Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. II Corinthians 4:1 English Version Rules and Staff Life VIDA internacional
Rules and Staff Life Chapter I: Dormitories and Responsibilities Article 1: Each respective dorm room on campus has been cleaned before your arrival and you are responsible for keeping it clean. Article 2: Each staff member residing on campus will be involved in maintaining cleanliness on a weekly basis. Chapter II: Classroom and Public Places Article 3: The classrooms on campus are open to both men and women. These areas may be utilized for academic and social activities. Article 4: Each dormitory is separated according to gender and visits by the opposite sex are not permitted in the rooms. Article 5: It is important to uphold the courtesy of knocking on a door before entering a room, awaiting permission before entering. Chapter III: Relationships Article 6: Staff members are requested to act in harmony with biblical principles as outlined in the Spirit of Prophecy in regards to courtship. Article 7: The class schedule at IBC is extensive and in order to encourage students to stay focused on the education provided and nurture a closer relationship with Christ, dating relationships between staff and students are not allowed. Chapter IV: Attire Article 8: Our attire is a reflection not only of what is within our hearts, but should also be a reflection of the character of Christ. Article 9: One s attire should not be tight, but simple, clean, modest, and appropriate whether on or off campus. Article 10: Our image should not depend on fashion, but should be a reflection of our Christian principles. Article 11: Guidelines regarding appropriate attire are always dependent upon the distinct activities taking place in the various departments of VIDA, but general guidelines are as follows: Men - Work: Slacks and jeans; button-down, polo or t-shirt with sleeves. - Evangelism/Church: Slacks, long- or short-sleeved shirts or polo shirts. - Swim attire: Shorts to the knee; sleeved shirt. Women - Work: Skirts below the knee; loose pants or jeans; loose-fitting, long buttondown, polo or t-shirts with sleeves. - Evangelism/Church: Skirts below the knees, loose-fitting sleeved dresses below the knees; button-down or polo shirts with sleeves. - Swim attire: Shorts to the knee; loose-fitting sleeved shirt. - Make up: So discreet that it goes unnoticed. Jewelry: Engagement and wedding rings are the only acceptable jewelry. 2
Chapter V: Spiritual Life Article 12: IBC morning devotions take place Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and are open to all. Chapter VI: Diet and Food Article 13: The kitchen provides a vegetarian diet (no dairy or egg) for students, staff and guests. Article 14: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is served at 7:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 1:00 p.m. Dinner is the least important meal of the day. According to the Spirit of Prophecy, it is recommended not to eat dinner, but a light dinner will always be provided. Article 15: The kitchen area is restricted to those assigned to work in the kitchen for hygienic purposes. It is not authorized to enter the kitchen without permission from the kitchen staff. Chapter VII: Evening Hours Article 16: After 8:30 p.m. there should be an effort to maintain quiet and tranquil atmosphere in the dormitories and apartments. Chapter VIII: Permission to Leave Campus Article 17: If any staff member needs to leave campus for any off-campus activity, it is necessary to ensure that one s responsibilities are being cared for. Article 18: If any staff member needs to leave campus overnight for an extended period of time, it is preferred that a written request be given to the Executive Board including the following information: date of departure and return, purpose and destination. It is best to present the request at least one week prior to the desired departure date. Chapter VIV: Guest Policies Article 19: Prior to the arrival of any guest on campus, an oral request must be presented to the immediate supervisor including the following information: Name of the guest, purpose of the visit and arrival and departure dates. Article 20: If the guest is approved for a visit, the kitchen needs to be notified. Article 21: VIDA does not charge guests for their stay, however the ministry welcomes donations. Chapter X: Public Transportation Article 22: Public transportation provides daily services from El Suyatal to Tegucigalpa. Article 23: The form of transportation chosen by the staff member is at their own discretion and each staff is responsible for covering all the charges. Chapter XI: Media Article 24: All media, including cell phones, computers and literature etc., should represent Christian principles if being used by any VIDA staff. Chapter XII: Separation of Trash Article 25: All trash should be separated into one of two categories: organic and inorganic 3
trash. Article 26: Organic trash includes all items that decompose easily and may be used as a fertilizer. Article 27: Inorganic trash includes all items that cannot decompose easily such as metal, plastic, etc. Inorganic trash is burned at a designated location. Article 28: All organic trash should be separated into marked containers and subsequently deposited on the compost pile. Chapter XIII: Security Measures Article 29: Leaving candles and oil lamps unattended is a prohibited. Article 30: Flammable objects should be stored in locations that would not present a fire hazard. VIDA is not responsible for personal items. Chapter XIV: Preparation Day Article 31: Every Friday afternoon is designated for cleaning and preparing the campus for a day of Sabbath rest. Article 32: The beginning of the Sabbath depends on the actual time the sun sets. A program to welcome the Sabbath has been designed for full participation of all students, staff, and interns residing on campus and attendance is required. Chapter XV: Church Article 33: The only Seventh-day Adventist Church in the community of El Suyatal is located in the center of the village and is the official church of VIDA. Article 34: Sabbath School begins at 9:00 a.m. in the church and is followed by the divine service beginning at 10:45 a.m. Article 35: There are also church services during the week on Sundays and Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Article 36: Staff may be assigned responsibilities in church. Article 37: Staff should attend all the weekly church services. Article 38: Staff members are encouraged to change their membership if serving in VIDA for more than six months. Chapter XVI: Finances Article 39: Volunteers/student missionaries serving for less than one year of service yet are not applying in response to a specific call are expected to raise US$200/month to pay VIDA for room-and-board. Article 40: Volunteers/student missionaries serving for one year who applied in response to a specific call will receive US$50/month for pocket money during the first year and will have their room-and-board expenses covered by VIDA. Article 41: Long-term staff who have been approved for serving more than one year and applied in response to a specific call will receive US$50/month for pocket money during the first year. Their monthly stipend will be increased up to US$200 as quickly as possible. Article 42: International volunteers/student missionaries/staff residing in Honduras for one to five years are responsible for paying approximately US$350 for a residential visa. After five years, the process is repeated. Chapter XVII: Medical Care 4
Article 43: Each person is responsible for providing their own medical insurance. Article 44: In case of sickness, each person should notify their immediate supervisor about their condition. Chapter XVIII: Expulsion Article 45: VIDA reserves the right to expel any volunteer/student missionary/staff. 5