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 tori@gracebible.church

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 / joey@gracebible.church

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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