July 27 - Aug.2, 2019 // H.S. SENIOR/COLLEGE MISSION TRIP PRAYING PELICANS We will be partnering again with Praying Pelicans, a short-term international missions organization that has paired us with a local pastor, church, and non-profit ministries to enable us to serve the island community. www.prayingpelicanmission.org THE TRIP On this year s mission trip we will discover that there is so much more than beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery in the Bahamas. We will again be partnering with Shantel and Prayer Warriors Fellowship, a local church where we will put on a VBS. We will also take on construction projects and serve in local schools and non-profits. COST $1,600.00 includes flights, transportation, housing, meals, t-shirt, and mission expenses. THE DETAILS A nonrefundable deposit of $400 is due at registration. Registration closes February 15, 2019 (All payments are considered a contribution to the church and therefore are non-refundable.) All forms MUST be turned in by May 1, 2019. Final payment MUST be made by July 15, 2019. Please complete the following forms and register online: 2019 Grace Medical Release Form (Only one needed for both this trip and the H.S. Mission Trip) 2019 Grace Mission Contract International Travel Signature and Notary Form (if student is under 18 at time of trip) Praying Pelican Online Registration (See page 5 of packet) 2 Color Copies of Student s Passport Information Page
WHY THE BAHAMAS? Last year we partnered with Praying Pelican Missions and went to the Bahamas for the first time and had an incredible experience. In addition to serving the local community and church through a VBS and various work projects we had the opportunity to connect with people and forge deep and genuine relationships. This was something quite special for all of us. Our experience was one shaped by the local people and church who welcomed us, shared their stories, and invited us to worship God alongside them while serving the greater island. We left not only satisfied with a job well done, but with many new friendships with our Bahamian brothers and sisters in the faith. We can t wait to see them again and see what God has in store for us this summer! BAHAMAS AT A GLANCE Population: 391,232 Language: English Region: Caribbean Government: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy (Part of the BritishCommonwealth) Average Annual Income: $21,000.00 Currency/Exchange Rate: Bahamian Dollar / 1 to 1 Predominate Religion: Christian, Rastafarianism Industry: Tourism, International Banking & Financial Services
ADULT CHAPERONES AND LEADERSHIP Grace Student Ministries has been blessed with an abundance of leaders who have a desire to walk alongside students and point them to their Savior and Creator. Because safety, health, spiritual growth, and the well-being of our students is extremely important to us, we require 1 leader for every 5 students who attend this trip. Each of our leaders are required to go through numerous background checks, successfully complete an ECO training program, and much more. We are extremely thankful for the dedication and hard work that our leaders give to the ministry and our students! GRACE CONTACT INFORMATION PRIOR TO TRIP Matt Davis Reed Brentlinger 713-267-8704 713-471-8049 mdavis@gpch.org rbrentlinger@gpch.org EXTRA SPENDING MONEY All expenses are provided for in the trip cost. However, students are asked to bring extra money for any snacks and souvenirs that they might want to purchase. CELL PHONE POLICY We understand that some students will need to have their cell phone for safety reasons. We will allow the use of cell phones, but cannot guarantee service or WIFI. Also be aware ALL phones will need to be put away during worship, devotional time, night games, and group activities. As a leadership team, we believe that the constant access and usage of cell phones has the tendency to harm the building of relationships within the team as the phone can become the focus of the trip. Please help us enforce this policy! IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. In case of an emergency, the closest hospital is less than 10 miles away from where we will be lodging, working, and doing ministry. It is: Doctors Hospital, #1 Collins Ave, Nassau, The Bahamas. The phone number is: +1 242-302-4600 Additionally the U.S. Embassy is located at Queen St., Nassau, The Bahamas and is also less than 10 miles away from where we will be lodging, working, and doing ministry. The phone number is: +1 242 322-1181
PACKING LIST CLOTHES: Work Clothes X 7 -athletic shorts/jean shorts (no short shorts, Nike shorts, leggings) - t-shirts (no sleeveless/tanks) Church Clothes X 3 Girls: -skirt (below knees) -blouse or plain colored shirt (covers shoulders, no writing) -casual dress (below knees/covers shoulders) Guys: -khakis or black pants -polo or button-down -loafers or nice sandals Lightweight Sleepwear Hoodie/Light Sweatshirt Swimsuit (modest one-piece/no speedo) Socks Athletic Shoes Sandals PERSONAL ITEMS: Personal Medications Pepto-Bismol/Immodium Bug Spray Hand Sanitizer Sunscreen Aloe Vera Gel Bath Towel Beach Towel Washcloth Wet wipes Chapstick (with SPF) Toothbrush Toothpaste Brush Soap Shampoo/Conditioner INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTS: Passport 2 Color Copies of Passport WHAT NOT TO BRING MUST HAVES: Bible/Journal/Pen Water bottle w/ large opening Backpack or Small Duffel Hat/Baseball Cap Sunglasses Inexpensive Watch Flashlight/Headlamp Zip-lock bags (multi-size) Earplugs Work Gloves Radios, laptops, ipads, Gameboys, TVs, etc Anything that is not replaceable or has significant value, like expensive jewelry or laptops. A lot of money Drugs, alcohol, guns, weapons of any kind, etc If students are caught with any of these in their possession, items will be confiscated and students will be sent home immediately and at their own expense.
PRAYING PELICAN MISSIONS Praying Pelican Missions is a short-term international missions organization serving the needs of indigenous local churches, pastors, and communities around the world. They set up and lead mission trips for churches, small groups, families, and individuals from North America, continually expanding and strengthening a network of pastors and communities both abroad and in the United States. Each year as lives are touched and hearts are transformed, there is an increasing number of pastors, churches, and communities inviting mission teams to serve alongside them through Praying Pelican Missions. They are an amazing organization that is on the front lines God's movement in the world, from Chicago to Costa Rica to South Africa and everywhere in between. Through Praying Pelican Missions, more than 40,000 short-term missionaries have served in over 1,000 different communities throughout our locations. Teams partner with them from all over the United States and Canada, making them the largest provider of short-term mission opportunities. When asked by Praying Pelican Missions if we would consider partnering with them to serve the people of the Bahamas we answered with an enthusiastic yes. We are looking forward to working together on this trip to share the love of Jesus with our Caribbean brothers and sisters! Check out their website at: http://www.prayingpelicanmissions.org REGISTRATION FORMS & PRAYING PELICAN WEBSITE.. To Register: 1. Go online to the Grace Student Senior Missions Page. Complete online registration and payment. 2. Fill out and turn in to Matt Davis: 2019/2020 Grace Medical Release Form 2019 Grace Missions Covenant International Travel Signature & Notary Form (if under 18) 2 Color Copies of Student s Passport Information Page 3. Once you have completed your online Grace Registration, you will receive an email with a link to the Praying Pelican Mission Website and a password giving you access to our specific trip page. You will need to fill out the required fields there as well.
2019-2020 PERMISSION SLIP, WAIVER, MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE Name of Student Home Phone Address City State Zip Student email address Parent email address Parent(s) and/or Legal Guardian(s) Cell/Pager/Work Numbers of Parent(s) and/or Legal Guardian(s) Age of Child: Birth Date: Gender: Grade: School: FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES It is my understanding that participating in the programs and recreational and other activities of Grace Presbyterian Church( the Church ) is a privilege. Prior to my student s participation in such activities, I acknowledge that certain risks are associated with the activities, including, by way of example, physical injury due to activity related accidents, physical injury due to transportation related accidents, illness or even death. In addition, I acknowledge that there may be other risks inherent in these activities of which I may not be presently aware. The undersigned hereby give our consent to and authorize the minor child named above to participate in all events conducted by the Church. I further authorize my minor child to travel with representatives of the Church in private or other vehicles to any such events so conducted. PUBLICITY On occasion, the Church takes photographs or makes an audio or videotape recording of students and/or adults involved in church activities. Such photographs or video records may be used by staff and participants to remember the activities and participants. In addition, such photographs and audio/visual recordings may be used in Grace Presbyterian Church publications or advertising materials to let others know about our ministry. In addition, local news organizations may hear of our activities or events, and our Church may allow them to photograph or record our events for news reporting on special interest features. I consent to the use of any such audio or visual record of the child named above to be used, distributed, or displayed as agents of the Church see fit. This consent includes but is not limited to: photographs, videotape, audio recordings, and the Church s web page. Yes No Continued on back side..
FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT I recognize that there may be occasions when the student named above may be in need of first aid or emergency medical treatment as a result of an accident, illness, or other health condition or injury. I do hereby give permission for agents of the Church to seek and secure any needed medical attention or treatment for the student named including hospitalization, if in the opinion of the agent such a need arises. Further, I authorize the agent of the Church to consent to any X-ray examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment and hospital care which is deemed advisable by, and is rendered under the general or special supervision of, any physician, surgeon, or dentist licensed under the laws of the State or County in which the medical care is being sought and on medical staff of any hospital. In doing so I agree to pay all fees and costs arising from this action to obtain medical treatment including any treatment a physician, surgeon, or dentist may deem necessary. RELEASE OF LIABILITY By signing this form, I expressly warrant that the student named above is capable of withstanding both the physical and mental demands of the activities discussed above. I also expressly assume all risks of the child participating in the activities, whether such risks are known or unknown to me at this time. I, the undersigned, for my student, my student s personal representatives, assigns, heirs, distributees, guardians, and next of kin ( the Releasors ), hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Church and its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers, and agents, for and from all claims of any nature now or hereafter existing whether known or unknown, including but not limited to, all liability to the Releasors, on account of injury to my child or death to my child or injury to the property of the child, whether caused by the negligence of the Church, its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers, and agents or otherwise, during the course of my student s participation in the activities, arising out of or in connection with activities related to the Church, or any travel connected therewith. MEDICAL HISTORY Special medical needs or concerns (allergies, conditions, dietary needs, medications, etc.): Health Insurance Insurance Company Phone Number Policy Number Medical Doctor Phone Number Date of Last Tetanus Shot In the event that parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) cannot be reached, call (Name & Phone of Emergency Contact): Other Information Other information church leaders should know about the child PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE I represent that I am the parent/guardian of, who is under 18 years of age. I have read the above form and am fully aware of the contents thereof. I give permission for the student named above to participate in the activities of Grace Presbyterian Church, including any special events/activities. In consideration for allowing the participation of the student in the activities of the Church, I hereby consent to the above terms on behalf of the child and agree that this form shall be binding upon me, my family, heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns. Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian Date Print Name of Parent or Legal Guardian YOUNG PERSON S AGREEMENT I agree to participate in the functions and activities of the Church, to cooperate with the leaders and other young people, and to conduct myself according to Christian values. I promise to respect God, respect myself, respect other persons, and respect property. I understand that my continued participation in church activities depends on my support of this agreement. Student s Signature Dat
2019 GRACE MISSIONS COVENANT 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31: Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS COVENANT, I AGREE TO ABIDE BY ALL RULES OR RISK BEING SENT HOME AT PARENT S EXPENSE: ACTIONS Cell Phones: We will allow the use of cell phones during free time, but ALL phones will need to be put away during the lesson, worship, devotional time, night games, group activities and on the worksites. Purchase, consumption or possession of any smoking/ tobacco products, alcohol, or any non-alcoholic frozen drinks, weapons, or drugs. Guys & Gals: It is important that we stay above reproach and hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to our interaction with the opposite sex. We need your help in avoiding any situations that may be perceived as inappropriate. - No opposite gender in your room at any time Clothing: Our goal is to be as modest as possible for the culture we will serve and for our group s goal. - No short shorts for any reason. - Please wear regular t-shirts with full sleeves. - One-piece modest bathing suits only. No spaghetti straps, tummy baring, or immodest clothing for the night. - If you question an item of clothing don t bring it. Electronics: We want to spend this week focusing on the service and people God has put before us. Please leave the following at home: - IPODS, PSP, MP3 players, CD players, etc CONSEQUENCE 2 verbal warnings, phone confiscated for the remainder of the day Sent home at parents expense (call/taxis/extra flight, etc.) Sent home at parents expense Confiscate clothing Confiscate item for length of trip Sleep and Meals: We ve got to eat and rest in order to maintain our stamina and health while serving. Both are vital on our trip. Verbal warning - Everyone is expected to eat 3 meals each day. Meeting with staff/leaders - Respect your roommates and the groups need for rest Showing Respect: Please show respect by listening when others are talking; Verbal warning whether it s one of our new friends, leaders, or friends. Meeting with staff/leaders - Refrain from gossiping or abasing others. Sent home at parents expense - No FOUL LANGUAGE Damage to Hotel Rooms/Buses, etc: We need your help in respecting and honoring the places we get to stay and use. Remember you are representing yourselves, your family, Grace Church, and Jesus Christ. - All facilities should be left clean and in order. You will pay for the damages and be sent home at parents expense. Staff/Leader Responsibilities: It is our job to help protect and care for you on this trip. - At all times, Grace staff has the authority to modify or implement the covenant to fit the needs of different circumstances that may arise Student Responsibilities: Along with keeping the covenant yourself, we expect that you help everyone stay accountable to the covenant In confidence, we expect that you will inform a leader if you become aware of the covenant being broken. By not reporting covenant infractions you jeopardize: the safety of the group, the leaders, and risk being seen as associated or a participant in the infraction. Student s signature Date
International Travel Signature and Notary Form I, hereby authorize my minor child to travel outside of the United States with an appointed adult guardian and through Praying Pelican Missions from July 27- August 2, 2019. I give authorization to the adults serving on behalf of Praying Pelican Missions and Grace Presbyterian Church to act as my agents. Participant (minor) Name: (please print) Parent Name: (please print) Parent Signature: Date: Parent Name: (please print) Parent Signature: Date: To Be Completed by Notary: State of: County of: Signed and attested before me on (date) by (name(s) of person(s)) (Signature of notarial officer) (Expiration Date)