Your interest in our web site truly encourages us to continue updating it. Tonight I would like to focus on the ongoing mission trip process and making it as easy as possible for you to understand how to be involved. I understand many of you want to support Haiti through BEM, some of you come to this web site and make a monetary donation, others send us checks through the mail, many of you have set up your locations as collection centers, but a large number of you want go and see for yourselves how you can help on the ground Haiti. For those of you that want to be there, mission trips are for you.
One of the the most frequently asked questions is "How do I raise funds to go on a mission trip?". It is a question all of us have to face one day, but somehow we all find an answer to that specific question. First, it is important to, not just want to be involved, but to know that this is what God wants you to do, therefore my first answer to that question is to PRAY and ask God for guidance and peace in the process. Then share your desire to go, with your family members and friends. Then if you feel at peace and you are sure this is what God wants you to do then you can make it simple by simply asking them to support you. You could ask for gifts toward your trip expense instead of regular birthday, Christmas, anniversary etc type gifts, in addition, you can share your desire with your Pastor and ask for the both the Church's financial and spiritual blessing. Many people also find it very helpful to participate in collective fundraising groups, either by selling a product or taking part in a benefit concert. Whatever you choose to do, it is a guarantee, that if God wants you to go, He either bless one of these sources or provide a new way to make your mission trip possible.
Each trip costs $1,350.00 which will cover your round-trip airfare, ground transportation, 3 meals a day, room and board, for a total of 7 days. While you don't need additional money for your trip, we encourage that you come with pocket money for gifts, souvenirs, free-will offerings at Church, and other incidentals. Keep in mind that each work team will have to provide the materials for the work it will be doing, therefore, in raising funds for your trip, please do not focus solely on the $1,350.00 needed. Let everyone know that money will be needed to buy either medicines, food for distributions, or building supplies, to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. It is also important to know that all donations to BEM are tax deductible.
Here is a list that will be helpful to you, in terms of what to bring with you on a mission trip:
- Modest work clothes
- Work gloves
- A one-piece bathing suit
- Church clothes - women should dress in a skirt/blouse, men should wear pants and shirt, and if your preaching, a tie!
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable shoes for work
- A notebook and Bible
- Spending money
- A credit card for emergencies if you have one
- Ear plugs
- Camera and film
- Sunscreen
- Beach towel (Bedding is provided by our hosts)
Many want to know how much luggage they can bring on a mission trip. There have been changes to the luggage policy lately with American Airlines. You may bring one bag, 50lbs or less, plus a carry-on bag which must fit under your seat. You will be provided by BEM with an additional duffel bag that will be filled with 50lbs or less of materials that will be distributed to the people of Haiti. We will help you carry this weight. Tag your luggage clearly inside and out and please remember boxes are not permitted.
Many enquire about shots. You must have a current tetanus shot to visit Haiti. According to information from the United States CDC in Atlanta, you should also have protection against malaria, typhoid, and Hepatitis A. Team members under age 18 should have had their DPT immunizations. If you were born after 1957, you should have a second MMR. Team members over the age of 18 should update their DT every 10 years. You should contact your physician and discuss these with him or her. Chloroquine Phosphate is recommended for the prevention of Malaria.
The next question has to do with the issue of insurance. Since most people have their own medical and/or life insurance, none is provided by the Bethesda Evangelical Mission. To do so would significantly increase the cost of each person's financial involvement. If you do not have insurance and want to be covered, you may secure a short-term policy from your local insurance agent.
Passports are required for travel to Haiti. To obtain a passport, please contact your local Post Office for an application and detailed information. You will need to passport photos and proof of citizenship. If you are over the age of 16, your passport is valid for 10 years and will cost $85.00. For those under 16 a five-year passport costs $70.00. Passport renewal is $55.00. Please verify these costs with your local Post Office as they may vary.
If you wonder what the work and conduct expectations are while in Haiti, please keep in mind, work projects are work. So if you don't want to work hard, simply don't go. Your conduct is to be that which is expected from a Christian. You should be willing to place yourself under the authority of a team leader or leaders, as well as to give and take in your personal relationships with your fellow team members. This will be important to maintain a spirit of harmony and unity within the group. You will also be expected to extend politeness and courtesy to those in the country where you are guests and to the members of the team.
The following will NOT be accepted: Attending movies, drinking of alcohol, smoking, dancing, dating, and foul language.
There may be times when specific professionals (Doctors, nurses, counselors, crisis prevention, emergency/disaster relief workers, etc) are required to respond to disasters in Haiti. These professionals may or may not be Christian, but are still required to follow these guidelines.
While you do not need any special qualifications, willingness to work and abide by Christian conduct is required. You must be at least 15 years old or be accompanied by a parent. If you have a physical handicap, you still can make the trip, as long as you are willing to work at things you can do and are not against your doctor's orders.
We hope and pray that these answers were helpful to you as you look at making a decision to travel to and serve the people of Haiti with BEM. When you are finished with your prayer process, please fill out an application completely and mail it to BEM at PO Box 6060, Wallingford, CT 06492, along with your deposit of $450.00.
Thank you for your interest. "Go ye therefore..." Matthew 28:19-20
