Mission Trip Info & Application

Transcription

1 2016 Mission Trip Info & Application LoveServes International 3310 US Hwy. 301 N. Ellenton, FL

2 Empowering Churches to Transform their Communities The Need: A Renovation of The Church because the majority are spiritually sick and are not making disciples. Our Mission: We are radically transforming the local church model from the traditional to the Biblical through intense coaching and empowering local pastors to apply Ephesians 4:12:...equipping God s people for works of service, for the building up of the Kingdom of Christ Our Vision: To provide every church (approx. 6000) in the Dominican Republic the opportunity to be coached & trained to effectively equip their Believers to love the least of these and transform their communities. (We firmly believe God will take us into more countries in His perfect timing) What We Do: MODEL Jesus while coaching pastors through church health process. Pastors and leaders realize their Biblical role as equippers (Eph. 4:12) Coach churches to become healthy inside and become outreach focused with a vision for their community. Train pastors to equip ALL the believers to use their spiritual gifts and natural abilities to form ministries to meet greatest needs HOW we do it: Nationals equipping nationals. Coaches are pastors that have successfully applied the principles they are teaching Monthly coaching through regional networks Utilize over 30 specialized workshops Sustainable Model Principle-based Pastors & leaders begin leading by example Spiritual gifts, talents and abilities identified in the Church to meet the greatest needs Pew-sitters are inspired, equipped and motivated to become active ministers Impoverished churches are taking ownership of the Great Commission Cross-denominational collaboration Churches not dependent on American resources Community leaders see a relevant church and partner resources Key Indicators tracking growth Quantity Indicators Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Total Pastors/Churches being equipped ,051 Pastor small groups Ministries started in Churches ,458 Salvations Adults who accepted Christ 3,046 4,389 6,026 6,261 7,607 10,740 10,134 11,792 11,940 71,935 Baptisms 2,107 2,577 3,528 3,306 3,320 4,742 4,088 5,449 5,874 34,991 1

3 Mission Trips Helping without hurting Purpose of this Trip is two-fold: First, to come along side and partner with a local church that LoveServes has been coaching to complement one another in the body of Christ. To be used to reach the community in such a way that it connects, builds and strengthens the relationships the local church has with the citizens of the community. In contrast, we DO NOT want to fix their problems or ride in on our white horse to save the day. Rather, we want to begin the process of building a mutual benefiting relationship that can most effectively bring LONG-LASTING solutions to the community s physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Humility is paramount! The second purpose of this trip is to expose American Believers to a unique ministry that has harnessed Jesus simple strategy to build His Kingdom. Eph. 4:12 Equipping God s people for works of service Our hope is that you will be inspired by the testimony of the local church that you work alongside. Then begin to see how God wants to use you to love and reach the people in your own community with the gifts and talents God has given you. We also would hope you will become a strong advocate for LoveServes back in the USA. Doing things different on purpose: Our Executive Director, Daniel Rodrieguez and our team are working hard to raise up national leaders and breaking the entitlement or welfare mentality that is prevelant in so many Dominican churches and communities. We understand American believers feel compassion for poor Dominican churches and want to give of their resources. However, it is paramount that Dominicans don t percieve Americans coming to take over and assume responsibility for the success of the ministry and its projects. Dominican pastors and their people are learning the value of being self sustained and reliant only on God. American resources must go directly into training, coaching and the equipping of these leaders in order to transform their entire paradigm as to their role and their churches role in the community. If you desire to donate beyond your time and work, please discuss this with one of the LoveServes staff before doing anything further. 2

4 Motivation for helping: Attitude is everthing. It is difficult at first to understand how to help when the goal is for the local church to be the ones connecting with its community in order to ensure that the relationships established will be long term. Since we don t want to take away from the work that the Dominican believers are doing in their own village, how then can we HELP them? We want you to see yourself as a partner, instead of the leader or the rescue help. The key is all in the ATTITUDE and the motivation of your heart. Ask yourself some questions. What is my motivation for helping? How do I describe poverty? If I was completely honest with myself, do I consider myself superior in some way to the people in the Dominican Republic? If yes, how would this have an effect on how I would help someone in poverty and/or minister to the lost? The RIGHT attitude MUST be humility. The RIGHT motivation MUST be love. The RIGHT application MUST be partnership and collaboration. Being Humble, Adaptable & Teachable (H.A.T.) is priority number one. So put your H.A.T. on and let s go! WHAT will YOU be doing? Our LoveServes team has worked hard to do the leg work with the local church you will be partnering with. The local church has a vision and a plan to reach their community. In fact they are already doing it. Where you come in is joining the great work that God is doing in that specific location. However, we desire to see God use you in your gifts and talents. It is important to match you up with a ministry outreach that utilizes your area of giftedness. With that being said, it is also good to allow God to stretch you in areas you are uncomfortable so you can grow. You will most likely be helping Dominicans build a facility that will provide more ways and effectiveness in reaching the people in their community. Most trips involve some type of light construction project. This can include laying block, shoveling, pouring cement, laying foundations, painting etc. Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are always in demand. Please let us know before-hand if there are any skilled tradesmen and TRANSLATORS coming on your team. Other ministries to be involved in are; children and teen outreach, feeding the hungry, helping the disabled, sick and elderly, gardening. Are you a Group Leader? Here s how to prepare your group? 1. Minimum of 20 people on a trip (if you don t have that many don t worry, we can combine your group with another small group or some singles in order to get to 20) 2. Team leader must meet with LoveServes Trip Coordinator to go over the specifics of the trip prior to meeting with your team. 3. Your team is recommended to meet 4 times to go over the training material led by the group leader to ensure proper explanation of our unique type of mission trip. 4. Read the book When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert (buy on Amazon for $7-9.) 5. a list of all the participants names with age, and skill sets to: peter@loveserves.org 6. Have each member of your team APPLY ONLINE: ( attached copy of passport to peter@loveserves.org) as soon as possible and/or a minimum of 60 days prior to leaving. 7. Mail deposit: $200 to LoveServes International with Mission Trip in the Memo Line: 3310 US Hwy. 301 N. Ellenton, FL Workshops: Equipping is what we do as an organization. You might have a specific skill set that could be taught and duplicated. For example: If you are an IT computer genius, you may be able to teach a number of key people 3

5 from the area churches computer skills in such a way that they could go back and teach groups of others the same things. Other workshop ideas are: teen & children s ministry, drama, music, business, accounting, and english. The goal is to share ideas in your area of expertise, however being sensitive to the cultural context. It is imperative that you remain humble and teachable in case your methods might need tweeking because of the culture difference. Important side note: LoveServes International is known as AVI in the Dominican Republic. It is one and the same only different in name. We changed the name in the US from AVI to LoveServes International for marketing purposes. However, it made sense for the name to remain AVI in the DR being that it is well known and has a very good reputation among the churches, denomination heads, and the Dominican government. Expectations: 1. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Phil. 1:27) 2. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Heb. 13:16) 3. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Heb. 13:17) 4. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. (Heb. 13:18) Praise God, He is working and wants you involved! BEFORE YOU GO - Preparing for your trip PASSPORT All North Americans traveling to the Dominican Republic must have a passport. Check with your post office for a passport application, go to the U.S. Department of State web page: or the Passport Canada web page: If you are applying for a new passport, please allow 4 8 weeks for this process. All travelers should bring a photocopy of the first two pages of their passport in their carry-on luggage. FLIGHT Your group is responsible for all airfare and travel arrangements to and from Santo Domingo. A LoveServes International representative will meet you at the airport in Santo Domingo and LoveServes driver and transportation will be waiting for you. Be sure to check with the airline for current restrictions, luggage weight limits, etc. prior to arriving at the airport. Don t worry if you are an individual, we will make sure you are connected with your group. MEDICAL INSURANCE It is required that all trip participants have filled out and returned the Medical Information and Release form to LoveServes 30 days prior to leaving. LoveServes does carry medical/trip insurance for each person, however it is recommended you carry your own medical/trip insurance as well. PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit for each trip participant in the amount of $200 is due with the Application or no later than 60 days prior to leaving. Construction/ministry costs are due 45 days prior to leaving. It is required that the balance of every trip participant has been received 30 days prior to leaving. 4

6 DOMINICAN FACTS: Population: Dominican Republic s population is 9,378,818, of which 4.7 million are women and 4.6 million are men, according to the 2010 Population and Housing Census. 5

7 HISTORY of the Dominican Republic: 6

8 WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR MISSION PROJECT: Everyone is permitted one large piece of luggage. Check with your airline for weight limits. A second checked bag is allowed to bring ministry supplies, etc, however keep in mind that most airlines charge for a second checked bag. (Note: you may have a domestic flight that may charge for any checked bags) Most airlines permit a personal item such as a purse or backpack for free. Please check with the airline for current regulations and restrictions, especially with carry-ons. 4 sets of work clothes (long pants are recommended) A couple sets of clothes to wear after work and on day-off - Finger-tip length shorts are OK at camp and on day-off - No tank tops or sleeveless shirts in community 1 outfit for church service, not work clothes - Men should wear long pants and collared shirt - Women should wear long, loose fitting skirts past knees and no tank tops or sleeveless shirts 1 pair of work gloves, you may want to bring an extra pair 8 sets of underclothing 1 pair of sturdy work shoes, boots or sturdy tennis shoes 5 pair of work socks Lightweight pajamas, please be conservative Bandannas for work site Swimming suit - Please be conservative one piece for women or wear a shirt over, no speedos for men Flip flops for the shower Towels and washcloths for shower A pillow and twin sheets for bunk beds Mosquito Net (our DR staff will have nets for rent $2) Soap Brush or comb Toothpaste and tooth brush Shampoo Insect repellent Chapstick Flashlight Ibuprofen and other medications (baby powder or other skin protectant is good for keep from chaffing) 7

9 Sunscreen (SPF 15 and above is recommended) Razor and shaving cream Bible, notebook and pens Hat and sun glasses for the work site Refillable Water bottle! Extra batteries Anti-bacterial gel for cleaning hands or wipes Optional Items Camera and extra batteries (please remember to be sensitive when taking pictures) Fanny pack or backpack to carry items to the work site and on day-off Toys and activities for playing with kids in the community but not to give out. (Frisbees, jump ropes, bubbles, fingernail polish, etc.) Some spending money for snacks and souvenirs. $50.00 is usually plenty. Powdered Gatorade or small liquid bottles that you can add to water that has electrolytes and vitamins (ie, MIO) Granola bars or other SEALED SNACKS, please remember that food attracts bugs, so all food must be kept in sealed bags or containers Your work clothes may be subject to concrete, paint, sweat, mud, etc. Please do not wear work clothes that you don t want ruined. Long pants are recommended at work sites. Wear work clothes that are cool and comfortable. Do not bring any valuables. You are responsible for anything you lose. LoveServes does not recommend wearing jewelry in the Dominican Republic. Do NOT bring any illegal substances, tobacco or alcohol. We will send someone home if we find someone using these during the week. Our staff in the DR will exchange money for your group at the current rate. NOTE about PHONES AND INTERNET: If you bring your cell phone PLEASE check with your cell phone provider to find out what fees or charges you might be subject to when you go out of the country! You might consider a Temporary International calling card, because very high roaming charges will apply on your regular plan. Always keep your cell in AirPlane Mode Internet is not readily available at the camp, but limited access will be provided by LoveServes to send an or post on facebook. 8

10 Mission Trip Application Name Birthdate Male Female Address Telephone Home Church Pastor s Name Years Attended Emergency Contact (Relationship) Name phone Name of Beneficiary Phone: MEDICAL: Doctor Contact Info Health Insurance Provider Policy Number Have you ever been treated for mental or emotional illness? Are there any physical conditions that might affect you in a foreign country? List any Medical Conditions List any diet restrictions and allergies Please give a statement regarding your general health List current medications you are taking Passport # Issuing Country expires NOTARY IS REQUIRED TO WITNESS YOUR SIGNITURE AND SIGN OFF OR STAMP THIS PAGE I understand that LoveServes International is not held responsible for expenses incurred by illness or accident while or subsequent to my stay during missions trip. I agree to provide for my own personal accident/health insurance. (signature) (Date) (signature of legal guardian if under 18) (Date) Notary Stamp here *This application must be returned at least 60 days prior to your arrival on any mission trip 9

11 SPIRITUAL BACKGROUND: Please share briefly your personal testimony of how and when you came to Christ Please describe your spiritual walk with God in recent months. Please explain why you are interested in going on a missions trip with LoveServes International Please share briefly about you past mission trip experiences (if any), including domestic & foreign Please give an explanation in your own words about the role of the Church in the area of poverty What has been your experience in how God has used your gifts and talents for His glory 10