RGBI MISSIONS PROGRAM
Rio Grande Bible Institute www.riogrande.edu
/Rev. 03/02/2015 Background Information
The Rio Grande Bible Institute was founded in 1946 by Rev. M.C. Ehlert, a Baptist pastor and evangelist, who had come to the Rio Grande Valley in 1937 to do tent evangelism. He saw a great need to train Hispanic believers and new converts because there was very little Bible training available for them. Mr. Ehlert's vision led to the purchase of 40 acres of land in Edinburg, Texas, the heart of the lower Rio Grande Valley. The first buildings were erected and classes began in the spring of 1947. The school was unique in that it was bilingual, offering three years of comprehensive Bible training in either English or Spanish. In 1955, the English Bible Institute was discontinued and the Missionary Language School was begun in its place. Later the Bible Institute program was lengthened to four years, and more recently the one- and two-year programs were made available to college graduates. In 1999 the school was accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), but it was not until 2008 that the State of Texas recognized the accreditation, giving their certificate of authorization for Rio Grande Bible College to grant the Bachelor in Biblical Studies degree. We are also a member school of the Independent Fundamental Churches of America International. Our institution now offers a Bachelor of Biblical Studies with a minimum of 135 credit hours needed for graduation. All of our classes are given in Spanish. Four areas of emphasis are offered in this program; Pastoral Studies, Christian Education, Missions and Bible. We plan to offer graduate studies beginning in the fall of 2015 through a partnership with Piedmont International University in Winston- Salem, NC. We are so blessed as an organization to be involved in the rapid growth of the Latin America church. Our heart is to train leaders who are biblically solid and who can serve the Lord through church planting and missions in a wide variety of cross cultural settings. The most recent enrollments in the Bible College have shown unprecedented numbers of students, up substantially from previous semesters. The organization’s distinctive s are academic, spiritual and personal development and are emphasized in each area of the students training. We seek to develop our students far beyond the academics of the classroom. We require each student be involved in extra-curricular service/learning consisting of eight hours of ministry outside of their on-campus studies. Students must be involved each semester that they are in attendance and complete a summer practicum as well. Over the years, God has blessed RGBI with a forty-nine-acre campus and expanded the ministry beyond its perimeters. God has added the ministry of broadcasting through Radio Esperanza with one AM and two FM transmitters. Through the Internet, Radio Esperanza can be heard all around the world, touching lives with God’s Word. In 1993, Bibleville, a non-denominational Bible Conference Center near Alamo, Texas, became the latest addition to the growing RGBI family. There “Winter Texans” host Bible conferences and music concerts during the winter months, and have become important prayer and ministry partners to RGBI staff and students. An ongoing reality is that most of our enrolling students cannot afford to pay the actual cost of their education. To address this reality, Rio Grande Bible Institute, right from its inception, decided that its members would be asked to depend completely on the Lord to meet their personal financial needs. The majority of our approximately 100 staff do not receive a salary but seek ministry partners who will support them financially. Each volunteer plays an important role also with his or her labor. For this reason our Bible College ministry can continue to offer a complete education for our students at a fraction of the cost that they would have to pay if they attended any other USA-based college offering a similar type of degree.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 WELCOME!
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SUMMER TEAM PROGRAM?
The purpose of the Summer Team Program is to cause a lifelong spiritual change toward missions in each team member and to have their church involved in the ongoing ministry of the Rio Grande Bible Institute. Each group will help in significant projects on campus and get a look at the varied ministries of RGBI and her alumni. The goals are to involve everyone in the work of missions, to take the Gospel to another culture, and to sense the rewards of serving God. Just before Jesus left this earth, He told His disciples, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) In view of the present situation in Mexico we recommend involvement with a ministry on the USA side of the border. This being the Rio Grande Valley our population and culture is predominately Hispanic. Along with the work on campus each team is encouraged to engage in ministry in the evenings with an area church or ministry.
“Missions” is still God’s plan to reach the entire world for Christ. God does not call all of us to leave our jobs and go to the foreign field, but He has given to each of us a commission and He wants each of us to reach beyond our “Jerusalem.”
The Missions Team Coordinators will provide leadership to church teams that want to come to the RGBI campus to work on needed projects. Due to housing and personnel restrictions teams should be about 20 single members plus sponsors, or 45 members total in the case of family teams with children.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE!
Your missions’ trip can be a life changing experience for your church. God can use it to expand your horizons and help you to become global Christians. This will happen as you expose yourself to how God is working in a culture other than your own. You will meet people who think differently than you, have other values, speak a different language, but are loved by God just as much as you and have the same spiritual needs as you.
A very effective way to remember the experiences that you will have is to begin writing a journal. In it you can write down your reactions to the experiences that you have along the trip, recording how you see God at work.
Top Priority The most important aspect of your preparation is spiritual. Is your heart right with God? Are your relationships open with your leader, your family, and your fellow workers, or are there resentments and hurt feelings? Be much in prayer for your trip and for the people you will be helping. Missionary work is not for wimps. It will be hot . Your “comfort zone” may be challenged. BUT this experience could change your life. God can use you in ways you never dreamed. Be prepared for war, spiritual battle that is. Satan will do what he can to stop you from having an effective trip. There is no reason to fear if you come prepared. Please see Ephesians 6:10-20 and II Corinthians 10:4,5.
Costs Lodging: If you use housing provided on campus there will be a charge of $7.50 per person per day. In the case of families the cost is $15.00 per room. You will need to furnish your own bedding, towels, toiletries, etc. You are expected to leave your rooms, the kitchen area, and the bathrooms clean when you leave.
Food: Kitchen facilities will be available. You will need to provide your own cook and do your own purchasing of food. Many groups choose to “eat out” once or twice during the week. If you are here during the school year you may eat in the dining room with our students at the same rate our staff pays. This must be arranged with the coordinator prior to arrival.
Proof of Citizenship: If there are members of the group who are not U.S. citizens they need to bring their passports. This is very important! Each person in the group should have proof of U.S. citizenship. A Birth Certificate, voter’s registration card, or Passport provides this information. A driver’s license is not sufficient. Check www.dhs.gov for latest requirements. Rio Grande Bible Institute does not sanction trips into Mexico at this time. We are very close to the border, however, and with the present situation in Mexico the security measures have been heightened. All travelers leaving the Valley must pass through a Border Patrol checkpoint and we wish to save you any potential problems.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 TIPS FOR THE WORK GROUP EXPERIENCE
DRESS: you will be working hard and will want to wear work clothes that you will not mind getting dirty. Good shoes are a must. It is recommended that you have a pair of tie up shoes (tennis or runners) or work boots.
During the summer the temperature will be hot. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, sweatbands, gloves etc. are almost mandatory. Most youth group members wear cut-offs and T-shirts. Shorts are acceptable as long as they are not short shorts.
Because of the culture of Latin America, which you will be introduced to, we ask that the following dress code be observed.
a. Long shorts may be worn for most occasions other than church. b. For church services, guys should wear long pants and a button up shirt. Ties are not necessary. Ladies should wear dresses or skirts and blouses. c. Guys are not to appear shirtless or with sleeveless shirts outside of their dorm rooms. d. Neither guys nor girls should wear tight revealing clothing. e. Clothing not acceptable for campus wear includes tank tops, tight bike shorts, short-shorts, mini skirts or bathing suits. f. We must consider how our dress might contribute to our Christian testimony in the Rio Grande Valley. The attitude of believers concerning the dress code on campus can be summarized by two words. They are MODESTY and DEFERENCE. Modesty is self-explanatory. Deference is limiting one’s actions out of respect for someone else that has a different point of view.
Winter months (December-February) temperatures can be in the 40’s some days with drizzling rain. The weather can also be in the 70’s. Please bring clothing for varied temperatures during this part of the year.
Spring and Fall has moderate weather conditions. (65 – 90)
Summer will be in the upper 90’s to 110 each day and it is usually humid. There is generally a constant sea breeze and this will make the evenings slightly more bearable. You should limit your exposure to the sun and drink plenty of liquid.
Supplies: The tools used at the work sites are provided. Groups often bring tools with them if the exact project is known in advance. The Missions Team Coordinator will advise you in plenty of time.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 TRAVEL HINTS
Many groups travel to South Texas in vans, others elect to fly to the Rio Grande Valley. AIR SERVICE
There are two airports in the vicinity. United, American and Allegiant Air Lines serve McAllen International Airport ten miles from campus. Valley International Airport is in Harlingen, about 40 miles away, and is served by Southwest, United, Delta, and Sun Country Airlines. Check all the options: One group did better by flying to San Antonio and renting a van from there. LAND TRANSPORTATION
Several groups come in leased or church vans, which is a good idea. You are then free to do more traveling on your own if you wish.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 HELPFUL SPANISH PHRASES
THE LANGUAGE One of the best ways to get to know the people of the Mexican community, as well as getting the full experience is to try to learn their language. The following is a list of helpful phrases. A little study and memorization now will pay off when you meet new people.
Hola Hello Estoy bien, gracias I’m fine, thanks ¿Cómo se llama usted? What is your name? Me llamo______My name is______Mucho gusto Nice to meet you Buenas días Good morning Buenas tardes Good afternoon Buenas noches Good evening Gracias Thank you Por favor Please De nada You’re welcome No sé I don’t know ¿Habla ingles? Do you speak English? ¿Que es esto? What is this? ¿Cuantos años tiene, usted? How old are you? Tengo (20) años I am (20) years old De donde es usted? Where are you from? Soy de (Dallas) I am from (Dallas) Vamos!/ Vámonos! Let’s go! ¿Quiere refresco? Do you want a soda? ¿Tiene sed? Are you thirsty? ¿Donde está el baño? Where is the bathroom? ¿Cuánto cuesta? How much does it cost? Usted es mi amigo You are my friend Jesús le ama Jesus loves you
NOTE: It might be a good idea to have this list with you on the trip so it will be available if you need it. Unless you bring along a little helper like my friend did.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 RIO GRANDE BIBLE INSTITUTE FACILITY USAGE POLICIES
GROUP LEADER/LIAISON : Please make a copy of these policies available to each member of your group
Arrival: Groups must arrive at agreed upon time. Please have a copy of your schedule, the team roster, and completed forms for the coordinator as soon as possible after your arrival. Soon after your arrival, the coordinator will check you in and confer with you regarding your schedule to verify meal and meeting times. Payment: Cash and checks are the only accepted methods of payment. Bedding: Groups using our dormitories or apartments must furnish their own bedding and toiletries. Linens and pillows are not provided. Leadership: Sponsors/Group Liaison must maintain supervision of all members of their group. There is a suggested minimum group participant to chaperone ratio of 10:1 for teenagers. Chaperones need to be at least 18 years of age and five years older than group participants. First Aid: The group will be responsible for first aid, emergency care and emergency transportation. It is advisable for any group consisting of minors to provide an adult who is certified in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR or the equivalent. Any group consisting of minors is responsible for completing the following forms: 1. Authorization for Emergency Medical Care . 2. Current Medications . 3. Breach of Covenants of Conduct. 4. Release from Liability . Prohibitions: Use of firearms and fireworks is prohibited at Rio Grande Bible Institute. Only God can make a tree, so none are to be defaced or chopped down. All profanity, immoral conduct of any nature, and immodest dress are forbidden at Rio Grande Bible Institute. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs shall be permitted on the premises, nor shall anyone who is under the influence of either be allowed on the premises. Pets are not permitted in any Rio Grande Bible Institute dormitories, apartments or classrooms. Motorized bikes may be used only to make initial entry and final exit from the campus and must remain on the road. Smoking is NOT permitted on the Rio Grande Bible Institute campus or in or around any of its buildings. Males and Females may NOT visit each other’s dormitories or apartments. There is to be NO raiding of dormitories or apartments. No dancing is allowed at Rio Grande Bible Institute.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 Please give the following forms to the RGBI Missions Team Coordinator upon arrival at RGBI.
PERSONAL FILE FORMS
Name Age
______M ____ F ___ Address City/State/Zip Gender
Phone Date of Birth
Emergency Contact Home and Work Number
I have read the handbook, including the Facility Usage Policies , and agree to abide by the terms contained in them. ______Participant Signature
Parent Signature (If applicable)
Sponsor Signature Church
/Rev. 03/02/2015 RELEASE of LIABILITY
This Release of Liability (“Release”) is by and between RIO GRANDE BIBLE INSTITUTE, INC. , a Texas corporation (hereinafter " RGBI ") and ______("Volunteer”).
1. VOLUNTEER STATUS and DURATION . The parties agree that Volunteer is not an employee of RGBI . Volunteer fully intends not to be compensated as an employee, but rather contributes any of his or her time and service to RGBI only as a volunteer. Volunteer intends this Release of Liability to cover any of his or her volunteer service to RGBI and to cover any time Volunteer accepts any offer by RGBI for Volunteer to contribute his or her time and service to RGBI .
2. RELEASE AND DISCHARGE :
VOLUNTEER AGREES TO FULLY RELEASE AND DISCHARGE RGBI FROM ALL CLAIMS PAST , PRESENT , AND FUTURE ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER TIME OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT THIS R ELEASE IS EXECUTED AS A REQUIREMENT TO VOLUNTEER AT THE I NSTITUTE AND THAT ANY CONSIDERATION IS NOT IN ANY MANNER TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADMISSION OF LIABILITY ON THE PART OF RGBI. (V OLUNTEER ’S I NITIALS ______) VOLUNTEER COMPLETELY RELEASES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES RGBI FROM ALL CLAIMS , WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN , ACTIONS , CAUSES OF ACTION , DEMANDS , RIGHTS , DAMAGES , COSTS , LOSS OF SERVICE , EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION WHATSOEVER , INCLUDING COURT COSTS , LEGAL EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS ' FEES , WHICH THE UNDERSIGNED NOW HAS OR HAD OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ACCRUE ON ACCOUNT OF OR IN ANY WAY GROWING OUT OF ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN , FORESEEN AND UNFORESEEN DAMAGE IN EITHER TORT OR CONTRACT OR ANY ACTION , OR ANY OTHER CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM ANY VOLUNTEER SERVICE OR ANY ACTIVITY AT THE RGBI. (V OLUNTEER ’S I NITIALS ______)
3. ARM’S LENGTH TRANSACTION : This Release is the product of an arm’s length negotiations that allows Volunteer to provide his or her service or time to RGBI and RGBI allows Volunteer to serve or spend time at or with RGBI .
4. MERGER OF AGREEMENT : This Agreement contains the entire agreement regarding the matters herein between the signatories hereto. No representations, warranties or promises have been made or relied on by any signatory hereto. This Agreement supersedes and controls any and all prior communications between the parties or their representatives relative to the matters contained herein.
5. BINDING NATURE OF TERMS AND REPRESENTATION OF THE PARTIES : Each of the terms of this Agreement is binding upon each of the signatories hereto, their respective predecessors, successors, transferors, assigns, representatives, principals, agents, officers, directors and employees.
6. GOVERNING LAW and Venue : This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, and Venue shall be in Hidalgo County, Texas.
7. AGREEMENT TO BINDING ARBITRATION : The parties agree that any and all disputes arising out construction or interpretation will be submitted to binding arbitration. Any party may submit such a dispute to binding arbitration, except as otherwise indicated in the agreement or otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties. This provision does not waive the Release of Liability.
8. NO WAIVER OR RELEASE OF VOLUNTEER'S RIGHT TO INSURANCE BENEFITS: This Provision is intended to clarify and confirm that the parties agree that this Release does not effect, void or negate whatever rights to benefits, recovery, compensation or coverage that the undersigned Volunteer has or may have under any insurance policy that RGBI has in effect a the time of the incident including, but not limited to a vehicle insurance policy and general liability insurance policy. Further, the parties agree that this Release is not intended to create any third party beneficiary rights to independently enforce this Release with respect to an insurance company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on this _____ of ______, 20_____.
Volunteer: RGBI :
______BY:______
Print Name: ______Print Name:______
Title:______
Signature of parent or guardian if minor: ______Relationship to minor ______
/Rev. 03/02/2015 AUTHORIZATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE
SECTION 1 AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE A. I, ______PARENT OR LEGAL
GUARDIAN OF ______DO HEREBY
GRANT MY PERMISSION AND FULLY AUTHORIZE AND RELEASE THE
GROUP LEADER, ______IN HIS/HER
JUDGMENT TO SEEK ALL EMERGENCY DIAGNOSTIC, MEDICAL OR
SURGICAL CARE THAT MIGHT BE NECESSARY FOR MY SON/DAUGHTER
DURING THE TRIP OF ______THROUGH______(date)
TO TEXAS, SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, AND OTHER SURROUNDING TOWNS ALONG THE MEXICAN BORDER, OR AT ANY POINT EN ROUTE TO AND FROM THE SPONSORING CHURCH ______. B. CURRENT MEDICATIONS: MY CHILD ______(WILL/WILL
NOT) BE TAKING PRESCRIPTIONS OR OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS DURING THE TRIP. IF MY CHILD WILL BE TAKING MEDICATION, I WILL
SUPPLY GROUP LEADER ______WITH
THE NECESSARY AMOUNT OF MEDICATION FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE AT THE SPONSORING CHURCH,
______. I WILL FURTHER SUPPLY
SUCH MEDICATION IN ITS PROPER CONTAINER WITH THE DOCTOR’S NAME
AND DIRECTIONS FOR USAGE.
/Rev. 03/02/2015 C. BREACH OF COVENANTS OF CONDUCT: I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE
THAT IF MY CHILD BREACHES THE COVENANT OF CONDUCT BY NOT
STAYING WITH THE GROUP, OR IF MY CHILD SMOKES, DRINKS ALCOHOL,
OR USES CONTROLLED DRUGS, GROUP LEADER ______
WILL TELEPHONE ME AT ______AND SEND
MY CHILD HOME ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLIGHT. I WILL BE FULLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HEREBY PROMISE TO REIMBURSE GROUP LEADER
______FOR ALL NECESSARY EXPENSES
INCURRED IN THIS EVENT.
Signature of Parent or Guardian ______
D. INSURANCE: I UNDERSTAND THAT THE GROUP LEADER, ______
______AND THE SPONSORING CHURCH ______
______WILL NOT CARRY INSURANCE COVERING
PARTICIPANTS ON THIS TRIP.
NOTE: I therefore agree and declare that if I wish other medical or travel Insurance for my child, I will be responsible for providing such insurance.
/Rev. 03/02/2015