CFCI Participant's Manual

Christ For the City International
Participant’s Mission Trip Manual

CHRIST FOR THE CITY INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIP MANUAL

Provisionary permission is granted for you to reproduce and use this material for your team
training and preparation, with the following three conditions:

1. Credit at the bottom of the page: “Taken from the Christ For the City
International Mission Trip Manual and reprinted with permission.”
2. You may not publish this manual for profit in any way.
3. If you have made changes to this manual, please send a copy of the final product
to the CFCI ShortTerm Mission Department in Omaha.
CONTACT INFORMATION

CHRIST FOR THE CITY INTERNATIONAL
Anji Schoch
Shortterm Mission Teams Coordinator
anji@cfci.org

5332 S. 138th Street
Omaha, NE 68137

For Checks:
P.O. Box 390395
Omaha, NE 68124

Int’l Office (402) 5928332
Toll Free (888) 5267551
Fax (402) 5928312

www.cfci.org
www.mycfcimissiontrip.com
www.mytrip.digbro.com
Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010
Dear Team Member,

I’m so excited you decided to join us on a mission trip. Going on a mission trip takes a lot of time,
money, and energy but it is an investment in your relationship with God. I’m glad you chose to do it
despite the costs!

If this is your first experience with us, welcome! I hope it is the first of many. If you are joining us
again, we appreciate you for your commitment to our missionaries and their vision.

At Christ For the City, we do our best to facilitate an experience that utilizes your God given gifts and
gives you the opportunity to grow in the Lord. All of the leaders hosting our teams are Christ For the
City missionaries that work and live year round in the country you will visit. Many of them are Latins
who felt God’s leading to minister to their own communities. We feel that this enhances your
experience with us as you will be hosted and led by people with a deep knowledge of the culture and
country.

As you prepare for your trip, this manual will help you through the process. If you would like more
assistance, such as a missionary visit to your church or a staff member to help with your team
training, those options are available to you. Please call me and we can begin to arrange that.

While I am confident that you will have a wonderful experience learning about the country you will
visit and serving with Christ For the City, you will also be stretched and challenged in many ways. I
encourage you to be flexible, embrace cultural differences, and learn as much as you can.

When you return, we hope you will continue your relationship with us. We have many ways for you
to do so. You will have the chance to send your family and friends a digital brochure customized for
your team with pictures of your trip. We also have a blog and a Facebook group that will help you
keep in touch with the missionaries you served.

God bless you and your team as you prepare to serve Him overseas.

In Him,

Anji Schoch
Short‐term Mission Coordinator
(402)592‐8332
anji@cfci.org
Blog: www.mycfcimissiontrip.com
Facebook: Christ For the City International

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: About CFCI
Overview of CFCI……………………………………………………………………………………………...1
Statement of Faith…………………………………………………………………………………………...2
Worldwide Bases……………………………………………………………………………………………..3-5
Chapter 2: Fundraising
A Biblical Perspective on Fundraising…………………………………………………………….7-8
Writing a Support Letter………………………………………………………………………………...9
Sample Letter, Support and Prayer Cards……………………………………………………...10-11
Following Up on Supporters…………………………………………………………………………….12
Chapter 3: Travel Planning

Steps for a Safe Trip……………………………………………………………………………………….15
Buying an Airline Ticket………………………………………………………………………………....16
Getting a Passport…………………………………………………………………………………………..17
Getting a Visa………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
Necessary immunizations……………………………………………………………………………….19
Travel Insurance……………………………………………………………………………………………..20
Traveling Abroad……………………………………………………………………………………………..21-22
Travel Tips by Country…………………………………………………………………………………...23
Chapter 4: Culture
Crossing Cultural Boundaries………………………………………………………………………….26
Understanding Latin American Culture…………………………………………………………..27-28
Chapter 5: Application
Short-Term Team Member Application…………………………………………………………..31-34
Minor Release Form………………………………………………………………………………………….35
Table of Contents
Chapter 6: Team Meetings
Meeting #1– Getting Started………………………………………………………………………...36-37
Meeting #2– Raising Funds………………………………………………………………………......38
Meeting #3– Sharing Your Testimony…………………………………………………………...39-40
Meeting #4– Cultural Differences…………………………………………………………………..41-45
Meeting #5– Striving for Unity……………………………………………………………………….46-47
Chapter 7: Devotions
Day 1– Joseph in Egypt…………………………………………………………………………………….49
Day 2– The Israelites in Canaan…………………………………………………………………….50
Day 3– Ruth in Israel……………………………………………………………………………………….51
Day 4– Jonah in Nineveh………………………………………………………………………………...52
Day 5– Daniel in Babylon………………………………………………………………………………..53
Day 6– Esther in Persia…………………………………………………………………………….…….54
Day 7– Paul becomes a Missionary………………………………………………………………..55
Day 8– Wrapping Up……………………………………………………………………….……………….56
Chapter 8: Resources
Packing List…………………………………………………………………………………………………….58
Communicating Your Trip to Others……..……………………………………………………….59
Resource List…………………………………………………………………………..……………………...60
CHAPTER 1
Christ For the City International

CFCI OVERVIEW

Purpose

CFCI is a multi‐cultural fellowship of God’s people who share common values, theology and ministry
philosophy and are committed to the multiplication of churches that impact cities in strategic
population centers, beginning in the Latin world.

Vision

No place without a witness. No Church without a vision. No person without hope.

Mission

Helping people transform cities by transforming lives.

About Christ For the City International

Christ For the City International began in 1983 as the urban ministry program of the Latin America
Mission. With the leadership and guidance from Dr. Duane “Chip” Anderson and our Board of Directors,
CFCI became an independent organization in 1995 and founded its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

CFCI now conducts ministry in Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Mali,
Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Spain, and the USA. We currently have over 200 missionaries and staff
that help us fulfill our mission and spread God’s word. Over 75% of our missionaries are Latins
ministering in their own countries and communities.

Since the needs of each community and country are different, our missionaries are encouraged to match
their ministries to the specific needs they see in their communities. This means that Christ For the City
works in a very grassroots, organic way. We do not have one ministry strategy we use in every country
we work in. Our ministries in Mexico look much different than our ministries in Costa Rica or El
Salvador because each location is experiencing different problems and different needs. Among the many
ministries created by CFCI there are orphanages, a drug rehabilitation center, church support and
training, feeding programs in slums and sports ministries, just to name a few.

Affiliations

AERDO ‐ Association of Evangelical Relief & Development Organizations
EFMA ‐ Evangelical Fellowship of Mission Agencies
MA ‐ Mission America
ECFA ‐ Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
SOE ‐ Standards of Excellence in Short Term Missions
Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 1
STATEMENT OF FAITH

 We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who eternally exists in three
persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived
a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the world, was raised bodily and exalted to God's
right hand where He makes intercession for His own. He will personally come again.

 We believe that God created humankind, male and female, in His own image. However, all
creation suffers the consequences of the fall and is under God's judgment.

 We believe that because of His love, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, who inaugurated His Kingdom,
provided atonement for sin, disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the
cross, reconciling the world to Himself. He will consummate His Kingdom in righteousness,
power, and glory.

 We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who glorifies Jesus Christ, working
in all peoples to bring them to believe and obey Christ. The Spirit dwells in those who believe,
equipping and empowering them for lives of holiness and fruitful service.

 We believe the Bible to be the divinely inspired and authoritative Word of God, the only infallible
rule of faith and practice.

 We believe that all who repent and believe in Christ are born into life eternal, delivered from
condemnation, and as His Church are called to communicate the Gospel, proclaim the Kingdom,
make disciples of all nations, and seek to be instruments of His righteousness, justice, and
healing, all to the glory of God.

 We believe in the resurrection of the body, the eternal blessedness of believers in the presence of
Christ and the eternal separation of unbelievers from Him.

WORLDWIDE BASES
WORLDWIDE BASES
VANCOUVER, B.C.
SEVILLA, SPAIN
OMAHA, NE
SAN DIEGO, CA
TIJUANA, MEXICO SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR MALI, AFRICA
TUXPAN, MEXICO MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
NICOYA, COSTA RICA
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
MANAUS, BRAZIL
LIMA, PERU
COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA
LA SERENA, CHILE CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

WORLDWIDE BASES
A snap short of what CFCI does through out the world

BOLIVIA COSTA RICA
Cochabamba Nicoya
 Bilingual kids camps  Church Seminars
 Leadership training  Developing outreach to the people caught in
 Outreaches to indigenous the drug trade and sex industry that often
tribes follows tourism

San Jose

 Church support
CHILE  New Horizons– youth
La Serena recreation ministry
 Developing ministries and base  Medical outreaches and
clinics
 Soccer Club
 Renacer– Rehabilitation for
 Evangelsim/Leadership Training street girls

COLOMBIA  Works of Mercy– outreach to prison
inmates, hospitals, AIDS patients, and
 INSEPA– Pastoral training and church nursing homes.
planting
 Transformations– Street ministry and
 MIES– Pastoral training through online feeding program
courses
 Mission Caleb– Mission training for EL SALVADOR
Colombians San Salvador

 Medical and dental clinics/
outreaches
 Neighborhood ministry

 Evangelistic sports ministry for
youth

 Works of Mercy– Prison
ministry
Bogotá
 Church leadership and development
 Pastoral training
 Developing a mission training school for MEXICO
Colombian missionaries Tijuana

 Orphanages
Medellin
 New Generation– youth outreach and  City Outreaches
mobilization  Pastoral Care
 Word, Bread, Fish– Children’s outreach  Local Church

 Family Growth– Ministry to pastors’ children Tuxpan

 Camping Ministry
 City Outreach
WORLDWIDE BASES
A snap short of what CFCI does through out the world
MALI SPAIN
Bamako  Pastoral counseling
 Evangelism  Retreat Center
 Pastoral Care  Inner‐healing and
 Counseling deliverance seminars

NICARAGUA

USA
Omaha, Nebraska
 CFCI headquarters
Managua  Omaha Urban Plunge– weekend mission trip
 Teacher training and Christian education in Omaha’s inner‐city
 Youth camps, recreation ministry and  Healing Hearts– Ministry to the hurting and
outreaches leadership training
 Leadership training  Understanding Latin Americans– Seminars
 National medical outreach on reaching Latin Americans living in the
USA.
 Short‐term mission teams
 Youth leadership training

PANAMA
San Diego, California
Panama City  Street evangelism
 Children’s Festivals  Beach ministry to the homeless
 Outreach to Indigenous people groups  Home fellowship training

 Church evangelism, leadership, and
PERU outreach training
Lima
 Pastoral training
 Seminars for business people and government
officials
 Evangelism in schools, jails and hospitals
 Project Shalom– Ministry to women released
from prison
CHAPTER 2
Fundraising

FUNDRAISING
An Introduction to Fundraising
The very word fundraising invokes a variety of responses from people and can be a
deterrent to keep someone who needs to go on a Short‐Term trip from going. One of these
responses might be: “I don’t need to ask. I just need to pray, and if it’s God’s will to go, then the
funds will come in.” The other extreme is “I will just save my money or take money out of savings to
pay totally for my trip myself.” (In reality, this cheats people who are willing to be involved
prayerfully and financially, but who cannot go themselves.) Giving people the opportunity to be
involved with what God has called you to do can be one of the biggest blessings you will ever ex‐
perience! You may even find support raising to be surprisingly encouraging as you watch God
provide for you as your friends and family rally around you to support your desire to serve!

A Biblical Perspective
Jesus taught that “the laborer is worth his keep” (Matthew 10:10) and the Apostle Paul
echoed Jesus’ teaching when he said, “…the Lord has commanded that those who preach the
gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (I Corinthians 9:14). It appears that Paul also
had in mind that the Christian worker could and even should depend upon those to whom he or
she is ministering, probably not excluding financial help (Galatians 6:6).
In like fashion, Paul was in support of Believers contributing their resources in aid of
others’ difficulties. We see this shown in his willingness to serve as courier for financial gifts
given from the church at Antioch to those in famine‐stricken Judea (Acts 11:27‐30). On other
occasions, he gave clear teaching regarding this subject (2 Corinthians 8:7‐9; 9:1‐15) and took
great liberties in making financial appeals for others (I Corinthians 16:1‐4; Romans 15:25‐29).
The Apostle Paul definitely received support from at least one church (Philippians 4:14‐
18), though it is not documented that he ever asked for support for himself. There are
missionaries today who sense the liberty to ask for support and help, while others simply present
their needs and trust God to meet them. While it appears more appropriate Biblically to invite
others to prayerfully seek God as to whether they might be involved with you in some way or
another, there are still those who feel that they have the liberty to ask for help in specific terms.
This is a matter of conscience and it would be to your benefit to decide the matter before you
start.
To undertake support‐raising without prayer is like attempting to fly a balloon without
hot air! It simply won’t happen. Through prayer, we seek to discover to whom we can present
our needs and under what circumstances. Nehemiah prayed for help, and then went out and
sought “from the king and the people” (Nehemiah 2). We pray for our daily bread, but we don’t

pray and wait for someone to bring it. Paul says working and eating go together (2 Thessalonians
3:6‐15). Jesus instructs us to pray by asking, seeking, and knocking (Luke 11:9‐10), knowing that
such a focus will keep us from anxiety (Matthew 6:25‐34) and will move the hand of God, who
knows what we need even before we ask (Matthew 6:8).
There doesn’t seem to be any one clear Biblical teaching on receiving support from
unbelievers. It may be acceptable to do so, however, as Nehemiah in chapter 2 petitioned and
received from King Artaxerxes all the supplies, safe passage, and resources he needed to rebuild
the temple. On the other hand, the Apostle John, though not instructing Gaius to refuse gifts from
unbelievers, reports that some workers “went out, receiving no help from the pagans” (3 John 7).
Again, this seems a matter of personal conscience.

Help others to catch these truths of God
The Apostle Paul instructed his disciple in I Timothy 6:17‐19 to “Command those who are
rich in this present world…to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to
share.” Why? He goes on to explain the reason in verse 19… “In this way they will lay up treasure
for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that
is truly life." What more noble task could there be than to help others see how they can lay up
treasures and true life for themselves!
The Apostle John further expounded this truth when he taught that subsidizing workers of
the gospel would make the giver part of the worker’s efforts, becoming “fellow‐workers in the
truth” (3 John 8). It is for this reason that we encourage you to consider your supporters as
“partners”, “fellow‐workers”, “co‐laborers” whether committing to you in prayer and/or finances.
Finally, remember this: probably the best way to teach these Biblical perspectives to
others is to live them out in your own life. In I Chronicles 29:5 King David contributed generously
to the Lord’s work, and then asked others, “Now who is willing to consecrate himself today to the
Lord?” True leaders give sacrificially first, before they ask others to do so. And don’t worry…
you’ll not need to inform others of your generosity…it will be caught!
WRITING A SUPPORT LETTER
One of the best ways to raise support is to write a support letter. A support letter lets people
know about your trip and invites them to support you either through prayer or finances. Be
aware that supporters must make their check out to the church or CFCI in order to receive
a tax deduction.

Support Letter Steps
1. Spend some time gathering around 50 names of people who may be interested in
contributing toward the mission trip. After you have put together your list of names, collect
addresses and phone numbers and put all your contacts in Excel. This will make your contacts
easy to keep track of, allow you to make labels for mailing your letters, and help you record who
has sent you a donation.
Supporter can be:
 Family
 Coworkers
 Small Group Members
 Bible Study Leaders
 Former Teachers or Youth Leaders
 Church Mission Committee Members
 Friends of your Parents or Grandparents
 Old friends from College or High School
2. Have a strategy. Plan to send your letters out by a specified date and to have your thank you
notes sent out promptly upon receiving donations.
3. In your letters, include a response card giving people a chance to commit financially or prayerfully
to your trip. Be sure to include a self‐addressed envelope so your friends can easily make their
donation.
4. It is also a good idea to include a prayer card , bookmark, or magnet in your letter. Include a
picture of you or your team and any prayer requests you have for your trip.
5. Be aware of when your money needs to be sent in to CFCI and leave enough time to get your
letters finished and for people to pray about supporting you.

Start Writing
Be sure to include the following elements in your letter:

 Some news about you and what’s happening in your life
 The dates and location of your trip
 The name of the organization you are working with
 A description of needs of the people and place you will be serving in
 The purpose of the trip
 Why you feel called to go
 The specific amount you need to raise
 Directions on how to make a donation
 A request for prayer

If you like, you may choose to break down your need into specific numbers of dollar amounts.
For example, if you need to raise $1000, you can describe your need as follows:
 2 donations of $100 • 6 donations of $25
 11 donations of $10 • 6 donations of $50
t L et te r:
p l e Su ppor
Sam
Dear Friend,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am finishing up my second year of college and have decided to transfer to Bible
College next year to pursue a degree in missions. In preparation for my new studies, I would like to spend two
weeks of my summer vacation in El Salvador working with an organization called Christ For the City. My mission
trip team will be serving in the capital city of San Salvador from June 20– 29.
The youth of El Salvador have been on my heart since hearing about the problems that many of them face. After
the civil war of El Salvador ended in 1991, the country saw a huge increase in the number of youth involved in
gangs. Gangs have since become one of the biggest social problems faced by the country. Many kids turn to
gangs for the sense of protection, companionship, and family-like relationships they provide.
While in El Salvador we will be working with Christ For the City’s Soccer Training School, a program designed to
reach out to youth that might otherwise choose to join a gang. The school gives kids an alternative to gangs by
offering before and after school soccer lessons, Bible study, and games. In addition to these tangible benefits,
kids have the chance to be mentored by dedicated Christian men and women who become strong positive
influences in their lives.
Our team will bring Bible lessons, crafts, and games to the Soccer Training School as a tool to attract new youth
to the program and develop relationships with them.
I need your help to make this trip happen. Please pray about supporting me either financially or in prayer. If you
would like to be one of my prayer partners, please put the enclosed prayer card in your Bible or on your
refrigerator and remember to pray for me during the last week of June. I hope to gather a prayer team of at least
25 people to support me and my team while we are gone.
I will also need to raise $1600 to cover all the costs of my trip. If you are interested in supporting me financially,
please fill out the enclosed response card, make your check out to Christ For the City International with my name
and trip location in the memo line, and send it back to me in the envelope included in this letter.
Thank you for your friendship and support. I look forward to telling you about my time in El Salvador when I return
home!
Blessings,
John
Sample Prayer Cards:
, 2009
El Salvador June 20-29
Pray for John
Pray that: love to those
and demonstrate God’s
 Our team will grow close
around us
to share my testimony
 I will get the chance an d notice the needs of tho
se around
ns itiv e to the Sp irit
 I will be se
me w I can serve Him
what my gifts are and ho
 God will teach me
Christ For th
e City-
2009 El Salv
ador Team
July 26– Aug
ust 4, 2009
“And don’t fo
rget to pray
I’ll know wh for me. Pray
at to say and that
to say it at th have the cou
e right time, ra ge
to one and al telling the m
l…” ystery
Ephesians 6:
19
Sample Response Card:
eam.

rt of your support t
Yes! I want to be pa
ort you by:
I would like to supp

rayer team
Co m m itt in g to be part of your p r trip.

_ to the cost of you

rib ut in g $_ __ __ __
 Cont

e used):
nt a ddre ss is (if d ifferent from the on
My cur re
_______
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ ________________
____
Sources:

How to Raise Money by Becky Brodin

Building Partners for Short Term Mission Experiences by Mount Vernon Nazarene University
http://www.mvnu.edu/spirituallife/FundraisingBook09.pdf

5 Keys to Support Raising by Steve Shadrach
http://www.thebodybuilders.net/bootcamp/Five%20Keys.pdf
FOLLOWING UP ON SUPPORTERS

Following up to those individuals who either supported the team financially or through prayer
is very important. Remember, your short‐term mission trip is a partnership!

1. For every donation, be sure to write a hand written note expressing how thankful you are for
their contribution. Make sure a note goes out within the week you receive the donation!
2. If you receive donations several months in advance, be sure to send out a monthly update to
your supporters.
 A letter in the mail is the best way to update supporters, however, a nicely crafted e‐mail
will also do.
 If your supporters are on a social networking site, try using the site to post updates on
your trip.
3. Before your team departs, write a letter expressing prayer concerns.
4. When you return, be sure to send a ministry report that describes your some of your experiences
and expressing thanks for their investment. Be sure to include pictures from your trip.


CHAPTER 3
Travel Planning and Tips

STEPS TO PLANNING A SAFE TRIP
Use this checklist as you prepare for your trip to help ensure that you stay safe and healthy while you are away.

 Read through state department website at www.travel.state.gov

 Look for specific travel advisories on the country you plan to visit

 Read through general safety and security information regarding what to do in the
event of an emergency overseas

 Register your trip (or make sure your team leader has registered your trip) with
the State Department through the travel website

 Visit the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov to see what vaccinations are
recommended or required for your destination country and what diseases or illnesses
you may come into contact with while in‐country

 Visit your doctor to determine if you are physically capable of taking the trip and get any
necessary vaccinations

 Purchase a travel insurance policy for your trip

 Check with your phone company to determine if your cell phone will work in your
destination country. If not, consider purchasing a calling card to carry on your person
while in‐country.

 If you are a minor, carry on your person at all times the minor release form signed and
notarized by both parents


GETTING YOUR AIRLINE TICKET

Buying an airline ticket can be simple. CFCI recommends either buying your tickets from a
multiple airlines site or through a travel agent. For cheaper tickets, we suggest purchasing your
tickets from a multiple airline site.

MULTIPLE AIRLINE SITES

Travelocity
www.travelocity.com

Orbitz
www.orbitz.com

Priceline
www.priceline.com

TRAVEL AGENTS

FCM Travel Solutions
Pheonix, AZ
(602) 253‐4743
Kristi.gabriel@us.fcm.travel
www.us.fcm.travel/

Fellowship Travel International
Richmond, VA
1‐800‐329‐4384
www.fellowship.com

Golden Rule Travel
www.goldenruletravel.com

Raptim Travel
Lewiston, NY
1‐800‐777‐9232
www.raptimusa.com

APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT

Passports are ABSOLUTELY necessary to enter every country. Team members with citizenship in
countries other than the U.S. should check to make sure you will be allowed to enter your
country of destination. For more information see: http://travel.state.gov.

How much does a passport cost?

Fees For Submitting in Person Application Fee Execution Fee Total Amount

Passport Book (Age 16 & Older): $110.00 $25.00 $135.00
Passport Book (Under Age 16): $80.00 $25.00 $105.00

Fees For Submitting By Mail Application Fee Execution Fee Total Amount
Passport Book (Age 16 & Older): $110.00 Does not apply $110.00
Passport Book (Under Age 16): Minors under age 16 CANNOT apply by mail

See the website above for more fees and restrictions. Fees as of August 2010

Other than passport agencies, where can I apply for a passport?

You can apply for a passport at many Federal and State courts, probate courts, and many post
offices. Over 2,500 courts and 900 Post Offices in the U.S. accept passport applications. Courts
and Post Offices are usually more convenient because they are near your home or place of
business. You will need to allow additional time for mailing the application.

When do I have to apply in Person?

You must always apply in person if you are 13 years of age or older, and if you do not meet the
requirements for applying by mail. Children under 13 years of age usually need not appear in
person unless requested to do so by the passport acceptance agent. Both parents must
personally appear to execute the application on the child’s behalf. Applicants who are 14 to 16
years of age must appear in person with at least one parent.

Where can I get Passport Forms?

Passport forms are available from passport agencies, many Post Offices, clerks of the Court, and
travel agencies. They can also be downloaded via the internet at http://travel.state.gov.

When should I apply for a Passport?

Apply several months in advance of your planned departure. If you will need visas from foreign
embassies, allow more time. The demand for passports becomes heavy in February and
continues through August because of summer vacation travel. A good time to apply is between
September and February.

What if I need a Passport in a Hurry?

If you are leaving on an emergency trip within five working days, apply in person at the nearest
Passport agency and present your tickets or itinerary from an airline, as well as the other
required items. Be sure to include dates of departure and travel plans on your application and all
fees, including the expedite fee. Most Passport agencies now accept applications only by
appointment. Call in advance.
APPLYING FOR A VISA

Visas are not normally necessary for U.S. citizens traveling to foreign country. Most countries
allow U.S. citizens to stay in country for up to 30‐90 days without a visa. Depending on the
country, passports must also be valid for 30 days to three months beyond the period of the stay.

***Countries that CFCI works in that require visas are: Bolivia and Mali***

Visa Hints
 Passports are required when applying for a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least
six months after your stay in the country.
 Be sure to apply for your visa before leaving the United States. Some countries allow you to
purchase a visa at the point of entry; this is not recommended.
 For up‐to‐date visa fees and processes, by country see the U.S. Department of State website.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html#P
IMMUNIZATIONS

For international travel, the Center for Disease Control recommends making sure your routine
vaccinations are up‐to‐date as well as Hepatitis A and B. Typhoid is recommended for people
traveling to Central America.

Notable Vaccinations:

Proof of a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination must be provided when traveling to Bolivia, Brazil,
Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Mali, Africa. Panama and Peru may also require or strongly
recommend a Yellow Fever vaccination depending on the location of your travel. A certificate
will be issued at the time the vaccination is given.

For specific vaccination requirements by country visit the Center of Disease Control and
Prevention. www.cdc.gov.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
As a part of the mission trip costs, Christ For the City International provides each team member
with travel insurance through Good Neighbor Insurance. Upon receiving each the team member
applications from the team leader, CFCI will obtain travel insurance for each individual.
Insurance cards and policy numbers will then be sent to the team leader by CFCI. It is the team
leader’s job to distribute those policy cards and numbers.
Important Insurance Information

Effective Date of Coverage begins on the latest of the following:
1. The date and time the Company receives a completed application and plan cost for the Period of
Coverage; or
2. The Effective Date requested on the application; or
3. The moment You depart Your Home Country; or
4. The date the Company approves the application.

Expiration Date of Coverage terminates on the earlier of the following:
1. Your return to Your Home Country (except as provided under the Home Country Coverage); or
2. The expiration of twelve (12) months from the Effective Date of Coverage; or
3. The date shown on the ID card; or
4. The end of the period for which plan cost has been paid; or
5. The date You fail to be considered an Eligible Person; or
6. The maximum benefit amount has been paid.

Premium: $100,000 Medical Maximum, $250 Deductible

Filing a Claim
1. If the condition is not an emergency, call the “Call Collect” number on your medical ID card or
company information brochure and consult with the insurance company concerning your medical
condition. NOTE: If it is an emergency, go immediately to the hospital or see a doctor and call the
insurance company later.
2. Visit the doctor or medical facility
3. Pay the medical facility for medical care received.
Make sure you get a receipt.
Get a detailed explanation of all care received– both in a hospital and at the doctor’s office
4. Get a dated written statement form the doctor explaining your medical condition and what you
were treated for.
5. Submit these documents as soon as possible to the insurance company‐‐ no later that 90 days
from the initial medical treatment; (translate foreign money amounts to equivalent US dollar
amount).
6. If or when you pursue further treatment in the USA, consult with the insurance company to make
sure you are using a doctor in its health care provider network.
Adapted from “International health Insights” Published by Good Neighbor Insurance, Inc., Ed. Jeff Gulleson, Oct‐Dec 2003
For more information about the insurance policy please contact the Short-term Mission Teams
Coordinator at CFCI or see the Good Neighbor Insurance website: http://www.gninsurance.com/

TRAVELING ABROAD

For more information about travel, please visit the U.S. State Department

 Depending on the airline, travelers may or may not be required to pay a fee for
checked baggage. Most airlines allow passengers up to two (2) checked bags without extra
cost. See your airline’s website for their checked baggage policies.
 Be sure to investigate the size and weight regulations on checked baggage. Specifics can be
found on the airline’s web site.
 If possible, check your luggage straight though from point of departure to your
destination. This will save you the hassle of claiming and re‐checking luggage. This can
usually be done, unless you have to change airlines, or if you have an extremely long layover
at any point. Most teams will not have to worry about this procedure, as they will be flying
with a minimum of delays.
 While on the plane, you will be given a customs declaration form and immigration
forms. Each person will be given an immigration form; the head of each household fills out
one customs declaration for the entire family. In regard to the questions asking what you are
bringing into the country, be honest but not too detailed. Generally team members will have
nothing of value to declare. You will be traveling as Tourists. If you have questions, ask for
assistance from airline personnel.
 Upon arriving in your destination country, follow the crowd to Immigration. Make sure you
have your passport, customs declaration and other documents in hand. Be sure to stand
behind the line on the floor until it is your turn. Your passports and documents will be
checked and stamped, and you will be waved on.
 From Immigration, proceed to the baggage area. Often there will be carts available for
luggage, but you may have to gather and load it yourself. There may be baggage handlers
there to help, and they can give you assistance if you need it. If you are lacking any pieces of
luggage, after all the luggage has been unloaded from your flight, do not leave the area without
declaring this on a form.
 Proceed to the Customs line, where you will either be waved on through, or have your luggage
inspected. If you need to stand in the customs line, place your luggage up on the counter and
unlock it, but do not open it unless asked to do so. Hand your passport and customs
declaration to the agent. If he asks you to open the luggage, open it. He may only want to see
part of the containers, but if he does decide to be thorough, this is his right and responsibility.
When he is done, close the luggage and re‐lock or tape it as best you can. If the inspector
wants to retain an item, surrender it. Someone will need to get it out of customs at a later
point, but this will be handled by CFCI staff for you.

 Be prepared to pay an entry/exit fee as a part of your travel expenses. Fees differ from
country to county, but be prepared to pay $25‐35. Some countries, such as Colombia, the fee
will cost between $50‐$70.
 Meet your contact person. Up to this point, you will be on your own. No one can enter the
migracion, luggage area, or customs to help you. Now it’s time to look for a friendly face in
the crowd. They should be waiting for you outside the luggage claim area. This is one reason
we may ask for a team photo ahead of time, so that identification will be a little easier,
.although groups are hard to miss! Someone should tip the luggage carrier once the luggage is
in the car or van ( $1/per bag is a good amount)
 If for some reason no one comes to meet you because of a mix‐up in information,
car problems, or airplane changes, wait around awhile in the area where you came out
of the airport. (Wait at last half an hour. Always watch your luggage carefully.) If, after
a reasonable length of time, no one has come, try to get someone to call or help you use
a pay phone. (Keep the luggage with you!) Call the Christ For the City office at that
location or the Missionary Team Leader who was to have met you. Make sure you
have the number of the CFCI Office in the country you are going to as well as the
Missionary Team Leader.
TRAVEL TIPS BY COUNTRY
See the U.S. State Department for more travel tips by country
Costa Rica
 Occasionally during the rainy season, flights take off from the U.S. but cannot land in San Jose.
In this case they are rerouted to Managua, Nicaragua or Panama City. There, your plane may
sit on the ground until the weather clears in San Jose, or the airline may put you up overnight
in a hotel. In this case, they will fly you to San Jose the following morning. For this reason,
always carry emergency overnight necessities in your carryon luggage. If this happens,
call the person who was to meet you by telephone to let them know where you are, and
when you expect to get into San Jose.

Chile
 Minors traveling unaccompanied must have permission from both parents/legal guardians.
The document must be notarized, if issued in the U.S., authenticated by a Chilean consulate in
the U.S.
 Parents traveling with a minor must have document granting permission for the child to
travel abroad, which must be notarized and authenticated by a Chilean consulate in the U.S.
The minor must also carry a certified copy of his/her birth certificate.

El Salvador
 El Salvador currency is the U.S. Dollar. Although there is a local currency, Colones, Americans
should not exchange dollars for Colones.
 U.S. tourists will need to have either a Salvadorian visa or a one‐entry tourist card. Tourist
entry cards can be purchased from immigration officials for $10 upon arrival in country.

Nicaragua
 According to Nicaraguan Law, foreigners are required to have valid identity documentation
on them at all times. Acceptable forms are: 1) a permanent residency card, 2) a temporary
residency card, or 3) a valid passport or travel documents accompanied by an entry stamp.

Panama
 The paper currency of Panama is the U.S. dollar and is also referred to as the Panama Balboa.
Panama mints its own coins.

Peru
 When traveling to Peru, tourists must provide evidence of return or onward travel. Although
tourists may stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. The actual amount of time

will be determined by the Peruvian immigration officer at the time of entry.

CHAPTER 4
Culture

CROSSING CULTURAL BOUNDARIES

A person grows up looking very much like the cultural background in which he was raised. If his cultural
background is square, he will probably turn out to be square. If it is round, he will most likely be round.

When you leave the safety of your own culture and enter another, you do not leave your cultural
baggage behind. You take it with you. And you may feel like the proverbial square peg in a round
hole.

But you can adjust; you can fit in. You can adapt yourself to this new culture. You can make the
transition effectively and gradually identify more and more with your host country colleagues.
The result is greater fulfillment and a more positive cross‐cultural experience for both you and
your hosts.

Home Culture Some learn to fit in... Host Culture

Some don’t…
UNDERSTANDING LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE
Adapted from material by CFCI President Dr. Chip Anderson

North Americans
The culture of North America, as it is today, began with people seeking freedom from religious
persecution and oppression in Europe. The first European settlers of North America viewed their
conquest and settlement of the New World as their destiny. This perspective of oppressed
settlers finding their God‐given destiny in a new land resulted in the optimism of today’s North
American culture. To the North American, life is what they decide it will be and the power to
create a good life for themselves is within their reach. In general, North Americans tend to have a
sense of control over their lives. North Americans often feel they can depend on themselves and
their resources and believe that if they work hard they will achieve success.

Latin Americans
The culture of today’s Latin America is the result of a very different history. The first European
visitors to Latin America were the Spanish, who came to conquer and pillage the already
advanced indigenous societies that existed at the time. Latin Americans were not just conquered,
they were forced to assimilate the blood and beliefs of their conquerors into their cultures.
Ancient indigenous cultures were supplanted and Spanish culture imposed. Latins consider
themselves the sons of the raped ones. They were enslaved and the resources of their countries
taken off to Europe or given to their conquerors. This history led to a culture that is a blend of
both Spanish and indigenous cultures, which is often a source of confusion and ambivalence for
Latin Americans. They both love and hate Spanish culture, while having equally mixed feelings
toward their indigenous cultures. Being conquered and oppressed lends a sense of fatalism and
distrust of outsiders to Latin American culture, but has also contributed to a more spiritual view
of the world than many North Americans possess.

Contrasting Values

North Americans Latin Americans
Believe in Progress, Change Fatalistic
Time and Money Oriented Relationship/ People Oriented
Impatient Focused on Family
Optimistic Pessimistic
Democratic Favor Authoritarian Leadership
Value Success Above People/ Hierarchical
Relationships Interdependent
Materialistic
Communicate Indirectly
Independent
Communicate Directly Spiritual
Tend to Value Science Over Spirituality
Keys to Culture

View of Truth‐ Latin cultures, perhaps because of the capricious way that they were governed by
the conquistadors, view law as relative to who is in power. North Americans coming to establish
a new land and fleeing religious persecution, see law (and truth) as having absolute qualities.

Spirituality‐ Latin American cultures are very spirit‐oriented and sensitive to the spiritual
dimensions of how the world operates. North American, due to their cause and effect world view,
see the world in more materialistic terms.

Time‐ In Latin America, time is not as important as people. In North America time (and money) is
more important than people. North American culture is event‐oriented. Latin American culture is
people‐oriented.


CHAPTER 5
Application

SHORT-TERM TEAM MEMBER APPLICATION
This application should be filled out by each applicant and returned to CFCI six
weeks prior to departure. Please print in black ink. Please attach a copy of your
passport.
General Information
Last Name: First Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( )
Cell Phone: ( ) Email:
Date of Birth: Sex: Occupation:
Marital Status:
1) Describe your personal relationship with Christ:
2) Please check your level of Spanish language proficiency:

None □ A little □ Conversational □ Fluent □
3) Do you have a criminal history or any former convictions? If Yes, please explain.
(Having a criminal history does not necessarily prohibit you from participating in a CFCI short-term mission trip. CFCI
may contact you to discuss your situation.)
□ Yes □ No
4) Do you give permission for CFCI to use any group photos in which you may appear for the purposes of public relations
and/or promotional materials? □ Yes □ No
Medical History
1) List all medical problems for which you have received medical care in the past 12 months:
2) List any prescription drugs (and their generic names) which you are now taking:
3) List any history of major illness or surgery:
4) List any known allergies (including food allergies) or chronic life-threatening conditions:
Insurance
CFCI will provide short-term travel insurance for the duration of your trip. You will receive an
insurance card and access to a copy of the policy. Please read and sign the insurance disclaimer
below.
I understand that the travel insurance policy purchased in my name will cover me in the event of
many medical or crisis situations that may occur, however, I further understand that it is my
responsibility to read the policy purchased for me and understand the limitations of said policy.
CFCI will not be responsible for the actions and decisions of the insurance company from which
my policy was purchased, for any situations in which I am unable to receive reimbursement, or
for making any claims or providing any pre-notification in my name.
Signature of Team Member: Date:
Signature of Parent or Guardian (if under the age of 21): Date:
Emergency Information/ Liability Release
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT:
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Relationship to Applicant: Cell Phone:
Home Phone: Work Phone
LIABILITY RELEASE:
In being accepted and allowed to participate in CFCI activities associated with its programs and
locations, I assume responsibility for my actions. I release CFCI, its Trustees, Employees,
Missionaries and Agents from liability, loss, injury or damage to myself or my property. Nothing
contained herein shall excuse CFCI, its employees, missionaries or agents from responsibility to
act with reasonable care for my safety or the safety of my property. I hereby release CFCI, its
Staff, Trustees, Employees, Missionaries, Agents and Sponsors of this activity from responsibility
and liability for any injury or illness that I may sustain during this activity.
I attest to the fact that I am physically able to undertake this trip and am aware of no health
considerations that would prevent my participation in any of the activities of this trip. In the
event of an emergency, I hereby authorize an adult leader of this activity (affiliated with CFCI),
as my agent, to consent on my behalf to medical treatment. In this regard, I consent to allow said
adult to authorize medical, dental or surgical diagnosis, X-ray examination, and treatment
including surgery and hospital care for me if needed, advised, and supervised by a licensed
physician, surgeon or dentist.
I have read the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory (http://www.travel.state.gov) listing the
potential safety hazards associated with travel to this country, and I accept the risks involved. I
recognize that CFCI has fulfilled its responsibility to inform me of the specific risks of travel to
this country and will not hold the organization responsible in the unlikely event that such a situa-
tion does occur.
Name of Applicant: (Please type or Print):
Signature of Applicant: Date:
Additional Signature of Parent/Guardian (if under the age of 18): Date:
Steps to Planning a Safe Trip
Use this checklist as you prepare for your trip to help ensure that you stay safe and healthy while you are
 Read through state department website at www.travel.state.gov

 Look for specific travel advisories on the country you plan to visit
 Read through general safety and security information regarding what to do in the event of an emergency
overseas
 Register your trip (or make sure your team leader has registered your trip) with the State Department
through the travel website
 Visit the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov to see what vaccinations are recommended or required
for your destination country and what diseases or illnesses you may come into contact with while in-country
 Visit your doctor to determine if you are physically capable of taking the trip and get any necessary vaccinations
 Check with your phone company to determine if your cell phone will work in your destination country. If not, con-
sider purchasing a calling card to carry on your person while in-country.
 If you are a minor, carry on your person at all times the minor release form signed and notarized by both parents
 Make copies of all important documentation including your passport, insurance card, and driver’s license. Take a
copy with you, leave one with your team’s designated emergency contact, and attach one to your application form.
 Carry with you copies, front and back, of any credit cards you will be taking with you
MINOR RELEASE FORM
To Whom It May Concern:
Our/My child_____________________________________ Passport#_____________
Residence of__________________________________________________________
Country________________________
Is traveling with full consent and knowledge of his parents/guardians with Christ For the City Interna-
tional.
________________________________will be entering the country of_____________
on(date) _______________________via _____________________airline, flight#_____
and is scheduled to leave on (date)_________________.
While in _________________the undersigned give Christ For the City International and its representa-
tive(s) with the minor authority to request and authorize medical and/or hospital treatment for the bene-
fit of the minor in the event of any sickness or injury sustained by the minor while in country.
If any questions arise concerning our minor child, please contact me at (telephone #)
_______________________________
_______________________________
Signature of Father/Guardian
_______________________________
Signature of Mother/Guardian
Acknowledgement
State of:
City of:
The foregoing Release was acknowledged before me this ________ day of______
By____________________________________________
(Notarial Seal) __________________

Notary Public in and for the State of________________
My commission expires:________________
CHAPTER 6
Team Meetings

Team Meeting #1
Team Meeting #1
Getting Started
Getting Started
Opening Questions:

1. Why did you decide to go on a mission trip?

2. Can you think of any examples of mission trips from the Bible? What was accomplished through those
early mission trips?

3. How do short‐term mission trips benefit the following people:

 The team members
 The team’s church
 The missionaries on the field
 The local people being served
A Biblical Perspective:

Let’s take a look at cross‐cultural ministry in the Bible. Find a partner and choose one of the following
cross‐cultural experiences to read about:

 Peter and Cornelius

Acts 10:9– 45

 Esther and Mordecai
Esther 4: 1‐16

 Jesus and the Woman at the Well
John 4: 4– 41

Share your thoughts on the following questions with your partner.

1. What cross‐cultural barriers were there in the story? How did God overcome these barriers and cross
cultural boundaries?
2. What did God accomplish through the cross‐cultural encounter in the passage?
3. What was the attitude of the “missionary” in the story? How did he/she feel about what God asked them to
do?
4. What about the passage was most meaningful to you?

Return to the large group and share your observations about the passage with the whole team.
Share your thoughts on the following questions with your partner.

1. What cross‐cultural barriers were there in the story? How did God overcome these barriers and cross
cultural boundaries?
2. What did God accomplish through the cross‐cultural encounter in the passage?
3. What was the attitude of the “missionary” in the story? How did he/she feel about what God asked them to
do?
4. What about the passage was most meaningful to you?

Return to the large group and share your observations about the passage with the whole team.
Homework:

 Get your passport
 Fill out your application and bring your completed form back with you to your next meeting.
Team Meeting #2
Team Meeting #2
Raising Funds
Raising Funds
Opening Questions:

1. How do you feel about raising funds for your trip? What are some fears that you may have about
the process?

2. If you have raised funds for a mission trip, share about your experience with the group. Do you
have any suggestions or tips to share?

3. What does the Bible say about raising support?
Lesson:

A Biblical Perspective

Think about it! Fundraising for mission trips is so much more than just getting money from people.
It’s a way to invite individuals and churches to be a part of your mission and learning experience.
Think of it as a partnership! Your church or individual supporters help through prayers and/or finan‐
cial assistance while YOU participate in the mission trip and share your experience with them. If you
approach it with this attitude, people will sense your excitement, confidence, and willingness to
serve. This will encourage many of them to gladly share in your mission experience.

Here are some examples of support raising from the Bible. Find a partner and choose one of the
following passages to read together.

 The example of the Levites: Numbers 18:24
 The example of Jesus: Luke 8:1‐3
 The teaching of Jesus: Matthew 10:5‐11
 The example of Paul: Acts 18:1‐5
 The teaching of Paul: 1 Cor. 9:1‐18

Return to the large group and share your thoughts from the passage you chose to read.

 What does the Bible say about support raising?
 What principles from the passage apply to your situation as you raise funds for your trip?
Homework:

 Complete the fundraising goals you and your team agreed upon by the next meeting.
Team Meeting #3
Team Meeting #3
Sharing Your Testimony
Sharing Your Testimony
Opening Questions:

 Have you ever shared your testimony before? What was that experience like?

 Can you remember a personal story you heard from someone that helped lead you to Christ or
encouraged you in your relationship with Him? Tell us about it.

 How does the idea of sharing your testimony make you feel? Nervous? Excited? Both?
Lesson:

We all have a testimony. When it comes to sharing how Jesus captured your heart, there are no boring
stories. Our personal story about how we met and trusted Christ is a powerful tool in communicating truth to
non‐believers and offering encouragement to other Christians. If you think about it you can probably recall
many times God has used the stories and testimonies of others to speak to your heart.

Thinking about and preparing your own testimony is an important part of getting ready for your mission trip.
We never know when God may want to use our story to help someone else, so we have to be ready to share
when that time comes.

Here are some guidelines to follow when preparing your testimony:
 Aim at sharing your story in a 3‐minute format
 Begin with some kind of “attention grabbing” item if you can
 When possible, know the audience to whom you’re speaking
 Think more about those listening than what you’re saying
 Emphasize Jesus Christ with a clear presentation of the components of the Gospel
 When using Scripture, request the listener to read it out loud, or read the verse yourself

 Answer these questions as you share:
‐ Why did I need Christ?
‐ What circumstances of my life caused me to realize my need for Christ?
‐ How did I receive Christ? Explain the process and try to use Scripture.
‐ What has your relationship with Christ meant to you since receiving Him as your Savior?
‐ How has your life been changed?

Practice sharing your testimony with a friend or a family member so you’ll feel more comfortable sharing
while on your trip. Remember, no one will force you to tell your story if you feel uncomfortable, but being
willing to share how God won your heart will be one of the greatest blessings you can give to those you came
to minister to.

Getting Ready:

 Share with your team leader your progress in getting your passport/visa and immunizations. If you are
confused or having any problems ask your team leader for help.

 Break up into small groups of two or three and share your progress on writing your fundraising letter or
completing your part of the group fundraising project. If you’ve written your letter ask your group
members to read it and offer suggestions.

 If you have already begun receiving some of your funds, inform your team leader of how much you have
gathered so that he/she can keep tabs on how much money the team needs.

Homework:

 Complete the process of obtaining your travel documents and immunizations, if you have not already
done so.
 Think about your testimony, what brought you to Christ and what points would you like to include in your
story? Outline your testimony, and if you feel comfortable, find one friend or family member to practice
with. If you have already shared your testimony many times before, find a fellow team member who
could use your help in formulating their story and practicing it.

Team Meeting #4
Team Meeting #4
Cultural Differences
Cultural Differences
Opening Questions:

 What is one of the most interesting cross‐cultural experiences you have ever had, and what did you learn
from it? If you haven’t traveled to another country, have you had friends from other countries, or visited
an immigrant church?

 If you have visited or lived in a foreign country, what did you find most difficult about the experience?

 How have your cross‐cultural experiences changed the way you look at your home culture?

Lesson:

The following material has been adapted from a seminar entitled Understanding Latin Americans created by
Christ For the City President Dr. Duane (Chip) Anderson. Dr. Anderson spent 15 years serving in Costa Rica
with Latin America Mission and Christ For the City before returning to the U.S. to take over as President of
CFCI.

North Americans:

The culture of North America, as it is today, began with people seeking freedom from religious persecution
and oppression in Europe. The first European settlers of North America viewed their conquest and settlement
of the New World as their destiny. This perspective of oppressed settlers finding their God‐given destiny in a
new land resulted in the optimism of today’s North American culture. To the North American, life is what
they decide it will be and the power to create a good life for themselves is within their reach. In general,
North Americans tend to have a sense of control over their lives. North Americans often feel they can depend
on themselves and their resources and believe that if they work hard they will achieve success.

Latin Americans:

The culture of today’s Latin America is the result of a very different history. The first European visi‐
tors to Latin America were the Spanish, who came to conquer and pillage the already advanced in‐
digenous societies that existed at the time. Latin Americans were not just conquered, they were
forced to assimilate the blood and beliefs of their conquerors into their cultures. Ancient indige‐
nous cultures were supplanted and Spanish culture imposed. Latins consider themselves the sons
of the raped ones. They were enslaved and the resources of their countries taken off to Europe or
given to their conquerors. This history led to a culture that is a blend of both Spanish and indige‐
nous cultures, which is often a source of confusion and ambivalence for Latin Americans. They both
love and hate Spanish culture, while having equally mixed feelings toward their indigenous cultures.
Being conquered and oppressed lends a sense of fatalism and distrust of outsiders to Latin Ameri‐
can culture, but has also contributed to a more spiritual view of the world than many North Ameri‐
cans possess.

Comparing the Cultural Values of North Americans and Latin Americans:

North Americans Latin Americans
Believe in Progress, Change Fatalistic
Time and Money Oriented Relationship/ People Oriented

Impatient Focused on Family

Optimistic Pessimistic
Democratic Favor Authoritarian Leadership
Value Success Above People/Relationships Hierarchical
Materialistic
Interdependent

Independent Communicate Indirectly

Communicate Directly Spiritual
Tend to Value Science Over Spirituality

View of Truth‐ Latin cultures, perhaps because of the capricious way that they were governed by
the conquistadors, view law as relative to who is in power. North Americans coming to establish a
new land and fleeing religious persecution, see law (and truth) as having absolute qualities.

Spirituality‐ Latin American cultures are very spirit‐oriented and sensitive to the spiritual dimensions
of how the world operates. North American, due to their cause and effect world view, see the
world in more materialistic terms.

Time‐ In Latin America, time is not as important as people. In North America time (and money) is
more important than people. North American culture is event‐oriented. Latin American culture is
people‐oriented.

Getting Ready:

 Your hosts will have certain expectations of your behavior and dress while you are working with
them. These expectations reflect the values of the culture they live in and you may or may not
understand their rules. For example, Latin American countries tend to be more conservative in
their dress– especially Christians. In many of the countries CFCI works in, it may be considered
inappropriate to wear two piece swimsuits, shorts, tank tops, or skirts that do not reach the
knee. Our missionaries would also request that team members do not drink or smoke at all
while working in‐country as Latin American Christians consider these things forbidden.

 Your team leader will share with you some basic cultural guidelines and expectations your hosts
have communicated regarding your specific trip.

 Learning the language is a great way to experience the culture of another country. Here are
some basic words and phrases in Spanish, as well as a pronunciation guide. Break up into twos
and attempt a few short practice conversations with the words given.

Spanish Basics

There are two forms of the pronoun you in the Spanish language:

 Usted– the polite, formal you
 Tu– the informal you

You should use Usted when meeting new people, or speaking to people older than you or people in
a position of authority like your boss or pastor. Tu can be used among friends or when speaking to
children. Verb forms also change when using Tu or Usted. Verbs in the tu form end in es/as and
verbs in the Usted form end in e/a.

For example, What is your name can be said the following ways:

 ¿Como se llama? (usted form)
 ¿Como te llamas? (tu form)

Nouns in Spanish are either feminine or masculine. Feminine nouns are preceded by the article La,
while masculine nouns are preceded by the article El. Feminine nouns usually end in a and masculine
nouns often end in o, however there are exceptions to this rule. For some words, the article and the
a/o change the meaning of the word. For example:

 El hermano means brother
 La hermana means sister
 El abuelo means grandfather
 La abuela means grandmother

Sentence structure is also different in Spanish. In English, we put our adjectives before our nouns.
In Spanish the adjective comes after the noun. For example in Spanish the sentence, “the red house
on the corner” becomes “la casa roja en la esquina” or literally translated, “the house red on the
corner”.

Spanish Sounds:

There are a few sounds in the Spanish language that do not exist in English:

ll The double ll makes a sound similar to the
sound the letter Y makes in the words Yodel
and Yo‐yo
ñ The ñ changes the sound of the letter so that
the word baño is pronounced “banyo” and
the word señor is pronounced “senyor”

Some Spanish vowel sounds are different from English vowel sounds:

English Spanish
A A as in “ahhh”

E Pronounced eh

I Pronounced like a long E
O Always said like a long O

U U makes the same sound as “oo” in the

word too

J J makes a sound like H in the word “ha”
H H is silent

Unlike English vowels whose sounds are dependent on the word in which they’re used or the other
vowels contained in the word, vowels in Spanish have only one sound no matter when they are
used.

Practicing the Language:

How are you? ¿Como estas?

I’m fine. Estoy bien.

How many brothers and sisters do you have? ¿Cuantos hermanos tienes?
I have ______brothers and sisters. Tengo ______ hermanos.

How old are you? ¿Cuantos años tienes?

I’m _______ years old. Tengo ________ años.
Where is the bathroom? ¿Donde está el baño?

How much is this? ¿Cuanto cuesta?
Do you like ___________? ¿Te gusta _________?
Yes, I like it. Si, me gusta.

No, I don’t like it. No me gusta.

Homework:

 Keep practicing your Spanish! Try to learn just a few phrases to use on your trip.

Team Meeting #5
Team Meeting #5
Striving for Unity
Striving for Unity
Opening Questions:

 Why is unity important on a mission trip team?

 What are the strengths you will bring to the team?

 What are some struggles you have had working on teams in the past?

 What can YOU do to help develop unity on your team?

Lesson:

Being part of a team is fun, especially when you’re working on projects that help the world’s most
needy...but ...sometimes teams just don’t function like we want them to. The stress of travel,
culture shock, and personality differences are all factors that can make a good team turn bad. We
all know unity is important to God, but when conflicts arise how do we choose unity over our own
opinions and perspectives? Here are four tips that will help develop a unified team.

Willingness Traits for Good Teams…

1. Willingness to accept everyone in the group.
Good team members accept everyone for who they are.

2. Willingness to learn from each others.
Good team members recognize that everyone brings strengths to the group.

3. Willingness to share ideas, power, expertise and the floor.
Good team members let others talk and share their thoughts.

4. Willingness to stay focused.
Good team members commit to staying on task.

A Look in the Bible…

 Take a look at what Paul says in Romans and apply it to your team. Break into twos and answer
the questions below.

Romans 12:4‐5a, 16

5
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then
gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy
in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8
he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who
shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in
mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

 How does this passage apply to your team as you prepare for your mission trip?

 Why is it important to be of the same mind?

 What does Paul say are some things that can get in the way of having the same mind toward
one another? How can you personally commit to not causing disunity on your team?

Getting Ready:

 Your leader will discuss with you the leadership roles on the field and the process of
resolving conflicts on the team (found in Chapter 5 of the Leader’s Manual in the section
entitled Leadership Roles on the Field).

 As a team, discuss and agree upon what your commitment to love each other will be and how
that will look as you are serving overseas. This can be respecting the people leading the team in
certain outreach activities, not gossiping about each other, or making a commitment to
approach a person directly and with grace if you are experiencing conflict.

Homework:

 Pray for one or two specific team members and for the team as a whole each day before you
leave for your trip.
CHAPTER 7
Devotions

Setting the Stage

Joseph was the favorite son of his father Jacob. When Joseph was a young man he had a dream that
one day all his brothers would bow down to him. Before his dream could become a reality, Joseph’s
jealous brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and thus began a very long test of Joseph’s faith in God.
He worked as a slave in Potifer’s household until he was falsely accused by Potifer’s wife. He was then
thrown in prison for several years during which time he was able to correctly interpret the cryptic
dreams of the cupbearer and the baker who were in prison with him. After the cupbearer was released
from prison he forgot about Joseph for two years until Pharaoh had a dream that none of his advisors
could interpret. Joseph was finally released from prison when he was able to tell Pharaoh the meaning
of his dream. In time, Joseph became Pharaoh’s second in command over the entire country of Egypt.
DAY 1–
Then, when famine struck the land of the Hebrews, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food
from the very brother they had sold into slavery so many years before.
Genesis 45: 1‐7 Discussion

Joseph Makes Himself Known  Many, many years passed between the
time that Joseph was sold into slavery
1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before and the arrival of his brothers in Egypt.
all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone Imagine how Joseph might have felt
leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph seeing his brothers again. How would
Joseph in Egypt
when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he you feel? What do you think you would
wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and do in his place?
Pharaoh's household heard about it.
3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father  What does Joseph say about God’s plan
still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer for his life?
him, because they were terrified at his presence.
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me."  What might have happened to Joseph’s
When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother family in Canaan if Joseph had not been
Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not sold into slavery in Egypt?
be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for
selling me here, because it was to save lives that God  The dream Joseph had as a young man
sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has came true many years later in a way that
been famine in the land, and for the next five years he could not have imagined. In what
there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent ways are you waiting on God for
me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on something that may seem impossible?
earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Reflecting on the Text

Sold into slavery, involuntarily sent to a foreign land, falsely accused, thrown in prison, and forgotten
for years, Joseph endured much before he saw God’s plan revealed in his life. His response to his
situation reflects the heart of a true man of God, “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with
yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you”. Instead of
seeing a chance for revenge, Joseph forgave his brothers and saw that God had meant all his suffering
for the purpose of saving a remnant of his chosen people.

Setting the Stage

During the time of Moses, the Hebrews were saved from slavery in the land of Egypt and promised a
new land of their own. They traveled through the desert toward the land of Canaan, the land their
forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had once been given by God. God wanted to give his people
DAY 2–
back their inheritance, but before they could live in the land they had to contend with the people who
had taken over Canaan during the hundreds of years they remained in slavery in Egypt. After
wandering in the desert for months, they finally arrived at the promised land.
Discussion
Numbers 13:31‐14:9
31
But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't at‐  What was the difference
tack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they between Joshua and Caleb’s
spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they reaction and the reaction of the
had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those rest of the men? When difficult
living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We situations arise, do you respond
The Israelites in Canaan

saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from as Joshua and Caleb did, or are
the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, you more likely to react like the
and we looked the same to them." rest of the Israelites?

Numbers 14  The Israelites became frightened
The People Rebel and said that they would have
1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices preferred to die in Egypt or the
and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses desert rather than be in their
and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we current situation. In what ways
had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing do you sometimes choose to
us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and remain in slavery, or roam in the
children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to desert rather than take hold of
go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should God’s will for your life?
choose a leader and go back to Egypt."
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole  Have there been times in your
Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and life where you have been
Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had confronted with what appeared
explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire to be an insurmountable
Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored obstacle in the way of you
is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will obeying God?
lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and
will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do
not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow
them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do
not be afraid of them."

The Israelites had the power of God behind them and the promise of God ahead of them– all they had
to do was take hold of it. Instead they complained that they would rather have died in the desert or
remained in slavery in Egypt. They chose to cling to the familiar rather than believe enough to see God
work miracles on their behalf. Joshua and Caleb were the only ones who responded to God’s call to

take hold of the land. Because of their belief, they alone of all the living Israelites were allowed to
enter the promised land.

Setting the Stage

Ruth was from Moab. Ruth’s husband was an Israelite who moved to Moab to escape the famine in
Israel. When Ruth’s husband died, she made an astonishing choice: she chose to follow her mother‐in‐
law Naomi back to the foreign land of Israel instead of returning to a comfortable home in her parents
house where she would have the chance to be married again.
Discussion
Ruth 1:8‐17
8
Then Naomi said to her two daughters‐in‐law, "Go back, each of  What are some possible
you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show kindness to you, reasons for Ruth’s choice to
as you have shown to your dead and to me. 9 May the LORD grant follow Naomi back to Israel?
DAY 3–
that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband."
Then she kissed them and they wept aloud 10 and said to her,  Consider the social status of
"We will go back with you to your people." women, foreigners, and
11 But Naomi said, "Return home, my daughters. Why would you widows during that time.
come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could be‐ What must Ruth have felt
come your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to upon leaving her home to
have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for live as a foreigner and a
me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons‐ 13 widow in a different
would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried country?
for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you,
because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!"  Why do you think God
Ruth in Israel
14 At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother‐in‐law brought Ruth to live in
good‐by, but Ruth clung to her. Israel? Have you ever
15 "Look," said Naomi, "your sister‐in‐law is going back to her people sensed God calling you to
and her gods. Go back with her." leave a safe and
16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back comfortable place and step
from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. into the unknown?
Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you
die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me,  God provided a kinsman‐
be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." redeemer for Ruth and
Naomi. What was the role
Ruth 4:13‐15 of a kinsman‐redeemer?
Have you ever seen God act
13
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, as a kinsman‐redeemer in
and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. your own life?
14
The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day
has not left you without a kinsman‐redeemer. May he become fa‐
mous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in
your old age. For your daughter‐in‐law, who loves you and who is
better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."

Ruth’s choice to accompany Naomi back to Israel demonstrated bravery and loyalty above and beyond
what would have been expected of her. God used Ruth’s faithful heart to bless Naomi and give her a
grandson and a new family after she had lost so much. Ruth was given a new husband and became the
grandmother of the great King David. If she had not chosen to remain faithful, even when it seemed
impossibly difficult, she would not have experienced God’s faithfulness to her.

Setting the Stage

God called Jonah from his home in Israel to preach to the city of Nineveh. Jonah chose to run away instead of heeding
God’s call. After three days of punishment in the belly of a large fish, Jonah decided to obey God’s second call and take
His message to the Ninevites.
Discussion
Jonah 3‐4:11
Jonah Goes to Nineveh  Many of us can relate to
1 2
Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: "Go to the great city of Jonah’s decision to run
Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." away rather than obey
3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very God’s call. How have
4
important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. you responded to God’s
DAY 4–
He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites call in your own life?
believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put
on sackcloth.  Jonah was so angry that
6 the people of Nineveh
When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his
7 were given a chance to
royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Then he issued a
proclamation in Nineveh: repent that he told God
"By the decree of the king and his nobles: he would rather die
Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or than be part of their
drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on salvation. Why didn’t
God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet Jonah want the
relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." Ninevites to be saved?
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had
Jonah in Nineveh
compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.  Have you ever been
angry with God
Jonah's Anger at the Lord 's Compassion because His plans for
1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O your life were not the
LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee same as yours?
to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and
abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away  Perhaps you have ideas
3
my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." about how your life or
4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?" ministry should look and
5 Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a do not want God to
shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the change your vision. In
LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to what ways might you be
ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. 7 But at dawn the next clinging to your own
day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. 8 When the sun version of your ministry,
rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he rather than allowing
grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live." God to shape it as He
9 But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?" wishes?
"I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die."
10 But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not
tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has
more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from
their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

The story of Jonah reminds us that God has always had a heart for the nations and has always desired to save the lost.
Jonah’s story also shows us that God is able to use us and teach us even when our hearts are not set on the same things
that His are. In this passage, God’s heart was for the lost people of Nineveh, who couldn’t “tell their right hand from
their left”. Jonah’s heart was not on the salvation of all people, Jonah was focused on his loyalty to the Jewish people
and on their special status as God’s chosen people. God’s plan from the fall of Adam was to use Jesus to bring all people
to Himself. Jonah’s plan was much smaller than God’s and revolved around his own safety and comfort. We are often
not much different from Jonah– we become angry and frustrated when God’s plans do not fit into ours. Jonah reminds
us that God thinks much bigger and sees much more clearly then we do.

Setting the Stage

When Daniel was a young man, his home in Judah was besieged by the Babylonians and Daniel was
taken into exile in Babylon and forced to serve the King. He was trained in the palace for three years
before entering the service of the king of Babylon. During this time, Daniel never forgot the Lord. He
continued to pray to God even when the edict of the king forbade it. When the king’s officials saw
Daniel praying to the Lord through his bedroom window, he was thrown into the lion’s den as
punishment.
Daniel 1: 1‐5 Discussion
DAY 5–

Daniel's Training in Babylon
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebu‐  Daniel was a member of the
chadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 Israelite nobility with a
And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, promising future. He was
along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he forced into exile and
carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the servanthood in a land that was
treasure house of his god. not his home. How would you
3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to feel in Daniel’s situation? How
bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the might you feel about God if He
obility‐ 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, asked you to endure a situation
showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick as difficult as Daniel’s?
Daniel in Babylon
to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was
to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5  What difficulties did Daniel
The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the face in his new home?
king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after
that they were to enter the king's service.  Why do you think God brought
Daniel to Babylon? How did
Daniel 6:19‐28 God use Daniel in Babylon?

Daniel in the Lion’s Den  When have you found it
19
At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the difficult to remain faithful to or
lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in focused on God because those
an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your around you did not believe in
God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from Him?
the lions?"
21 Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his
angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt
me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever
done any wrong before you, O king."
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of
the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was
found on him, because he had trusted in his God.


Daniel was forcibly taken from his home by Israel’s enemies. He was trained to be an advisor to the
king of Babylon. Despite his circumstances, Daniel remained faithful to God. He did not become angry
that he was forced to live in a foreign land, and he did not forget God while living among pagans. His
integrity made him a light to the people of Babylon and an honored man in the king’s court.

Setting the Stage

Esther lived as a Jew in exile in the land of Persia. Because she was very beautiful, she was taken from
her home with her uncle Mordecai and sent to the palace of the king be one of the women the king
would choose from to replace his deposed queen. Esther won the king’s favor and the young, Jewish
woman was made the queen of Persia. At the same time, Haman, the king’s favorite advisor, devised a
plan to destroy all the Jews living in Persia. Esther’s life was on the line as she attempted to thwart
Haman’s plan and save her people from annihilation.
DAY 6–
Discussion
Esther 4:9‐16
9
Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai  It was amazing for a young, obscure
had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 Jewish girl to be made the queen of
"All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces one of the most powerful nations in
know that for any man or woman who approaches the king existence at that time. Why did
in the inner court without being summoned the king has but Mordecai believe that Esther became
one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this queen?
is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare
his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go  What might have happened if Esther
Esther in Persia
to the king." had been unwilling to risk her life and
12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he speak to the king on behalf of her
sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in people?
the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For
if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for  Mordecai told Esther that if she chose
the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your to remain silent, God would save His
father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have people another way. If this was the
come to royal position for such a time as this?" case, why did Esther still choose to
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather risk her life for the Jews? What would
together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do you choose to do?
not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids
will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king,  Have you ever felt that God placed
even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." you in a situation for a specific pur‐
pose? Or has God ever placed
someone in your life for a specific
purpose at just the right time ?


Esther was in a foreign land in the palace of the king. She was a young girl who was taken away from her
people and her uncle who had raised her. She was in unfamiliar territory, placed there for a specific
purpose that she could not have foreseen. The story of Esther reminds us that God’s plans are no
accident. He placed Esther in the right place at exactly the right time so that she could rescue the Jews
from Haman and play her part in the history of her people.
Setting the Stage
DAY 7–

Paul began his relationship with God in an unusual way. Before his encounter with God Paul, then
called Saul, hunted down, imprisoned, and killed followers of Jesus. Then, when God met him in a
powerful way on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life changed dramatically. He heard the voice of God
and became a missionary and apostle. He traveled to many countries, was stoned, beaten,
shipwrecked, and thrown in prison– all for the cause of the Christ he once despised. In this passage
from Philippians, we get a glimpse into Paul’s reasons for sacrificing so much.
Discussion
Philippians 1:3‐11
 Given Paul’s previous life as a
Paul becomes a Missionary

persecutor of Christians, his
Thanksgiving and Prayer transformation is amazing. How
3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers have you seen God transform
for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your your life or the life of someone
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being close to you?
confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  Paul remembered his fellow
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have Christians, many of whom he
you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and himself led to faith in Christ, with
confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. joy. Have you ever felt something
8
God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of similar for a friend, your children,
Christ Jesus. or a student of yours?
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and
more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be  When you pray for those around
able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless you, how do your prayers
until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness resemble or differ from Paul’s
that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of prayer for his fellow Christians?
God.

Paul suffered much to bring the gospel to people in many cities and countries that were not his own. In
this passage, we see his heart toward these people was the heart of a servant and a partner in the
kingdom of God. He considered his sufferings worth the joy of seeing them grow in Christ. Even when
he was separated from them he carried them in his heart. We know from Paul’s past, previous to his
encounter with Christ, that this attitude was not natural to Paul. He was changed and transformed by
God, and his affection for the people God sent him to minister to was a sign of God’s grace in his life.
We all, if we choose to obey God’s call, whatever that might be, will see our hearts towards the people
around us transformed to more closely resemble the heart of God.
Wrapping Up

 Reflect on the previous passages. Go back and reread them if you need to. Of all these examples of
people called by God to a foreign land, which touches you most? Who do you relate to the most?
DAY 8–
Who do you most aspire to be like?

 What common themes do you see in the lives of these men and women?

 What lessons can we derive from these stories about the way God often chooses to work in our
own lives and on a larger scale for the growth and salvation of those around us?

 Read the following verse from Revelation describing God’s ultimate goal in sending Jesus to earth
to rescue us from our sin.
Wrapping Up
Revelation 7:9

9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every
nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were
wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Discussion

God’s plan in calling Abraham out of his home to the land of Canaan, rescuing the Hebrews from
slavery in Egypt, bringing his chosen people back to the promised land, keeping a remnant alive in
exile, sending His Son to die on the cross, and calling his apostles to continue the work Christ began in
the world was always leading to the time when God would have a people for Himself taken from every
nation, tribe, and people on the earth with Him in heaven. What is our part today, as the Body of
Christ, in this plan?
CHAPTER 8
Resources

PACKING LIST
 2 pair of work pants  STM Manual
 3‐4 work shirts  Travel Alarm clock
 2 pair of casual pants/jeans  Gifts for family
 2 pair of dress pants (guys)  Snacks
 2‐3 dresses/skirt outfits (girls)  Chewing Gum
 2 pair of shorts  Small photo album
 1 pair of sweatpants/lounge pants  Toiletries
 6‐8 casual shirts  Travel Toilet Paper
 Sweatshirt/jacket  Kleenex
 Sweater (girls)  Handi‐wipes or Towelettes
 10 pair of underwear  Medications
 8‐10 pair of socks  Vitamins
 2‐3 bras (girls)  Eye glasses
 Rain poncho/jacket  Contacts
 1 pair of work boots/shoes  Contact Solution
 1 pair of tennis/casual shoes  Water bottle
 1 pair of sandals/dress shoes  Flashlight w/ extra batteries
 1 pair of flip‐flops  Camera
 1‐2 pairs of pajamas  Hand sanitizer
 Belts  Sunscreen
 Bathing suit  Sunglasses
 Bath towel  Hat/visor
 Beach towel  Chapstick
 1 set of sheets  Insect repellant
 Pillow  Febreeze
 Umbrella  Small travel bag
 Spanish/English Bible  Ziploc bags
 Journal  Trash bags for dirty laundry
 Pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies  Passport
 Index cards/Encouragement notes

COMMUNICATING YOUR TRIP TO OTHERS

People will want to know how your trip went. Here are some suggestions from Ron Blue’s article
“Tell the Story” on how to share your experience with a church and individuals. Relate stories.
Try to keep them short.

1. Be ready to share with anyone that asks about your trip. Go and contact the people who
sponsored you! Share with them how your trip went, but remember that most of them are
not interested in an hour‐long tale.
2. Take the initiative in arranging times to share in churches. Get other people involved in
helping you.
3. Make sure when sharing with a group that you speak up so that everyone can hear you.
4. Start out strong with something that will create anticipation.
5. Try to paint visual pictures by answering the questions: who, what, where, when, and why.
6. Illustrate your stories by using a drama, or wearing the traditional dress of that country or
just by your facial expressions.
7. Focus on people when you relate your experience.
8. Convey the important lessons you learned.
9. Accentuate the positive.
10. Encourage interaction with your audience.
11. Stop on time.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Reading Materials

CULTURAL
Foreign to Familiar Sarah A. Lanier
Cross‐Cultural Connections Duane Elmer
Worldview for Christian Witness Dr. Charles H. Kraft

FUNDRAISING
Friend Raising Betty Barnett
Getting Sent Pete Sommer
How to Raise Money Becky Brodin
Serving as Senders Neil Pirolo

MISSIONARY BIOGRAPHIES
Amy Carmichael Janet and Geoff Benge
Burchko Bruce Olson
Love Never Fails Robert P. Vande Kappelle
The Heavenly Man Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway
The Jungle Calls Series Ron Snell

SPANISH RESOURCES
501 Spanish Verbs Christopher Kendris and Theodore Kendris
Conversational Spanish Jeremy Schuff
Spanish English Dictionary Merriam‐Webster

YOUR MISSION TRIP
Anticipate (Devotions & Journal #1) Various Authors (Standard Publishing)
Before You Pack Your Bag, Prepare Your Heart Cindy Judge
Experience (Devotions & Journal #2) Various Authors (Standard Publishing)
Mission‐Minded Skits David C. Cook
Ultimate Skits Bryan Belknap

Websites

CHRIST FOR THE CITY INERNATIONAL
www.cfci.org
www.mycfcimissiontrip.com
www.mytrip.digbro.com

DRAMA
www.dramatix.org
www.dramamission.com

GOVERNMENT
www.cdc.gov
www.travel.state.gov

MISSIONS
www.uscwm.org
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/short.htm
http://www.everyculture.com/index.html
Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador •
Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru •
Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica •
El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama •
Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia •
Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali •
Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA •
Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua •
Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador •
Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile •
Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama •
Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador •
Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile •
Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama •
Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador
Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile
Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama
Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica •El Salvador •
Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile
Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama
Peru • Spain • USA • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama
Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador
Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia
Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA
Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua
Panama • Peru • Spain • USA • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica •
El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA
El Salvador • Mexico • Mali • Nicaragua • Panama • Peru • Spain • USA
Thanks for taking your Mission Trip with CFCI… Come back soon!

CFCI Participant&#39;s Manual

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Christ For the City International

Participant’s Mission Trip Manual

Chapter 3: Travel Planning

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 2

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 3

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 15

Fees For Submitting in Person Application Fee Execution Fee Total Amount

Important Insurance Information

Last Name: First Name:

City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( )

Cell Phone: ( ) Email:

Date of Birth: Sex: Occupation:

2) Please check your level of Spanish language proficiency:

Signature of Team Member: Date:

Signature of Parent or Guardian (if under the age of 21): Date:

Emergency Information/ Liability Release

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT:

City: State: Zip:

Relationship to Applicant: Cell Phone:

Home Phone: Work Phone

Name of Applicant: (Please type or Print):

Signature of Applicant: Date:

Additional Signature of Parent/Guardian (if under the age of 18): Date:

 Read through state department website at www.travel.state.gov

To Whom It May Concern:

Our/My child_____________________________________ Passport#_____________

on(date) _______________________via _____________________airline, flight#_____

and is scheduled to leave on (date)_________________.

(Notarial Seal) __________________

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 49

The Israelites in Canaan

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 50

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 51

Christ For the City International Participant’s Manual 2010 52

Paul becomes a Missionary

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CFCI Participant's Manual

CFCI Participant's Manual

Our/My child_________________________ Passport#_

on(date) _______via _airline, flight#_