1. Why should I go?
2. Where will I be going?
3. Is this trip safe?
4. What will I be doing?
5. Is this trip only about construction?
6. Where will I be staying?
7. Do I need to be able to speak the language?
8. Do I need construction skills?
9. How much will this trip cost?
10. Are there other requirements that I need to know about?
1. Why should I go?
For most people, there are certain significant events in life that greatly influence who they are. An international service/mission project has the potential to be such an event. It is often in unique and unfamiliar settings that God can be seen most clearly. Our hope is that we will return from this trip with the ability to see both our world and ourselves from a different perspective.
Following are some additional reasons for going. As you read, think of your own reasons that you can add to the list.
To Celebrate Life: We are called to experience life in the fullest. This is found in a land beyond our comfort zones. To accept a challenge is to celebrate life.
To Help the Believers: We give of ourselves and our wealth to followers of Christ. Your presence can be renewing to the host community and offers them a rich, relational, cross-cultural experience.
To Grow: The journey to God's rest begins when we see ourselves as we truly are. While away, you will gain a perspective on yourself and your culture.
To Serve: The greatest privilege we have is to be a sacrament of God's love and acceptance. You will have the opportunity to express the truth of the Gospel, namely, that God is truly generous.
To Receive: "Here lies the great mystery of Christian service. Those who serve Jesus in the poor will be fed by him whom they serve: 'He will put on an apron, set them down at a table and wait on them' (Luke 12:37). We so much need a blessing. The poor are waiting to bless us." -Henri Nouwen
To Experience the Broadness of God's Love: It is amazing to realize that God is active everywhere and with all people. Regardless of the culture or language, we are all pursued by a God who wants us to know that we are accepted.
To bless those who sent you: By sharing your experience with those at home, you can bring a renewed desire to seek and serve God. Your global perspective can lift others' eyes to what God is doing in the world.
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2. Where will I be going?
Initiatives International takes many teams to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, México, Nigeria, Poland, Phillipines and Swaziland. Ministry partnerships are continually developing in these and other countries, so please contact us if you have a special interest in a different country. The different ministry sites offer a diversity of experience and exposure to the broad vision of what God is doing around the globe. More information about each country is available from Initiatives International.
The leadership of your group, in consultation with our staff, will select a project location that is best for your group.
Information about any country can be found in the CIA World Factbook.
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3. Is this trip safe?
Naturally, every precaution will be taken to ensure the participant's health and safety. However, missions travel does involve certain risks. While Initiatives International will not take a trip to a location believed to be unsafe, it is ultimately the participant's responsibility to make an informed decision about their participation. All participants and the parents of minors should read the Travel Warnings and Consular Information sheet provided by the U.S. State Department at their web site which is found at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html
In terms of communication and contingency planning: we will have an Initiatives International staff person in country with the team. Team members will have phone numbers for the Initiatives International staff person, as well as their local host pastor. We work closely with national ministry leaders who are very much aware of the regional situation. We also have the support and assistance of a large network of local Christians and American missionaries in the areas where we work.
Excellent medical care is available in the cities in which we work, and team leaders/members are provided with the address and directions to the recommended health providers. We also provide each team member with a traveler's insurance policy ($100,000 policy maximum with a $100 deductible per policy period). The policy includes emergency medical evacuation.
Our groups to Mexico usually fly to a U.S. border city. They are then transported into Mexico on commercial ground transportation.
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4. What will I be doing?
Building relationships is the most important aspect of each trip. Our goal is to do whatever we can to help the local ministries accomplish the ministry that God has given to them. You will experience life in another culture alongside your hosts and will see God build a deep love between your team and your hosts. Our most common type of trip includes a construction project which is a great tool for building relationships and meeting practical ministry needs. These projects usually involve pouring concrete, building block walls, digging foundations, and a lot of time spent with people.
We also have new ministry partnerships which involve teaching English at English language camps in Poland; serving at a children’s home and community center in the Philippines; doing community development work in Nigeria; and spending time learning about reconciliation and working at a Christian school in Swaziland and South Africa. Teams often have opportunities to participate in other kinds of ministries like music, recreation, testimonies, drama or preaching at many of our sites around the world. You will have time during the week and at the end of your trip to reflect on your experience.
Sample one week itinerary
Sample two week itinerary
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5. Is this trip only about construction?
Not at all! Building relationships is most important. Construction is just a tool that we often use. You will experience life in another country alongside your hosts. Team members will often have opportunities to participate in other kinds of ministries like music, testimonies, drama, or even preaching! You will also be spending time reflecting on your intercultural experience with your team, and relaxing as well. Intentional debriefing is an important part of the overall experience.
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6. Where will I be staying?
Whenever possible, you will live with a host family from the local church, along with another team member. Meals will be eaten with your host family or at the job site. Some teams (depending on the project) will live at their site (i.e. orphanages) or at a nearby dorm type facility.
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7. Do I need to be able to speak the language?
No. You will be amazed at how much you can communicate with smiles, pictures, gestures, and the few words that you might know. Each team will have a translator working with them, but we encourage you to learn a few phrases before you go, and to use what you know everyday!
If you need help translating a letter; you can use either of these translation web sites at www.world.altavista.com or www.freetranslation.com. They are not perfect, but will do a reasonably good job.
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8. Do I need construction skills or experience?
No. All of the skills that you need will be taught by the local foreman.
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9. How much will this trip cost?
The cost of each specific trip depends on your destination, size of group, length of stay, and optional excursions. Each trip package includes airfare, ground transportation, material donation, food, lodging, training, traveler’s insurance, on field assistance, R & R time for debriefing, and regular contact with leaders prior to departure. Contact your local group leader to find out the exact price for your trip.
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10. Are there other requirements that I need to know about?
Yes. Several things are needed before you go on a trip with us.
- Passport or identification needed:
- For entry into Mexico, a passport is highly recommended, but a certified birth certificate (from the state or county that recorded your birth) is required. It is best to bring both.
- For entry into countries in Central or South America, a passport is required.
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- Immunizations: You should always be current on your tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years) when working on a construction project. In addition, you should always consult your local physician and/or health department to see what shots they recommend for your specific destination. You can also obtain information from the Center for Disease Control.
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