Mission Overseas ‘Do it Well’ Mission Toolkit
Resources and Links: This final booklet in the series offers you further reading and useful contacts for every stage in the mission process. 02 03
‘Do It Well’ at a Glance
Stage 1: Exploration Stage 4: Home Again
■ Do you know what the ‘Do it Well’ ■ Returning to your ‘Do it Well’ Bible says about mission? Booklet 1 own culture Booklet 4 Are you clear what short- Reporting back ■ Thinking of Going ■ Finishing Well term mission is about? ■ Continuing your ■ Have you thought about mission involvement plannning, training, support and follow-up?
Stage 2: Preparation At Any Stage:
■ Building church support ‘Do it Well’ ■ Need extra help ‘Do it Well’ ■ Building connections Booklet 2 and inspiration? Booklet 5 with people overseas Want to know Doing the Groundwork ■ Resources & Links ■ Recruiting team leaders who to contact? and members ■ Practical planning
Stage 3: The Team “The Mission Involvement Committee of the Board of Mission Published by: Overseas acknowledges with gratitude the considerable time, energy The Presbyterian Church ■ Team-building and thought given by Dr Deborah Ford in gathering and writing the in Ireland, Board of Mission ‘Do it Well’ Overseas, Church House, ■ Team training material contained in this toolkit, and for the helpful advice and Booklet 3 guidance given by the members of the Toolkit Working Group.” Belfast, BT1 6DW. ■ Supporting your team Ready, Steady, Go Design by: ■ Travelling and Email: [email protected] www.hbddesign.com working overseas Website: www.pcimissionoverseas.org 04 05
Books
For a good overview of mission in general, see: For team planning guides, see: Gaukroger, Stephen. 1996. Why Bother with Mission? Forward, David C. 1998. The Essential Guide to the Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press. Short-Term Mission Trip. Chicago: Moody Press. Goldsmith, Martin. 2006. Get a Grip on Mission: The Kirby, Scott. 2006. Equipped for Adventure: A Practical Challenge of a Changing World. Nottingham: Inter- Guide to Short-Term Mission Trips. Varsity Press/OMF International. Birmingham, Alabama: New Hope Publishers. On the Biblical basis for mission, see: On spiritual preparation and cross-cultural Dowsett, Rose. 2001. Thinking Clearly about the Great thinking, see: “I want to do lots of Commission. London: Monarch Books/OMF Publishing. Dearborn, Tim. 2003. Short-Term Missions Workbook: research into the culture of the country Peskett, Howard, and Ramachandra, Vinoth. 2003. The From Mission Tourists to Global we are going to and Message of Mission. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press. Citizens. Downer’s Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press. to get other useful On sending and supporting in mission, see: Lanier, Sarah L. 2000. Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to information and Understanding Hot – And Cold – Climate Cultures. contacts.” Pirolo, Neal. 1991. Serving as Senders. San Diego, Hagerstown, Maryland: McDougal Publishing. A selection of books on California: Emmaus Road International. Livermore, David. A. 2006. Serving with Eyes Wide Open: various topics, providing Pirolo, Neal. 2000. The Re-entry Team. San Diego, further useful information Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence. California: Emmaus Road International. that will help teams Grand Rapids: Michigan: Baker Book House. or individual in their For helpful guidance on establishing links planning, preparation On health and security, see: overseas, plus real-life stories, see: and involvement in Health Advice for Travellers. UK Government Leaflet. mission overseas. Jeffrey, Tim, and Steve Chalke. 2003. Connect! Carlisle: Authentic Lifestyle. Security Awareness for the Traveller: Safe Travel Tips. Leaflet produced by PCI Mission Overseas. Jeffery, Tim, and Ros Johnson, eds. 2003. Connect!2. Carlisle: Authentic Lifestyle. Dawood, Richard. 2002. Travellers’ Health – How to Stay Healthy Abroad. (3rd ed). Oxford: Jeffrey, Tim. 2003. Connect! Finding Your Place. Carlisle: Oxford University Press. Authentic Lifestyle. Lankester, Ted. 2007. Travel Health Pocket Guide. Interhealth/Berlitz. 06 07
Books
On re-entry, see: If considering longer-term service, see: Jordan, Peter. 1992. Re-entry: Making the Transition Griffiths, Michael. 2001. Lambs Dancing amongst from Missions to Life at Home. Seattle: YWAM Wolves: A Manual for Christian Workers Overseas. Publishing. London: Monarch Books/OMF Publishing. Knell, Marion. 2007. Burn Up or Splash Down: Surviving Pirolo, Neil, 2005. I Think God Wants Me to Be a the Culture Shock of Re-entry. Carlisle: Authentic. Missionary. San Diego, California: Emmanus Road International. On congregational involvement in mission, see: Beals, Paul A. 1995. (rev. ed.) A People for His Name: A Websites More helpful books, Church-Based Missions Strategy. Pasadena, California: plus a number of useful websites well William Carey Library. www.christianvocations.com (database of long-and short-term opportunities and helpful advice on Christian worth exploring in Knell, Bryan. Encouraging World Mission: Ideas on service). some detail. Integrating World Mission into Local Church Life. Global Connections. http://www.globalconnections.co.uk www.dualreach.org (resources for educating churches in mission, including short-term and youth teams, ––––. Think Global – Act Local: A Series of Information and for utilising the experience to develop a stronger Papers on how to Involve your Church with the Wider congregational vision) World. Global Connections. www.globalconnections.co.uk has comprehensive codes PCI Mission Overseas. “Encouraging Interest and of best practice for planning short-term missions plus Involvement in Global Mission – A Resource Pack many other useful links. for Congregational Leaders.” This is downloadable from http://www.pcimissionoverseas.org/resources/ www.thenextmile.org (purchasable resources for publications/ churches: short term mission team leader’s guide, participant’s guide, youth guide, mission trip journal, Piper, Joy. 2000. Bringing the World to Your Church. etc). Gerard’s Cross: WEC Publications. www.oscar.org.uk (Christian mission information portal, including short and long-term opportunities). www.shorttermmissions.com (various articles and links). 08 09
Websites
www.stmnetwork.ca/helping-you-go/resources.php STM For passport information, see: Network Canada: downloadable resources for church www.ukpa.gov.uk (for Northern Ireland) mission trips plus articles and links. www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=255 (the Republic For detailed advice on security/health threats, of Ireland) political stability and up-to-date country-by For an EHIC card, see: country issues see the Foreign Office and BBC World websites at www.ehic.uk.com www.sspcrs.ie/ehic/e111info.jsp. www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/ A further selection travel-advice-by-country Local Contacts of websites, providing www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/default.stm excellent, up-to-date www.belfastbiblecollege.com (local mission training, information on a For health and safety matters, see: from evening class to full-time courses). range of practical matters that MUST be www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk www.imap.ie (partnership of mission agencies covering the Republic). addressed by every www.nathnac.org (National Travel Health Network and team or individual Centre) www.mapmission.org (partnership of mission agencies preparing to go in the North of Ireland; offers database of short-term overseas. www.rospa.co.uk (the Royal Society for the Prevention of mission opportunities and mission agency contacts). Accidents). www.pcimissionoverseas.org (Board of Mission Overseas www.who.int/en/ (the World Health Organisation – up to website). date information and country-by-country listings). www.presbyterianireland.org/takingcare To buy first-aid kits, sterile packs, mosquito nets (Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Board of Social and other useful travel stuff, go to: Witness – for child protection issues and advice) www.interhealth.org.uk/travelshop.html www.nomadtravel.co.uk 10 11
A Sample Short-Term Team Covenant
■ I have carefully considered the Biblical basis, benefits ■ I will lay aside my own agenda and seek to think, live, and limitations of short-term mission, and I am clear and work as ‘a team-player’ for the duration of the trip. that my primary motive is service. ■ Recognising that love and unity are vital for effective ■ I am clear about the aims and objectives of this Christian witness, I will deal swiftly and Biblically particular team. with any disagreements or difficulties. I will avoid gossip, cliques, and exclusive friendships. ■ I recognise that short-term mission isn’t just about ‘those who go’, but is a partnership between goers, ■ I will faithfully maintain my own personal devotional senders and hosts, in which all play an equally vital life while on the team. role. I will respect each partner equally for their ■ Recognising that this is a corporate ministry, I will contribution. seek to pray for and encourage my senders, fellow ■ I will attend all team meetings, including debriefing team-members and hosts. I will come prepared to both and deputation meetings. give and receive spiritually. ■ I will comply with all necessary medical requirements ■ Recognising that I have come to serve, I will seek to be and ensure I have all necessary travel documentation, flexible, positive, and non-judgemental at all times. including an insurance policy with a repatriation ■ I will prioritise listening, learning, and forming clause. relationships with missionary hosts and local people. ■ I will fulfil all financial obligations promptly. ■ I will thank my hosts and fulfil any promises made to ■ I will follow the orientation advice given to me, local people. I will commit to ongoing prayer for the especially cultural guidelines and health and safety work and ministry I have been involved in. information. ■ I recognise that reporting-back to my sending ■ I give permission to my team leader(s) to communicate congregation and any other supporters is an important with my emergency contacts should I become ill or Biblical principle. I will fulfil any deputation Signed: involved in an emergency. requirements expected of me, and seek to portray the You may download these country, culture, work and people fairly. ______■ I will respect the authority of my team leader(s) and sample application forms national hosts/supervisors and will abide by their from our web-site: ■ Recognising the enormous privilege of short-term ______decisions at all times. www.pcimissionoverseas.org missionary service, I will prayerfully consider how Date: ______God might want me to build on this experience. 12 13
What interests do you have outside your church involvement? ______Sample Overseas Team ______Application Form Have you been involved in a Mission Outreach Team before - at home or overseas? ______Full Name: ______Please fill in ______Home Address: ______your details in CAPITAL ______LETTERS What is your present interest/involvement in mission Post Code: ______overseas? Email: ______Home Tel: ______Mobile No: ______Occupation: ______Date of Birth: ______Why would you like to be involved in this team? Home Congregation: (if more than one congregation ______involved)______Name of Minister: ______Please give details of previous experience/skills/gifts Name of any previous church you have attended: that would be applicable to the team: ______What is your current involvement in your home ______In signing this form, you congregation? agree to undergo any ______checks or training that ______may be required (for Is there anything we should know about your medical example, if working with ______history or dietary needs that would assist in preparation children or vulnerable ______for your participation on the team? Please give details: adults while overseas).
______You may download these ______Signature of Applicant: sample application forms ______from our web-site: ______www.pcimissionoverseas.org ______Date: ______14 15
Sample Participant Details Form–Part 1
Personal Details Please complete Vaccines Received in Preparation for this Trip: Full Name:______this form in Vaccine: Date(s) Received: black ink. Address (inc. Post Code):______The information ______that you provide ______will be treated ______with strictest ______confidence. ______Telephone Numbers: ______Land Line______
Mobile______Your Doctor’s Details E-mail:______Name:______Medical Details Address:______Blood Group (if known):______Telephone Number:______Please give details of any allergies or any other medical E-mail Address:______conditions and any medication being taken: ______Travel Details ______Nationality:______Passport Number: ______You may download these Date of Issue: ______Place of Issue: ______sample application forms from our web-site: Date of Expiry:______www.pcimissionoverseas.org 16 17
Sample Participant Details Form–Part 2
Home Contact Information Please complete Contact 1 – Team Updates this form in Name: ______Please give a name and contact information for someone black ink. from your family or church that Team / Prayer updates The information Relationship to you: ______could be sent to while the Team is overseas. that you provide Address:______will be treated with strictest ______Name: ______confidence. ______Relationship to you: ______Phone Number(s):______Mobile Number: ______Mobile Number(s): ______E-mail Address: ______E-mail Address: ______
Home Contact Information Contact 2 – Emergency Contacts Please give the names and contact information for Name: ______two people that can be contacted in case of illness Relationship to you: ______or emergency. Where possible, someone other than Address:______a parent should be given as the second contact. ______NB: These people should be contactable at the numbers given for the duration of the Team’s ______time overseas Phone Number(s):______Mobile Number(s): ______
You may download these E-mail Address: ______sample application forms from our web-site: www.pcimissionoverseas.org 18 19
Emergency Protocols
While we trust and pray that they will not be needed, Please complete A. Serious ‘Overseas’ Incident it’s important to have emergency protocols set in this form in place, should a critical incident arise while the team black ink. The Team Leader will: is overseas. This form tells you who to contact and 1. Ensure that the injured party / incident is being dealt sets out the roles that the team leader should play The information that you provide with according to pre-prepared contingency plans. so that any critical incident can be handled as 2. Ensure the well-being of the remainder of the party efficiently and sensitively as possible. will be treated with strictest is being attended to. It is vital to the success of these protocols that, confidence. 3. Make contact with one of the designated for the duration of the team’s time overseas: ‘Home Contacts:’ i. The Team Leaders has ready access to these pages Contact 1 and to the ‘Participant Details’ forms completed by each Team member and leader. Name: ______ii. The Home Contacts are available 24/7 at the Work Tel: ______Home Tel: ______Mob: ______numbers given. Contact 2 Team Leader Contact Details Name: ______Mob: ______Dates: ______Work Tel: ______Home Tel: ______Leaders: Name: ______4. Ensure Home Contact is clear about: Nature & seriousness of incident Work Tel: ______Home Tel: ______Mob: ______■ ■ Name(s) of those directly involved Name: ______■ Action that has been taken by Team Leaders / Team Work Tel: ______Home Tel: ______Mob: ______■ Action that the Team Leader is requesting them to take (e.g. arrange for family to fly out) 20 21
Emergency Protocols
5. Confirm most appropriate means of communication B. Serious ‘Home’ Event with Home Contact. 6. Attend to ongoing needs of team and respond, as The Home Contact will: appropriate, to requests/directions from Home Contact. 1. Ensure they are clear as to the: The Home Contact, on receiving notification ■ Nature & seriousness of incident of an incident, will: ■ Name(s) of those directly involved 1. Make whatever arrangements are appropriate to ■ Action that the family is requesting them to take the situation in question. If the incident has involved (e.g. arrange for team member to fly home) serious injury / trauma to a member of the team then 2. Make contact with Team Leader and inform them their family should be contacted, if possible in person, of the situation On receiving and assisted to make whatever arrangements information of a 3. Confirm most appropriate lines of communication are necessary. serious ‘home’ event with the Team Leader (e.g. death in the 2. Maintain good lines of communication with 4. Assist Team Leader to make whatever arrangements Team Leader family of a team are necessitated by the particular event member) 3. Notify / Seek advice from ‘others’ as, and when, 5. Maintain good lines of communication with Team appropriate. Leader and the YAC Board’s Duty Executive Staff.
■ BMO: Critical Incident Management (name & number) The Team Leader will: 1. Inform other leaders of the situation 2. Determine the most appropriate means of informing the team member of the news from home and proceed to do so. 3. Provide pastoral support for the team member 4. Ensure pastoral provision is provided for other You may download this team members Emergency Protocols list from our web-site: 5. Make arrangements, in conjunction with Home Contact, as are necessitated by the particular event. www.pcimissionoverseas.org 22 23
Emergency Protocols Sample Packing List
Contacting Team Members Overseas Passport Insurance Policy and Contacts Dear Family Member, Make two copies of your passport and insurance If a serious situation should arise ‘at home’ that requires details - one for yourself, (carried separately from you to make contact with one of our Overseas Teams, for the real things), and one to leave behind with your example if a family member becomes ill, please do not home contact. make contact with team members directly. Tickets Instead, please contact: Team Contact List/Emergency Contact List Name(s) & Number(s) to be inserted Cash (Personal and Team); Credit Card The Home Contact(s) will be available, night and day, for the duration of the team’s time away. If you do phone Prescription copy/GP letter for personal medicines, the Home Contacts, they will: if needed. ■ Make contact with the team leaders, on your behalf. EHIC card, if needed. This allows you to focus on dealing with the situation Driving licence, if needed. at home and it also allows the affected team member to receive the news from home in a pastorally Work clothes/boots/gloves supportive environment. Everyday clothing: Check what’s culturally ■ Assist you, and the Team Leader, as far as they are acceptable for your destination. ‘Low-maintenance’ able, to make whatever arrangements are necessitated clothing is best, and outfits you wouldn’t mind by the situation at home. giving away at the end! It is, of course, our hope and prayer that these Take one smarter outfit and shoes for arrangements will not need to be used but, if they do church have to be, we trust that they will work to the benefit of all involved. Fleece/Rainjacket You may download this Swimsuit (modest) Thank you for your cooperation. sample letter from our web-site: Walking shoes/sandals www.pcimissionoverseas.org Flip-flops for showers 24 25
Sample Packing List
A sarong can be useful Journal/notebook Sun-hat/baseball cap Christian literature/tracts if appropriate, and a Christian book to read and leave behind Good anti-glare sunglasses Musical instruments/song sheets Washing items Gifts for your hosts Tissues Photos of family, home town, Irish scenes, Toilet paper etc. Hand sanitiser gel Language guide Wet wipes A couple of good books to read and pass Sanitary products round. Glasses (plus spare pair). If you wear contacts, Camera, spare batteries/charger and memory bring plenty of solutions (not always readily cards available overseas), and your glasses in case Phone plus charger (see if you can buy a local of difficulty with dust. SIM card, as this could work out much Sunscreen (generally very expensive to buy cheaper!) overseas, so bring enough!) A small torch/penlight plus batteries Insect repellent Electrical adaptor Personal medical stuff: antiseptic cream, plasters, Mosquito net/coils if needed anti-histamines, anti-diarrhoeal, Paracetamol, travel sickness, etc. Plastic ziplock bags can be very useful Avoid expensive Bring enough prescription medicine for the whole A universal sink plug can be useful jewellery and trip, packed in the original container or bottle, Vanish bar for laundry electronic items with a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter. You may download these (these will make You may want to bring two sets to be sure. checklists from our String and a few clothes pegs web-site: you a target for Bible and reading notes Sewing/repair kit thieves!) www.pcimissionoverseas.org 26 27
Individual Team Member’s Evaluation Form–Part 1
1. Please evaluate your experience of your overseas team 2. Do you have any comments to make on the visit in terms of: programme, or suggestions as to how improvements could be made in future? i) Preparation before going
3. Reflecting on your experience with the team: ii) Travel arrangements: i) What was the best thing about it?
ii) What did you enjoy least? iii) Co-operation and support among team members:
iii) What are the main lessons you have learnt? iv) In-country support and co-operation:
iv) What do you think God has been able to do vi) Do you have any suggestions to make that might through you? help to improve any of the above?
v) How do you see this experience fitting into God’s purposes for your life?
You may download these sample application forms from our web-site: www.pcimissionoverseas.org 28 29
Individual Team Member’s Leader’s Evaluation Form Evaluation Form – Part 2 Part 1 vi) What do you feel you want to thank God for the 1. Overall Organisation & Running of the Team most? Please evaluate your experience of leading your overseas mission team under the headings listed below, indicating (where appropriate) any suggestions that might help improve things for the future: i) Briefing & Preparation before going: vii) How has being part of this team challenged and/or changed you? ii) Support from ‘home-base’: your congregation, others, etc:
iii) Travel arrangements: viii) From this experience, how do you think you will encourage your local church in mission?
iv) Co-operation and support among team members:
4. If there are any other comments you would like to v) In-country support and co-operation: make, please write them here:
You may download these vi) Funding & handling of finances: sample application forms from our web-site: Name: ______Date: ______www.pcimissionoverseas.org 30 31
Leader’s Evaluation Form Part 2
2. Team Performance, Resources, Programme 3. Your role as Team Leader & Activities i) What was the best thing about it for you? i) How did the team perform and what in your opinion were its main strengths and weaknesses? ii) What did you enjoy least? ii) What worked well and what could have been done better? iii) What do you think you did well?
iv) What do you feel you struggled with? iii) Was the team the right size and what resources/skills were lacking, if any?
v) How has being part of and leading this team challenged and/or changed you? iii) How did the team cope with health/hygiene, accommodation, food, culture & language? vi) What are the main lessons you have learnt? iv) What do you think the team was able to achieve? vii) What do you think God has been able to do through you?
You may download these sample application forms from our web-site: www.pcimissionoverseas.org 32 33
Leader’s Evaluation Form Things you wish you’d Part 3 known before you went... viii) How do you see the experience of leading this As part of your evaluation, your team may want to team fitting into God’s purposes for your life? fill out this form to help you pass on tips and advice to future teams going out to the same, or a similar, ministry or location: ix) What do you feel you want to thank God for 1. Things to bring (or not bring) the most?
x) From this experience, how do you think you will 2. Things to do (or not do!) encourage others in mission?
xi) If you were to lead a similar type of team again, in what areas (or ways) do you feel you would benefit from further help and/or training? 3. What hit you hardest? (culture shock, climate, etc.)
4. Any other comments? 4. Unexpected problems?
You may download these sample application forms from our web-site: Name: ______Date: ______www.pcimissionoverseas.org 34 35
Things you wish you’d Notes: known before you went...
5. Unexpected encouragements?
6. Any other comments?
You may download these 1. Adapted from What to Know Before You Go, National Youth sample application forms Ministries Department of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, from our web-site: (n.d.), 77. www.paoc.org.(accessed 18th January 2008). www.pcimissionoverseas.org ‘Do it Well’ Mission Toolkit
The ‘Do it Well’ Mission Toolkit has been This Mission Toolkit developed as a resource to help ministers, contains five booklets: congregational leaders and mission activists 1. Thinking of Going who may be considering sending a team 2. Doing the Groundwork overseas to engage in short-term mission. 3. Ready, Steady, Go Each booklet can be read separately, or 4. Finishing Well combined in any order, according to your 5. Resources & Links particular needs. Read them as leaders, or use the material with your teams in preparation and training sessions. And don’t forget to check for up-to-date information and links on our website: www.pcimissionoverseas.org Mission Overseas