We at GoServ Global are so excited that you will be joining us on a mission trip to Peru. The needs are great and we are happy you chose to serve those less fortunate through GoServ Global. We know your experience will change you in many ways and transform your life. Whether you work on a Safe T Home® at Hidden Creeks Bible Camp, or interact with the locals at Genesis Church, know that you will touch the lives of many in Peru … and they will touch yours as well.
Blessings,
Paul van Gorkom GoServ Global Executive Director
310 E. Broadway, PO Box 193 Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515.448.3131 [email protected] www.goservgloblal.org
GoServ Global shares God’s love by responding to disaster, empowering sustainable community development and creating world change through hands-on involvement. GoServ Global Mission Statement:
September 2017 Delivering Hope
GoServ Global shares God’s love by responding to disaster, empowering sustainable community development and creating world change through hands-on involvement.
Responding to Disaster –GoServ Global brings expertise in equipment operation, safety and volunteer management to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in helping local churches and communities respond to disaster.
Empowering Community Development – GoServ Global transforms the lives of the impoverished by providing for basic human needs, developing local leadership and establishing sustainable communities.
Creating World Change through Hands-on Involvement – Those who volunteer for GoServ Global missions seek to serve those in need and find their own lives transformed by the experience.
GoServ Global Vision Statement:
“Empowering those we serve and serve alongside to be world changers transformed through Jesus.”
Peruvian Culture
2 You will be traveling to Iquitos, Peru, the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road! Located in northeastern Peru, it is linked to the outside world by air and by river only. It’s a prosperous, vibrant jungle metropolis that is known for its friendly, outgoing people. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and the fifth-largest city in Peru. Iquitos has a hot and humid climate. Iquitos has been described as a rainforest community of 430,000 facing crime, drugs, trafficking, domestic abuse, poverty, unemployment, 30% literacy rate, annual flooding, etc. You will see poverty in Peru, but in a metro setting. Rich right along side poor.
As you spend time with the Peruvians, you will be impressed how quickly they learn, how hard they work and how skillful they are naturally. Remember, they have a different culture and worldview but that doesn't minimize their raw strength, stamina, love for The Lord and keen insights into the ways of the jungle.
The first several teams down will be the pioneers at the beginning of a monumental task. Expect rustic conditions, slow progress and extra caution in dodging stumps that need to be pulled and cleared. Your team might work together or on two or three different projects with smaller teams.
Communication The people of Peru speak Spanish. It is helpful to learn a few Spanish words before you arrive.
Weather Peru is always hot & humid. Because you are on the equator, you will have 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
What is the food like? The food is good – lots of rice, eggs, and fresh fruit, etc.
Money Any American money brought into country should be clean bills that are lightly worn, no marks and without tears. They will not accept bills that are in very used condition. ATM machines are available - let your bank know you will be traveling to South America so they don't put a lock on your card. Some stores even accept ATM and Credit cards. Bring a little extra personal spending cash for a day at the local market.
GoServ Global Projects in Iquitos 3 September 2017 In Peru, GoServ Global works with Nelton Noriega Tejada and his wife, Bethany (Baxter) Noriega, and Hannah Baxter who are missionaries with International Messengers, reaching the neglected people of the Amazon River. Nelton & Bethany have started a church plant called Genesis Church that is thriving!
Also, GoServ Global is developing the Hidden Creeks Bible Camp & Training Center in Iquitos, Peru, turning the Safe T Home® into cabins for the camp.
Children will have the opportunity to learn about Jesus in the camp setting
Local & river pastors will receive training and education in pastoral ministry
Local farmers will learn about agricultural practices like crop rotation & soil provision, creating a self-sustaining camp
Volunteers may work beside Peruvians to build the Safe T Homes®, or train and equip leaders of Genesis Church with Nelton & Bethany, and minister to brothers and sisters from another culture. Volunteers with a variety of skills are needed!
Where will we be staying in Peru? Groups of 3-4 may stay with Nelton & Bethany, while larger groups will stay at a hotel.
4 EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO
Eric Williams (GoServ Global Peru Director) 515.291.4328 cell [email protected]
Bethany (Baxter) Noriega (and Nelton) (Missionaries with International Messengers serving in Peru) 011 516 526 3153 –these are all the numbers needed calling from America [email protected]
GoServ Global Contact Info: 310 E. Broadway, PO Box 193 Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515.448.3131 Office Email - [email protected] www.goservglobal.org Facebook Page: GoServ Global Twitter: @GoservG
Paul van Gorkom (Exec Dir) – [email protected] Mary Graham (Dev Coord) – [email protected] Amy Kuns (Office Mgr) – [email protected]
5 September 2017 To Prepare for Your Trip:
Medical: Set up an appointment to see your doctor. GoServ Global policy: Each person going on a trip to Peru is responsible to contact his/her physician to prepare for the trip. It’s best to go in as soon as possible as some vaccinations take time to have a full effect. Doctors may vary on what is recommended but we have seen the following: tetanus, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, influenza, pneumonia, as well as malaria meds like doxycycline. It’s also recommended by doctors to bring Cipro (a powerful antibiotic used only if one experiences gastro-intestinal illness). You can tell your doctor that you will be in the Iquitos area. www.cdc.gov/cholera/general: CDC does NOT recommend cholera vaccines for most travelers, nor is the vaccine available in the U.S. To avoid getting cholera, drink only bottled, boiled or chemically treated water and bottled/canned carbonated beverages. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes. Wash your hands often with soap and clean water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth and to wash and prepare food. Do not ingest water – be mindful in the shower! Passport: If you do not already have a passport, make sure you allow 6-8 weeks after you apply. Make several copies of your passport: 1 for GoServ Global, 1 for your team leader, 1 to leave at home, 1 for your suitcase. If your passport is within 6 months of expiring, you may not be able to leave the U.S.
TRIP LOGISTICS
Approximate Cost of the Trip: $130/day Includes lodging, transportation and food in Peru. And a T-shirt!
Flight Info:
Most airlines flying to Peru allow two 50-pound check in bags, plus a carry-on and a personal item such a backpack, purse, or computer bag. Do not put liquids over 3 oz., or anything that could be considered a weapon in your carry-on as it will cause delays and they will be taken from you.
They serve a meal on your flight to Peru. Show them your passport and printed out trip itinerary at the ticket counter. Married couples and groups can check in together at the ticket counter and immigrations.
For the question of time to stay in Peru put down the duration of your stay and for location, "las castanas n.137 Iquitos, Peru. Home phone 065-263-153". That is the address for Bethany and Nelton Noriega.
Keep your boarding passes as they will be needed for "Flight Number" or "Carrier" to fill out the forms and for baggage claim. They check your baggage claim stamp in Iquitos before allowing you to take your luggage. These will be on the back of your boarding pass with your airplane seat assignment. Please do not lose your boarding pass! It is vital that you hang on to them for luggage claim. 6 If bringing large quantities of an item, (for example, tools), pack in such a way that it is mixed between your suitcases with your personal items and clothes. DO NOT have a suitcase filled with only tools! They will think you are bringing it into the country to sell and you may be taxed on it.
What to expect when upon arrival in Iquitos:
When you clear immigrations in Iquitos, they will give you the bottom of your immigration form. Do not lose this as it will be collected by the immigration’s officer when you leave the country.
When filling out your "Baggage Declaration Form" for Peru, United States for "Country where you are coming from." For "Number of packages" include both carry on and check through bags. On question #1 "Is carry baggage or items subject to tax payment" check "no" ... Then skip the section on quantity, description and value. The other two questions should also be answered "no." Gather your checked in baggage, show your baggage claim stickers on the back of your boarding pass and proceed through customs.
Bethany and Nelton will be waiting directly outside of the secured area. They will take you to either their home for very small teams or to your motel for check in and give you time to get settled in.
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7 September 2017 EXPECTATIONS
One of the top priorities of the trip is relationship-building, especially with the Peruvians. Even though it may take more time, do your best to work with the Peruvians. Teach the Peruvian staff everything you can about running equipment, maintenance and safety. Have fun with them. They love to laugh and it’s amazing how brilliant their methods in the jungle can be. Keep your expectations in check. Expect the unexpected. Remember, you are in the jungle. We have adequate mechanical tools for "most" breakdowns, but getting parts or supplies might include a delay. Be flexible and be prepared to move to another project if needed or take an afternoon off, return to Iquitos early and have some fun with the culture. Please operate all equipment carefully and within modest limitations. The equipment needs to last a long time! It is better to add an extra day or two to a project than have a costly equipment break down that could take several months and thousands of dollars to repair. Expect to get frustrated! Things will take longer than you anticipate. Learn to go with the flow, do problem solving one challenge at a time and enjoy the journey. The Peruvians will most likely do things differently than you. Be sensitive – not better or worse, just different Overall principle – be flexible! By the time you travel to the land each day and travel home, you will have about 7-8 hours of work at the land. Set a modest pace, the heat and humidity will suck the energy out of you by mid afternoon. You will be soaking wet through either rain or sweat. Drink plenty of water and don't be ashamed to take rest breaks. Culture shock – often an all good or all bad response. Be aware of how you are processing things and discuss with the team and the team leader. GCN’s overriding goal in Peru is best summed up in this principal: We desire to teach them how to fish, not just give them fish. We want to see the Peruvian people become prosperous and self-sufficient. Because of this goal, we ask that our teams work through the Peruvian leaders who are leading the projects. Keep in mind: Nelton is the manager and ultimate authority. When in doubt, clear things with him. We are striving to teach skills to the Peruvian people that will allow them to provide for their future. We need to be very careful to provide reimbursement to them in a fair and equitable way. Under or overpaying them can cause issues that can damage or hinder our efforts to improve their quality of life for the long-term. We ask that any gifts or money that you desire to give, be given thru the Peruvian director/team leader or Bethany/Hannah. Come with a great attitude and being open to what God has in store for you. Represent GoServ Global in an honorable and mature fashion at all times Inform responsible staff member of plans whenever leaving work project property Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or designated adult guardian. Be Humble (you won’t save the country) Don’t promise anything you can’t deliver The only difference between you & them is where you were born Do not give out personal information like email or phone number. Talk with your GoServ Global guide first if you want to stay connected with someone you meet in Peru. Carry a backpack or put in a place designated by your GoServ Global guide.
8 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY: Many team participants enjoy sharing their mission trip experience on social media. GoServ Global encourages all team members to exercise discretion to avoid any dishonorable content such as racial, ethnic, sexual, religious, or physical disability slurs. In addition, do not disclose or use confidential or humiliating content. For example, ask permission before posting someone’s picture or publishing private conversations.
REMEMBER o Dress in an appropriate manner, (woman stay covered) & do not display any sexual behavior that is inconsistent with Christian values o Be mindful of how you display affection between adults and children so that does not lead to a misunderstanding due to cultural differences. Do not touch a child/youth in an inappropriate manner. o Do not use any discipline that humiliates or frightens a child – there is NO exception to this rule o While volunteering either on or off the grounds, do not be under the influence of alcohol or use, possess or be under the influence of illegal drugs
9 September 2017 PACKING LIST
Work clothes (t-shirts, pants, and at least 1 long-sleeve light weight shirt) Work gloves – please wear when working on the Safe T Home® Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen – the sun is intense reflecting off the Safe T Home® Bug repellent Flashlight (blackouts are common) Light rain jacket (it is the "rain forest") Work boots or tennis shoes Sandals or flip-flops for around town Swimsuit Sunday attire, nice pants or shorts and shirt (women can wear skirt or dress, but not required) Bible, notebook, pen Powdered gatorade or energy drink Granola bars or trail mix, your favorite snack for personal use and in your room. You may not like the food, OR you may just want to grab a quick energy boost! Prescription Medicines Passport (surprisingly, some people do forget) Technology-- Peru runs on 220, America 110. However, most technology is not setup for both. Check with Nelton or Bethany before plugging anything in so that you do not blow it up. Hair dryers and irons, etc. usually are not compatible with 220 and will blow up. Money belt Camera Journal Toiletry items & feminine products Medical kit Backup glasses Hat Water bottle
Note: When leaving the country, anything you want to leave for the workers and missionaries would be welcomed and received with gratitude. Some people bring clothes they no longer use in the States or they purchase things at thrift stores to use while in country, and then leave them in Peru when they return home. It is not required that you do so, but many people wished they had known this before leaving the U.S.A.
10 MISSION TRIP CHECKLIST
1. Speak with GoServ Global Rep to Secure Trip Dates (allow at least 6 months prior to trip) 2. “Like” GoServ Global on Facebook & “Follow” GoServ Global on Twitter 3. Recruit Team Members (10) 4. Receive Volunteer Packet at Initial Orientation 5. Secure Team Leader to Handle Financials 6. Hold World Change Sunday at your church or with your community group 7. Turn in GoServ Global Volunteer Forms, Prayer Partner List & Copy of Passport to Office – at least two months prior to trip departure 8. Begin Fundraising for Trip & for GoServ Global a. If fundraising, please have donors make checks payable to your church if possible and have them send their donation to you so you can keep track of incoming funds. Then have the church send one check to GoServ Global for the entire team if possible. b. If you or your team is not affiliated with a church, then have donors make checks payable to GoServ Global but have them sent to you first so you can keep track of incoming funds. Then send all checks at once to GoServ Global for your trip. 9. Purchase Airline Tickets (Call GoServ Global office first before purchasing) 10. Apply for a Passport if you don’t already have one (allow 6-8 weeks) 11. Final Payment to GoServ Global Office at least two months prior to trip departure 12. Contact Your Local Media about Trip 13. Hold Final Team Meeting with GoServ Global Leader to discuss last minute details prior to trip
UPON YOUR RETURN
1. Fill out Evaluation & Return to Team Leader 2. Contact Local Media about Trip 3. Share Quotes/Pictures with GoServ Global – [email protected] 4. Hold a Team Celebration 5. Become a GoServ Global Ambassador a. Pray for GoServ Global b. Assist with Events c. Support GoServ Global’s projects
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