GUATEMALA 2014 The Ascent Church Guatemala Mission Trip July 26 August 2, 2014

Transcription

1 GUATEMALA 2014 The Ascent Church Guatemala Mission Trip July 26 August 2, 2014 With the incredible stories of God s handwork and the partnerships we have created in Paquip we are returning again and are looking forward to developing a long term partnership. Application DUE: March 6 with deposit! Current estimated costs: $1100-$1300 Most of the cost depends on the airfare. In this Packet: Basic info on Guatemala Schedule of expectations and meetings Application Packing list Sample support letter, support insert

2 Guatemala Geographically, Guatemala is a relatively small country. Guatemala s land area is about the size of the state of Ohio. Guatemala has a wide variety of terrain from sharp ridges and deep ravines to active, dormant and extinct volcanoes to black sand beaches along the Pacific coast. Guatemala is located just south of Mexico in Central America. It is north of El Salvador and Honduras. Guatemala is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean to the east. There are Mayan ruins throughout Guatemala with the most well-known ruin, Tikal, located in the northeastern part of the country in an area called the Petén. You will find many contrasts in Guatemala. In Guatemala City, you will encounter the things that make it a world-class metropolis such as shopping malls, cell phones, and traffic. You will also find the poorest of the poor making their homes in the city s dumps and along the canyon walls that run throughout the city. Just 30 minutes from downtown you will find small villages that appear to have never been influenced by the city. Dirt roads run through the towns, dogs are everywhere, and there is a quiet, slower pace of life. Even further from Guatemala City, you will find villages seemingly untouched by modern life as goods are transported by horseback or by boat, tortillas are made over wood fires, and water is carried from nearby streams. During your time in Guatemala, you may be fortunate enough to see an active volcano. From a distance, a volcano belching out fumes, smoke and occasional lava is fascinating to see. You may also experience tremors or even slight earthquakes. Tremors are fairly common during the dry season, which runs from October through May. Your time in Guatemala will be a life-changing experience. It is almost impossible to go to Guatemala and spend time ministering there without having your life perspectives changed. You will experience the Lord in a new way as you rely on Him in new and greater ways. There is the hope you will return to the U.S. knowing how to pray more effectively for missions and for missionaries. There is the hope you will be a message carrier of what is happening in Guatemala to your family, friends and church. There is the hope you will sense or know where God would have you be involved in missions in the future. You will be integrated into what the OCI missionaries are doing in Guatemala. You may minister alongside the missionaries in ministries in children s and youth activities, in evening events, in training events, in sports, in evangelistic outreach and in a variety of other ways. You will help open doors for future SEPAL ministries. There are specific ministry needs throughout Guatemala it is an impoverished country. Short term ministry teams are making a difference by helping to meet the physical needs of the evangelical church in Guatemala by offering basic medical clinics (helping with hygiene and basic health issues), and by building homes and orphanages for those left behind after the civil war. They are helping churches that would never have the resources to construct a building, Sunday School rooms, a sanctuary, and latrines. The church in Guatemala: When a devastating earthquake hit Guatemala in 1976, a rash of evangelism efforts took place, as people were very open to the Gospel during this difficult time. As a result, the number of Christian believers or evangelicals skyrocketed. Many people estimated that the Evangelical Church in Guatemala would reach 50 percent of the population. A research study that was done by SEPAL in 2000 revealed that about 25 percent of the population claimed to be "evangelical." This study showed a decline from the 30 percent reported in A further investigation discovered that the problem came from the lack of enabled evangelical church leaders. Thus it was determined that the back door was almost as big as the front door in may churches, and that the church was a mile wide but only an inch deep. Many people returned to their Mayan religion, to Catholicism, or to a syncretistic mixture of religions. SEPAL is offering one answer to the need for enabled men and women to be Christian leaders in their communities and in their churches. This answer is called P.E.B. (Programa de Educacion Biblica). P.E.B. is an intensive forty-course Bible educational training program. It is taught onsite in the context of those studying in a P.E.B. over a two-year timeframe. It is taught over a two-week period, three hours a day, in thirty hour modules to a class of 12 men. The wives of the P.E.B. students study in a class that is especially designed for them.

3 Language: Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. There are many Mayan Indian dialects spoken throughout Guatemala s countryside. In Guatemala City and in Antigua, a person is able to survive with very little Spanish speaking ability. There are many people in Guatemala who are bilingual. Guatemala City and Antigua cater to tourists. There will always be an expatriate missionary going with you wherever you go who is fluent in Spanish. What kind of food is eaten in Guatemala? You may find yourself eating a lot of black beans and tortillas mostly for breakfast and dinner, often accompanied by eggs that are covered with chopped tomatoes. Lunch is normally the largest meal eaten during the day. It generally includes some kind of salad, rice, meat, and lots of tortillas. The poorer people in Guatemala eat beans and tortillas, not only for breakfast and dinner, but also for lunch. You will have plenty of opportunities to eat typical U.S. food, as there are U.S. based fast food restaurants scattered throughout Guatemala City and in some of the larger cities. The nicer restaurants are clean. It probably would be wise not to buy food from street vendors. The water in Guatemala is not potable, and may contain contaminates that will harm your body. It is ALWAYS recommended to drink bottled water for safety reasons, and, for purposeful hydration, as most of Guatemala is 6,000 or higher in elevation. What about medical issues? What kinds of shots do I need? Only a current tetanus shot is necessary for traveling in Guatemala. Hep A and Hep B are recommended but not mandatory. You will eat in places where care is taken in preparing the food and bottled water will be supplied. Please remember when in another country the differences in climate, activity, and diet can cause some mild stomach problems. We recommend you bring along Pepto-Bismol tablets. Some people advocate that you take acidophilus tablets daily up to two weeks before you leave for Guatemala and while there. In the event of an emergency, Guatemala City has excellent medical care and can be reached from all parts of the country within a couple of hours. In addition, Antigua and the Lake Atitlan areas have medical facilities. Is it really safe to be in Guatemala at this time? The expatriate or field team missionaries feel safe living in Guatemala. Current events throughout Guatemala are constantly being monitored. You will never be taken into a red zone or into a risk area. You will not travel at night. The roads you will be traveling will be well-traveled roads. In recent years, police surveillance throughout Guatemala in both urban and rural areas has been increased - giving everyone a greater sense of security. How will we travel to Guatemala and in Guatemala? Guatemala is two flights away from Denver, typically stopping in Houston or Dallas. It takes approximately six hours to fly there. In country, the group will travel in vans and/or micro-buses which will be driven by licensed Guatemalans or missionaries. What will accommodations be like? Guatemala offers many hotel and hostel options. The group will always stay in the safest/cleanest option available. What will the weather be like? The Guatemalan wet season runs from the end of May through September. During these months, July is the driest; in fact it often does not rain at all in July. Most likely, though, every afternoon will bring a late shower with warm temperatures. The average temperature in most of the country is seventy degrees, although temperatures may drop at night.

4 Schedule of Expectations-MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! March 9 - Applications are due with initial $100 deposit. ($200 deposit total due by April 6) No Training meeting. This is crucial for us to have this balance in your account so preparations can be made to purchase airline tickets at a reasonable price! Start the process for getting your passport! April 6 - First team meeting!!! 8:30 am - 11:00 am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session - Training will focus on support letter writing, cultural awareness, group dynamics and overall trip preparedness and expectations of team meetings. May 4 Team meeting 8:30 am - 11:00 am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session - Teams will be assigned and begin VBS planning. Discussions will focus on team dynamics, prayer groups, and cultural awareness. Giving statements will be distributed to send thank you notes. Follow up calls should have been made to the most recent letter distribution list. $400 in account June 1 Team meeting 8:30am - 11:00am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session Discussions will focus on team unity, prayer groups, VBS planning and Spanish 101. Giving statements will be distributed to send thank you notes. Follow up calls should have been made to anyone you have not heard from. Bring your logs. Thank you cards should have been sent. $600 in account June 22 Team meeting 8:30am -11:00am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session Continue with team unity, prayer groups, VBS planning, how to pack for the trip session, Spanish songs practice and we will begin creating supplies list. Giving statements will be distributed to send thank you notes. Follow up calls need to be made to anyone you have not heard from. Bring your logs. Thank you cards should have been sent. Are you on track to meet your funds? If not, you need to formulate a plan on how you are going to pay your fees. YOUR SUPPORT MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE WE LEAVE. $800 in account June 29 Team meeting 8:30am - 11:00am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session - Heart training session 1. Spanish songs practice, continue with team unity, prayer groups, VBS planning and finalization of ministry supplies list). Giving statements will be distributed to send thank you notes. Follow up calls need to be made to anyone you have not heard from. Bring your logs. Thank you cards should have been sent. $1100 in account July 13 Team meeting 8:30am - 11:00am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session - Heart training session 2 Spanish Songs Practice, continue with team unity, prayer groups, VBS planning. Giving statements will be distributed to send thank you notes. Follow up calls need to be made to anyone you have not heard from. Bring your logs. Thank you cards should have been sent. $1200 in account July 20 Team meeting 8:30am - 11:00am, Room 216, Woodmoor campus Training session Heart training session 3 Spanish Songs practice will be our primary focus. Bring and pack all ministry supplies in duffle bags. Finalize VBS details. Prayer groups. Final overview of packing list. Final Balance Due on Account July 26, Depart for Guatemala!!!

5 Attach Mission Trip Application Photo Here Please print neatly... Trip destination Paquip, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Trip dates July 26-August 2, 2014 Personal Information Legal Name as it appears on your passport Home Address Street, City, State, Zip, Country Home Phone Business Phone Birth date (month/day/year) Address Country of Citizenship Church Membership Status:! Member! Regular Attendee! Other: When did you begin attending our church? Are you involved in any volunteer activities in our church?! Yes! No If so, in what capacity? Why do you want to participate in a short-term mission trip?

6 Do you feel you work well in a team? Please give an example. Do you have any reservations about submitting to the leaders of this project while on the field?! Yes! No If yes, please explain: How do you anticipate this ministry will contribute to your spiritual, educational and personal goal for growth? Do you have any physical/health limitations? If yes, please explain Do you believe you can willingly adapt to different/difficult living conditions (i.e.: different language, food, culture and bathroom facilities)? Are you willing to immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible, and refrain from expressing (whether by work, implication or action), criticism of the local way of doing things? Have you ever traveled to a different culture? Have you been on a mission trip?

7 Do you have a current passport?! Yes! No When does it expire? Do you speak a foreign language? If so, which one(s)? You need to raise all the necessary funds for your trip. Are you willing to do this with some guidance?! Yes! No Do you have leadership experience? Explain. Please share your Christian testimony. (Include how you became a Christian, the major influences on your spiritual walk and how you have grown spiritually in the past year. Use additional sheet or back of page, as necessary.) What are your two or three strongest qualities?

8 What are two or three traits that you believe need to be strengthened or changed? What skills, talents and abilities will you bring to the project? (i.e., experience with children, construction, a love for teenagers, talent in teaching, etc.) I have experience in the following: Leading group games Journalism Counseling Leading worship Supervising Projects Teaching Coaching Drama Audio Visual Photography Art Construction Leading Bible studies Secretarial Plumbing Computer skills Administration Discipling Kids Planning/leading worship services Do you have musical abilities? Vocal! Yes! No What part? Instrumental! Yes! No What instrument? List your hobbies/leisure activities: The foregoing information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and understanding. Signature Date Please return this form and attachments to: Short Term Mission Trips The Ascent Church 1750 Deer Creek Rd. Monument, CO Note: Submission of application and all requested information does not guarantee anyone a place on the team. Decisions regarding team membership are solely in the hands of The Ascent Church.

9 CONFIDENTIAL APPLICANT REFERENCE FORM Please have non-family members complete these reference forms and provide to them stamped envelopes dressed to The Ascent Church (see below). A pastor or church leader should complete at least one form. me of Applicant Date mpleted by Relationship Character Trait Evaluation Poor Below Avg. Average Above Avg. Excellent Please give your overall opinion of why we should or should not consider this applicant for this trip: Social Maturity Ability to communicate Ability to resolve conflicts Ability to develop relationships Tactfulness / sensitivity Leadership Maturity Drive / Initiative Mental Alertness Spiritual Maturity Consistent spiritual walk Knowledge of the Bible Dependence on prayer and the Bible Submission to authority Level of evangelism and discipleship training Emotional Maturity Self-image / self-perception Freedom from worry, anxiety Personal Maturity Self-discipline Perseverance Common sense and judgment Flexibility Decisiveness / follow-through Servant s attitude Physical Condition Please do not mail to applicant. Mail to: The Ascent Church Attn: Tony Miller 1750 Deer Creek Rd. Monument, CO 80132

10 Guatemala Packing list Women: Casual dresses or skirts (knee length and longer), and button-down shirts, with at least short sleeves, for ministry purposes Modest pajamas for chilly nights A modest swimsuit (one piece) Comfortable walking shoes - sandals or tennis shoes, (shoes that will go with a skirt but still comfortable to work in) Minimum makeup Couple pairs of pants - cargo, kakis, jeans, etc. A sweater or light jacket - water resistant is best Flip flops or sandals for showering Enough socks and underwear for 8-9 days Passport and a photocopy of passport Be sure to bring some photos of your family and friends - they love to know about your history. On the Guatemala missions trip, we require all women wear ONLY dresses or skirts while at church. The majority of evangelical churches found in rural Guatemala consider it inappropriate for women to wear pants. Some churches in the capital city aren't as conservative, but it simply makes it easier to assume the "no pants" rule. In the city and tourist areas, you may dress in more casual attire. You will find many women will dress according to the latest style. Please do not bring short, tight skirts, or skirts with long slits. Men: A few pairs of pants you can wear 2-3 times Shirts - One or two button-up or polo shirts with collars for church services. Three t-shirts you can wear twice. Comfortable walking shoes/tennis shoes Shorts for sports and swimming A sweater or light jacket - water resistant is best Flip flops or sandals for showering Hat Enough socks and underwear for 8-9 days Passport and a photocopy of your passport Be sure to bring some photos of your family and friends - they love to know about your history. Required Items for everyone! Journal and Pen Bible Toiletries roll of toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste (3.4 oz/100 ml or less), toothbrush, comb/brush, shampoo (3.4 oz/100 ml or less), liquid bath soap (3.4 oz/100 ml or less), and razor for shaving. All should fit in a small ziplock bag that can be carried to the public bathroom. Towel Preferably quick-dry Compact, ultra light sleeping bag (40 degree +) or travel/sleeping sack (55 degree +) Sleeping pad Headlamp or small flashlight Insect repellent (3.4 oz/100 ml or less) Hand sanitizer (3.4 oz/100 ml or less / wet ones wipes) Sunscreen (3.4 oz/100 ml or less) Carry-on Backpack that holds all of your belongings this must fit in an overhead bin on the airplane. Four large Zip Lock bags for dirty, wet clothing and/or shoes Small digital camera Sunglasses

11 Optional Items: Small digital camera Sunglasses Travel size Kleenex packet Prescription glasses and/or contacts, if needed. Don't forget contact solution as you won't be able to get it in rural Guatemala. (3.4 oz/100 ml or less) Any personal prescriptions - if you are taking medication under a doctor's care, be sure to bring enough for the entire trip. Please give Tony a list of your medication name(s) and dosage(s). Money for souvenirs - no more than $100 - NOT in travelers checks - bring crisp, clean, non torn, $20 bills. Your U.S. dollars will be exchanged for in Guatemala by your team leader. ipods are allowed during travel to and from Guatemala. However, they are not to be used while in the village. 5-7 Energy bars (Cliff Bars, Powerbars, etc.) Empty "Nalgene" bottle for purified water Mosquito netting for face Work gloves Don't bring: Anything you are NOT willing to lose or have stolen! Pocket Knives, nail clippers, or scissors Incendiary devices Cell Phones Driver's license or any other important personal documents that could get lost. Only your passport is necessary.

12 Dear family and friends, (or type in the person s name or names) This past year has been full of excitement and lots of changes! I have been involved in. Last summer I had the wonderful privilege to... This summer, in July, I will be joining a team from our church, The Ascent Church, on a trip to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. We will be assisting Pastor Valerio, a Guatemalan national pastor. Our hope is that. English classes, VBS for the children, and building a home for widows. I would like to ask two things of you. First, and most important, is that you support us by praying for our team. It is crucial that people see more of Christ in us rather than simply hearing our words. Our desire is our light will shine together reflecting the Hope that lives in us. We also ask that you pray for our families at home who will be without us for seven days. Second, we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting our team financially. The cost is $ per person for this trip. Your gift of prayer and/or a financial donation is greatly appreciated and not taken lightly. Should you choose to partner with us, please fill out and return the enclosed card in the envelope provided. Your financial gift is tax deductible as long as you make the check payable to The Ascent Church. (If, for any reason, I am unable to participate in this trip, your gifts will be used to support the short-term missions program of the Ascent Church.) Thank you for your prayerful consideration as we prepare physically and financially for this trip we appreciate it more than words can say. Sincerely, or With Love, or (sign your name here) type you name here you can place a picture here

13 YES! I want to be a part of the Guatemala 2014 ministry support team!! Please make checks payable to The Ascent Church.! Checks made out to The Ascent Church are tax deductible.! In the memo portion please write short term missions! Our preference is this gift be used to support the short term mission trip of:! Send your check with this form in the provided return envelope. Please use my gift for the ministry of: (team member s name) " I commit to pray daily for them " Suggested gift amounts $ 50 $ 150 $ 200 other $ My Name: Ph. # Address: Please return check in the enclosed envelope (optional), or send to: The Ascent Church Missions, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument, CO, YES! I want to be a part of the Guatemala 2014 ministry support team!! Please make checks payable to The Ascent Church.! Checks made out to The Ascent Church are tax deductible.! In the memo portion please write short term missions! Our preference is this gift be used to support the short term mission trip of:! Send your check with this form in the provided return envelope. Please use my gift for the ministry of: (team member s name) " I commit to pray daily for them " Suggested gift amounts $ 50 $ 150 $ 200 other $ My Name: Ph. # Address: Please return check in the enclosed envelope (optional), or send to: The Ascent Church Missions, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument, CO, YES! I want to be a part of the Guatemala 2014 ministry support team!! Please make checks payable to The Ascent Church.! Checks made out to The Ascent Church are tax deductible.! In the memo portion please write short term missions! Our preference is this gift be used to support the short term mission trip of:! Send your check with this form in the provided return envelope. Please use my gift for the ministry of: (team member s name) " I commit to pray daily for them " Suggested gift amounts $ 50 $ 150 $ 200 other $ My Name: Ph. # Address: Please return check in the enclosed envelope (optional), or send to: The Ascent Church Mission, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument, CO, 80132