanted to blurt out, “I’m sorry for being born in the United States. I couldn’t help it!”

Fifteen years later I again found myself ambushed by guilt and feeling apologetic. However, with a friend’s help, I learned that such guilt is counterproductive. Rather than impressing God as an admirable form of humility, it only robbed me of joy and kept me in bondage. Feeling guilty for enjoying an elegant anniversary dinner with my wife, a round of golf with a friend, or a spectacular morning on the water did nothing to honor God – or improve the plight of the children in Mexico. Instead of guilt, my friend helped me discover healthier, more productive responses that can bring peace, honor God, and genuinely help others.

Giving Thanks

The first response is deep gratitude. The disparity between the world we visited and the world we live in should provoke a profound recognition of our undeserved blessings. Moses warned the Israelites.

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. (Deut. 8:17-18)

Gratitude acknowledges that we did not earn our geography or parentage. After all, did you or I strategically orchestrate our births to dodge delivery into impoverished regions where famine, disease, and perpetual danger are the inheritance? We simply received the advantages we were born to. Everything that we enjoy is a lavish gift from God, as undeserved as our salvation. Gratitude recognizes and throws its arms around this grace. Instead of giving in to unfruitful guilt, thank God for what you enjoy and perhaps take for granted: a stable government, constitutional liberties, medical care, your comfortable home, clean water, leisure, and entertainment.

Giving Resources

Second, I realized that genuine gratitude leads to generosity. As recipients of undeserved blessings, we are to be good stewards. And stewards are generous – not guilt-ridden.


Many years ago, Calvin Miller spoke at a conference I was attending and asked me for a ride to a nearby store. As I opened the passenger door of my old Toyota Corolla, Miller patted the faded roof and chuckled, “You must give a lot of money to missions.”

Truth be told, apart from a meager year-end check to my denomination’s fund, missions giving was far from my mind.

The Reynosa experience attuned me to hear God’s heartbeat for the world. Now my wife and I discuss our monthly contribution to missions at the beginning of each year and decide how to make adjustments and sacrifices to free up that amount.

Does that mean we shun lattes, boycott entertainment, and ride mopeds to work? No. The point is not to become pleasure-shunning misers, but to be willing to make changes that release valuable resources for others in need. We are becoming deliberate spenders who desire to see our money flow toward what we value.

At times, missions giving may be short-circuited by the reasoning: “What difference will my small contribution make in the face of such a huge need?” True, your donation is unlikely to feed an overpopulated refugee camp. But it will make a difference to someone.

The Apostle Paul praised the Macedonian churches for their exceptional generosity toward a distant church.

We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity…Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. (II Cor. 8:1-4, emphasis mine)

Like the Macedonians, let your generosity flow from a grateful heart, one that freely tastes and delights in God’s blessings and invites others to do the same.

Giving Yourself

In addition to being generous with our resources, we can be generous with ourselves. Rather than being immobilized by false guilt, we can mobilize ourselves for additional missions projects as opportunity and resources allow. The reason for going is not to assuage guilt (I’ll feel okay about buying this big screen TV if I go on that mission trip this summer) but to express God’s love through the generous offering of ourselves. On our Mexico trip, a village woman asked one of the team leaders which government agency was paying us to build her a home. Bob told her that our team members had each taken a week of vacation and paid $700 for the chance to smash our thumbs with hammers. As the woman silently watched the sweaty crew of strangers pounding her new roof into place, I wasn’t sure if she doubted B ob’s explanation or was trying


to comprehend it. “We are all Christians,” he continued, “and we’ve come to show you God’s love.”

When the woman turned back to Bob, her eyes were moist. “Gracias,” she whispered. Later at the home dedication service, she invited Christ to take up residence in her heart.

Going doesn’t always mean traveling to another country; there are local opportunities too. The single adults in our church regularly serve breakfast at a soup kitchen, volunteer during the Special Olympics, and visit nursing homes. The possibilities are as limitless as the needs.

While local needs and people should not be ignored, do not fall for the oft-repeated grumble: “I don’t know why we spend so much to go overseas when we’ve got people who need Jesus right here in our own backyard.” Jesus said to His disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts1:8). Christ’s commission to the church draws a set of enlarging circles: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

Go across the street, and go across an ocean. Go where they speak your language, and then go where they don’t. Be willing to work in the inner city for a day and have your heart stirred, and be willing to work for a week in a distant village and have your heart broken. If your heart stretches in grief, don’t worry. A heart enlarged by grief also has a greater capacity for joy.

So when you return from your mission experience, cancel your reservations for a guilt trip. Instead, live in a spirit of gratitude, liberally sow seeds of generosity, and keep your luggage handy.

(Discipleship Journal – Issue #135 May/June 2003)Reprinted by permission from Ramon Presson.


JOURNAL


Checklist for Mission Trip

Pre-trip planning:

Immunizations are up-to-date

Hepatitis A & B

Typhoid

Tetanus

Read team manual

Made passport copies - left copy with a family member or friend, one copy for each suitcase ,one copy to carry

Left a copy of emergency phone list and itinerary with family member or friend

Made adjustments to cell phone service – if you want international calling

Filled prescriptions

Purchased Imodium and other needed over the counter meds.

Recruited someone for airport drop off pick-up

Purchased hand sanitizer

Packing Day/Night:

Put prescription drugs in my carry on luggage – containers must be clearly labeled with your name or the drugs are at risk for confiscation. Over the counter meds should also be packed in carry not check luggage.

Packed a light jacket and poncho or other rain gear.

Cleaned out purse and wallet – taking only essentials

Weighed luggage to make sure it is less than 50 lbs – You will be responsible for any over the weight limit fees on your personal luggage.

Taken unapproved items out of my carry on luggage including: over sized liquids, nail clipper, files, etc…

Packed a good pair of sturdy work boots.


Tips for Travel

Arrive at the airport two hours before scheduled light departure.

International Flight gates sometimes change from the published itinerary gate. Be sure and check the monitor as you depart your arriving flight to make sure you are headed to the correct gate/terminal.

Keep your team manual with you on the airplane so that you will have the Nazarene Center address and other information that you will need to complete your customs information. Select tourist as your reason for travel on this form.

There are carts in the Guatemala airport to help transport your bags. If a porter approaches and asks to help just say no thanks.

Never walk around alone.

Only drink bottled water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth.

When you arrive back at the US Airport on the return flight you will have to retrieve your luggage and take it through customs. Once you have cleared customs you can recheck your bags.

When in doubt on the food in Guatemala “don’t”. Avoid lettuce and mayonnaise based sauces.

If you start to feel woozy immediately start taking your cipro if you have it. Better safe than sorry.

Bring a bottle of hand sanitizer and use it frequently.

Bring old cloths that you can leave behind to donate.

The Shalom Foundation loves to get pictures from team members so please take lots and share with us so we can let our supporters know the great work you are doing.

Please be punctual in the mornings it is important for the team to get started on time.


Be flexible! Changes in the schedule may need to be made.

Always wear your seat belt when traveling in Guatemala.

* Female only* If you could possibly need feminine hygiene products be sure and take them. They are hard to get in Guatemala and if you find them they will not be of the same quality as here.


Useful Spanish Words and Phrases

Pleasantriesplease Por favorthank you Graciasthank you very much Muchas graciasyou’re welcome De nadano problem No hay de queI’m sorry Lo siento

Hello and Goodbye / Hola y AdiósGood morning Buenos diasGood afternoon Buenas tardesGood evening Buenas nochesHello HolaGoodbye AdiósSee you tomorrow Hasta mañanaHave a nice day Que pase buen dia

Health / SaludHow are you feeling? ¿Cómo se siente?I don’t feel well. No me siento bien.I feel well. Me siento bien.I feel better. Me siento mejor.I feel worse. Me siento peor.It hurts. Me duele.Pain El dolorWeak DébilThe surgery is finished. La cirugía se terminaYour child will be well. Su niño será bien.Surgery was successful. La cirugía tuvo éxito

The Body / El CuerpoBrain la cerebroNeck el cuelloShoulder la espaldaArm el brazoHand la manoWaist la cinturaChest el pechoThigh el musloKnee la rodilla


Introduction / IntroducionWhat’s your name? ¿Cómo se llama?My name is . . . Me llamo . . .Pleased to meet you. Mucho gusto.I’d like you to meet . . . Querria presentarie a . . This is . . . La presento a . . .Where are you from? ¿De dónde es usted?I’m from . . . Soy de . . .How are you doing? ¿Cómo está usted?I’m (very) well. Estoy (mui) bien.I’m (very) bad Estoy (mui) mal.I’m so-so. Estoy asi-asi.Miss SeñoritaMr./Sir SeñorMrs./Ma’am Señora

doctor el mediconurse el enfermeroheight la alturaweight el pesopulse el pulsoblood pressure la tension arterialmedicine (drug) la medicinabandage el verdajea pill una pildorawound la heridascar la cicatriz

heart el corazónstomach el estómagobelly la barrigahip la caderaskin la pielbone el huesoblood la sangreskull el craneolung el pulmon


Shalom Foundation – US Contacts

Allison Bender

Work: 615-595-5811

Cell: 615-397-4547

[email protected]

Skype: AllisonBender412

Kevin McQuaig

Cell: 615-336-6774

[email protected]

Skype: kevinmcquaig

Tommy Sanders

Home: 615-371-0671

Cell: 615-812-5483

[email protected]

skype: tsanders3109

Steve Moore

Work: 615-340-5393

Cell: 615-948-7025

[email protected]

Shalom Foundation – Guatemala Contacts

When calling from the US, dial 011-502 then the number.

When dialing from inside Guatemala, simply dial the 8-digit number.

Call the surgery center at the U.S. number 615-656-

3499 during working hoursMaria Jose Gallardo

Cell: (502) 5318-6372

[email protected]

Skype: majo.gall

Claudia Hurtarte

Cell: (502) 4520-4453

[email protected]

Skype: clauhurtarte

Elisa Maria Arenales

Cell: (502) 5304-2874

[email protected]

Skype: elisa_arenales19

Moore Pediatric Center

6 Calle 0-55 zona 1, Ciudad Guatemala

Tel. (502) 2220-2020 or 615-656-3499

Shalom Foundation Office

Tel: (502) 2220-2277

6ª. Calle 0-41, Zona 1, Ciudad Guatemala

US Embassy in Guatemala

During office hours: (502) 2326-4405

Emergency: (502) 2331-2354

http://guatemala.usembassy.gov

Casa de Los Nazarenos

5ª Calle, Zona 1, Ciudad Guatemala

(502) 2232-5013

www.casadelosnazarenos.com

Shalom Church and School

Office: 2419-0412


Guatemala Cell phone Phone Number

Tommy Sanders 4982-4111

Colon Pope 4976-3368

Bob Seay 5172-7615

Sharon Fairchild 5362-9331

http://www.casadelosnazarenos.com/

http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/

mailto:[email protected]





