Welcome to our Missions Teaching Site
We have prepared some lessons that will help anyone who is contemplating taking a missions trip. Each lesson covers a different aspect of our Commission to go preach the gospel. We pray that these teachings will bless you and help you prepare for what the Lord has for you to do. AGM is always looking for those who desire to go on a mission trip. Please feel free to contact us (see Contact Page of the website) for additional information concerning any upcoming trips or to let us know of your desire to go to a specific country.
Below is a quick overview of basic preparations that everyone needs to know about before their first trip.
Preparing for Your First Mission Trip
Passport in USA:
A passport application can be obtained from your local post office, courthouse (law clerk office), or on the internet. It will require the following proofs: proof of citizenship, proof of identity (certified birth certificate – obtained at the County Health Dept. in the county where you were born. Can also be ordered online at www.vitalstatistics.com ), social security number, and two current photos. A passport photo can be taken at many photographer’s studios or at your local AAA automotive club office. Some post offices will take them. Your completed paperwork and the application fee can be returned to the local courthouse or you can mail it to the nearest passport office. The whole process can take several weeks. For an additional fee you can ask for a quicker response. The fee currently is $100 but it can change at any time. The passport and your proofs will be mailed directly to you.
Health checks:
A call to your local health department will give you information on immunizations necessary for whatever country you will be entering. Get a personal record of all your inoculations and carry it with you on all trips. Note: Some countries do not require this, but some do. The physicians or Health Dept. Should supply this as you request. Don’t wait to call them because some countries may require a series of shots that need to be given over the course of several weeks or months. Your family physician will need to give you a prescription for malaria medications. There are different types. Be sure to follow the directions. Most need to be started at least two weeks prior to departure. If you take a regular prescription be sure to talk to your physician to be sure you have enough to take with you. Obtain a doctor’s release for any major medical situation. Example: overweight. Be sure to carry a list of items you are allergic to for emergency purposes.
Health Insurance:
Be sure to check with your health insurance provider to see if you are covered overseas with your insurance.
Wardrobe:
Be sure you know the customs of the country to which you are going. Many countries require that women do not wear pants. Men may need to have dress pants, jackets, and ties. When going into the warmer climates it is wise to take garments made of cotton or cooler materials. Take enough clothes to change daily. Even warm countries may have cool nights so a sweater or jacket is a good idea. There will not likely be an opportunity to wash clothes. Shoes need to be comfortable and good for walking. There is not always transportation readily available. Many times there is no ability for transportation to carry you all the way to your destination. Sleeping arrangements may not be totally private so be sure your night clothes are modest.
Luggage and packing:
The number of suitcases are limited, even to the size and weight. Check with the airlines you are flying on to discover their requirements. It is wise to pack at least one change of clothes and your necessary toiletries in your carry-on bag. Get as much as possible in the carry-on in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed. Be sure to pack any medication in your carry-on as well. A carry-on with wheels will enable you to enjoy your travel time more.
Other suggested items you should take: towels, wash clothes, soap, antibiotic wipes, toilet tissue, over the counter medication for diarrhea, sinus, headache, and indigestion, a small first aid kit, and a small sewing kit. Hair dryers and curling irons are not recommended, as the electrical currency is different and may not be available at all. For women there are some curling irons made that run on butane that could be used. Remember there are stringent laws at the airport on what you can take and this might be taken away if seen as dangerous. A strong mosquito repellant is also helpful. Sunglasses to protect your eyes and an umbrella in case of rain. Jewelry should be minimal and inexpensive as it could be lost or confiscated. While food from other countries is not easily brought into the US; it can be taken out. Snacks such as peanut butter crackers or dried fruit and nuts can help you if the food doesn’t agree with your palate. Coffee and tea drinkers might want to take some with them as it can be expensive in some countries. Take several baggies in a variety of sizes. These come in handy for many things. One or two small bottles of water can be a life saver if for some reason you are unable to get good water where you are.
Money:
Research before hand to find the exchange rate for each country you will be traveling to. Be aware that you will have to exchange your money when you enter a new country. Better to have a little more than needed than not have enough.
Important issue:
Be sure to make a copy of your passport and travel documents to leave at home or in the hands of a trusted friend or family member in case of emergency. Know the name and address of your contact in the visiting country so you can fill out your visa correctly.
