In preparation for short-term mission teams, there is always
one question that a team leader can expect—whether during team meeting or from
a concerned mom at a parent information meeting: "Is it safe?"
The question pertains to our on-site serving locations, but
it also includes the to-and-from travel. Is the international airline we use
reliable? How will we get around as a team? Is public transportation dangerous?
Are team leaders qualified to drive 15-seater vans?
Obviously any journey involves risk, but some of the risks
can be diminished by pre-trip preparation: Do some research; to get advice on
everything from inoculations to what is appropriate dress, check out resource
books like the Lonely Planet guides or websites like the U.S. State Department's country-by-country summaries
or the Centers for Disease Control. And always purchase travel insurance.
Listen to the hosts. They will know the about the public
transportation, cultural concerns, and the sections of the city to stay out of.
Present plans pro-actively. Let team members (and their parents if taking a
youth team) know that research has been done and there are safety measures in
place.
Assuring people that we know where the nearest reliable
hospital is, or how to contact our country's embassy can alleviate fears before
they arise. Taking teams out is risky business, and we need to know how to
manage these risks.
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"What I
am anxious to see in Christian believers is a beautiful paradox. I want to see
in them the joy of finding God while at the same time they are blessedly
pursuing Him. I want to see in them the great joy of having God yet always
wanting Him." --A. W. Tozer
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Prayer Requests
Pray for our short-term program: that more people would be
led to come, and to become future (longer term) co-workers through praying,
giving or going.
Pray for the effective discipling of young believers who
have made a commitment to follow Christ.
Pray for the strengthening of local partnerships and
identification of new Indian Partners with whom to minister.
Pray for the Unreached Bairagi, Hindu of India
Population: 3,040,000
World Popl: 3,521,000
Main Language: Bengali
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%
World Popl: 3,521,000
Main Language: Bengali
Main Religion: Hinduism
Bible: Complete
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%
Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated
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