Orientation guide for 2013 mission trips to haiti

Transcription

1 Orientation guide for 2013 mission trips to haiti Jacksonville Baptist Association 2700 University Blvd. S. Jacksonville, FL Updated 9/27/2012

2 Welcome We invite you to join us as we travel to Cabaret and experience a truly life-changing adventure. Haiti is unlike any place you have previously visited - extreme poverty and indescribable beauty existing side by side. Come laugh and play with the children that so desperately need your love and attention. Step out of your cocoon of comfort and experience life in Haiti. You won t regret it! Our short-term mission trips are for adults 18 and older who are in good health. Older teens will be considered with the recommendation of the team leader. Teams will work along with our missionary staff as they witness and worship in this rural community. You will work, worship and witness shoulder to shoulder with others as we share Jesus using the talents, skills, and resources that He has blessed us with. This trip will be life-changing as you yield yourself to be on mission for God. Introduction The Jacksonville Baptist Association Haiti Mission Project began in 1998 in response to the overwhelming needs we saw in this poverty-stricken country. It is our desire to raise a generation of Haitian children that will change their nation in the name of Christ. In a small, rural area of Bercy, near Cabaret, Haiti, we have started a school, church and orphanage. We are also teaching life and work skills to the adults in the community. This project is the full responsibility of the Jacksonville Baptist Association along with its partnering churches and agencies. All interested churches and individuals are encouraged to get personally involved in this project. There are many ways for you to do this: praying regularly for the Haiti Mission Project, placing this project in your church budget, taking a mission trip to work at our site and/or sponsoring one of our children through the Haiti Child Sponsorship Program.

3 Are You Ready? Don t start packing just yet. We need to get your trip scheduled on the master calendar. To schedule a trip contact the JBA office (6-12 months is not too early to begin this process). Jacksonville Baptist Association Haiti Mission Project Attn: Ryan Rouse 2700 University Blvd. S. Jacksonville, FL Ryan@jaxbaptist.org What have I gotten myself into? Yes, this will be a very demanding and physically tiring week, but the rewards and blessings are indescribable. The people around our site are familiar with JBA mission teams and have become good friends. We work hard to continue developing this positive relationship with them. They are very loving and warm. Be prepared to lose your heart to them! WARNING: You will be ministering in areas of extreme poverty Primitive living conditions include power outages (or no power) No air conditioning or hot water Very hot weather (90 degrees & higher) Limited access to doctors and emergency medical facilities, stores and shopping.

4 what is the cost? One-time-only Expenses: Passport Approx$100 Immunizations see #4below Pre-departure Expenses: Airfare Approx $625 Lodging 7 days 455 Project Approx 200 Groceries Approx 50 Out of Pocket/Travel Meals at airport 25 Tips/Souvenirs/Misc Approx 30 Second checked bag 40 (1) Each team is responsible for making their flight arrangements. You will be given guidance for which flights you should take. Please do not make reservations for other flights without prior approval. All team members must arrive on the same flight. (2) The daily lodging fee is $65 a day. This fee offsets the cost of housing and feeding the mission teams. It also includes short-term insurance coverage. (3) Each team will receive a list of grocery items to purchase. This will include some of the items you will eat during the week as well as others that will keep the pantry adequately stocked. You will not be limited to eating these foods, but they may be needed to keep the pantry adequately stocked. All food purchases are to be packed in your checked duffel bags, so be ready to bring these items on your packing day. (4) Immunization costs vary according to which ones you and your physician determine are needed. (5) Ministry project costs vary depending on what you will be doing during the week. Some churches take up an offering for the team to bring with them, while others charge an additional fee to the individual team members. We ask each team to provide at least $200 per team member to cover project costs. (6) For all teams over 10 members the JBA is waving the $65 a day ground cost for the team leader. This is limited to only one leader. (7) On average the cost in 2012 was between $1,100-1,400 per person depending on airfare and the size of project.

5 Team leaders are responsible for getting all applications, liability forms, lodging fees and project money into the JBA office at the designated time. Your team leader has a timeline with important dates. what s next? Start praying early for yourself, the people of Haiti and your team members. Being spiritually prepared is very important! Identify your team leader. This will be the primary contact person for all phases of coordination on this trip. This person will be responsible for making flight arrangements, gathering documents, funds and ministry supplies for your team. Each team should also select a designated cook or predetermine which individuals will assume this responsibility. The JBA will assign a guide to each team to walk through the orientation with your group. This guide will also be the point person for your team leader to get questions answered. Your guide will be the same person from your orientation to your packing night. Do you have a current passport? Check to be sure that it has not expired. It could take 3 months or more to complete this process. You can pick up application forms from any post office or online at travel.state.gov/passport You can visit the website of the Center for Disease Control ( for recommendations and suggestions regarding immunizations. Then we advise you to consult with your personal physician to determine what is best for you. In Jacksonville, immunizations may be obtained through the Health Department or your physician. Plan to attend all training, orientation and packing sessions. Everyone will need to know exactly what they will be doing. Have your church commission you as a missionary. This will be quite meaningful to both you and your church.

6 Packing - where do I start? You will be allowed two (2) pieces of carry-on luggage which will contain all of your clothing and personal items. One can be a small wheeled suitcase (40 pounds maximum weight & overall dimensions - length+width+height - of 45 inches); the second one can be a backpack with an overall dimension of 36 inches (length+width+height). In addition to this you will be responsible for checking two 50-pound duffel bags. Due to the current security guidelines, we strongly encourage you to place any liquids, gels, paste or creams into a zip-lock bag clearly marked with your name. Bring these items to your packing party so they can be placed in the duffel bags. Include such items as your toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, hand gel, contact lens solution, shaving cream), insect repellent and sun block. Sample Checklist: Passport & money Flashlight, camera, extra batteries Medications malaria preventive & antibiotic (optional) clothing refer to next section for explanation Modest sleepwear Insect repellant Personal snacks/comfort foods DO NOT BRING ANY VALUABLES OR electrical appliances such as hair dryers or shavers. Bible, journal, pens Toiletries; antibacterial hand gel Two empty water bottles to use during the week Sunglasses, hat, & sunscreen Modest swimwearl Tennis shoes &/or work shoes Sandals, flip-flops, water shoes DO BRING FLEXIBILITY AND PATIENCE.

7 Dress Code Advisory Women should wear dresses or skirts at the airport, in town, at church and on ministry outings. We recommend that you bring at least two such outfits. You may also wear capris while traveling. Conservative shorts and sleeveless tops or t-shirts may be worn while in the orphanage compound. Please do not wear anything that exposes your midriff or cleavage. Men should wear slacks and a short-sleeved, button up shirt (not a t-shirt) at the airport, in town, and at church. Ties are optional. While at the orphanage compound, shorts and t-shirts or tank tops are acceptable. You may want to bring khaki work pants and work boots. While traveling you may want to wear tennis shoes for comfort or sandals for convenience. Additional Packing Hints: It is very hot!!! Pack light-colored, light-weight clothes. In order to pack more efficiently, roll your clothing. Mix and match shirts, slacks and skirts to conserve space. You will be on your feet bring only comfortable shoes. If you are bringing work boots, include these with the items to be packed in the duffel bags. Be sure to pack whatever you may need since shopping is not an option. Laundry is available on site, but JBA cannot assume responsibility for any clothing that is damaged.

8 Time Line Summary Packing Party Approximately one week prior to your departure, the entire team will gather all ministry supplies, groceries and the designated personal items (personal toiletries, work boots) and have a packing party and orientation session for the next leg of your adventure. This will take a couple of hours. Each person will be responsible for two 50-pound duffel bags. These will be your check-in luggage. At the present time, American Airlines charges $40 for the second checked bag. The packing party for groups leaving from Jacksonville will take place at Norwood Baptist Church. This facility does not have heat, air conditioning, or restrooms, so plan and dress accordingly. Bring $5 for pizza meal. Travel Day Meet your team members at the American Airlines terminal at the designated time. Bring your two duffel bags, suitcase and backpack. Remember to keep your identification, passport and travel information available, but safe. Stay with your group at all times. On the flight to Port Au Prince, you will be asked to complete an International Travel Form. List the purpose of your visit as pleasure or other. It will also ask for the full address of your destination. The address for our site is: Cabaret Baptist Children's Home Route Nationale #1 Bercy, Cabaret In-country phone number: In addition each family will also be asked to complete a Customs Form. Check all three boxes no.

9 You've Arrived! Remember to keep your personal luggage with you and stay together as a group at all times. Drink only water which you have brought with you. Follow the crowd to Immigration. You will hand your passport and forms to the agent. Along with your passport, you will be given back a green card and customs form. Keep your travel documents including your green card in a safe place. You will need them when you are ready to leave the country. Your next stop will be at the baggage area to claim your duffel bags. Luggage carts are available to rent for $2US/ea. Next you will go through customs where you will hand them your customs form. It is possible that your bags may be searched at this point. Fortunately, this does not happen very often. As quickly as possible, but still remaining together, exit the airport where your transportation will be waiting. The trip to Bercy is about 20 miles, but may take about an hour. Upon arrival at the orphanage, your travel papers and money will be collected for storage in the safe. Settling in Although tremendous improvements have been made to our facilities, it is still a work in progress. The rooms are dormitory style with bunk beds (twin size). Linens are provided. If your group is large, you may need to bring air mattresses and additional linens. You will need to share bathrooms with others of the same gender. Please be considerate in all respects - do not monopolize these facilities. Due to the shortage of water, you will need to take very quick showers. Remember to brush your teeth with your bottled water only. Each group needs to designate a kitchen leader to be responsible for organizing the preparation and clean up for team meals. Some groups choose to have a designated cook while others share the chores among the group. Although we now have a generator and solar panels, electricity is not reliable, so always keep your flashlight close at hand. We have battery powered fans available, but please bring plenty of batteries (16 size D) if you want to use one.

10 Please keep your space as tidy as possible and all personal items in your suitcases when not in use. Schedule for a typical day: 7:00 AM Breakfast and devotion 8:30 AM Begin your ministry project Noon Lunch 1:00 PM Return to ministry project 6:00 PM Dinner 8:30 PM Return to dormitory for team meeting 9:00 PM Quiet time!! Even if you are not ready to go to sleep, you do not want to disturb the children downstairs or team members who are sleeping. Helpful Hints: If the staff or your team leader asks you to do something, it is for a reason so please do it! No one may leave the compound without permission from the on-site coordinator. Your health is important drink lots of water. It is vital for you to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Your water bottles can be refilled as needed at the compound. Do not drink water from any other sources.

11 MINISTRY NEEDS AND PROJECTS We are currently involved in three different areas of ministry: the School, the Church and the Orphanage. The on-site coordinators will help identify the specific needs and provide suggestions as to what ministry items are needed. We also encourage groups to involve their churches by asking them to collect needed ministry supplies. Ministry Supplies A list will be provided to each team with some suggested items to bring along on your trip to help with the daily ministry needs. We encourage teams to get their church involved in collecting these items. Ministry Projects VBS for community children Family Life classes After-school activities f/school children Music & drama ministries Sports Ministry Child care & child development training for orphanage workers Construction & maintenance; painting Teaching/training in primary school Adult Bible studies Skill related classes Medical clinics Pastor s Training Security issues We want to be very proactive in this area. There are security guards around the orphanage at all times. Under no circumstances should anyone leave the compound without permission from the on-site coordinator. When out in the community, we will go in small groups and be accompanied by a member of the staff, Haitian security and translators. Do not give away any personal items, candy, food or money (this includes your phone number and address). This can create a potentially dangerous situation for everyone.

12 Money issues & shopping There will be very few opportunities for you to make personal purchases. Sometimes one of the locals may bring some handmade items/souvenirs (wooden bowels, wall hangings, etc.) to the orphanage to sell, and there are souvenirs at the airport. They will take U.S. money. Your day of departure is the best time to express your generosity. If you have items you would like to leave which can be utilized by the ministry, they will welcome them (i.e. toiletry items, snacks, water bottles). Many times volunteers have left shoes, clothing and watches. If you want to give something to a specific person, wait until the end of the week and after talking with the coordinator about the best way to do that. All of our workers are well compensated for their services, but if you want to give a tip to someone who has been especially helpful to you, please do this at the end of the week as well. If you use the laundry service, please leave a small tip for the laundry staff. Remember, we are here to help the Haitian people in a way that preserves their dignity and points them to Jesus. Communication If you have webmail access, you will be able to check your . Although satellite capabilities at the site are unpredictable, there will be a computer available to use. Please limit your computer usage to communication needs only. It is recommended that one team member bring a laptop so that the one at the orphanage is not tied up by team members. Be considerate of others who are waiting to use the computer. Retreat from the cares of the US as much as possible and be present in Haiti. Your family will be able to reach you via by our Haiti cell phone. In case of emergency, they should call They will be charged at

13 International long distance rates. They will also be able to get a message to you through the Jacksonville Baptist Association at Miscellaneous Be very cautious about telling the Haitians that you will do something. They will say you promised them and then become angry with you (and us), if you can't do it. Please do not promise to send money when you return to the states. JUST SAY NO! Please, no practical jokes or horse-play. We are a witness for the Lord and representatives of Jacksonville Baptist Association. No profanity, alcohol or tobacco use is allowed. The wheels of progress sometimes move very slowly in Haiti. Your plans can change from moment to moment. Look at these as opportunities and not obstacles. If you are not able to accomplish all that you intended, don't be- come frustrated. God is in control! Thank you again for giving of your time to touch the lives of the people of Haiti. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything, please give me a call at or at ryan@jaxbaptist.org

14 ACTIVITY RELEASE OF LIABILITY READ CAREFULLY - THIS AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS In exchange for participation in the activity of Haiti Mission Trip organized by Jacksonville Baptist Association ("JBA"), of 2700 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville, Florida, and/or use of the property, facilities and services of JBA, I agree for myself and (if applicable ) for the members of my family, to the following: 1. I agree to observe and obey all posted rules and warnings, and further agree to follow any oral instructions or directions given by JBA, or the employees, representatives of JBA. 2. I recognize that there are certain inherent risks associated with the above described activity and I assume full responsibility for personal injury to myself and (if applicable) my family members, and further release and discharge JBA for injury, loss or damage arising out of my (or my family's) use of or presence upon the facilities of JBA, whether caused by the fault of myself, my family, JBA or other third parties. 3. I agree to indemnify and defend JBA against all claims, causes of action, damages, judgments, costs or expenses, including attorney fees and other litigation costs, which may in any way arise from my or my family's use of or presence upon the facilities of JBA. 4. I agree to pay for all damages to the facilities of JBA caused by my or my family's negligent, reckless, or willful actions. 5. Any legal or equitable claim that may arise from participation in the above shall be resolved under Florida law. I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND UNDERSTAND IT. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I VOLUNTARY SURRENDER CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS Dated: Signature: (If under age 18, signature of parent or guardian) Printed Name of Participant: Address:, In case of an emergency, please call (Relationship: ) at (Day), or (Evening). This is a RocketLawyer.com Legal Document

15 Jacksonville Baptist Association MISSION TRIP APPLICATION Mission Trip Dates: / / to / / Duplicate this application & have each team member complete and return to: Jacksonville Baptist Association 2700 University Blvd. S. Jacksonville, FL Passport Name, Last First Middle Address Street City State Zip Code Home Phone ( ) Work Phone ( ) Fax( ) Cell phone ( ) Date of Birth / / Church Membership Church Name Address City State Zip Code Emergency Contact Name Relationship Phone Beneficiary Name Relationship Phone Have you been on a mission trip? Y N Date Location (use back if needed) Have you been to Haiti before? Do you have a passport? Y N Date Y N Expiration Date / / Have you had the following immunizations? Hepatitis A Y N Date Hepatitis B Y N Date Malaria Y N Date Typhoid Y N Date Tetanus Y N Date

16 What is your occupation? Physical Limitations? What talents, skills or abilities do you possess that can be used on a mission trip to Haiti? Please write a brief paragraph of your spiritual journey below or on the back of this application.