CFCI Participant's Manual

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Christ For the City Internationalhrist For the City International

Participants Mission Trip Manual


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CHRIST FOR THE CITY INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIP M ANUAL

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 Short -Term Mission Department in Omaha.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CHRIST FOR THE CITY INTERNATIONAL Anji Schoch

Short -term Mission Teams Coordinator [email protected]

5332 S. 138th Street Omaha, NE 68137

For Checks: P.O. Box 390395

Omaha, NE 68124

Intl Office - (402) 592 -8332 Toll Free - (888) 526 -7551

Fax - (402) 592 -8312

www.cfci.org www.mycfcimissiontrip.com

www.mytrip.digbro.com

Christ For the City International Participants Manual 2010


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Dear Team Member,

Im 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. Im 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 usagain, 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 andgives you the opportunity to grow in the Lord. All of the leaders hosting our teams are Christ For theCity missionaries that work and live year round in the country you will visit. Many of them are Latinswho felt Gods leading to minister to their own communities. We feel that this enhances yourexperience with us as you will be hosted and led by people with a deep knowledge of the culture andcountry.

As you prepare for your trip, this manual will help you through the process. If you would like moreassistance, such as a missionary visit to your church or a staff member to help with your teamtraining, 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 willvisit and serving with Christ For the City, you will also be stretched and challenged in many ways. Iencourage 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 youto do so. You will have the chance to send your family and friends a digital brochure customized foryour team with pictures of your trip. We also have a blog and a Facebook group that will help youkeep in touch with the missionaries you served.

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

In Him,

Anji Schoch Shortterm Mission Coordinator

(402)[email protected] Blog: www.mycfcimissiontrip.com Facebook: Christ For the City International


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Table of ContentsChapter 1: About CFCI

Overview of CFCIStatement of FaithWorldwide Bases

Chapter 2: Fundraising A Biblical Perspective on Fundraising.7Writing a Support LetterSample Letter, Support and Prayer Cards...10-11 Following Up on Supporters

Chapter 3: Travel PlanningSteps for a Safe TripBuying an Airline TicketGetting a PassportGetting a VisaNecessary immunizationsTravel InsuranceTraveling AbroadTravel Tips by Country

Chapter 4: Culture Crossing Cultural BoundariesUnderstanding Latin American Culture..27

Chapter 5: ApplicationShort-Term Team Member Application..31

Minor Release Form



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Table of Contents

Chapter 6: Team MeetingsMeeting #1 Getting Started..Meeting #2 Raising Funds....Meeting #3 Sharing Your Testimony...39-4Meeting #4 Cultural Differences..4Meeting #5 Striving for Unity

Chapter 7: DevotionsDay 1 Joseph in EgyptDay 2 The Israelites in Canaan.Day 3 Ruth in IsraelDay 4 Jonah in NinevehDay 5 Daniel in BabylonDay 6 Esther in Persia.Day 7 Paul becomes a Missionary..5Day 8 Wrapping Up.

Chapter 8: ResourcesPacking ListCommunicating Your Trip to Others...59Resource List..



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CHAPTER 1

Christ For the City International


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CFCI OVERVIEW

Purpose CFCI is a multicultural fellowship of Gods people who share common values, theology and ministryphilosophy and are committed to the multiplication of churches that impact cities in strategicpopulation 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 Gods word. Over 75% of our missionaries are Latinsministering 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 Cityworks in a very grassroots, organic way. We do not have one ministry strategy we use in every countrywe work in. Our ministries in Mexico look much different than our ministries in Costa Rica or ElSalvador because each location is experiencing different problems and different needs. Among the manyministries created by CFCI there are orphanages, a drug rehabilitation center, church support andtraining, feeding programs in slums and sports ministries, just to name a few.

Affiliations

AERDO Association of Evangelical Relief & Development OrganizationsEFMA Evangelical Fellowship of Mission AgenciesMA Mission AmericaECFA Evangelical Council for Financial AccountabilitySOE Standards of Excellence in Short Term Missions

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

BOLIVIA Cochabamba

Bilingual kids campsLeadership trainingOutreaches to indigenous

tribes

CHILE La Serena

Developing ministries and baseSoccer Club

Evangelsim/Leadership Training

COLOMBIA INSEPA Pastoral training and churchplantingMIES Pastoral training through onlinecourses Mission Caleb Mission training forColombians

Bogot

Pastoral trainingDeveloping a mission training school for

Colombian missionaries

Medellin

New Generation youth outreach andmobilizationWord, Bread, Fish Childrens outreachFamily Growth Ministry to pastors children

COSTA RICA Nicoya

Church SeminarsDeveloping outreach to the people caught inthe drug trade and sex industry that oftenfollows tourism

San Jose

Church support New Horizons youthrecreation ministryMedical outreaches andclinics

Renacer Rehabilitation forstreet girlsWorks of Mercy outreach to prisoninmates, hospitals, AIDS patients, andnursing homes.Transformations Street ministry andfeeding program

EL SALVADOR San Salvador

Medical and dental clinics/outreachesNeighborhood ministryEvangelistic sports ministry foryouthWorks of Mercy PrisonministryChurch leadership and development

MEXICO

Tijuana OrphanagesCity OutreachesPastoral CareLocal Church

Tuxpan

Camping MinistryCity Outreach


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MALI Bamako

Evangelism

Pastoral CareCounseling

NICARAGUA

Managua

Teacher training and Christian educationYouth camps, recreation ministry andoutreachesLeadership trainingNational medical outreachShortterm mission teamsYouth leadership training

PANAMA

Panama City Childrens FestivalsOutreach to Indigenous people groups

PERU

Lima Pastoral trainingSeminars for business people and government officialsEvangelism in schools, jails and hospitalsProject Shalom Ministry to women releasedfrom prison

SPAIN Pastoral counselingRetreat Center Innerhealing anddeliverance seminars

USA Omaha, Nebraska

CFCI headquartersOmaha Urban Plunge weekend mission trip

in Omahas innercityHealing Hearts Ministry to the hurting andleadership trainingUnderstanding Latin Americans Seminarson reaching Latin Americans living in theUSA.

San Diego, California

Street evangelismBeach ministry to the homelessHome fellowship trainingChurch evangelism, leadership, and

outreach training

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



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CHAPTER 2

Fundraising


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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 ShortTerm trip from going. One of these

responses might be: I dont need to ask. I just need to pray, and if its Gods 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 involvedprayerfully and financially, but who cannot go themselves.) Giving people the opportunity to beinvolved with what God has called you to do can be one of the biggest blessings you will ever experience! You may even find support raising to be surprisingly encouraging as you watch Godprovide 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 thegospel should receive their living from the gospel (I Corinthians 9:14). It appears that Paul alsohad in mind that the Christian worker could and even should depend upon those to whom he orshe 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 giftsgiven from the church at Antioch to those in faminestricken Judea (Acts 11:2730). On other

occasions, he gave clear teaching regarding this subject (2 Corinthians 8:79; 9:115) and took great liberties in making financial appeals for others (I Corinthians 16:14; Romans 15:2529).

The Apostle Paul definitely received support from at least one church (Philippians 4:1418), though it is not documented that he ever asked for support for himself. There aremissionaries 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 inviteothers to prayerfully seek God as to whether they might be involved with you in some way oranother, 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 youstart.

To undertake supportraising without prayer is like attempting to fly a balloon without hot air! It simply wont 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 andsought from the king and the people (Nehemiah 2). We pray for our daily bread, but we dont

FUNDRAISING



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pray and wait for someone to bring it. Paul says working and eating go together (2 Thessalonians3:615). Jesus instructs us to pray by asking, seeking, and knocking (Luke 11:910), knowing that such a focus will keep us from anxiety (Matthew 6:2534) and will move the hand of God, whoknows what we need even before we ask (Matthew 6:8).

There doesnt seem to be any one clear Biblical teaching on receiving support fromunbelievers. It may be acceptable to do so, however, as Nehemiah in chapter 2 petitioned andreceived from King Artaxerxes all the supplies, safe passage, and resources he needed to rebuildthe temple. On the other hand, the Apostle John, though not instructing Gaius to refuse gifts fromunbelievers, 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 6:1719 to Command those who arerich in this present worldto do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing toshare. Why? He goes on to explain the reason in verse 19 In this way they will lay up treasurefor 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 uptreasures 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 workers efforts, becoming fellowworkers in the

truth (3 John 8). It is for this reason that we encourage you to consider your supporters aspartners, fellowworkers, colaborers whether committing to you in prayer and/or finances.

Finally, remember this: probably the best way to teach these Biblical perspectives toothers is to live them out in your own life. In I Chronicles 29:5 King David contributed generouslyto the Lords work, and then asked others, Now who is willing to consecrate himself today to theLord? True leaders give sacrificially first, before they ask others to do so. And dont worryyoull not need to inform others of your generosityit will be caught!



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WRITING A SUPPORT LETTER One of the best ways to raise support is to write a support letter. A support letter lets peopleknow 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 incontributing 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: FamilyCoworkersSmall Group MembersBible Study LeadersFormer Teachers or Youth LeadersChurch Mission Committee MembersFriends of your Parents or GrandparentsOld 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 whats 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



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Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am finishing up my second year of college and have decided to transfer to BibleCollege next year to pursue a degree in missions. In preparation for my new studies, I would like to spend twoweeks of my summer vacation in El Salvador working with an organization called Christ For the City. My missiontrip 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 ingangs. Gangs have since become one of the biggest social problems faced by the country. Many kids turn togangs for the sense of protection, companionship, and family-like relationships they provide.

While in El Salvador we will be working with Christ For the Citys Soccer Training School, a program designed toreach out to youth that might otherwise choose to join a gang. The school gives kids an alternative to gangs byoffering 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 positiveinfluences in their lives.

Our team will bring Bible lessons, crafts, and games to the Soccer Training School as a tool to attract new youthto 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 youwould 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 least25 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 nameand 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 returnhome!

Blessings,

John

Sa m p le S u p po r

t Le t te r:



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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

E l S a lva d o r J u n e 2 0 -2 9 , 2 0 0 9

P ra y fo r J o h n P ra y th a t:

O u r te a m w ill gro w c lo s e a n d d e m o n s tra

te G o d s lo ve to th o s e

a ro u n d u s

I w ill g e t th e c h a n c e to s ha re m y te s tim o n y

I w ill b e s e n s itive to th e Sp irit a n d n o tic e th e n e e d s

o f th o s e a ro u n d

m e G o d will te a c h m e wh a t m

y g ifts a re a n d h o w I c a n s e rve Him

Sample Prayer Cards:

Y es! I w ant to be par t o f y our su p por t

team.

I would like to suppor t you b y:

Commi t ting to be par t o f your pra yer

team

Con tribu ting $_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to the cos t o f your

trip.

M y curren t address is (i f di f feren t from

the one used ):

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

And dont f or g et t o p r ay f or me. P r ay t hat I ll know w hat t o say and hav e t he cour ag e t o say it a t t he r ig ht t ime, t elling t he my st er y t o one and all

E phesians 6 :19

Chr ist F or t he Cit y - 20 0 9 El Salv ador T eam

J u l y 26 Au g u s t 4 , 20 0 9

Sample Response Card:



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FOLLOWING UP ON SUPPORTERS

Following up to those individuals who either supported the team financially or through prayer

is very important. Remember, your shortterm mission trip is a partnership!

1. For every donation, be sure to write a hand written note expressing how thankful you are fortheir 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 toyour supporters.

A letter in the mail is the best way to update supporters, however, a nicely crafted emailwill also do.

If your supporters are on a social networking site, try using the site to post updates onyour 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 experiencesand expressing thanks for their investment. Be sure to include pictures from your trip.



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CHAPTER 3

Travel Planning and Tips


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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 theevent of an emergency overseas

Register your trip (or make sure your team leader has registered your trip) withthe 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 illnessesyou may come into contact with while incountry

Visit your doctor to determine if you are physically capable of taking the trip and get anynecessary vaccinations

Purchase a travel insurance policy for your trip

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

while incountry.

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

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.



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GETTING YOUR AIRLINE TICKET

Buying an airline ticket can be simple. CFCI recommends either buying your tickets from amultiple airlines site or through a travel agent. For cheaper tickets, we suggest purchasing yourtickets 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) [email protected]/

Fellowship Travel International

Richmond, VA18003294384www.fellowship.com

Golden Rule Travel www.goldenruletravel.com

Raptim Travel Lewiston, NY18007779232www.raptimusa.com



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APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT

Passports are ABSOLUTELY necessary to enter every country. Team members with citizenship incountries other than the U.S. should check to make sure you will be allowed to enter yourcountry 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. Courtsand 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 therequirements for applying by mail. Children under 13 years of age usually need not appear inperson unless requested to do so by the passport acceptance agent. Both parents must personally appear to execute the application on the childs behalf. Applicants who are 14 to 16years 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, andtravel 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 foreignembassies, allow more time. The demand for passports becomes heavy in February andcontinues through August because of summer vacation travel. A good time to apply is betweenSeptember 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 otherrequired items. Be sure to include dates of departure and travel plans on your application and allfees, including the expedite fee. Most Passport agencies now accept applications only byappointment. Call in advance.



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APPLYING FOR A VISA

Visas are not normally necessary for U.S. citizens traveling to foreign country. Most countriesallow U.S. citizens to stay in country for up to 3090 days without a visa. Depending on thecountry, 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 topurchase a visa at the point of entry; this is not recommended.For uptodate 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



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IMMUNIZATIONS

For international travel, the Center for Disease Control recommends making sure your routinevaccinations are uptodate as well as Hepatitis A and B. Typhoid is recommended for peopletraveling 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 stronglyrecommend a Yellow Fever vaccination depending on the location of your travel. A certificatewill be issued at the time the vaccination is given.

For specific vaccination requirements by country visit the Center of Disease Control andPrevention. www.cdc.gov .



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TRAVEL INSURANCE

As a part of the mission trip costs, Christ For the City International provides each team memberwith travel insurance through Good Neighbor Insurance. Upon receiving each the team memberapplications 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

leaders job to distribute those policy cards and numbers.Important Insurance InformationEffective 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 doctors 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, OctDec 2003

For more information about the insurance policy please contact the Short-term Mission TeamsCoordinator at CFCI or see the Good Neighbor Insurance website: http://www.gninsurance.com/



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Be prepared to pay an entry/exit fee as a part of your travel expenses. Fees differ fromcountry to county, but be prepared to pay $2535. Some countries, such as Colombia, the feewill cost between $50$70.

Meet your contact person. Up to this point, you will be on your own. No one can enter themigracion, luggage area, or customs to help you. Now its time to look for a friendly face inthe crowd. They should be waiting for you outside the luggage claim area. This is one reasonwe 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 isin the car or van ( $1/per bag is a good amount)

If for some reason no one comes to meet you because of a mixup 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, aftera reasonable length of time, no one has come, try to get someone to call or help you usea 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.



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CHAPTER 4

Culture


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CROSSING CULTURAL BOUNDARIES

A person grows up looking very much like the cultural background in which he was raised. If his culturalbackground 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 culturalbaggage behind. You take it with you. And you may feel like the proverbial square peg in a roundhole.

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

Some dont

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



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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 religiouspersecution and oppression in Europe. The first European settlers of North America viewed theirconquest and settlement of the New World as their destiny. This perspective of oppressedsettlers finding their Godgiven destiny in a new land resulted in the optimism of todays NorthAmerican culture. To the North American, life is what they decide it will be and the power tocreate a good life for themselves is within their reach. In general, North Americans tend to have asense of control over their lives. North Americans often feel they can depend on themselves andtheir resources and believe that if they work hard they will achieve success.

Latin Americans The culture of todays Latin America is the result of a very different history. The first Europeanvisitors to Latin America were the Spanish, who came to conquer and pillage the alreadyadvanced 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 considerthemselves the sons of the raped ones. They were enslaved and the resources of their countriestaken 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 forLatin Americans. They both love and hate Spanish culture, while having equally mixed feelingstoward their indigenous cultures. Being conquered and oppressed lends a sense of fatalism anddistrust of outsiders to Latin American culture, but has also contributed to a more spiritual viewof the world than many North Americans possess.

Contrasting Values

North Americans

Believe in Progress, ChangeTime and Money Oriented

Impatient OptimisticDemocratic

Value Success Above People/RelationshipsMaterialisticIndependent

Communicate DirectlyTend to Value Science Over Spirituality

Latin Americans

FatalisticRelationship/ People Oriented

Focused on FamilyPessimistic

Favor Authoritarian LeadershipHierarchical

Interdependent

Communicate Indirectly

Spiritual



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

Spirituality Latin American cultures are very spiritoriented 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) ismore important than people. North American culture is eventoriented. Latin American culture ispeopleoriented.



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CHAPTER 5

Application


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SHORT-TERM TEAM MEMBER APPLICATIONThis application should be filled out by each applicant and returned to CFCI sixweeks prior to departure. Please print in black ink. Please attach a copy of your

passport.

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. CFCImay 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 relationsand/or promotional materials? Yes No

General Information

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:


Medical History


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3) List any history of major illness or surgery:

4) List any known allergies ( including food allergies ) or chronic life-threatening conditions:

CFCI will provide short-term travel insurance for the duration of your trip. You will receive aninsurance card and access to a copy of the policy. Please read and sign the insurance disclaimerbelow.

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 myresponsibility 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 whichmy 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:

Insurance

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT:

Emergency Information/ Liability Release

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Relationship to Applicant: Cell Phone:

Home Phone: Work Phone



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LIABILITY RELEASE:In being accepted and allowed to participate in CFCI activities associated with its programs andlocations, 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. Nothingcontained herein shall excuse CFCI, its employees, missionaries or agents from responsibility toact 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 responsibilityand 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 healthconsiderations that would prevent my participation in any of the activities of this trip. In theevent 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 saidadult to authorize medical, dental or surgical diagnosis, X-ray examination, and treatmentincluding surgery and hospital care for me if needed, advised, and supervised by a licensedphysician, surgeon or dentist.

I have read the U.S. State Departments Travel Advisory (http://www.travel.state.gov ) listing thepotential safety hazards associated with travel to this country, and I accept the risks involved. Irecognize that CFCI has fulfilled its responsibility to inform me of the specific risks of travel tothis 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:



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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 emergencyoverseas

Register your trip (or make sure your team leader has registered your trip) with the State Departmentthrough the travel website

Visit the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov to see what vaccinations are recommended or requiredfor 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 drivers license. Take acopy with you, leave one with your teams 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



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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

AcknowledgementState 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:________________

MINOR RELEASE FORM



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CHAPTER 6

Team Meetings


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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 teams church The missionaries on the field The local people being served

Team Meeting #1Team Meeting #1Team Meeting #1

Getting StartedGetting StartedGetting Started

A Biblical Perspective:

Lets 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:

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.

Peter and Cornelius Acts 10:9 45

Esther and Mordecai Esther 4: 116

Jesus and the Woman at the Well John 4: 4 41



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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.



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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. Its 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 8:13 The teaching of Jesus: Matthew 10:511 The example of Paul: Acts 18:15

The teaching of Paul: 1 Cor. 9:118

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?


Raising FundsRaising FundsRaising Funds

Homework:

Complete the fundraising goals you and your team agreed upon by the next meeting.



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Sharing Your TestimonySharing Your TestimonySharing 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 3minute format

Begin with some kind of attention grabbing item if you can

When possible, know the audience to whom youre speaking

Think more about those listening than what youre 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



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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 youll 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 youve 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.



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Cultural DifferencesCultural DifferencesCultural 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 havent 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 Godgiven destiny in a new land resulted in the optimism of todays 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.



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Latin Americans:

The culture of todays 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

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 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.

Comparing the Cultural Values of North Americans and Latin Americans:

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 spiritoriented 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.

North Americans

Believe in Progress, Change

Time and Money Oriented

Impatient

Optimistic

Democratic

Value Success Above People/Relationships

Materialistic

Independent

Communicate Directly

Tend to Value Science Over Spirituality

Latin Americans

Fatalistic

Relationship/ People Oriented

Focused on Family

Pessimistic

Favor Authoritarian Leadership

Hierarchical

Interdependent

Communicate Indirectly

Spiritual



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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:

Some Spanish vowel sounds are different from English vowel sounds:

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

ll The double ll makes a sound similar to the sound the letter Y makes in the words Yodel

and Yoyo

The changes the sound of the letter so that the word bao is pronounced banyo and

the word seor is pronounced senyor

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



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How are you? Como estas?

Im 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 aos tienes?

Im _______ years old. Tengo ________ aos.

Where is the bathroom? Donde est el bao?

How much is this? Cuanto cuesta?

Practicing the Language:

Homework:

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

Do you like ___________? Te gusta _________?

Yes, I like it. Si, me gusta. No, I dont like it. No me gusta.



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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 Leaders 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.



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CHAPTER 7

Devotions


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AY

J o s e

ph

i

g y p t

Genesis 45: 17

Joseph Makes Himself Known

1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother

Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, 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. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on 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 Gods 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.

Discussion

Many, many years passed between the time that Joseph was sold into slavery and the arrival of his brothers in Egypt. Imagine how Joseph might have felt seeing his brothers again. How would you feel? What do you think you would do in his place?

What does Joseph say about Gods plan for his life?

What might have happened to Josephs family in Canaan if Joseph had not been

sold into slavery in Egypt?

The dream Joseph had as a young man came true many years later in a way that he could not have imagined. In what ways are you waiting on God for something that may seem impossible?

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, Josephs jealous brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and thus began a very long test of Josephs faith in God. He worked as a slave in Potifers household until he was falsely accused by Potifers 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 Pharaohs second in command over the entire country of Egypt. Then, when famine struck the land of the Hebrews, Josephs brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food from the very brother they had sold into slavery so many years before.



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DAY

2Th

e

I sr

a eli

t e s

in

C an a

an

Numbers 13:31 14:9 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't at tack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes,

and we looked the same to them."

Numbers 14 The People Rebel 1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should

choose a leader

and

go

back

to

Egypt."

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will 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 Gods 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.

Discussion

What was the difference between Joshua and Calebs reaction and the reaction of the rest of the men? When difficult situations arise, do you respond as Joshua and Caleb did, or are you more likely to react like the

rest of the Israelites?

The Israelites became frightened and said that they would have preferred to die in Egypt or the desert rather than be in their current situation. In what ways do you sometimes choose to remain in slavery, or roam in the desert rather than take hold of Gods will for your life?

Have there been times in your life where you have been confronted with what appeared to be an insurmountable obstacle in the way of you obeying God?

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 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.



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AY

3

u th

i

sr

a el

Ruth 1:8 17 8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters inlaw, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. 9 May the LORD grant 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, "We will go back with you to your people." 11 But Naomi said, "Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could be come your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for meeven if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!" 14 At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother inlaw good by, but Ruth clung to her. 15 "Look," said Naomi, "your sister inlaw is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." 16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. 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, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."

Ruth 4:13 15

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 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 famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter inlaw, who loves you and who is

better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."


Ruths choice to accompany Naomi back to Israel demonstrated bravery and loyalty above and beyond what would have been expected of her. God used Ruths 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 Gods faithfulness to her.

Discussion

What are some possible reasons for Ruths choice to follow Naomi back to Israel?

Consider the social status of women, foreigners, and widows during that time. What must Ruth have felt upon leaving her home to live as a foreigner and a widow in a different country?

Why do you think God brought Ruth to live in Israel? Have you ever sensed God calling you to leave a safe and comfortable place and step into the unknown?

God provided a kinsman redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. What was the role of a kinsman redeemer? Have you ever seen God act as a kinsman redeemer in your own life?

Setting the Stage

Ruth was from Moab. Ruths husband was an Israelite who moved to Moab to escape the famine in Israel. When Ruths husband died, she made an astonishing choice: she chose to follow her mother inlaw 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.



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DAY

4

J on

ah

inNin

ev

eh

Jonah 34:11

Jonah Goes to Nineveh 1

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2

"Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important citya visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:

"By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or

drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah's Anger at the Lord 's Compassion 1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee 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. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?" 5

Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live." 9 But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?"

"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. Jonahs 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, Gods heart was for the lost people of Nineveh, who couldnt tell their right hand from their left. Jonahs 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 Gods chosen people. Gods plan from the fall of Adam was to use Jesus to bring all people to Himself. Jonahs plan was much smaller than Gods and revolved around his own safety and comfort. We are often not much different from Jonah we become angry and frustrated when Gods plans do not fit into ours. Jonah reminds us that God thinks much bigger and sees much more clearly then we do.

Discussion

Many of us can relate to

Jonahs decision to run away rather than obey Gods call. How have you responded to Gods call in your own life?

Jonah was so angry that the people of Nineveh were given a chance to repent that he told God he would rather die than be part of their salvation. Why didnt Jonah want the Ninevites to be saved?

Have you ever been angry with God because His plans for your life were not the same as yours?

Perhaps you have ideas about how your life or ministry should look and

do not want God to change your vision. In what ways might you be clinging to your own version of your ministry, rather than allowing God to shape it as He wishes?

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 Gods call. After three days of punishment in the belly of a large fish, Jonah decided to obey Gods second call and take His message to the Ninevites.



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Daniel 1: 15

Daniel's Training in Babylon 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebu

chadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to

bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the obility 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.

Daniel 6:19 28

Daniel in

the

Lions

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19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the

lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from 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 Israels enemies. He was trained to be an advisor to the king of Babylon. Despite his circumstances, Daniel remained faithful to God. He did not be

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