Rising Star Ministries Uganda Mission Trip Information and Application Packet www.risingstarministries.com facebook.com/risingstarministries PO Box 970 Wayne, MI 48184 (734) 288-7290
The mission of Rising Star Ministries is to end poverty in Uganda by helping young people be healthy spiritually, academically and physically in a safe and caring environment.
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About Uganda Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by South Sudan, the west by Population: 32,369,558 Democratic Republic of the Congo, the southwest by Capital: Kampala; 1,659,600 Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of Area: 241,139 square kilometers (93,104 the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria. square miles) Approximately the size of Oregon Uganda’s second biggest city, Jinja, is home of the source of the Nile River. Language: English, Kiswahili or Luganda, many local languages
Uganda is one of the poorest nations in the world, with 37.7 Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, per cent of its population living below the international indigenous beliefs, Muslim poverty line of US$1.25 per day in 2009. Currency: Ugandan shilling
Religion - According to the census of 2002, Christians made Life Expectancy: 44 up about 84% of Uganda's population. The Roman Catholic GDP per Capita: U.S. $1,200 Church has the largest number of adherents (41.9%), Literacy Percent: 70 followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda (35.9%).
Evangelical and Pentecostal churches claim the rest of the Christian population. The next most reported religion of Uganda is Islam, with Muslims representing 12% of the population.
Cuisine - Traditional Ugandan cuisine consists of starchy filler with a sauce of beans or meat. Main dishes are usually centered on a sauce or stew of groundnuts, beans or meat. The starch traditionally comes from matoke (boiled and mashed green banana), cassava, yam and African sweet potato, white (often called "Irish") potato and rice. Chapati, an Asian flatbread, is also part of Ugandan cuisine.
Climate – Kampala features a tropical wet and dry climate, however due to city’s higher altitudes, average temperatures are noticeably cooler than what is typically seen in other cities with this type of climate. Kampala seldom gets very hot during the course of the year; the warmest month is January.
Another facet of Kampala’s weather is that it features two distinct wet seasons. There is a lengthy rainy season from September through December and another shorter rainy season that begins in March and lasts through May. However, the shorter rainy season sees substantially heavier rainfall per month.
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About Rising Star Ministries Imagine your hometown not having a little league baseball team or soccer program for your kids. What if your community had no local park or your community had no library with a summer reading program? Most families in Uganda have no access to such precious resources and opportunities for their children.
Rising Star Ministries offers local sports leagues at a minimal cost to families. Rising Star also has a travel soccer team that trains and plays in tournaments throughout the year. Every time student’s come to the field or court, they grow spiritually, academically and physically. They have the chance to hear about the perfect gift that God sent to us; salvation through His son Jesus Christ.
The Rising Star education center provides resources and tutoring to students in need of extra help with their schoolwork. Because most school class sizes have over 60 students, few receive the individualized attention that they need to succeed. Rising Star’s services give students a better opportunity for academic success.
Rising Star Ministries aims to end poverty in Uganda by helping students grow spiritually, academically and physically, giving them hope for the future and a chance to help build thriving communities. About the Trip The Rising Star summer mission team will work in the following areas.
Staff Development - Help train the Rising Star staff on techniques to better minister to children and how to incorporate technology into the learning sessions. You will work side by side with one of staff members in helping them develop their skills.
Building Team – In 2013 Rising Star purchased a piece of property to build its ministry center on. We will begin digging and laying the foundation with help and guidance of our builder in Uganda.
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Important Information Clothing Summer clothing is appropriate with the high temperatures and humidity. Please wear modest clothing. Please bring shoes that are comfortable for walking and soccer shoes. DO NOT wear any jewelry that has sentimental value, however you will want to wear something that signifies you are married.
Showering You will want to use unscented items if at all possible to help cut down on bug attractions. Hot showers will be available at our hotel.
Accommodations We will stay in a hotel about 1 mile from the Rising Star Center. The hotel has hot showers, backup generators and serves cold drinks and meals.
Immunizations A yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Uganda. We also recommend having a typhoid vaccination along with hepatitis A & B vaccines. Malaria prophylactic highly recommended, Larium and Doxycyline is what we have found most effective in Uganda. We suggest you go to www.cdc.gov/travel to see the recommended immunizations, medical precautions, as well as handling the prescription medication you may be bringing with you. These immunizations are typically available at your County Health Department at cost or at any Travel Clinic. We advise you to have a current Tetanus Shot as well.
Food Three meals a day will be provided. We also recommend you pack snacks such as granola bars or peanuts. Food however is easily accessible.
Luggage We ask that your checked luggage be donated items that can be used for the ministry such as sports equipment or school supplies. You should be able to fit your clothing and personal items in a rolling carryon. However, due to the tightened restrictions, please check with the airline on toiletries allowed in carry-on. It might be necessary for you to pack some things in your checked luggage. If you do not have enough supplies to donate, we will provide you with some.
Money It is best to bring cash. Traveler’s checks are difficult to exchange and credit cards are only accepted in some places. Take only 50’s or 100’s with a date of 2010 or newer. You will not need much, only some for personal spending. Our recommendation is the new $100 bills.
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Trip Dates and Travel Information Passport Expenses It is required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date to travel to and from Uganda. 11 Day Trips - $4,000 Forms are available online as well as at your local post office. June 19th – 29th To find the information needed you can go to July 3rd – 13th travel.state.gov/passport on the web.
25 Day Trip - $6,500 Customs/Visas June 19th – July 13th You will be required to fill out a customs form on the plane before you arrive in Uganda. The address you should put on Costs cover airline ticket, in country this form will be provided to you by your team leader. You will travel, meals, and housing. You are pay for your visa with cash upon arriving in Uganda. The cost responsible for any extra expenses. is $50 which can be raised as part of your support.
You must have funds for airfare no Airport later than May 1st. All other funds When traveling to other countries you will find the airports must be collected one week before are not the same as in the States. Upon arrival, there will be your trip departs. lots of people waiting outside to “help you” with your bags. We ask that you check extra baggage However, do not be deceived, you will be paying for this. It to help us keep the cost of shipping can be very overwhelming if you are unaware. Some of them down. It is much cheaper to check an wait there all day to make some money so be prepared, it’s extra bag than it is to pay for shipping pretty hectic. Follow the lead of your team leader. We will overseas. have designated Rising Star staff pick you up from the airport. Any staff will wear be wearing a Rising Star Ministries shirt. Three week trip includes white water rafting on the Nile & Bungee Jumping Final Note into Nile or One Day Safari (Group There are no public restrooms, so there may be occurrences Choice) of people relieving themselves on the streets. Also the modesty is different in Uganda than in the States so be prepared to see more than you’re used to.
A Typical Week Saturday (Arrival) – You will arrive late, go straight to hotel and rest Sunday – Breakfast at Hotel; go to church; Lunch; Tour ministry center and Gayaza/Kasangati, Dinner at Hotel Mon – Fri – Breakfast at Hotel, work at job site 9am – 5pm w/ lunch at job site; 5-7 Center time with kids; dinner and free time Saturday – Spend day at ministry center; teach bible study; play soccer & netball Sunday - Breakfast at Hotel; go to church; Lunch; Go to Kampala for Shopping (African Craft Market); Dinner on beach; head to airport (Throughout the week we will go to different places for dinner and entertainment including N’dere)
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Short-Term Mission Application Form INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Complete the Application Form. 2. Attach a recent photo to the application form along with a photo-quality copy of your passport 3. Submit your Application to RSM on or before the deadline. You can email or fax your application to us and mail the required documents without delay
ACCEPTANCE: Once we have received and reviewed your application, we will contact you regarding your acceptance to the team. Rising Star Ministries has the right to refuse acceptance of any team member and will discuss with you any reasons for that refusal.
SPONSORSHIP: Everyone accepted to the team or to go alone will be responsible to raise the needed support for the trip.
GENERAL INFORMATION: (Please print)
Name: ______Date of Birth: ______
Address: ______State: ______Zip: ______
Phone: (_____) ______-______Email: ______@______
Marital Status: ______Parent/Guardian (Under 18) ______
Passport Number: ______Expiration Date: ______
If you do not have a passport now, you must apply for it and send us the information later
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SPIRITUAL INFORMATION: 1. What is the name of your home church? ______
Address______
Name of your pastor______Phone______
Email Address______
2. Have you ever participated in any Mission Trip? ( ) Yes, ( ) No - If yes… a. When? ______b. Where: ______c. Name of group or church______d. Name of group leader: ______Phone: (____)______
Email Address: ______
3. What ministries are you involved with at your church? ______4. Do you serve in any volunteer/leadership role in any ministry or outside the church? Explain:
______
5. What do you think your gifts are? ______
______6. Please give two references who know you and your spiritual walk (name and phone#).
Name: ______Phone: (_____) ______
Name: ______Phone: (_____) ______
7. Describe how and when you came to know the Lord: ______
______
______
______(use separate sheet if needed).
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8. Have you been water baptized? ______
If yes, where and when? ______
9. Please explain briefly why you want to participate in this mission trip: ______
______
______
WORK EXPERIENCE/TALENTS: 1. Please list any specific talents that you have (drama, singing, instruments, puppets, construction, medical, teaching, etc.)______
______
______
2. Where are you employed?______
Position: ______How long: ______
3. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently? ______
4. What do you see as your strongest character quality and why? ______
5. What do you see as your weakest character quality and why? ______
PERSONAL INFORMATION: 1. What are your personal expectations for this trip? ______
______
______
2. If you are in a dating/engaged relationship with someone, is this person applying to serve on the same mission team? ______
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3. Have you been convicted of committing a crime? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If yes, explain: ______
______
______
Rising Star Ministries, Inc. requires strict compliance with rules and regulations, including rules concerning conduct, dress, and Christian lifestyle. These are explained in the Team Covenant, which will be provided to accepted team members. Team members, leaders, and staff serve at their own risk, and RSM is not liable in the event of sickness, accident, death, or terrorist acts or for transportation and any other expense beyond normal involvement. We require all participants to be in good physical condition, and we may require a doctor’s reference and exam.
I have read and understand the above information. The information I have given RSM is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. My signature signifies my approval of all limitations listed above.
Signature of Applicant: ______Date: ______
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Volunteer Release Form
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receiving this letter, and acknowledges the risks assumed by volunteers of Rising Star Ministries, Inc., and releases its officers, directors, members and all other persons and organizations working on its behalf from any and all loss, liability, actions, claims and demands of any nature, past, present or future, that may result from or be in any way related to the undersigned activities conducted under the auspices of Rising Star Ministries, Inc.
NAME: ______DESTINATION: ______
SIGNATURE: ______DATE OF DEPARTURE: ______
DATE SIGNED: ______DATE OF RETURN HOME: ______
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Medical History Form
Name: ______Date of Birth: ______
Address: ______State: ______Zip: ______
Phone: (_____) ______-______Parent/Guardian (Under 18) ______
Blood Type: ______ALLERGIES: ______
Name of any medication you are currently taking: ______
Doctors Name: ______Phone: (_____) ______-______
HEALTH INFORMATION: 1. Do you have or have you ever had: Fainting Spells Frequent and/ or severe Hearing Difficulties Heart Problems headaches High/Low blood pressure Diabetes Nervous Breakdown Breathing Problems Seizures Mental Problems Digestion Problems Eating Disorder Asthma Back or neck pain Respiratory problems Allergies Others______
If yes, please explain:______Do you have any condition which might affect your ability to fully function as a Missionary on this trip (i.e., fear of flying, depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders)? ______
Do you have any chronic illnesses or allergies? Yes No – Explain: ______
Have you ever had any psychiatric care or treatment? ______
Does your health insurance cover you overseas? ______
ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: ______
______
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Emergency Contact Information Form
Please provide us with two names and contact information of the persons we should contact in case of an emergency.
NAME: ______RELATIONSHIP: ______
DAYTIME PHONE: ______EVENING PHONE: ______
HOME ADDRESS: ______STATE: ______ZIP: ______
E-MAIL: ______
NAME: ______RELATIONSHIP: ______
DAYTIME PHONE: ______EVENING PHONE: ______
HOME ADDRESS: ______STATE: ______ZIP: ______
E-MAIL: ______
Your place will be reserved once we receive the following:
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1. Completed application 2. Appropriate fees 3. Volunteer Release Form 4. Emergency Contact Form 5. Medical History Form 6. Color Copy of passport
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