I Thessalonians 5:16–19 Be Joyful, Keep Praying, and Be Thankful!
Our Purpose:
Share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19–20)
Support field missionaries (Ephesians 4:1–4)
Encourage native believers (Acts 2:40–47)
Deepen personal relationship with Christ (Psalms 55:17)
Distribute literature (I John 5:13)
Build relationships (Philippians 2:1–11)
Interpersonal Relationships
Team Members: We will commit to be of one accord and like-minded through Christ, looking out for each other’s interests. (Philippians 2:3–5). We will seek to love each other with patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness (I Corinthians 13:4–18 and Galatians 5:14).
Nationals
We will respect the culture, beliefs, and politics of our host country. We will clothe ourselves in humility and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22–26). We will be thankful for all we receive and commit to be courteous guests wherever we go.
Conflict Resolution
We are going as a team — be quick to forgive and do not allow anything to hinder what God has in store for this trip (James 1:18–20).
If a conflict arises: Consider your own heart and mind and repent of any unconfessed sin (Matthew 7:5). Go to the person with whom you have a conflict, share the problem in a loving spirit (Matthew 18:15). If a resolution cannot be reached, see the Team Leader for counsel and guidance (Matthew 18:16).
Respect Authority
As a team we will submit to the authority of our leaders, the ministry partners, missionaries, and legal authorities (Hebrews 13:17).
Any wrong decisions we make on our own could ultimately destroy or cause difficulty in the lives of the very people we are there to help and cause our Team Leaders to become accountable for our wrong doing and disobedience (Titus 1:1–2).
Security/Protection
Psalms 32:7 “You will protect me from trouble.”
John 17:12 “I protect them and keep them safe that are in my name”
- Have a travel buddy.
- Never leave the group without letting the Team Leader know.
- Do not leave valuables (i.e. passport, money, jewelry) in your room.
- Do a passport inventory of all Team Members (give your passport to the Team Leaders as we travel).
- Keep a COPY of your passport on you at all times.
- Keep credit card cancellation numbers in case of an emergency.
- Establish an emergency plan in case of separation from the group.
- Use extreme caution when using calling card numbers over the phone.
- Give a contact person and phone number to family members.
- Clean your room daily.
Food
Do not skip meals. Each person must take care of themselves and eat. That being said, do your best to eat what you’ve been given and refrain from complaining. When in need, recite the missionary’s prayer: Lord, I’ll put it down, if you keep it down!
Time/Flexibility
I Peter 2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone: love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King (authorities).” Italics added.
I Thessalonians 4:12 “Live so that your daily life may win the respect of others.”
To show respect for one another and avoid causing anyone any anxiety, we are to be punctual to all events, be ready and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish our task.
The team will be flexible about any unexpected changes in schedule or events.