The trip you are about to take is a cross-cultural encounter. Cross-cultural simply means you leave the things that are familiar to you (music, language, customs, clothing, etc,.) And go into a culture that is unfamiliar. You must be motivated by a desire to share your faith or give of your abilities to accomplish this mission task. To be a World Christian demands that you "take your eyes off yourself to see others." Like the Apostle Paul we must say, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Gal. 2:20.

            Remember, we are short-term "missionaries." What we do within this week can greatly impact  the lives of those we meet. . .negatively or positively. We must in no way do anything that will damage the testimony of the field missionaries. They are counting on us to represent their country and God. . .well. A group of unconcerned team members "doing their own thing," can wreck everything the missionaries have worked a long time to accomplish.  Here are a few "helps"  to insure a successful mission endeavor.

1.          Don't forget your passport! (Mexico requires Passport too!) 

2.         Don't wear expensive jewelry. Be aware, (but not paranoid), of pickpockets and purse snatchers in crowded areas and public places. Along with your budgeted cash I suggest you take one credit card with you, but not all you have.

Travelers to Belize: Belize currency is 2 dollars to 1 U.S. Dollar. U.S. Currency can be used anywhere in Belize however, you will receive Belize currency as change.

3.         This short-term mission sometimes enters a unique belief system. You may be interacting with a very "conservative" people. They know we dress differently as Americans yet, please dress becoming a "cross-cultural" Christian (that means "modest"). Please take clothes to dress modestly at ALL times. What we wear is important. For instance, guys camoflouge is O.K. But, please don't pack anything "Military," that could cause undue reconnaissance in a foreign country!

If you are traveling to Belize I suggest you take at least one change of clothes in your carryon (airlines have a way of losing your luggage).

            A. During the day at our medical sites scrubs/blue jeans are the norm. Any other times shorts are the norm.

            B. If we get a chance for a church service please wear something to show respect for the people.

Ladies, anything long & loose; Guys, pants and collar shirt (no ties!).

          C. For our vacation day its swimsuits, shorts, etc,. But, please be modest!

4.         You are encouraged to contribute to this field of influence for the Lord, but please, any gift should be given through the host missionary. Please remember that "giving money" is also a means of forming relationships. For instance, if one team gives to their interpreters the other must do the same, or that will produce a bad relationship. . .after we are gone! If you give to one, others expect similar contributions. This has caused many problems for the missionaries after groups leave. Remember, you are here for only a short time. The lasting impression you leave tells others what it means to be a Christian. When you have a chance to give lets talk about it first.

5.         As you learn about the culture and government be positive with your language. Nationals are serious with their politics for example. I encourage you to dodge talk about political things. Your tone of voice may be misunderstood. Don't complain about conditions, such as food, travel, and so on; instead smile, be cheerful, and show respect and love. For example, try to stay away from comments such as, "I've never seen such poverty." Try to pull out the positive aspects for their country and your experience in their culture.

6.         Certain written or taped material from the United States carry a negative connotation in other cultures. Don't take the risk of books, magazines, or music that would compromise our mission task. On this mission I humbly request you refrain from the  "use" of tobacco or alcohol, and the "abuse" of drugs.

7.         You will no doubt get your "first or next" lesson in patience dealing with Customs Agents crossing borders. I ask that you watch your remarks as you never know who is listening. It will be obvious to some that we are a missionary team but, lets don't bring undue attention saying, "Hey, bring that container of drugs over here!" Some may understand you and some may not. Please understand that customs people have the right to inspect everything you are taking into their country. However,

DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED.

Don't volunteer information, just answer questions brief as possible.

8.         If you are going to Belize there will be an immigration form to fill out before the plane lands in Belize, I suggest the entire team to be visiting the country for the same reason and give the same basic information. For instance, I never check the "business" block on these forms. It's hard enough to convince customs that we are not coming to Belize to "sell" something. Try to use the word "mission" on these forms to explain your visit to Belize.

9.         Take plenty of pictures. Again, look for the positive, don't just take pictures of the worst areas. Take enough to represent the entire area you visit. However, be careful of pictures of Government installations or in airports (customs area) without permission. Be careful about taking pictures of military people! Also, It is not cool to take pictures of people from the van if you seem to be staring tastelessly at them for portrait sake. For instance, Mennonites are especially sensitive of portraits without their consent.

10.       Don't drink water in the field until the host missionary says it's O.K. Never use water for drinking or brushing your teeth until you know it is safe. Bottled water will be available for the needs of the team.

11.        Missionary kids/interpreters/mission workers/national pastors look forward to your arrival as much as the missionaries. Take time to get acquainted with them and share with them what you do and how God led you on this short-term trip. You may be surprised at the close relationship you can develop in a short amount of time. 

12.       Prayer is the key to a successful mission task. On your mission trip make prayer a priority and tell someone about it for accountability. People often say prayer is important and then let everything else crowd it out of the day. On this mission trip, prayer will draw you closer to God and your fellow team members. You will gain strength from your daily time with Him and gain an open attitude toward new experiences.

Here is how prayer may help you on this trip:

            1. Increases sensitivity to the needs around you.

            2. Allows you to effectively help others.

            3. Reinforces your vital link to God and to the people you care

about.

            4. Helps you to be more obedient.

            5. Builds faith.

            6. Purifies your thoughts.

            7. Enlarges your world vision.

            8. Enables you to discern God's will in decision making.

            Finally, let me say that I am far from the goal of being the disciple I think God wants me to be. But, I want to grow! There are two choices you must make for this mission to be a success in your life:

            Determine to get your eyes off yourself. 

            (1 Cor 6:19-20 NASB)  "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? {20} For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."

            If you seriously choose to be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ for this trip then,  revising your sleeping, eating, or spending habits for one week won't kill you. It will help you to grow! It will be a conscious statement to others and to yourself that you are going to allow Jesus to be the Lord of your life.

            Determine that you must build for growth.

            (Rev 7:9-10 NASB)  "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; {10} and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.""

            Building ourselves as world Christians means we are striving toward the goal of God that every people and tongue and nation would worship Him. Yes, worship in other cultures is different, and you and I need that experience. Because,  we must never lose sight of the fact that worship in heaven is comprised of "all" mankind. We have an opportunity to be a part of that sovereign goal of God right now, right where we are. I do think it is important  to first focus upon those closest to us. In doing so, we demonstrate  a compassion for our friends, relatives, and neighbors as well as we do the people of a foreign nation. Then as we reach out to those who are near us it will remind us of the millions around the world who have no opportunity for Christian growth.

            Your involvement in this mission task is a huge step toward building world Christian status. Make this your goal.  It requires discipline, hard work, and the willingness to fight against self-centeredness. Once you have decided this as God's will, take care never to lose site of it. My prayer is that your influence will impact the lives of many as you pursue the work of building the Kingdom of God.