STUDENT GUIDE
SERVE & LEARN TRIP
MANAGUA 2016
God’s grace changing lives around the world
& in our church through missions
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Dear Student,
Thank you so much for your willingness to go on a serve and learn trip! We appreciate your dedication to spending time away from family and work to serve the nations! We are excited for this incredible opportunity to Serve and Learn together through an international trip geared towards students. On this adventure we will connect with ministry partners in Nicaragua where we will serve alongside them and experience their culture. We will also get to see the beautiful country through a once-in-a-lifetime zip line adventure and an excursion to see the Pacific Coast.There will be a few meetings prior to the trip, a Sunday commissioning, and a debrief meeting. Please plan to attend all of the meetings! Also, Grace Bible Church requests that you to try your absolute best at attending all services on the commissioning Sunday.The cost of this trip will be $1600 and we believe that part of this incredible process comes with trusting the Lord to see how He provides through our diligence to invite our friends and loved ones to support us. We have a great system for receiving support and will walk you through the process.Are you ready to serve the nations?! If the answer is “yes,” start sending out those support letters now! If the answer is “I’m still praying about it,” we would love to encourage you to fast, study the Word of God, and pray to your heavenly Father fervently to seek an answer. We simply desire you to experience the fullness of what God has called you to do in regards to missions. Only you can answer that question! We will be praying for you as you meet with your team to prepare for you trip. May God’s grace flow powerfully to you, your team, and on those you will be serving on your trip!
Grace and Peace,Joey LauniHigh School and College-Age Director
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Checklist..........................................................................................................................4
Important Information .....................................................................................................5
Grace Missions’ Guiding Principles...............................................................................6
Serve & Learn Trip Overview.........................................................................................7
Travel Plans ...................................................................................................................8
Fundraising...................................................................................................................10
Financial Policy and Procedures ..................................................................................11
Suggested Items to Pack .............................................................................................13
Sample Support Letter .................................................................................................14
Resources.....................................................................................................................15
CONTACT INFO
Gravity Administrative Director: Tori McCoy – email at [email protected]
CHECKLIST
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4 – 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE
Attended Informational Meeting
Attended Team Meeting 1
Turned in Application and $150 Deposit
Turned in Background Check Form
Apply for Passport
Send out Support Letters
REGISTRATION CLOSED (February 21st)
2 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE
Attended Team Meeting 2
Turned in Flight Cost
1 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE
Attended Team Meeting 3
Turned in In-country Cost
Turned in All Other Forms: Passport, Medical Release, Liability, and Minor
Attend Commissioning Service
1 WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE
Attended Team Meeting 4 or Packing Party (if needed)
2 WEEKS AFTER ARRIVING HOME
Attended Debrief Meeting
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All receipts from in-country spending must be turned in to SALT coordinator upon return.
Leader’s Name and Contact Information: Joey Launi / 757-968-2630 / [email protected]
Trip Destination: Managua, Nicaragua Travel Dates: June 20-26, 2016
Daily Weather: 80-95 degree
MEETING / TRAVEL DATES AND TIMES
Informational Meeting: _____________1/17, 1/24 and 1/31 (all 3 are the same)____________
Team Meeting 1: __2/21 : 12:30-2 at Lynnhaven_
DUE DATES AND COSTS
Approximate Total Trip Cost: __$1600_________________________________________
Deposit, Application & Minor Form: On or before 2/21/2016
Registration Closed: 2/21/2016
TYPICAL DAY’S AGENDA
Daily Weather ________________________________________________________________
____:____ Morning Devotion __________________________________________________
____:____ House visits, projects/activities, etc.__________________
____:____ What else might happen in-country? ___________________________________
____:____ Debrief__________________________________________________________
GRACE MISSIONS’ GUIDING PRINCIPLESPage 5
VISION
Our Missions Ministry’s vision is to see God’s grace changing lives around the world and in our
church through missions.
GO
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
SEND
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the
one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to
them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the
feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14-15
ENCOURAGE
“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples.” Acts 14:21 “And
when they (Barnabas and Paul) had come and gathered the church together, they reported all
that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts
14:27
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SERVE & LEARN TRIP OVERVIEW
WHAT IS A SERVE & LEARN TRIP?
A serve & learn trip is a short-term mission trip generally comprised of about 5 to 14 days.
Usually short-term missions are in other countries; however, they can also be in areas within the
U.S. The goal of a serve & learn trip is to build long-term relationships, engage in training and
development, encourage relational evangelism, and seek to serve and strengthen our in-country
partners.
SERVE
In humility and following Jesus’ example of
washing His disciples’ feet, Grace Bible
Church seeks to always have an attitude of
service while on our serve & learn trips. We
are not simply doing the work planned but
are also seeing any and every opportunity
that arises to care for others.
LEARN
Although we have been privileged to have
resources and an education that far exceed what
has been experienced by many individuals
around the world, we must always seek to learn
more. We can learn to appreciate the diversity,
beauty, and vastness of Christ’s love through
learning from others in their cultures.
WHERE ARE WE ENGAGED?
Rio Blanco, Nicaragua
Managua, Nicaragua
Lome, Togo
WHO CAN GO?
Anyone high school age or older may go on a serve & learn trip. However, exceptions can be
made for those who are younger. A parent or guardian can go on the trip and will be
responsible for the younger team member.
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TRAVEL PLANS
PASSPORT INFORMATION
Every person traveling outside the United States is required to have a passport regardless of age.
Team members should allow 6 OR MORE WEEKS to receive a passport after applying. Information
on how to apply for a new passport or renew an existing passport can be found under “Your U.S.
Passport” tab at passports.state.gov. Passports must be valid for 6 months from the last travel date.
VACCINATIONS
Each serve & learn trip is different. You may or may not be suggested to receive vaccinations.
Information on vaccinations can be found at cdc.gov/travel or at your local doctor’s office. Locations
to receive the vaccinations can be found at passporthealthusa.com. Vaccinations are the
responsibility and at the discretion of the team member.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE
Grace Bible Church will purchase on your behalf International Travel Insurance. You will receive the
insurance policy via email once the insurance has been purchased. This will be factored into the
overall cost of the trip. This insurance does not include trip cancellation coverage.
TRIP CANCELATION
In the event of an emergency, the serve & learn trip Coordinator will cancel your flight. The trip
cancellation fee is approximately $200 (changes with airlines), and the flight must be rescheduled
within the year for a future serve & learn trip.
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TRAVEL PLANS
SECURITY
When traveling, it is important to follow a few safety guidelines:
It’s suggested to leave your passport in a secured area and have a copy of your passport on
your person at all times while in-country.
Stay together as a team. Always have a buddy with you.
If you leave the team, tell the team leader where you are going.
Keep an eye on luggage and bags in transit.
When carrying money, keep it on your person, preferably in the front pockets of your pants.
When carrying a purse, it is suggested to carry one that zips closed.
Be mindful of your surroundings.
Use common sense.
PACKING
Pack light! Each airline has different baggage allowances and costs which can be found online
at the airline’s website. Most airlines allow one or two checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds
and two carry-on bags: one personal (purse or computer) and one small suitcase or backpack
that can be stored in an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. There is a
sample packing list later in the guide. Please note that each trip is different and you should
discuss with the team leader exact items/clothing that need to be packed for your specific trip.
ADDITIONAL SPENDING MONEY
All team members are recommended to take an additional $100 for personal needs and a valid
ATM card for emergency purposes. Cash must be in the form of small bills ($20, $10, $5) with
no evidence of tears or writing.
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FUNDRAISING
MAKE THE ASK
Whether it is a support letter, video through social media, or another form of fundraising,
make the ask! Answer the W’s: who, what, when, where, and why.
What are you areas of influence? Family, friends, coworkers, community group, sports team,
teachers, etc.
FOLLOW-UP
Call and thank those who have already supported you, and give them an update on your
financial support.
Ask those who haven’t supported you financially to pray for you as you continue to raise
support. Also, ask them to be a prayer warrior for you and your team while you are serving
in-country.
PRAYER POSTCARDS
A week prior to departure, remind financial supporters and prayer warriors to pray for you
and your team while you serve in-country by sending them a letter or postcard.
UPDATE SUPPORTERS
A week to two weeks after you return from your mission trip, send a thank you letter or
postcard to all of your financial supporters and prayer warriors.
Share your experience with them, and challenge them to go with you on a future trip.
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FINANCIAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSITS
Registration is not confirmed until Grace Bible Church has received the $150 deposit along with
the application. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
DUE DATES
4 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
$150 Deposit (registration closes 4 months prior to departure) Application
Permission to Obtain Background Check
2 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
$Flight Cost
1 MONTH PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
$In-country Cost
Passport Form
Medical Release / Permission to Treat
Release of Liability
Authorization for Foreign Travel with Minor (if needed)
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FINANCIAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
PAYMENT OPTIONS
All personal support checks should first be mailed to the student (YOU). After the team member
has received the funds, he or she can then mail the check directly to Grace Bible Church, Attn:
SALT Coordinator. Team members should keep track of their own funds. The team member
may also deliver checks in person to the receptionist desk during office hours.
EXPENSES
Additional expenses incurred while on the trip will not be paid for by Grace Bible Church unless
discussed prior to departure. All team members are recommended to take an additional $100
and a valid ATM card for emergency purposes. Cash must be in the form of small bills ($20,
$10, $5) with no evidence of tears or writing.
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
Application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Any payments for expenses that have
already been paid for are non-refundable. In the event of an emergency, the serve & learn trip
Coordinator will cancel your flight. The trip cancellation fee is approximately $200 (changes
with airline), and the flight must be rescheduled within the year for a future serve & learn trip.
EXTRA FUNDS RAISED
Any amount received in excess of the cost of the trip will be used for other team members who
are still raising funds or towards trip expenses. No refunds will be given.
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SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACKTrips are held in different locations and at different times of the year. Please ask team leader
for a more detailed packing list.
CARRY-ON
Passport and Copy of passport
Visa(s) and Copy of visa(s)
Entry fee or exit fee
Money ($100 in small bills [$20, $10, $5] with no tears or writing)
ATM card (call and make company aware of all countries you will be transiting)
Pen and Journal
Gum
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Jacket
Extra outfit(s) and underwear in the event of a missing bag
Bible
Phone and Charger
Note: Liquids must be in small containers in zip-lock bag. No large liquid containers allowed.
CHECKED LUGGAGE
Work pants or shorts for each work day
Casual outfits for evenings/dinners
Socks / Underwear / Jacket or Sweater / Hat or Bandana
Sunday church outfit
Tennis shoes and Shoes for evening
Work gloves
Trash bag for dirty clothing
Hand sanitizer and Hand/Body wipes
Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap, deodorant, etc.
Medicine: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, anti-nausea, etc. (Let leader know of any medical condition)
Antibiotic Cream for cuts, Itch Cream for stings/bites, and Insect repellant
WRITING YOUR ONE PAGE SUPPORT LETTER
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Pray about and create a list of folks who could be potential supporters- People who would be excited to hear that you are serving the world.- Anyone who knows you and believes in you, don’t limit this to people at church.
Dear ___________________________, [Date]
[The first paragraph should be a greeting and tell the reader about the opportunity God has given you to participate in a
mission and/or how you have decided to participate in a mission. You may also want to include a brief update on you.]
Example verbiage: I hope this letter finds you doing well. I am very excited to share with you the opportunity God has
given me to serve this summer in Nicaragua and how you can be a part of it.
[Explain the mission and Grace Bible Church’s involvement.]
Example verbiage: My church, Grace Bible Church, has formed a partnership with a Nicaraguan pastor in Managua,
Nicaragua. God has given Pastor Rigoberto a vision to reach the poorest of the poor in his own country, Nicaragua.
Grace Bible Church has the opportunity to send teams over to work with Pastor Rigoberto on construction projects,
leadership development, helping with community outreaches, investing in the children, and encouraging the
missionaries that his church sends to the poorest of the poor.
[Personalize the experience – is there anything else, anything special your team will be doing? You may also want to include
how you came to this decision to serve and what you expect to learn.]
Example verbiage: On this mission, our team will be spending time with children in Nicaragua, investing in them through
Bible studies, small group discussions, activities, and games. We will also have the opportunity to help with a
community outreach to the poor providing them food and spiritual encouragement. I am so thankful for this opportunity
to serve and see how God is working there.
[State how the reader can be involved. First invite people to pray for you.]
Example verbiage: First, please pray for me and the team. Pray that God will prepare me and my heart for our time
there. Pray for our safety and that God will be glorified in all we do.
[Secondly, invite people to support you financially. State the cost of this mission, explain the financial commitment that you
are making in order to take this trip, and ask your reader to help you financially.]
Example verbiage: The overall cost of this mission trip will be $1600 OR In order to go on this mission I must raise
$1600 AND I will be investing my time and my own money in the trip. AND I would like to invite you to participate with
me in this mission by asking you to consider making a financial contribution. OR I am asking that you prayerfully
consider also making a financial contribution towards this mission.
[Explain the procedure for the reader to make the donation.]
Example verbiage: If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to Grace Bible Church. The
memo line must read (Student’s name, Managua 2016 traveling to). Please mail donations in the pre-addressed
envelope provided with this letter. Optional additional verbiage: Expenses include air fare, ground transportation,
lodging, meals, and materials used in accomplishing the objectives of this mission.
[Express gratitude for your reader’s time; give them your contact information and you may also want let them know if you will
be following up with them by telephone and/or in-person conversation]
Example verbiage: Thank you for considering this request. If you have any questions I would love to hear from you. My
phone number is ____ and my email is ____________.
Sincerely, [First and Last Name]
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RESOURCES
Before You Pack Your Bags, Prepare Your Heart by Cindy Judge
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
Giving Wisely by Jonathan Martin
Serving as Senders Today by Neal Pirolo
Multiply by Francis Chan
Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
The Poor Will Be Glad by Peter Greer and Phil Smith
The Great Omission by Steve Saint
God is at Work by Ken Eldred
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