For questions or more details, contact Josh Wilson at the Brookville Church of God. 724-456-6385 or BROOKVILLE.MISSIONS@GMAIL.COM
Dominican Republic Mission 2019 Registration Checklist Read Thoroughly pages 2-7 Register & Pay online with MGM- Steps to register online are outlined on page 8 Fill out these forms and return to Brookville Church of God: Page 9 Statement of Faith (signed) Page 10 Brookville Church of God Mission Trip Application (sign and date at bottom that you have read pages 2-7) Page 11 Medical Release Form Pages 12-15 FOR MINORS ONLY (17 and under) o Page 12 Instructions o Page 13 Mission Authorization and Parental Consent o Page 14 Information on Minor Children Traveling Internationally o Page 15 Affidavit of Parental Consent (requires notarized & kept with traveling guardian) $250 deposit due by July 2018 (for winter) or by January 2019 (for Summer) Payments are made online at MGM (See information in packet) We will purchase flights only for individuals who have completed all items on checklist and paid a minimum of $600. WINTER MISSION February 16-24 Total Cost $1,090 $250 deposit July 10, 2018 $400 payment October 16, 2018 $440 final payment - January 8, 2019 Timeline for payments: SUMMER MISSION July 31- August 7 th Total Cost $1,090 $250 deposit January 14, 2019 $400 payment March 25, 2019 $440 final payment June 17, 2019 *Remember the cost is based on flights being under $600. If flights are over $600 we would add the extra amount to the final cost.
We are so excited that you are interested in serving the people of the Dominican Republic. We have been blessed by what God has done in us and through us over the past few years. As you consider going on this trip there are just a few things we want you to understand. Take time to carefully read through this whole registration packet. We look forward to partnering with you to bring glory to God in the Dominican Republic. Our Purpose Our purpose in everything is to bring glory to God. Everything is secondary in our mission to bring glory to God. 1 Peter 2:9 says that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s special possession, that (we) may declare the praises of him who called (us) out of darkness into his wonderful light. Our life s mission should be to declare the praises of God and to testify to what He has done within our hearts, lifting us from darkness to a place of dwelling in His wonderful light. Out of this mission we carry a burden to share the gospel message with those who are walking in darkness. Because of the peace and joy that we experience from a life reconciled to God, we have a burden to see others come to a place of reconciliation with God. We are compelled by the love of Christ that has transformed our hearts. 14 For Christ s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. It is not about the number of people we see in medical ministry, or how many kids we see in children s ministry, it is not about how many construction projects that are completed. Our mission is about bringing glory to God. As we go to the Dominican Republic I would encourage you to make it your prayer that God would reveal to you in what ways you can bring Him glory. He has given each one unique gifts, talents, and abilities, that can be invested in the Kingdom of God to bring Him glory. You also need to understand the nature of the work we will be doing. Have realistic expectations. We will not change things in a week. We will be a small piece of what God is doing in the Dominican Republic. I would encourage you to pray that God would refine your expectations and that He would align your desires with His plans. Be encouraged as you commit yourself to God s work. It is an honor to serve God in whatever capacity He would desire. Make it your purpose to bring Him glory and you can be sure that He will work in you and through you. 2
MGM Workers When we are in the DR we will be working closely with Dominican natives. Meeting God in Missions provides these workers with great opportunities to make a living for their families. However, there are some strict policies regarding relations between Americans and the Dominican workers. We should only develop healthy, God-honoring relationships. This means that you understand going into the trip that Dominican workers can, and have, lost their jobs as result of fraternizing with Americans beyond what is acceptable. To be very transparent, do not flirt with workers. Do not exchange phone numbers with workers. Be responsible in the way that you communicate. Workers should not be asking you for money or anything else. They should not be contacting you on Facebook to ask you to bring things for them. Please do not engage in any of these things because it could very easily result in the worker losing the opportunity to provide for their families. If you see a need and would like to help someone, whether an MGM worker or someone in villages, always ask first. For example, if you would like to donate money, do not just give it to a worker. Allow group leaders and/or MGM missionaries to assist you in determining the best way to go about donating. Remember that our mission does not end when we get back to the compound. You are still a representative of Christ to MGM missionaries, workers, and even to the other Americans on the trip. Donation Needs If you are interested in bringing donated items, we ask for these specific needs and nothing else. Please also develop a plan on how you will personally be packing and transporting these items. For Medical Ministry: Vitamins (Children s and adult) Tylenol Ibuprofen The best way to donate is financially. Donated money will be used for: Bibles Medication that will be purchased in DR Children s ministry Any ministry opportunities we become aware of while we are in the DR We are trying to avoid taking any other donated items. Every year we seem to have more baggage than we realize. This makes travel much more difficult. 3
Dress Code Please understand that we are going in to a different culture. They view things in different ways than we would in America. The last thing we want to do is ruin our witness because we are not sensitive to the culture. We do not have these dress guidelines to be legalistic or to make things difficult for you. But our priority is to minister to the people of the DR. You need to understand and be okay with the dress code before we go on the trip. Please don t make us have to tell you to change your clothes. We are going to be a little more conscious of this than we have been in years past. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Men Make sure pants do not have holes in back side. Women - Bermuda shorts or capris only. Please, no running shorts. No spandex or jogging pants, no cut off shirts, no strapless shirts. No Yes Yes For Church: Men - Dress shirt or polo shirt, pants, shoes (preferably not sandals). Ladies - Dress/Long skirt, Conservative top, shoes or sandals. For construction: Work gloves, hat, shoes, pants/shorts/capris, shirts. 4
Frequently Asked Questions What does the cost include? *$1,035 ($1,290 if staying extra days) is the cost IF the airfare is less than $600 at time tickets are booked; please note additional money may be needed if airfare costs are more than $600. **note that no monies will be refunded after airfare tickets are purchased. This cost includes air travel, accommodations of safe and clean housing, ground transportation, meals, clean/purified water, work projects, materials, and translators. Where will we stay? Hato Mayor is a town about an hour from the Caribbean coast. MGM is the established mission organization just outside the town. MGM is a secured American compound that reaches out to local villages. Travel to villages could be a few minutes to an hour. To read more about Meeting God in Missions check out www.gomgm.org. MGM- Meeting God in Missions Do I need a valid US Passport? Yes. If you don t already have a current U.S. passport, you may obtain one by picking up the forms at certain branches of the U.S. Post Office or go online to http://travel.state.gov/passport ***Passports typically take six weeks to process. Apply as soon as possible. Photocopy all important documents and keep them in a hidden place separate from the originals. Leave another copy at home with someone you can easily get in contact with while you are abroad. Where and what will we eat? The food will be prepared at the compound. We will pack lunches to take out with us during the day. The food is typical Latin American style (Very mild/nutritious). MGM provides all necessary meals. At what age can I participate in this mission trip? Anyone who is 15 17 years old may participate in this mission trip without a legal guardian. They must return signed and notarized minor travel consent form contained in this registration packet. 5
Anyone who is 14 or under may participate in this mission trip if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or direct relative. How do I prepare for this trip? If exercise is not a normal part of your life, we would encourage you to begin some sort of exercise plan a few months before going on this trip. The temperatures and climate are different in the DR. You will be out in the villages or mission projects for up to 8 hours a day. Temperatures may be 85-90 degrees. Do I need to speak Spanish? You do not need to know Spanish. Translators are provided for various ministries. However, most people say that they wished they would have learned just a few words before going. It is never a bad idea to learn at least the most basic conversational phrases. What about physicals, prescriptions, and vaccinations? While nothing is required, it is recommended that you have a shot for Hepatitis A and for Tetanus. You can also check the Center for Disease Control for other recommendations. http://www.cdc.gov/ How do I contact my child? A point of contact will be identified that will email the churches upon arrival to the DR. Phone and email access are limited in the DR. A contact number is provided to parents/guardians for emergency calls only. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to talk to your child. The schedule is very busy and constantly subject to change. If you send your child on this trip it would be best for you to plan that you will not talk to them through the week unless there is an emergency. What about medical emergencies? We would strongly encourage you to purchase a plan from Faith Ventures Travel Services. This is a Christian organization that provides travel coverage for individuals going on mission trips. Here is link to plans http://www.faithventures.com/compare-plans/ Plans range from $29 - $53. How much money to bring? The total cost includes travel and meals in the DR. You will need money for: Personal gifts/souvenirs, soda, or snacks (An MGM missionary has a small snack shop that is open every night), and offerings for church services. 6
What To Bring Suggestions on what to bring on your trip: Passport Bible, Journal, and pen Camera Flashlight Water bottle Snacks 2 twin size sheets Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer 2 towels, wash cloth, soap and shower shoes Personal toiletries Insect Repellant Sunscreen Pepto-Bismol & anti-diarrhea tablets Spending Money (for church offerings, snacks, and souvenirs) (US dollars are accepted everywhere we go. No need to convert money. Bring small bills. $1 s, $5 s, and $10 s). $10 for the fee for border tax in the Dominican Republic. This fee is not covered in trip cost. Do not bring: Anything you would be worried about losing. We cannot guarantee personal items will not be damaged in travel. 7
How to register online with MGM: *You will be paying online. Remember your username and password. 1) Go to www.gomgm.org 2) Click Experience A Mission Trip 3) Scroll towards the bottom of the page and you will find a link to Register Now under the heading How to Apply 4) On the next page you will click on Private Trips Register Here 5) A new page will pop up and you will be prompted to login to ManagedMissions account. You will click on I don t have a ManagedMissions login 6) You will then need to enter your email address so that you can set your password. 7) You will receive an email with a link to Set My Password. Click on this link. 8) You will see a new window pop up and can now enter a password for your ManagedMissions account. Whatever password you would like. 9) You will now need to enter some personal information. Then click Next 10) You will be asked to enter your passport information. Also you will have the opportunity to share anything else that need to be known by MGM. Health concerns, dietary restrictions, allergies etc After completing this information click Next 11) You will then see a drop down menu and will need to choose our trip. Then click Next 12) You will be asked to check some boxes indicating what areas of ministry you would like to be involved in as well as relevant skills. At the bottom of the page you will need to check box indicating that you have read an agreement to MGM s release form. 13) Click Submit Application 8
Statement of Faith As we commit ourselves to serving the people of the DR, it is important that we all understand the foundation that we stand on. Our foundational beliefs influence every decision we make as a group and should effect each of us individually in our conduct and motivation in all things. We believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God. That the Bible was given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter on one s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:20-21). Salvation makes us members of God s church. We believe that the church is composed of every person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. We enter into the life of the church, not by joining a denomination or a human organization, but by committing our lives to Christ (John 3:1 7). There is one Lord, who is God s Son Jesus Christ, over the church. Christ is the ultimate authority over the church on all matters (Acts 2:36). We believe that Christ will come again at God s appointed time and that he comes to take his church home to be with Him at the end of all things. We believe that followers of Christ have been called to live a life of love, purity, and godliness. We are called to live like Christ, taking on a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit equips believers with unique gifts that enable us to carry out the mission of Christ in the world. At the same time, the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in every believer (Galatians 5:22 23), which demonstrate the Spirit s presence within us. I understand that decisions are made based on the word of God and its teachings. I am willing to comply with the statement of faith while on this mission trip. 9 Signature Date
BROOKVILLE CHURCH OF GOD MISSION TRIP APPLICATION FULL NAME NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT GENERAL INFORMATION ADDRESS(MAILING) CITY STATE ZIP BIRTH DATE EMAIL ADDRESS / / CELL PHONE ( ) - TEXTING? YES NO MEDICAL RESTRICITIONS/ALLERGIES/HEALTH CONDITIONS MAINTENANCE MEDICATIONS EMERGENCY CONTACT & PHONE ( ) - AREAS OF MINISTRY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PRAYER & EVANGELISM CONSTRUCTION CHILDRENS MINISTRY MEDICAL *if you are a medical professional please indicate your position: MISSION INFORMATION & SKILLS SPECIAL SKILLS We are offering 2 separate mission trips. First one will be in winter (Februray), and the second one will be in the summer (July-August). Please indicate for us which one you are committing to. Winter-Feburary 16-24 Summer-July 31-August 7 I have read pages 2-7. By signing this application, I am stating that I understand our purpose, dress code, and conduct. (sign) (date) HOME CHURCH TRAVEL DATES Feb 16-24 or July 31-Aug 7 Send this hardcopy to Brookville Church of God 201 Freedom Lane. Brookville. PA. 15825 10 GROUP BROOKVILLE CHURCH OF GOD
Medical Release Form Release/Hold Harmless and Indemnity In an Emergency I give my permission to a licensed physician to hospitalize, anesthetize, or perform surgery on me. I understand that every effort will be made to inform my emergency contact before these actions are taken. On behalf of Myself/My Child, I further authorize leaders of the mission trip to release any and all other medical information or records to any party deemed necessary. I release and agree to indemnify all participating congregations and leaders for any and all damages, liability, or costs resulting from the authorizing of medical treatment of My/My Child s under the terms of this consent. I am aware that serious illness or injury may occur on a mission trip and that such injury or illness may result in incurring costs, expenses, and any damage for which I am solely responsible. I also understand that mission trips may be associated with risks of bodily harm, death, and/or damage to or loss of personal possessions resulting from without limitation, inclement weather, transportation accident, or terrorism. On behalf of myself or my heirs, I assume all such risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen. I release and hold harmless all participating congregations and leaders from all liabilities for personal injury, as well as property damage or loss arising out of participation in this trip. I give participating congregations and leaders right to use my/my child s picture, voice, and/or testimony in any form of promotion or advertising material. Participate Signature Parent Signature (for participates under age 18) Date Date 11
Instructions for Minor Travel Ages 17 and under Who can travel? Anyone who is 15 17 years old may participate in this mission trip without a legal guardian. NOTE: They must complete the correct forms and have someone that is traveling with them committed to being the minor s guardian for the duration of the trip. Anyone who is 14 or under may participate in this mission trip if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or direct relative. Forms and Documents Anyone 15 17 must have parents or guardians sign and return to Brookville Church of God the Mission Authorization and Parental Consent form (Page 12). They will also need to have parents or guardians fill out, sign, and have notarized, the form Affidavit of Parental Travel Consent(Page 14). If both parents are traveling with the minor there is no need for Affidavit of Parental Travel Consent(Page 14). If only one parent is traveling you WILL need Affidavit of Parental Travel Consent(Page 14). If no parent or guardian is traveling with the minor, someone from your group will need to be appointed as the responsible party on the Affidavit of Parental Travel Consent(Page 14). The form will then need to be signed by parents and notarized. This form(page 14) is to be kept with the guardian traveling with the minor. You do not send this form to us. The same instructions apply to those who are 14 or under. However, we require that anyone 14 or under travel with at least one parent, guardian, or direct relative. Why does my child need a notarized travel consent form? While it is not legally required, US Customs and Border Protection advises that all minors traveling have a signed notarized document to prove that all legal guardians are aware that the minor is traveling. It is very unlikely that your child would be stopped at the border. But it is important that we are prepared in the event that border agents would ever have any suspicion that a minor is being abducted or traveling without the knowledge of parents. 12
Mission Authorization And Parental Consent The parent or parents of the minor child do have full legal custody of the above-named minor child, and that they authorize this child to travel on the Dominican Republic mission trip on these dates. We consent to him/her participating in this voluntary mission trip. I/We release and discharge each of the participating congregations, their leaders, and all organizers of this trip from all claims, damages, or losses of any nature. The parent/parents (signed below) authorize the leaders of this mission trip to act for and in their name, place, and stead, to provide all necessities for this child and to order all necessary medical/dental care. The parent/parents agree to be financially responsible for any cost or expenses that incurred in the provision of any such necessary care for this child. I/We authorize adult participants in this trip to act on our behalf in authorizing and consenting to emergency medical care for the above-referenced child if he/she becomes injured/ill while participating in this mission trip. Parent s Signature Date Parent s Signature Date Emergency Contact: ( ) -