1. Skyline Church
Costa Rica-Leader Edition
Short-Term Missions Team Training Manual
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine
out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as
noon” (Isaiah 58:10).
Bringing the light and love of the Father to a world that
desperately needs Christ.
3. General Trip Information
Purposeofthe trip: The short-term missions program at Skyline provides an opportunity
for its members to visit and serve in a cross cultural ministry. It provides an experience to
learn about the needs of others, to develop a better understanding of world missions and to
develop a world Christian vision as well as support the Christians and churches of Costa
Rica.
ApproxDate: tentative between Nov 2015 - Jan 2016 (11 days, subject to arrangements)
ApproxCost: $1500 per person forSkyline members. Priceincludes RT airfare, airport
taxes, travel insurance, localtravel, all meals, lodging, and side trips. Deposit of 50%
required to confirmand purchase non-refundable airline tickets. Balance due 2 weeks
before departure.
Where willwe be staying? Wewillstay at the Brazos de Amor (Arms of Love) Iglesia
Wesleyana in Conception Tres Rios about 10 miles east of San Jose. Dormitory style rooms
with single size bunks or possible shared bedrooms are provided. Showers are available.
Most meals will be prepared at this location,the foodis excellent. We will also be eating at
local restaurants for some meals. Some travel to churches in other cities expected.
Whatwill we be doing? Theprimary functionof our team will be to support the ministries
of one or more of the Wesleyan churches in Costa Rica. This may involve one or more of the
following:light construction,painting, children’s ministry, visiting, praying, sharing
testimony and experience, and encouraging. We willparticipate in some of the local church
services. In all situations, we will be working along side Costa Rican Christians and
developing relationships with them. Flexibility is a key principle in that we do not always
know ahead in what ministries we will be involved.Activities will be planned foreach day.
One day will be set aside to visit some of the localsites of interest and time will be provided
to do some shopping.
Whatclothes should I bring? Dressappropriate forthe task to be done. Men working can
wear Levis, shorts, tee shirts, bring hats, workgloves. For church services, men should have
long pants and a collared shirt. A suit or sport coat & tie are not necessary. Women should
dress modestly and pants or a dress with sleeves are appropriate. Weather is moderate in
temperature, but evenings can be cool. A light jacketor sweater is recommended. Include
jeans, hat and sweatshirt forpossible outdoor or short hiking trips. Bring modest
swimming suits and water socksor sandals forour day off. Laundry facilities are normally
available.
Whatelse should Ibring? Bring a Bible, notebook forjournaling, camera, small gifts for
children or forthose whoworkwith us, photos of your family,clothes pins, clothes hangers,
double sheet, pillow, toiletry articles, soap, towelshampoo, sunscreen, watchor small clock,
flashlight, spending money for gifts, souvenirs or snacks. We will also be taking VBS
materials and gift bags for children (crayons,colored paper, stickers, glue, etc. More details
and a list willbe provided as weget closer to the trip).
4. Whatnot to bring! Alcohol,drugs, tobaccoproducts, expensive jewelry!
Whatis expected of me on this trip?
The short-term missions trip can be a very positive spiritual experience and forsome has
proved to be life changing. We can be an encouragement to the brothers and sisters in
Costa Rica; however,the greatest impact will probably be in your ownlife. As we
participate in these activities, our attitude should be one of servants and learners and be
open to whatGod has for us. Expectto grow spiritually. We are guests of another culture
and need to respect that culture. We are not going as tourists to be served; but to serve
others.
Make prayer a criticalpart of this experience by starting now. Pray forthe preparations and
the team, carefully select prayer partners before leaving. Solicit groups who willpray and
provide opportunity foryou to share when you return. Wewill be workingclosely together
during the trip. Activities will be planned for each day. Every person is expected to
participate in all group activities and to respect the leadership provided by Skyline.
Questions, concerns, requests, or conflictsthat arise must first be brought to the attention of
the group leader and not taken up withour Costa Rican hosts or friends. Your group leader
has made multiple trips to Costa Rica and is in the best position to resolve any difficulties.
We are representing Christ and Skyline and it is important that we make a positive
impression. Be sensitive to the people and country we are visiting. It is important that you
checkfirst with the group leader before giving gifts, money or accepting invitations to visit
the homes of people you may meet on this trip.
Eachday we plan to have a short group devotional and/or prayer before breakfast. Other
opportunities will be provided for sharing. When visiting churches, we may be asked to
share and willusually be introduced in a service. During the trip, each person is urged to
keep a daily journal to record experiences, facts, people, places, things learned, etc. This will
be helpful in recall and sharing with groups once youreturn to the States.
Preparations
Participate in all training and preparation meetings prior to leaving
Passport must be up to date and valid for at least 6 months after the trip
Eachperson must sign an insurance and liability waiver prior to leaving
Learn some basic Spanish phrases before leaving
Learn some info about Costa Rica: geography, history, politics, culture
Select at least 3 PrayerPartners and groups who willpray for youand the group daily
Prepare a short Testimony (one page, ~ 3 minutes) to share with team and in CR
Prepare music or sharing if your talent and desire permits
Take along photos of your family
Record your experience, camera, and journal
Personal health insurance and immunizations are the participant’s responsibility
Travel insurance willbe provided as part of trip cost.
Prepare ahead to share with groups when you return.
5. Training Schedule
(one meeting every week, starting 2.5 months before the trip)
Meeting #1-General Introductions, Fundraising,
Immunizations and Support letters.
Meeting #2-Team Dynamics/Bonding
Meeting #3-Ministry Preparation
Meeting #4-Cross Cultural Awareness
Meeting #5-Simplicity and Packing
Meeting #6-Spirituality of Missions
Meeting #7-Testimonies
Meeting #8-Health and Sicknesses
Meeting #9-Refueling and Prayerful Goals
Meeting #10-Team Strengthening
Meeting #11-Nerves/Worship
Meeting #12-Final Details/Potluck and Sendoff
***(Amountof meetings/topic per meeting is subject to change)
7. Leader Note
In this section/meeting, be sure to include things the
team member needs to get done asap, such as
immunizations.
Be sure to push fundraising and the importance of
getting started right away.
Members of your team will look to you for example.
Talk about trips you have gone on in the past and
how you were able to fundraise for those.
Be particularly excited for this meeting, it’s the first
one and you’re setting the mood for the whole
team’s attitude towards the trip!
Be sure to ask if anyone has any general questions
about the trip. Some may still be uneasy about their
commitment and you want to be able to calm any
concerns they may be fostering.
PRAY TOGETHER
8. History of Missions at Skyline
Missions and Outreach has been a crucial part of Skyline’s purpose since it’s
founding in 1953. Each of the church’s three pastors have integrated mission and
outreach in important and distinct ways.
Pastor Butcher (1953-1981)-
-Before starting Skyline Wesleyan Church, Pastor Butcher already had a heart
for missions and service as he was traveling around America doing evangelism with
Youth for Christ. As Skyline got started he eventually came up with a program called
the Summer Investment Program. Through this program, the church would raise
thousands of dollars to send the youth on summer long mission trips around the
world. When Pastor Butcher retired, he went on to serve in the mission field himself
with Wycliff Bible Translators as the director of “Pastors Beyond”. Because Pastor
Butcher placed so much focus on the youth and missions, many went on to serve in
the mission field all over the world.
Pastor Maxwell (1981-1995)-
-Pastor Maxwell came to Skyline as the Executive Director of Evangelism of
the Wesleyan denomination. He liked to focus in on the applicability of his sermons,
making them relevant to the mission field which the congregation entered as soon
as they drove off of the lot and into their communities. He created the “Step-Up”
Outreach on Wednesday nights where small groups would serve locally through
homeless ministry or retirement homes. Pastor Maxwell also founded INJOY;
leadership equipping tapes sent to pastors all over America. With the help of the
Youth Pastor, Tim Elmore, Pastor Maxwell and Pastor Tim equipped over 400 youth
for future ministry during his 14 years as Skyline’s Executive Pastor.
Pastor Garlow (1995-Present)-
-When Pastor Garlow came to Skyline, he immediately focused in on the
youth as well by improving the Childcare programs to what is now called “Kids Mix”
and “Sonshine” and also putting on “Ground Zero” for the teens of Skyline and the
community. This event was able to reach 10,000 teens in one year through live
bands and speakers. Pastor Garlow focuses in on community activism when it comes
to Biblical issues in society today. He speaks on television talk shows and radio
shows about how to have a Christian worldview in these ever-changing times. He
also put on a free conference called the “Future Conference” for the community with
50+ esteemed speakers on topics affecting the Church and society today. Pastor
Garlow focuses in on local and global activism and equips Skyline in these fields so
that they may be a shining light in a darkening society.
“My family and I moved to San Diego in 1984. We wanted a place where our
teenage son could find a relationship with Jesus. Through Harlan and Barbi
Moore, God led us to Skyline. At age 15, our son went with Phil Stevenson on a
missions trip where he met Walter Plants. He said he had never seen a man so
sold out to Christ and he wanted to know God in the same way. He is now a Bible
teacher at Valley Christian High School in San Jose.” –Robbie and Ray Sutherland
9. Practical Fundraising
As muchas wewish they were, mission trips are not free and wemust
raise the fundsto get where we are going!
While it is great to be able to pay for part ofyour own trip, it is also
just as, if not more,important to raise money.
Why is it important to raise money and not just try to save up
to pay for a trip?
People are looking for places to donate!
Majorities of peoplesay that they would donatemoreif
they knew of places they could actually give. The main
reason they don’tdonateis simply because they don’tknow
where to donate! By asking, you aregiving them a place to
give and puttinga face to their money as well.
They are able to become part of the trip!
Most peopleare not able to put their lives on hold for two or
three weeksand up and leave to go on a short-term
missionstrip. By asking to them to donateyou are giving
them an opportunity to personally take partin a missions
trip and hear the before and after stories of how God
moved. Throughyou, there is a chance for them to spread
the Word of the Gospelsomewhereelse in the world.
You need prayer partners as well!
While on this trip, you will need financialsupportbutyou
will also need PRAYERS. When so muchgood is being done,
the enemy willtry to break it down anyway he can. Prayer
supportis justas crucial as financialsupportand willget
you through some of the hardest times of the trip and create
a barrier the enemy cannotbreak.
However, if you are able, it is great to pay for part of
your own trip. This reinforces a sense of taking
ownership of what you have been called to do and
working hard to get there.
***You must have a minimum of 50 support letters to send out.
10. Sample Support Letter
First and Last Name
Date
Hey there (Name)!
How are you? I hope you’re doing well. What a relief for it to finally be
summertime and for the weather to start warming up! (change for
applicability) I am sending you this letter to let you know of one way that God is
alive and moving in our world today, and to see if you want to be a part of this
particular movement!
This fall from (date-date) I have been blessed with the opportunity to go and
serve the people of (trip location) with my church, Skyline, located in La Mesa, CA.
On this trip we will be helping out in various ways. Our main focus will be (x), but
we will also be doing (x), (x) and (x). We plan on sharing the love of Christ in all we
do there and serving in any way possible. I am really excited to see how God works
in and through my team and I on this service trip!
This is not only a great opportunity for my team, it is also a great opportunity
for you! I am writing you primarily to ask for prayers in this new environment; but
also to ask for financial partnership. I would love for you to be a part of this trip and
if you are able and willing, financial partnership may be a great way to help
participate in furthering God’s kingdom. Would you consider donating to this trip to
show those in (trip location) the love of Christ? Any and all donations are greatly
appreciated. If you do not feel called or are not able to support in a financial way,
prayers are also extremely appreciated and crucial.
If you do choose to support me financially, all donations are tax-deductible
and checks can be made out to “Skyline Wesleyan Church” with “xxx Trip” written
in the memo line. Donations and a copy of this letter with my name may be sent
directly to the church at: Skyline Church, attn.: Pastor Bruce Smith, 11330 Campo
Road, La Mesa, CA 91941.
I cannot wait to see what God does through this trip to (location of trip). If
you choose to partner with me either in prayers or finances, please know that on
returning home I will send you a letter with a complete report on how God moved in
and through us on our trip!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering becoming part
of our team; what a blessing it will be to share the love of Christ in (location of
trip).
Blessings,
(Your Name)
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the
darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” (Isaiah 58:10)
11. Practical Fundraising Tips
Start As Soon As Possible! The longer you wait, the harder it will be to bring in
funds.
Make a list of all the people you could send support letters to; it could be anyone.
Often times even if people are not Christian, they look at mission trips as a great
“humanitarian cause” to support. Don’t be afraid to send letters to people you
are only acquainted with or only your parents are friends with; you will be
surprised who sends back a donation.
Write a personalized note on each support letter you send out.
Get excited about your trip. The more excited you are, the more people will truly
believe their money is going to a great cause and will be put to good use.
In your support letter envelopes, include an envelope addressed to the church
(and even stamped if you’d like). People will be more inclined to send a donation
if all they have to do is write the check and put it in a preaddressed envelope you
provided.
Send follow up reminders a few weeks after you send out support letters. Some
people will put your letter down or aside to pay at end of the month/when they
find the time and then accidently forget about it!
Keep track of all donations and make sure to send a handwritten thank you note
when a donation comes in.
Organize a garage sale!
For those who you think may be inclined to donate larger amounts, set up a
lunch or meeting time to sit with them in person and tell them about your trip.
The more personal, the more people will want to give and be apart of your trip.
Speak to your church’s mission committee or congregation about raising funds.
Visit local corporations or businesses. Oftentimes they have philanthropic
money set aside with no place to donate it!
Put on some kind of fundraising event: bake sales, silent auctions, dinners, etc.
Visit your church’s small groups. By speaking about your trip to a smaller group,
it becomes more personal and people are more likely to want to donate.
HAVE FAITH! Do your part and God will provide.
12. What does the Bible have to say about
fundraising?
Many well-known peoplein the Bible used some sort of
fundraisingto further their ministry efforts. People such as;
Moses, David, Jesus, Pauland many more!
Pauluses almost a “support” typeletter to the Corinthians. This is
a great exampleof how wecan approach fundraisingtoday.
Read 2nd Corinthians 8 and 9
1. What is Paul’s tone when he addresses money and the need for people to give
money to God’s causes? (sad, embarrassed, eager, direct?)
2. What kind of heart does Paul want the Corinthians to give from?
3. How does Paul talk about the Corinthian’s money? (theirs or God’s?)
4. How does this passage apply to our view of fundraising?
13. Leader Note
In this section/meeting, the focus needs to be
entirely on team dynamic. This includes making sure
that every person on the team knows they are
supposed to be there.
Before starting into the meeting, it may be a good
idea to go around and have everyone introduce
themselves and say a little bit of whom they are.
After completing the personality quiz, be sure to
compare results. Maybe even have them write down
they’re result and turn them in to you. This may help
later on with knowing personality features if you
need to make groups.
Possibly create a time for sharing past team
experiences the group has had. What went well?
What could have been improved on?
Be sure to explain the importance of the team factor
on a mission trip; how it displays God’s love and
how it is needed to be the whole body of Christ.
Go over the factors that will hinder the team. Explain
further why they would hinder, so that no one is left
confused or frustrated.
PRAY TOGETHER
14. Being a Team
“I give you a new commandment, that you loveone another. By this
everyonewillknow that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another.” (John 13:33-34)
Real love requiresself-sacrifice and hard work; it is never self-
centered.
The new commandmentisto love one another and peoplewill
know weare set apart in Christ when we are obviousabout doing
so within our team.
Disciple=Discipline. It is against our very natureto treat others
the way Jesusdid. We muststudy and practice how to do so and
be empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow through.
God hand selects everyoneon a team for a specific purpose. You
may not feel like you bring a big enoughskill, but God feels like
you are irreplaceable on this team. He also feels like that about
every other member on your team; treat them accordingly.
“As God’schosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselveswith
compassion, kindness, humility, meeknessand patience. Bear with one
another and, if anyonehas a complaintagainst another, forgiveeach
other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you mustalso forgive. Above
all, clothe yourselveswith love, which bindseverything together in
perfect harmony.” Colossians3:12-14
Beingwith the same peoplefor this long, you willget annoyed
with each other! FORGIVE.
Keep in mind that sometimes it is better to have silence within a
group versusalwayschatting. When there is that person who
wantsto keep chatting, extend loveand grace.
Start practicing this versewith peopleyou’rearound mostat
home to preparefor the trip. It’s a disciplethat requires
enduranceand self-discipline.
Committingto live by this verse is an excellent way to be the best
functioningteam wecan be.
Understand that everyoneon the team reacts and experiencesin
differentways. Beprepared for this with a nonjudgmental
attitude.
15. Being a Team Means…
We share a common purpose, mission and
vision for our work.
The purpose of short-term mission trips is to support and
provide encouragement for our long term host
missionaries and their ongoing ministries.
Teams need to ensure they all understand the common
goal and purpose of their trip. This way they are working
to make the same thing happen.
Keeping each other accountable to the main purpose of
the trip and not allowing distractions to waver the focus.
Everyone was chosen to be on the team for a purpose.
There needs to be total inclusion for everyone to feel
loved and encouraged to do their best.
Learn how to maximize each other’s strengths while also
being able to take feedback from each other after
mistakes.
STAY HUMBLE.
Make a list of your top five strengths:
Now, make a list of five weaknesses to work on:
16. The Five Minute Personality Test
Below are ten horizontal lines with four words on each line, one in each column. In each
line, put the number “4” next to the word that best describes you in that line; a “3” next to
the word that describes you next best; a “2” to the next best word, and a “1” by the word
that least describes you. On each horizontal line of words, you will then have one “4”,
one “3”, one “2”, and one “1”.
For example: One choice for the first line of words would be as follows:
3 Likes Authority 4 Enthusiastic 2 Sensitive Feelings1 Likes Instructions
LOGB
________________________________________________________________________
__________
1. ____ Likes Authority ____ Enthusiastic ____ Sensitive Feelings ____ Likes Instructions
________________________________________________________________________
__________
2. ____ Takes Charge ____ Takes Risks ____ Loyal ____ Accurate
________________________________________________________________________
__________
3. ____ Determined ____ Visionary ____ Calm, Even Keel ____ Consistent
________________________________________________________________________
__________
4. ____ Enterprising ____ Very Verbal ____ Enjoys Routine ____ Predictable
________________________________________________________________________
__________
5. ____ Competitive ____ Promoter ____ Dislikes Change ____ Practical
________________________________________________________________________
__________
6. ____ Problem Solver ____ Enjoys Popularity ____ Gives In To Others ____ Factual
________________________________________________________________________
__________
17. 7. ____ Productive ____ Fun-Loving ____ Avoids Confrontations ____ Conscientious
________________________________________________________________________
__________
8. ____ Bold ____ Likes Variety ____ Sympathetic ____ Perfectionist
________________________________________________________________________
__________
9. ____ Decision Maker ____ Spontaneous ____ Nurturing ____ Detail-Oriented
________________________________________________________________________
__________
10. ____ Persistent ____ Inspirational ____ Peacemaker ____ Analytical
________________________________________________________________________
__________
____ TOTAL “L” ____ TOTAL “O” ____ TOTAL “G” ____ TOTAL “B”
Totalup the numbers for eachvertical column (L, O, G, B).
So what does all this mean?
Now that you’ve taken the survey, what does it all mean? Each letter (L, O, G, B) stands fora particular
personality type.The column with the highest score is your dominant personality type, while the column
with the second highest number is your sub-dominant type.While you are a combination of all four
personality types,the two types with the highest scores reveal the most accurate picture of yournatural
inclinations, strengths and weaknesses,and how you will naturally respond in most situations.
The four personality types can be likened to animals to make them easier to understand and remember.
Below are complete descriptions of each one.
L = Lions Lions are leaders. They are usually the bosses at work...or at least they think they are!
They are decisive, bottomline folks who are observers,not watchers or listeners. They love to solve
problems. They are usually individualists who love to seek new adventures and opportunities.
Lions are very confident and self-reliant. In a group setting, if no one else instantly takes charge, the Lion
will. Unfortunately, if they don’t learn how to tone down their aggressiveness,theirnatural dominating
traits can cause problems with others.Most entrepreneurs are strong lions, or at least have a lot of lion in
them.
Natural Strengths
Natural Weaknesses
Impatient
Blunt
18. Poor listener
Impulsive
Demanding
May view projects more important than people
Can be insensitive to the feelings of others
May “run over” others who are slower to act or speak
Fears inactivity, relaxation
Quickly bored by routine or mechanics
Results; challenge, action, power, and credit for achievement
Lions focus on NOW instead of distant future. They get a lot more done in a lot less time than
their peers. Hate wasting time; and like to get right to the point.
Great at initiating communication; not good at listening (one way communicator)
Impulsive; makes quick decisions with goal or end result in mind. Results -focused.Needs very
few facts to make a decision.
The lion takes command and becomes autocratic.
The lion needs to see results,experience variety, and face new challenges. He
needs to solve problems and wants direct answers.
Freedom, authority, variety, difficult assignments,opportunity for advancement.
• Decisive
• Goal-oriented
• Achievement driven
• Gets results
• Independent
• Risk-taker
• Takes charge
• Takes initiative
• Self-starter
• Persistent
• Efficient
• Competitive
• Enjoys challenges, variety and change
• Driven to complete projects quickly and effectively.
Basic Disposition: Motivated by:
Time Management:
Communication Style: Decision Making:
In Pressure or Tense Situations: Greatest Needs:
What the Lion Desires:
Fast-paced,task oriented
19. O = Otters Otters are excitable, fun seeking, cheerleader types who love to talk! They’re great
at motivating others and need to be in an environment where they can talk and have a vote on major
decisions.The otters’ outgoing nature makes them great networkers—they usually know a lot of people
who know a lot of people. They can be very loving and encouraging unless under pressure,when they tend
to use their verbal skills to attack. They have a strong desire to be liked and enjoy being the center of
attention.They are often very attentive to style, clothes, and flash. Otters are the life of any party; and most
people really enjoy being around them.
Natural Strengths
• Enthusiastic
• Optimistic
• Good Communicator
• Emotional and Passionate
• Motivational and Inspirational • Outgoing
• Personal
• Dramatic
• Fun-loving
Natural Weaknesses
• Unrealistic
• Not detail-oriented
• Disorganized
• Impulsive
• Listens to feelings above logic • Reactive
• Can be too talkative
• Excitable
BasicDisposition: Motivated by:
Time Management: Communication Style: Decision Making:
In Pressure or Tense Situations: Greatest Needs:
What the Otter Desires:
Fast-paced.People-oriented.
Recognition and approval of others
Otters focus on the future and have a tendency to rush to the next exciting thing.
Enthusiastic and stimulating, often one-way; but can inspire and motivate others.
Intuitive and fast. Makes lots of “right calls” and lots of wrong ones.
The otter ATTACKS. Can be more concerned about their popularity than about achieving tangible result s.
The otter needs social activities and recognition; activities that are fun, and freedom from details. Prestige,
friendly relationships,opportunity to help and motivate others,and opportunities to verbally share their
ideas.
20. G = Golden RetrieversOne word describes these people: LOYAL. They’re so
loyal, in fact, that they can absorb the most emotional pain and punishment in a relationship and still stay
committed. They are great listeners, incredibly empathetic and warm encouragers.However, they tend to
be such pleasers that they can have great difficulty being assertive in a situation or relationship when it’s
needed.
Natural Strengths
• Patient
• Easy-going
• Team player
• Stable
• Empathetic
• Compassionate
• Sensitive to feelings of others • Tremendously loyal
• Puts people above projects
• Dependable
• Reliable
• Supportive
• Agreeable
Natural Weaknesses
• Indecisive
• Over-accommodating
• May sacrifice results for the sake of harmony • Slow to initiate
• Avoids confrontation even when needed
• Tends to hold grudges and remember hurts
inflicted by others • Fears change
Basic Disposition: Motivated by:
Time Management:
Communication Style:
Decision Making:
In Pressure or Tense Situations:
Greatest Needs: Desires:
Slow-paced, people-oriented
Desire for good relationships and appreciation of others.
Golden Retrievers focus on the present and devote lots of time to helping others and building relationships.
Two-way communicator; great listener and provides empathetic response.
Makes decisions more slowly, wants input from others, and often yields to the input
The Golden Retriever gives in to the opinions, ideas, and wishes of others.Often too tolerant.
21. The Golden Retriever needs security; gradual change and time to adjust to it; an environment free of
conflict.
Quality relationships; security; consistent known environment; a relaxed and friendly environment;
freedom to work at own pace.
B = Beavers Beavers have a strong need to do things right and by the book.In fact, they are
the kind of people who actually read instruction manuals. They are great at providing quality control in an
office, and will provide quality control in any situation or field that demands accuracy, such as accounting,
engineering, etc. Because rules, consistency and high standards are so important to beavers,they are often
frustrated with others who do not share these same characteristics. Their strong need for maintaining high
(and oftentimes unrealistic) standards can short-circuit their ability to express warmth in a relationship.
Natural Strengths
• Accurate
• Analytical
• Detail-oriented
• Thoroughness
• Industrious
• Orderly
• Methodical and exhaustive • High standards
• Intuitive
• Controlled
Natural Weaknesses
• Too hard on self
• Too critical of others
• Perfectionist
• Overly cautious
• Won’t make decisions without “all” the facts • Too picky
• Overly sensitive
Basic Disposition: Motivated by:
Time Management: Communication Style: Decision Making:
In Pressure or Tense Situations: Greatest Needs:
What the Beaver Desires:
Slow-paced, task-oriented
The desire to be right and maintain quality.
Beavers tend to work slowly to make sure they are accurate.
Beavers are good listeners, communicate details, and are usually diplomatic. Avoids making decisions;
needs lots of information before they will make a decision The beaver tries to avoid pressure or tense
situations.They can ignore deadlines. The beaver needs security,gradual change and time to adjust to it.
Clearly defined tasks,stability, security, low risk, and tasks that require precision and planning.
22. Actions That Will Hinder Your Team
Do not become a self-appointed “mini-leader”. This will
create resentmentwithin your team. This meansnot
mentioningpreferences, suggestionsor hopes to your hosts.
DO NOT become romantically involved with anyoneelse on
the trip.
No flirting or unnecessary touching(backrubs, hand rubs,
etc.)
Do not ever be alone with someoneof the oppositegender.
(Unless you are married) Many culturestake this to signify
intimacy or even sexual relations.
If you develop feelingsfor someone on your team, do not
discussit with anyone but a leader.
Do not go off on your own or engage in unnecessary
purchases, picture taking, or individualdesiresthat may
arise when in a foreign country.
Don’tbuild alliances within your team. Being a team means
being on equal levels with every member. If someoneis
hard for you to be around, manageyour timeclose to them
in small does, make it work.
Don’tdecide that anyoneis all good or all bad. We are all
sinnerssaved by grace!
Do not complain. Everyoneisin the same boat and
complainingwill only frustratethose around you and bring
them down. If you need to complain, your journalisa great
place to do so.
23. Ministry Preparation
Leader Note:
In this section, include training for the type of
ministry you will be doing on your trip. If it’s VBS, be
sure to include games, songs, crafts and ways to
prepare for that. If its construction, give general
ideas of what to expect and what to bring.
Be sure in everything to include the importance of
being flexible in ministry.
It may be a great idea to worship together in this
meeting/section. That is a great way to prepare our
hearts for ministry and pull everyone together.
***PRAY TOGETHER
24. Leader Note
In this meeting/section, be sure to focus in on
America’s culture and the way the rest of the world
tends to view Americans.
Emphasize the importance of being self aware in all
of your actions and along with this the importance of
knowing the culture you are entering into.
It may be helpful for your team if you share some
kind of funny cultural experience you had on a trip
or somehow that you messed up and learned from it.
Examples are key in this section.
PRAY TOGETHER
25. Cross-Cultural Awareness
First off, what is culture?
Culture- is the way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, and
symbols that they accept, typically without thinking about them, and that are passed
along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next. Every
people group has a culture and it is important to remember how much your
personal culture impacts your day-to-day life.
Cultural Ethnocentrism- Cultural Ethnocentrism is when one believes that their
culture is superior to all other cultures that they know of or come into contact with.
It creates a mentality of being a superior people group and that the “other way” of
doing things is not only different, but also inferior than the “normal way” that we
may be used to. Ethnocentrism is very common and oftentimes is a subconscious
way of thinking and behaving towards another culture. It is extremely harmful when
it comes to cross-cultural ministry and does not at all represent the love of Christ.
In order to avoid cultural clashes, we should identify bold attitudes that go
along with American culture. This way we can be self-aware and self-correct to fit
the culture we are ministering to.
In America we tend to…
Feel entitled. Most of us have grown up being able to get what we want and
when we don’t, we think that something needs to be fixed or something is
wrong with our lives. Without realizing it, we tend to believe that we
“deserve” practically everything (respect, wealth, health, love, etc.). What
have we done to deserve that? If we deserve it, don’t all of God’s other
children in the world deserve it too?
Need to have our voice heard. In America, we have created value in always
making your opinion known. This makes you seem intelligent and bold;
forcing people to realize that you have an “idea” about everything. Often
times in other cultures, and even Biblically, it is better to remain silent and
listen to others that may be wiser, older, or simply in charge. This shows
respect and the virtue of patience.
Think our nation is superior. Growing up with such a prideful country and
the popular idea of the “America Dream” it is easy to believe that America has
always done things the best way. This is especially true when we see people
from all over the world trying to enter into and live in America. Although
America is well respected in most countries, it is important to see each other
as equal creations in Christ; all of us are His children and therefore brothers
and sisters in Him.
Want things NOW. America is all about instant gratification. Short-term
missions are the opposite of that and will make you feel uncomfortable and
make you realize the ease of American living. Many other countries have to
work hours to simply have one meal or a glass of water or not even have any.
26. Know Where You’re Going!
Latin American Culture is…
Relational-It is just as important for them to get to know you and your team
as it is to get that church painted.
A Little Late-If you choose to meet somewhere at 8am, it is common for
them to arrive closer to 8:30 or 9am. This has to do with relationships being
first, if someone at home wants to talk to them or if they run into anyone on
their way, that person is more important than being on time.
Hospitable-Often times in Latin America you will be overwhelmed with food
and drinks from your host or restaurant servers. It is important to show that
you are grateful for this. Always try to eat as much as you can. Latin
Americans do not waste anything so if you only eat two bites of your chicken
and rice, they will most likely take it to be rude and ungrateful.
Laid Back-In Latin America, things are very much go with the flow.
Schedules are rare and the phrase “time is money” does not apply. Things
will get done when they get done and they are ok with that.
Eager- They are excited to have you there! Don’t be afraid to try and use
you’re Spanish that you’ve picked up here and there; they love seeing you
make an attempt. Often times they will help you and teach you as you go. This
means the world to them that you are trying to learn their culture and way of
speaking and doing things.
***Keep in mind that all of these characteristics are generalizations and not
every single Latin American is going to be this way.
General Awareness’s
The community is watching you and how you interact with your team. Reflect
Christ in all you do.
American’s are known for being loud and obnoxious. Be considerate about
your volume and your surroundings.
Know your situation. If your team is waiting outside of a restaurant for your
ride, do not block the sidewalk or be disruptive to the community. We are
guests in their country.
Be mindful of your facial expressions. When something is different or seems
odd to you or even “weird” or “gross”, try to keep it off your face.
Never say something in this new culture is “weird”. Become familiar with the
term “different”.
Be flexible. Plans are going to change and schedules are going to be switched
around. God’s timeline is always better than our own.
27. Before you go, look up these questions and try to learn
about Costa Rica!
1. What kind of political system do they use?
2. What are the main religions?
3. What are some main historical events that have had significant influence on
the people?
4. What is the economic situation for most people?
5. What are some main attractions of Costa Rica?
6. How do most people make their money?
7. What are some traditional foods and drinks?
8. Learn some key Spanish phrases:
Hello
Goodbye
How are you?
What is your name?
God Bless!
See you later!
Blessings
Jesus loves you!
Do you have kids?
Do you have siblings?
How old are you?
Do you know Jesus?
28. Leader Note
Make sure to go through the verses together and make
it a true group Bible study. This will unify the group.
People might be upset about the electronics and
photography rules but it is important to stick to your
guns.
It helps if you actually believe in the rules yourself and
understand why they are put into place. If you don’t
agree with the rules our team will pick up on it and
disagree with them even more so.
Again it may be good to use a funny packing example
or an example of a packing situation when something
went wrong.
PRAY TOGETHER
29. Simplicity and Packing
In America we tend to have way more “stuff” than we really need. On a short-term
mission trip, simplicity is key!
Read Matthew 6:19-21, 24-26
1. How do these verses apply to packing and simplicity?
2. What does the Bible have to say about having too much “stuff”?
3. On a mission trip, how should we reflect Christ when it comes to our
possessions?
Packing lightly has many perks when it comes to short-term mission trips. It will
help you get around easier and it shows that we are aware of the materialism our
culture produces and that we are taking a step back from that to focus on the Lord
and His work on our trip.
When we have…
Less stuff
Minimal phone and computer use
Modest and minimalistic clothing
…we are able to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit and more of a use to Him and
less of a distraction to the culture we are entering into.
30. The Don’ts of Packing
DO NOT bring anything you feel you cannot live without. There is always the
chance things can get lost or stolen on a mission trip.
DO NOT bring all of your favorite electronics.
DO NOT bring your favorite outfit, makeup or jewelry.
DO NOT bring an excessive amount of spending money.
DO NOT pack any perishable items in your suitcase.
DO NOT bring more than one hair product, if any.
DO NOT bring any type of weapons, drugs or alcohol.
Electronics and Photography
Phones of any kind will be collected from students at the beginning of the trip
and only given back during the trip for specific purposes/needs.
Adults on the trip are required to leave cellular devices in their rooms during
the day and only have them in the morning and at night.
All other electronic devices should not be brought on the trip.
Phone rules are implemented in order to achieve maximum team bonding and
minimization of distractions. They are also to make sure there is no obnoxious
display of “American wealth” being shown off by the team.
There will be two-three team cameras depending on the size of the team.
After the trip these photos will be shared online for the entire team to have
access to.
Always ask permission before taking a picture of anything. It is also even
better to ask if it is appropriate to have your camera out at all.
Photography rules are put in place to ensure there is no excessive display of
“American wealth”. They are also to ensure maximum respect is given to our hosts
and locals when it comes to documenting their every move and lifestyle choices.
These rules also allow the team to experience the whole trip while being in the
moment as opposed to through the viewfinder of camera.
31. Leader Note
Explain the controversy of short-term mission trips
today and how it is important that we remember the
focus is not about our experience, but what we can do
to serve others.
Give examples of past trips you have been on. About
how God moved in ways you were expecting or not
expecting at all.
Ask for any questions about expectations of the trip.
PRAY TOGETHER
32. Spirituality of Short-Term Mission Trips
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Purpose:We engage in short-term mission trips in order to: one, see
disciples of Jesus Christ rise up among the unreached, poor and oppressed
peoples of our world through partnerships that focus on establishing and
strengthening the local church and two, to come alongside those who are
serving abroad in order to aide them in any sustainable/practical way we are
able.
What does that mean for us??
Short-term mission trips are not about you; they are about being God’s hands
and feet to those who need empowerment or assistance to further the
kingdom of Christ.
Keep the focus external: while mission trips will most likely impact you
greatly and be a huge experience, the main focus of a short-term mission trip
should be external and rooted from the desire to share and act through the
love of Christ.
At the same time, be excited about the impact this trip will have on your life!
Be thinking about what serving looks like to you and how you can be fulfilled
through service on this trip.
As much as you are pouring out on a short-term missions trip, you also need
to be refueling back up. It is crucial to be in the Word and in prayer on your
trip. Short-missions require day-to-day, hour-by-hour conversation and
dependence on God.
33. The Importance ofShort-Term Missions:
Read Philippians 2:19-30
1. Why does Paul send Epaphroditus to the Philippians?
2. What was Epaphroditus’ main mission when he was sent?
3. How does this passage reflect our main purpose of short-term mission
trips?
4. What do you think is your purpose on this trip?
5. What will you be praying for before this trip?
6. List two spiritual goals you want to see accomplished through this trip
(in yourself or on the trip as a whole).
1.
2.
34. General Expectations of Short-Term Mission Trips
Often times we have a certain expectation of what a short term trip may be
like and then it ends up being completely different. It is important to recognize
factors that could be the same or different as our expectations before we go.
However, typically it is best to go without any expectations at all. This way, God can
use you to your maximum potential and there is less of a chance of you being
disappointed with any aspect of the trip.
1. Your short term mission trip is going to radically change the lives of
everyone you meet// Although you will most likely impact many lives on
your trip, God does not ever promise that we will see the fruit of the seeds we
plant. Do not expect people to change before your eyes in the short amount of
time you are there. Not to say that this is not possible, but if that is the only
measure of how great your trip was, you may be let down. Our job is simply
to plant the seeds and help them to be rooted deeply and grow strongly.
2. On your trip, you will be doing some kind of project/ministry 100% of the
time// As Americans, we believe our time is money and therefore we try to
fill it with as much activity as possible. However, often on short-term
missions, the ministry of presence is just as important as the ministry of
doing. To many people you interact with, you being there and caring about
them and their lives is a very big deal and they may just want to spend time
with you.
3. God is going to do x, y and z in you on this trip//By putting specific
limitations on how God will move in you and change you on this trip, you
may miss out on what He is really trying to do. Be open and flexible. Also
keep in mind that you may not realize any change in yourself until later, and
that’s ok, or you might experience extreme change all at once, and that’s ok as
well.
4. You are going to have to rough it the whole time// Although you may have to
rough it, you also may not, and that’s okay. You may be looking forward to
having to be out of your element and then end up in a standard hotel. Your
hosts are providing their best for you and you must simply go with the flow
and appreciate whatever circumstances you find yourself in.
35. Leader Note
Start out this meeting/section by giving your personal
testimony. Be vulnerable but not too heavy. This gives
others permission to go deep without getting too
intense.
Really emphasize the fact that everyone has a
testimony and that God gives you your story for a
particular reason.
Try breaking up into groups of two or three to read the
Bible passages and then have them work with each
other to write their testimonies. This will encourage
team bonding and help them learn how to work with
each other.
PRAY TOGETHER
36. Testimonies
On short-term mission trips it is often required that you give your
testimony, or at least have one prepared. They tend to be around three
to five minutes, which endsup being about one to two pages long.
What is a testimony?
-A testimony is a public telling of a conversion experience that one had to a specific
religion.
How do I write one?
-First ask yourself…”When did I come to know Christ?”
If you’ve been a Christian all your life this may be tough. If so, ask yourself
when you made your faith your own, or when you had a turning point in your
faith that made it stronger.
-Next write down some major life events, which now looking back you can see God
moving through the whole time.
-Finally, put it all together in a synchronized explanation that can show people how
God has worked throughout your life to bring you to the point you’re at now.
**Everyone has a testimony. Often if there has been nothing “drastic” or
“dramatic” happen in your life, you may feel you have nothing to share. This is not
the case. People love to hear about God’s faithfulness to those who have walked
step-by-step with Him. Be bold and tell how good God has been to you.
The Testimony of a High School Student
Matt’s Life Before Christ
“As a middle school student, I really had a tough time socially. I was very
reserved with people I didn’t know. I became very negative towards my life in
general and gathered some very poor beliefs. I thought that my life had not
succeeded in impacting anything or anyone—nothing really mattered so I
shouldn’t care. This attitude led to things like smoking at an early age, and that
got me involved with a bad crowd. Right before I started high school, I started
37. smoking marijuana. A friend of mine invited me to his church so we could get
away from home, but ended up having a lot of fun there. I attended their
outreach service for about three months in which I experienced a feeling of
acceptance and love from people my own age. I had never experienced that
before, but I wasn’t ready to accept God.”
How Matt Met Christ
“In December of that year I was given the chance to come to a winter retreat with
the church. I had made a lot of friends at the church so I decided to go with them.
While I was there I experienced a feeling of longing for what my Christian friends
had that I didn’t—peace. One of the nights I was there, I fell before God and cried.
I felt him comfort me, but I didn’t know what to think, because I wasn’t ready to
accept Christ yet. I thought I’d wait until I got home from the retreat to get some
questions answered, but that wasn’t God’s plan. Instead He sent a friend of mine
to talk to me the next night. We went back and forth for an hour; I had so many
questions and my friend did his best to answer them all, but it wasn’t until he said
to me, ‘Matt, I can’t answer all your questions. You just need to know that God is
sovereign. He is perfect and everything and everything He does is perfect.’ That
night, New Year’s Eve, I turned my life over to God—recognized I was a sinner
and needed to turn my life over to God to accept the sacrifice Jesus made for my
sins. I declared my decisions before everyone at the retreat and began my walk
with Jesus Christ.”
Matt’s Life Since He Trusted Christ
“I’ve kept up my walk and have become very active in my church. I turn to God’s
Word every night and study it hard. The most important thing I pursue in my
faith is an intimate relationship with Christ. I can attend seminars and read all
the book available, but I won’t be satisfied unless I really know my Savior. Praise
be to Him.”
Testimony of an Early-Childhood Conversion
Sarah: The Early Years
“I grew up in a home where my parents knew Jesus Christ personally. My parents
love me and provided the things I needed. They especially made me aware of my
spiritual need for God. Going regularly to church and Sunday school, I heard
about who Jesus was and what He did for me.”
How Sarah Met Christ
38. “When I was five years old, I decided, out of the blue, to pray and ask Jesus into
my heart. The problem was that I did it because I knew it was something I was
supposed to do, but I didn’t know why. So for the next eight years I lived just as
normal as everyone around me—continuing to go to church and being involved
there. Then when I was thirteen, I saw videos on the end times. It was then that it
hit me, and I become scared of the future. I asked my parents about life after
death and how to be sure I would go to heaven. I realized through our
conversation that the reason Jesus died for me was because I was a sinner. Jesus
was the perfect, sinless sacrifice, paying for my sin and providing a bridge
between myself and God. Having Jesus became a part of my life, I learned, meant
giving everything I am to Him, not simply saying, ‘Jesus come into my heart.’ I
then prayed and asked Jesus to take all of my life and to forgive me.”
Sarah’s Life Since She Trusted Christ
“Since then, I have been getting to know who Jesus is and learning to be more like
Him. I have assurance in Him and have been enjoying simply falling in love with
Him. Life has not been perfect. But I have a true friend, Jesus, who has helped me
every step of the way.”
A Biblical Example Of A Testimony
Read:
Acts 26:4-11-(Paul’s life before Christ)
Acts 26:12-23-(How Paul met Christ)
Acts 26:24-29-(Paul’s life since he trusted Christ)
In The Space Below, Format Your Personal Testimony:
39. Helpful Hints:
“My Life Before Christ”
Include good elements of your life before Christ (i.e. moral, generous,
church attender, good student, athlete, achievements).
Identify one key problem (i.e. lack of peace, lack of purpose, pride, wrong
priorities) that characterized your life before you became a follower of
Christ.
Show how this problem affected your life.
Or “The Early Years”
Tell of how you were provided for as a child (i.e. physical needs of food
and shelter were provided for by parents).
Tell of how your need for a personal relationship with God was made
evident (i.e. at the age of ____ I became aware of my spiritual need for
“knowing God”).
“How I Met Christ”
Be specific.
Avoid confusing statements (i.e. “I went forward” or “I marked a card”).
Also avoid Christ jargon like, “I was redeemed by the propitiatory,
substitutionary death of the Lamb.”
Talk about Christ and His work (this is actually a gospel presentation
within your testimony).
“My Life Since I Trusted Christ”
Tell of how Christ dealt with your problem mentioned above in your life
before Christ, or if yours was an early childhood conversion, give an
example of a positive benefit of following Christ (i.e. peace, hope of eternal
life, no fear of death, forgiveness of sin, purposeful life).
40. Leader Note
This section/meeting can easily scare people. Be sure
to keep the information light and remind them that
God protects us as we travel to do his work.
Tell a funny travel story to keep the mood light.
Include any extra information you have on the specific
health requirements of your trip.
PRAY TOGETHER-Pray for health and safety. Be sure to
touch on how crucial it is to have prayer partners back
home that focus on praying for your health and safety
as well.
41. Health and Sickness
When traveling abroad, you are more vulnerable to illness because of the
unfamiliar food, culture, surroundings and climate. However, there are steps you
can take to promote your health during the short-term mission trip.
Hydration: One of the number one reasons for sickness on short-term mission trips
is dehydration. It is crucial to stay hydrated. A good strategy is to drink lots of water
before bed so that during the day you do not constantly need to use the restroom.
Never drink water from the sinks. Only use bottled water and watch out for ice
cubes.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is extremely important when it comes to your overall
health on a missions trip. Not getting enough sleep will weaken your body and most
likely end up in sickness. It may feel as though going to bed late and waking up early
is working for you, but after the first few days being tired will start to take its toll
and it is likely you will somehow bring the rest of your team down.
Travelers Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a very common way for you body to react to travel.
It does not necessarily mean you are sick, your body is just getting used to the new
food, climate, schedule and sleep. It is important to stay very well hydrated during
this time. It is common to have 4-5 loose or watery bowl movements each day.
Occasionally there may be nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, abdominal cramping
and bloating as well. Most cases resolve themselves within one to two days. Water,
Gatorade and Pepto-Bismol can be one of the best ways to handle this.
***However, three or more loose stools within 8 hours, along with fever,
vomiting, and abdominal cramping, may be more than just traveler’s diarrhea and
should most likely seek medical attention.
Constipation: It is also possible to become constipated when on a short-term
missions trip. It is important to be aware of when your last bowel movement was. If
it has been three days since you’ve had a bowel movement, take a laxative. Take the
recommended minimal dose and wait, as they often take a while to kick in. Do not
continue to take the laxatives after you have had a bowel movement. Constipation
often has to do with dehydration so make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
***If you are coming off of having traveler’s diarrhea, it is common to not
have had a bowel movement in three days and you do not need to take a laxative.
It is important to let leaders know if you are experiencing any health
problems or sicknesses. Do not keep it to yourself. Leaders need to
know your condition and what is being done about it so they can help
you to the best of their ability and knowledge.
42. Leader Note
This is a very important element of the trip. Before this
section/meeting be sure to pray that the Holy Spirit
would move and speak in this aspect of the training.
Make sure to really enforce refueling as a leader. Team
members may not fully understand the importance of
this on the trip and it is your job to make sure it
happens.
This section/meeting may get personal when it comes
to the goals. Be certain to encourage an open
environment where people feel comfortable to share
and be supported by their fellow teammates.
PRAY TOGETHER. Overwhelm this time with the touch
of the Holy Spirit and His direction and guidance.
43. Refueling
On a mission trip you are constantly pouring out and out and out. It is
extremely important to remember that when you keep giving, you eventually end up
empty if you aren’t simultaneously refueling yourself.
As you minister to those around you, make sure you are…
1. Staying in prayer: On short-term mission trips, you are spreading the love
of Christ and the enemy despises this; therefore he will try to stop it any way
he can. The only way to combat this is through prayer. Relying on God every
single day and every single minute for whatever you need, shows Him that
you are living by faith and He will want to provide for you. Spending time in
prayer/communication with God also refuels you with the Holy Spirit and His
love so that you are able to overflow His goodness to those around you. Keep
in mind that communicating with God is just that, speaking and listening.
2. Reading His Word: The Bible is an immediate source of strength. The Holy
Spirit speaks to us through his Word and will often tell us exactly what we
need to hear and know to press on according to His will. Interacting with
your team on a short-term missions trip often gets difficult and the Bible is a
great source to remind you how you should be acting and why.
3. Journaling: Journal your heart out! Seriously, take the time to journal. It is so
important to get what is in your head onto paper so that it doesn’t eat you up
inside. It’s fantastic to be able to look back in a few months from now and
read your journal to see what happened every day and little details about the
trip you may have forgotten. Or, by writing what God is doing in you at the
beginning of the trip, you are able to compare at the end and see how God
has worked. It is also a great way to vent about anything going on in your
team. Many people also use their journals as written prayer books. This is a
great idea because you are able to look back at your prayers and see how God
has been faithful to them.
***God will most likely stretch you in incredible ways on this mission trip.
Although it may be difficult at times, ultimately it is to make you more and
more like Christ. When things get tough, lean on the Lord! He wants to be
there for you and provide you with exactly what you need at exactly the
right time so that you can see his goodness.
44. Bible Connection
Read 1 Peter 4
1. On this trip, how are you planning on living and acting differently so that
others may see Christ in you?
2. List some things that you would consider as “suffering for Christ”…
3. Now, how would you react to those things on the trip?
4. What does this passage say about suffering and our reaction to it?
5. What does it mean to do all things through Christ and not yourself?
45. Goals
As you prepare to embarkon a trip that will most likely affect
your life in a large way, it is important to set goals for yourselfand
your team.
Write two personal goals:
Write an overall team goal:
Write one goal for you and God (or more than one):
***Now share your goals with your team; it is important to know what
your teammates are working towards. This way you have feedback and
support for your team. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, but as a team you
need to be vulnerable with each other to make sure there is nothing in the way
of what you can do together for the kingdom of God.
46. Leader Note
This should be a fun meeting/section! Keep it light and
encourage everyone to play in order to bond and have
a good time.
This meeting/section is also a good time to mention
that on the trip, every team member will need to share
a brief devotional. It does not need to be a full on
sermon, simply something they feel God is showing
them or speaking to them.
Start out with the fun, wild games and work your way
down to the more serious one. Allow it to become more
mellow and sensitive as they encourage one another.
PRAY TOGETHER
47. Team Strengthening
Two Truths and A Lie- Have everyonesit in a circle. One by one
go around the circle and have each person share oneinteresting thing
that is trueabout themselves and two that are a lie. Havethe others in
the group try to guess which are true and which are lies. Getto know
your teammates!
Human Knot-Getin a group of 6-12 peopleand then make a
circle. Haveeach person reach their left hand in and find the hand of
someoneelse in the circle and then hold onto it. Then have them reach
their right hand in and find another hand and hold onto it. From this
point, work as a team to untanglethe “knot” that you have justmade
without anyone letting go of the handsthey are holding.
Salt and Pepper-Your team leader will have pieces of paper with
correspondingnounson them (salt on one piece and pepper on the
other, peanutbutter/jelly, Peter Pan/Tinkerbell, etc.). Each person will
get a piece of paper taped to their back and mustfigureout who their
correspondingteammateis. When the leader says “go”, you mustask
yes or no questionsto those around you to figureout what is on your
back, then you willbe able to figureout who your match is.
Encouragement-As a team, go around the room and share what
your strengths and weaknessesare. Keep note of what those around you
are saying. Now go back around and share something you appreciateor
valueabout the person to the left of you. Then go back around and do
the same for the person to the right of you. Discussyour goals as a team
for this trip.
***On the trip each team member is required to lead a short devotional.
It doesn’t have to be anythingfancy: a scripture you like, somewhere
48. you saw God moving, what God has been showingyou, something you
felt like He wassaying to you in prayer, etc.
Leader Note:
This should be the final wrap up before the trip.
Encourage people to be as open as possible. Try using
the phrase, “If you’re feeling (x, y, or z), it’s almost
guaranteed someone else on the team is feeling exactly
the same.”
Share a story of when you as a leader were nervous
about a past trip. How did you handle it? What helped
and what did not help?
Be sure to answer any questions that may be leading to
their nerves. Remind them that often we are most
afraid of the unknown. However, when it comes to
short-term mission trips, there is no way we can
know/plan everything and that is why they are such a
unique situation to trust in the Lord.
PRAY TOGETHER. Take time to pray over each other
and practice the power of prayer and deliverance.
49. Handling Nerves
It is common to be nervous as you get ready to embark on any type of out of
the country trip. You may be nervous from the moment you sign up, or during the
training, or when you step into the airport, or before bed on your first night; you
may not be nervous at all! All of those are normal and okay to be feeling; however,
how do you handle these feelings?
1. Be in prayer! God is the ultimate source of peace. Praying to Him to remove
nerves and anxiety and replace it with peace is by far the best thing to do.
Keep in mind that God has a specific reason He put you on this trip and He is
for you not against you and is by your side every single moment.
2. Be in the Word! The Bible reminds you of God’s promises to keep you safe
close to Him. Jeremiah 29:11-15 is a great reminder before a mission trip.
3. Talk about it! If you keep your nerves bottled up inside of you, chances are
they are going to grow and grow until it gets to a point where you cannot
handle them anymore. Let it out! Talk to those closest to you about your
worries and let them reassure you. However, be sure not to talk about your
nerves too much because you may end up focusing on them and making it
worse.
4. Breathe! When you are nervous in particular situations, your heart rate tends
to increase and cause the rest of your body to sweat, shake, etc. The best way
to help this is by taking big breaths; slowly in and out. This slows down your
heart rate and therefore calms the rest of your body and your mind.
5. Journal! Sometimes nerves feel so big in our head and tend to fill up your
entire mind. By writing them out on a piece of paper, you are able to get them
out of your head and see that in reality they are much smaller than you
thought and therefore can be dealt with in realistic ways.
Is there anything you are nervous about for this mission trip?
If so, how are you planning on handling it or how are you handling it now?
50. General Leader Tips/Ideas
In the first meeting, it is very important to emphasize
how crucial it is to attend all training meetings and
events. Be sure to include that one must attend at least
three fourths of the training meetings. If one is not able to
attend three fourths of the meetings, they must come
speak to a leader about the reason and may be given an
alternative assignment for each meeting missed or they
may be asked to step off of the trip.
When it comes to fundraising, most people will not even
know where to begin. Often times, it is helpful to be able
to provide certain materials for them. This can include
envelopes, stamps or even donor response cards.
Encourage your team to include in the letters they send
out: a preaddressed envelope with their name/address,
the support letter, and a handwritten note.
Plan team-bonding time outside of the meetings. This can
be a barbeque, potluck, pool party, movie night, etc. It is
crucial to form close relationships with each other before
going out on the mission field together. As a leader, it is
your job to ensure that there are places for your team to
do so.
Before the final sendoff, have a prayer night either the
night before or a few nights before. This way friends and
family can come say goodbyes, see the team together and
pray over everyone together. This also is a perfect
opportunity to let the team know any last minute details
or changes to their travel or trip plans.
51. Compiled by Emily Campbell
emilymarie513@gmail.com
Skyline Church 2015
