Team Instruction Manual SE Asia

Team Instruction
Manual
SE Asia
LEAVE THIS AT HOME
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TEAM PURPOSE.....................................................................................................1
Evangelism
Distribution of Materials
TRAVELING INFORMATION...............................................................................2
Cost
Team Travel
Insurance......................................................................................................3
Emergency and Informational Contacts
Prescriptions and Immunizations
Currency and Credit Cards
Housing
Bathing.........................................................................................................4
Toilets and Tissue
Ground Transportation
Sleeping Gear
Food
Water
Picture Taking..............................................................................................5
A Few Rules of Etiquette in Asia
TEAM PROCEDURES ............................................................................................6
Arriving Overseas
Immigration
Customs
After Customs
Delivering the Materials ..............................................................................7
Code Language and Security
TEAM COMMITMENTS ........................................................................................8
Being Flexible
Prayer and Devotions
Service Ministry
Evangelism
Tract Distribution
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES..........................................................................9
Single Individuals of All Ages
Married Couples
Good Communication
Smoking, Drinking, and Illegal Drugs
Being Sent Home
STRESS AND CULTURE SHOCK.........................................................................10
TRAVEL PACKET ..................................................................................................11
PACKING CHECKLIST..........................................................................................12
PACKING TIPS .......................................................................................................13
TEAM PURPOSE
Through this trip, we hope you catch the vision for world missions and help fulfill the Great Commission.
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Evangelism
We encourage all members of VBB trips to share their faith with people in each country we visit. We
want to be available for the Holy Spirit to use us to share about salvation. However, one situation where
we advise you to use discretion in this matter is when we are transporting Bibles, as it may draw attention
and lead to confiscation of materials, possible arrest, or revealing of our contact’s identity. Please be wise
and careful. Due to the language barrier, it may not be possible to effectively share with some people but
we encourage you to make an attempt, no matter how difficult.
•
Distribution of Materials
VBB is committed to supplying Bibles and other tangible items (flannel graphs, solar-powered mp3 audio
Gospel players) to the believers in persecuted countries. This is one of the main purposes for the trip.
Many people cannot get Bibles due to poverty or governmental restrictions. As a VBB member, you are
asked to help in the transportation and distribution of supplies. This most likely will include smuggling
supplies into countries.
"Why do we have to smuggle?" is a common question. Christianity is restricted in many areas by the
government. The Christians are being persecuted and cannot get Bibles or sometimes even proper
clothing or food. When smuggling, we are going against the government. God has placed authorities over
us, but we also know that God's laws are higher than man's laws. In Acts 5, when told not to teach in
Jesus' name, the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men." Another Biblical example is in
Acts 16 when Paul was imprisoned. God sent an earthquake to release them. The jailer was going to kill
himself, but Paul stopped him. Did the jailer then lock them back up? No, he asked about salvation and
was baptized that night! The Lord released them from the authority of the government. If you would like
to discuss this with VBB, please contact our office and someone would be glad to talk with you about this
issue.
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TRAVELING INFORMATION
•
Cost – All travel costs are your responsibility.
Airfare: VBB will try to coordinate flights for all members of the team. This will help ensure that all
members meet at a central airport hub before going overseas. VBB needs to have pertinent information
regarding your departure city. Once VBB has found reasonable airfare and scheduled your flight, payment
is needed a week before departure. Upon acceptance for a trip, you are responsible for any airfare
purchased in your name. If you decide not to go on the trip, the airline will usually impose a penalty for
cancellations, for which you will be responsible, along with the full amount of your ticket. You may be
required to purchase additional airfare while you are overseas. You can pay either by credit card or with
cash. If paying with cash, make sure you bring the proper amount. Don’t hesitate to contact the Travel
Coordinator for estimates on additional airfare.
Raising Financial Support: It is the responsibility for each traveler to pay the cost of his or her own trip.
People commonly raise financial support to help cover these expenses. VBB cannot guarantee donations
for individual members. VBB will do its best to put funds toward individual trip costs, however this is at
the discretion of the ministry. Any funds raised above the trip cost will be put toward the general travel
needs at VBB’s discretion.
Travel Funds: VBB suggests that each member bring at least $400 - 500 per week to cover living/travel
expenses. These expenses include hotels, taxi rides, meals, and general travel costs. Please figure extra
money for traveling between countries. If you raise personal financial support for food and lodging, VBB
encourages that you ask your pastor if checks can be sent through your church for tax purposes.
Additional Ministry Money: Although it is not required, we encourage you to raise additional funds for
specific projects that VBB works alongside. While traveling, you may become aware of a particular need
or a missionary to whom you want to make a contribution.
Additional Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Bring additional funds for shopping and gifts to share with friends,
family, missionaries, and nationals.
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Team Travel
After departure, each team member is required to travel with the VBB team. Before committing to a trip,
notify VBB of any possible travel plans different from the scheduled itinerary of VBB. If you are
skeptical about going to a specific country, please consult the office or your team leader as soon as you
have a concern. All members will purchase their own tickets and pay for their own travel expenses;
members can cancel their ticket any time before departure. ** Please keep in mind that airlines usually
charge a fee for canceling a ticket.
**Airline Cancellation policy
Airline regulations stipulate that flights can be “cancelled,” but what this means is the purchased fare
can be used on another flight (usually within one year). A typical cancellation policy states a fee will
be assessed for canceling (approximately $250) and the traveler will have to pay whatever the price
difference is between the old, cancelled fare and the new fare.
Refunds are only given if a refundable ticket is purchased or if the traveler qualifies under the airlines
refund policy, i.e. death, extreme illness, emergency, etc. Tickets cannot be transferred to another
traveler. Once it is purchased, a ticket is yours alone and your responsibility financially.
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Insurance
Each traveler is responsible for personal medical, life, disability and other insurance coverage for the time
they are traveling with VBB. If your personal insurance company does not extend international medical
coverage, VBB recommends you purchase supplemental insurance for travel, in case of an emergency.
VBB has a group account with Seven Corners Medical Missions insurance that is available. Please
contact our office if you would like to view policy information or to sign up for Seven Corners insurance
through our group account. Many credit cards provide some kind of insurance when you purchase your
ticket on the credit card. Call your credit card company for more information. There are insurance
companies that provide both simple medical coverage and extensive coverage for medical, hospital,
baggage, etc. For more information, contact your travel agent or insurance agent.
•
Emergency and Informational Contacts
Due to the amount of travel the team does on a trip, it is almost impossible to provide complete contact
information of where the team will be. Internet access is available in many areas of the world. E-mail is
a great way for your family to contact you while you are on the trip. You and your family members can
also contact the VBB office and we will try to assist you in case of emergency.
If you would like additional travel safety information, contact:
US State Department
2101 C Street NW
Washington D.C. 20520
Travel Advisory Phone: (202) 647-5225 (recording)
http://travel.state.gov/
•
Prescriptions and Immunizations
Consult your doctor about recommended immunizations for the areas to which you will be traveling. You
are responsible for your health care. We recommend that you have your Hepatitis B vaccination. Some
people choose to take malaria medicine although we have found that many have had allergic reactions to
this medicine. Please notify your team leader if you are experiencing any kind of health problems while
on the trip.
•
Currency and Credit Cards
You should bring cash with you for spending money. We do not recommend traveler’s checks. ATM
machines are available in limited areas. Upon entering a new country, convert some money into the local
currency. Each country you travel to will have different currency and a different exchange rate. A much
better exchange rate can usually be obtained while in each country rather than in the U.S. or in another
country. It is best to exchange money at a government facility, rather than with a street vendor, who may
be operating illegally.
If you use an ATM, you will get money in the local currency, not in U.S. dollars. Many times you can use
your credit card to make purchases. Most businesses apply a surcharge of 3-4%.
•
Housing Most of the time team members will stay in hotels or guesthouses. Many of the areas we travel to are
closed to the Gospel, so the missionaries work undercover. We do not want to jeopardize their work, as
they live there on a continual basis. Only in rare cases will we stay with missionaries. In that case, the
sleeping conditions may not be very adequate. Please be flexible in these situations.
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Bathing
When staying in a hotel or guesthouse, there will probably be a shower. It may or may not be warm. In
some areas in the mountains, there is no running water. In that case, you may not get a shower for a few
days. Sometimes they have a private area for “dip baths.” Normally, we do not carry towels with us
because we seldom need them. In remote areas, a towel may be needed, but usually we are creative when
drying (like using a T-shirt). When bathing we advise that you keep your mouth closed, because the water
could contain bacteria, which could make you sick. Be sure to wear shower shoes (flip-flops) as
protection against parasitic infection.
•
Toilets and Tissue
Many places now have western style toilets (the kind in the USA). When traveling on trains or in remote
areas, “squatty potty” toilets are very common. They may be unusual to use at first. Toilet paper is usually
available near western toilets, but you may want to carry toilet tissue with you in case of poor facilities or
an unexpected stomach sickness.
•
Ground Transportation
When traveling, each member is expected to pay for his/her own transportation. This is included in our
projected weekly expenses. Many times we travel by taxi, in which case it is the responsibility of each
passenger to figure out how much each person needs to contribute to the taxi fare. Please pay in local
currency. Trains and buses may be used for long distance trips, again with each passenger paying his or
her own fare.
•
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping bags are not needed on the trip because most places will have proper bedding. Sleeping bags are
very bulky and add unnecessary weight to the luggage.
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Food
Each team member is required to pay for his/her own food expenses. This cost is included in our
projected weekly expense. When eating meals prepared by missionaries, please be courteous and offer to
help prepare or clean up meals.
Be prepared to enjoy some savory foods! Asian food tends to be spicy. You can always request mild spice
or no spice. They eat a lot of white rice and curry dishes. Fresh fruit is readily available in SE Asia. It is
advisable to buy fruit that can be peeled because of insecticides or chemicals that may be used in these
countries. In more westernized countries, fast food is available (McDonald’s, Starbucks). If you are
allergic to any foods, it may be difficult to tell the waiter, so be cautious about what you order. We
discourage people from buying food from street vendors. Often times, they do not use hot or clean water
to wash the utensils or food, causing sickness. Also, we discourage people from eating fresh vegetables,
unless they have been soaked in iodine. Many vegetables are grown with human fertilizer, making them
unsafe to eat.
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Water
VBB strongly suggests drinking only bottled water. Make sure the seal is not broken before you drink it.
In many countries, especially in Asia, the water contains bad bacteria that will make you sick. Some hotel
rooms have a pitcher of water on the counter, but it is probably not safe to drink. Boiled water is usually
fine to drink. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of safe fluids; clean drinking water is the best.
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Picture Taking
Do not take pictures in the customs or immigration areas of any country. Your camera will be confiscated
if you do. Ask permission before taking someone’s picture. Some people do not want their pictures taken
and some expect to be paid after you take the picture. Feel free to bring your camera; your experiences
will be worth capturing.
For the security of the missionaries and national contacts we may meet with and also for the security of
the national believers, be very sensitive and please ask first before taking their picture. If your camera is
confiscated for any reason, it could jeopardize their safety.
Each traveler is required to sign a photo release form prior to travel. Once you return from your trip VBB
does ask to have a copy of your photos to use in our praise & prayer updates, newsletters and other media
outlets. You can send in a burned DVD or USB drive. It is very helpful if you label your pictures.
•
A Few Rules of Etiquette in Asia (from Thai Tourist Police Book) 1. Thais do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press their palms
together in a prayer-like gesture called a WAI. Generally, a younger person extends this gesture to an
elder, who then returns it.
2. It is considered rude to point your foot at a person. Try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite
anyone, because of the belief that the foot is a low limb.
3. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body both literally and figuratively. As a result, they
do not approve of touching anyone on that part of the body, even in a friendly gesture.
4. Losing your temper, especially in public will more than likely get you nowhere. The Thais think such
displays denote poor manners, and you are more apt to get what you want by keeping a cool head and
concealing your emotions.
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TEAM PROCEDURES
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Arriving Overseas
Upon arrival in a foreign country, you will have to fill out an Immigration Card. On the flight, the flight
attendant will pass these out. Carefully read the card before filling in any of the blanks. Most times you
must write in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. If you have any questions about filling out the card, ask the
team leader or flight attendant. Please do not put “Missionary, Pastor, Evangelist or Christian Worker” in
the occupation space. “Teacher” works well, or if you are a secretary, lawyer, doctor, or student… feel
free to write those down. Also, when they ask the purpose of your trip, ALWAYS check the “tourist”
box. The Team Leader will give further instructions when applicable.
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Immigration
Shortly after arriving at the airport, you will proceed through Immigration. You will need to present two
documents: your passport and completed immigration card.
Do not volunteer any more information than what the Immigration agent asks for. If they ask, you are
going as a tourist. Normally, your stay is no longer than two weeks. After passing through Immigration,
head to the baggage claim area and the correct baggage carousel for your flight.
•
Customs
On the airplane, you may also receive a Customs form to fill out. If so, do not claim that you have
religious material with you. Check the box (usually green) that says "nothing to declare." When you have
collected all of your baggage, ask the team leader if you can pass through Customs Inspection. The
Customs officials have the legal right to inspect anything that you bring into the country. This is a very
crucial part of the trip. Supplies could be confiscated.
Do not make eye contact with the Customs officials. Try to walk past the officials and hand him/her the
form (if you received one), without making eye contact. Many officials do not speak good English. If you
don't understand them, do your best to communicate and be polite. Acting like a tourist helps. Move
through Customs like you are in a hurry and don’t have time to be delayed. If you are stopped, don’t open
your luggage unless you are asked to. Present your personal luggage first. If you are stopped, don’t panic.
Your team leader will assist you and will not leave you behind. The team leader will try to send the rest of
the team on ahead to the hotel with as many materials as possible. Pray God will help us through the
process of getting the supplies delivered without being confiscated.
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After Customs
After going through Customs wait for your team leader’s instructions. This is usually the best time to
exchange currency. You may have to hire porters to help with the bags. Leave that decision up to your
team leader. Many times people will try to help you, wanting money in return. Do not let these people
help you, unless you are prepared to pay and have the team lead’s approval.
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Delivering the Materials
It is very important to follow the Team Leader’s instructions. On some occasions, we will attempt to
deliver the supplies at the airport: the bags of supplies will go with the contacts and we take our personal
bags with us. Other times, we may transfer the materials at the hotel, go directly to the missionary's home
with the supplies, or the contacts may want to meet in the middle of the night. It may be different each
time we deliver supplies, so please be very flexible during this time.
We ask that you keep all items packed the way you transported them into the country. This is in case
anyone goes into your hotel room while you are out. The bags that we travel with will be up to 70 pounds
each. Try to make them look lightweight when we arrive. When we go, make them look heavy. Arriving
with heavy bags and leaving with lightweight bags could look suspicious.
After arriving in a country and delivering the supplies, we don't talk about what happened with anyone
outside the team, even though it may be exciting. When we arrive back in a "free" country, then you are at
liberty to talk. We want to avoid the wrong person finding out what we do.
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Code Language and Security
When traveling inside a restricted country, we use code language.
Bibles = bread
Tracts = crumbs
Cassette tapes = candy bars
Church = cookie or bread factory
Police or military = turtles
Again, we do not want anyone to hear about what we are discussing, which would jeopardize the
transferring of supplies. Not only do we talk in code while on the trip, but also in e-mails. Please advise
anyone writing you to write in code language. We do not want to take unnecessary chances. Be sensitive
to who you give your itinerary to, because that could also jeopardize our travel security.
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TEAM COMMITMENTS
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Being Flexible
Frequently a trip undergoes slight changes and delays due to scheduling conflicts and other mishaps.
Please be flexible with any sudden changes that may occur. Patience and flexibility from everyone are
huge keys to the success of the trip. We trust the Lord that He will help us with any scheduling conflicts
that may come up.
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Prayer and Devotions
The team leader will make every effort to conduct team devotions and prayer. You will be asked to share
a five to ten minute devotion during the trip. It could be anything: your favorite Bible verse, story,
something out of a daily devotional or small Bible study. You will also be asked to share a testimony or
some of the new things you are experiencing while on the mission field. This is a good time to get to
know each other better! During devotions, be sure to bring up any problems that could affect the team.
During this time we will spend time in prayer for the people, country, and the trip. During the trip we will
also go on prayer walks, where we will pick a target area and pray around or near it. Possible areas for
these walks include governmental facilities, temples, or tourist areas.
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Service Ministry
Under certain circumstances, we may be asked to help the missionaries with their daily tasks. Always
have the attitude of helping and serving others, even if you feel tired, or don't feel like helping. Be in
prayer that God will give you a servant's heart. We want to serve God’s people and to be a testimony to
the lost.
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Evangelism We encourage all team members to share their faith with anyone. Be open to the leading of the Holy
Spirit. We want to help fulfill the Great Commission by telling others about Jesus and the hope that is in
us.
•
Tract Distribution
When distributing tracts, we usually do it after we have the other supplies safely delivered. We usually go
out at night, leaving tracts in areas where people will find them in the morning. Good places to leave them
might include park benches, window ledges, brick walls, pay phones, stores, hotels, etc. Normally, tract
distribution is considered proselytizing, which is considered illegal where VBB teams travel. Therefore,
work fast and keep moving. If you feel that you are being followed, just jump in a taxi and go to a
different part of the town. During the day it is harder to distribute tracts because there are usually more
people on the streets, so you could be easily spotted.
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PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Single Individuals of All Ages
Dating and special relationships are discouraged on the trip. Normally, if two people are dating before
entering the trip, we ask that they go on separate mission trips. The team leader can make exceptions.
Dating relationships can get in the way of ministry during the trip. For appearance sake, we ask that
couples refrain from all forms of physical contact such as hand holding, hugging, kissing and sitting on
laps. We do not want to be a stumbling block for other believers or offensive to people you want to
witness to.
On VBB trips, it is possible to have team members from all over the world. We recognize that God
sometimes brings couples together in special and unusual ways. Please put "on hold" any special
relationships you feel might be developing during your short-term mission trip. If God is in the
relationship, He has the power to bring the relationship together after your return home. Remember that
nothing is impossible for God!
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Married Couples Good news for you! You are allowed to demonstrate moderate, modest forms of love and affection for
one another. Although it may not be possible, your team leader is sensitive to the fact that you may need
some personal time together. While staying in hotels, it may be possible for you to have your own room.
A good, solid, Christ-centered marriage where couples demonstrate true love and respect for each other is
a great witness to Christians and non-Christians alike.
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Good Communication
Good communication is essential for preventing and solving problems. If you have any problems or
concerns during the trip, do not hesitate to talk to your leader. It is important to us that you have the best
possible experience on the mission field!
•
Smoking, Drinking, and Illegal Drugs
Smoking and drinking could be stumbling blocks to local Christians and your team members. You must
refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages during the trip. The use, sale, purchase, or
possession of any illegal drugs will result in immediate dismissal from the team.
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Being Sent Home
If you create a serious problem within the team, or refuse to submit to the team leader, you will be
required to return home immediately at your expense. Your team leader has complete authority to
administer this type of action if they deem it necessary.
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STRESS AND CULTURE SHOCK
Culture shock may or may not become a problem for team members and reactions may be different in each
individual. It afflicts everyone to some degree, whether one is in a third world country for a week, or a year. It
may be very subtle or very obvious. Prepare for it, accept it, and realize what is happening to you and others.
Culture shock is accelerated by the anxiety that results from losing familiar signs and symbols of social behavior
and reaction. It may begin at the airport while going through customs or may lie in wait for several days. All of
us depend on cues, which involve words, gestures, and facial expressions for our peace of mind. When a person
enters a new culture, all or most of these familiar cues are removed. Nothing makes sense. No matter how broadminded or full of goodwill one may be, a series of props have been knocked out from under them. A feeling of
frustration and anxiety follows.
People react to this frustration in much the same way even though we all like to think we are different. They
reject the environment, which causes the discomfort. If you notice that you or another team member is constantly
griping about the country, the housing, the food, the people, etc., they, or you, may be suffering from culture
shock. This is the time to lovingly remind yourself or the other person, to relax and enjoy this new way of life.
Other symptoms of culture shock are the following:
Excessive concern over cleanliness – feeling that everything is “dirty”
Feeling there's a lack of understanding of the importance of the service/work of
team by team members, leaders, or individuals in the community.
Excessive concern over being cheated, robbed, or injured
Excessive concern with illness or rashes
Shouting at someone speaking in another language in order to be understood
Some frustrations over delays are normal, but if you notice that you are spending more time frustrated than not,
slow down, pray, and realize that you are human and that we need to be flexible with the schedule and others.
Irritations over delays can build into an anger or irritability of large proportions if not addressed early.
Language frustration and the inability to communicate create a tendency in some to try yelling or shouting in
English to make yourself understood by the local people. Raising one's voice doesn't make the words any easier
to understand; the other individual is not ignorant, only speaks another language and is of another culture. If you
can't communicate with words, you might try using a smile and simple hand motions to communicate your
message. Remember to be patient with yourself and others when trying to communicate in another culture.
Remember that we are visiting their home – we should not expect an American culture. Imagine if someone came
to your business in America shouting at you in their own foreign language.
Keep these things in mind as you travel and ask others to pray for you as you pray for them and your "case of
culture shock" will probably be minimal.
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TRAVEL PACKET
In this travel packet you will find information to assist you in preparing for your overseas trip. If there are other
items you think would be helpful to include for future travelers, please let VBB know.
- All your personal items must fit in a carry-on: height + width + depth must be equal to or less than 45 inches set
by the airlines. Any carry-on exceeding the dimension limit may not be accepted as a carry-on and then may be
subject to an additional shipping charge at your expense.
- Pack as light as possible. Roll your clothes to save space.
Items to take overseas with you:
• Passport and a photocopy of your passport - Keep copy separate from your passport in case your
passport is lost or stolen
• Another form of identification with picture i.e. driver's license
• Sufficient passport photos for visas overseas (At least 4)
• Insurance information
• Emergency information sheet enclosed in this travel packet.
• Money for travel - remember to take new or like new bills.
• Credit Card - If using your credit card, do not let it out of your sight. If taking credit cards, make a
photocopy of your cards and have the number to call if they are lost or stolen. It is always better to be
prepared than to be caught in an emergency situation and wish you had been.
Other Suggestions:
• First aid kit and other prescription meds you are using. - The first aid kit should include Benadryl for
potential allergic reactions, Dramamine for car sickness and Pepto Bismol.
• Reading materials - Your Bible is the most important item to bring on the trip. You will be asked to
lead at least one devotion while on the trip. We suggest you bring a good book or magazine for the
travel time.
• Flashlight and Pen - A flashlight can be handy, especially in remote areas. A blue or black pen is
needed to fill out immigration and other forms. Please keep one with you.
• Ear Plugs - Noises may keep you from sleeping i.e. barking dogs or a snoring team member.
• Luggage Tags - Clearly mark bags with your identification: name, city, state, zip and country.
• CD or MP3 Players - We leave this decision up to you. If you bring these items, it means carrying a
heavier bag. We encourage you to spend time reading your Bible and building relationships with the
team instead of listening to your headphones.
• Money Belt - Keeps money and passport secure.
• Watch - Remember time zone differences.
• Proper Clothing - See packing list for specific instructions. Follow dress guidelines during the entire
trip including sight seeing and shopping. It should be selected for modesty.
• Personal Items - Ladies, the change in tropical weather often causes a fluctuation in women's monthly
cycles. Be prepared.
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PACKING CHECKLIST
We are ambassadors of Christ and will be viewed as such. Out of respect for overseas Christians it is
important that we comply with their clothing standards.
Documentation
Women's Clothing
_____ airline ticket
_____ skirts (suggested to cover knees)
_____ passport
_____ lightweight dresses and skirts
_____ photocopy of passport
(no bare-shoulders)
_____ insurance information
_____ blouses, t-shirts (no tube-tops
_____ emergency information
or braless clothing)
_____ bras/underwear (must be worn at
Finances
all times)
_____ money
_____ swimsuit (modest full piece)
_____ credit card
_____ sleepwear (comfortable but not
_____ copy of charges & contact #
skimpy)
_____ socks/2 pairs shoes, walking &
Health Items
casual
(only those that apply to you)
_____ light-weight rain jacket
_____ vitamins
_____ light-weight pants, jeans, shorts (knee
_____ prescription meds
length)
_____ antihistamines for allergies
_____ Pepto Bismol
Men's Clothing:
_____ anti-diarrhea medicine
_____ light-weight pants, jeans, shorts (knee
(Immodium)
length
_____ medicine for travel sickness
_____ under shorts (must be worn
_____ band aids
at all times)
_____ shirts (worn at all times)
Personal Items
_____ swimsuit (no European cuts)
_____ soap
_____ sleepwear (comfortable but
_____ shower shoes / flip-flops
not skimpy)
_____ deodorant
_____ socks, 2 pairs shoes, walking &
_____ shampoo/conditioner
casual
_____ toothbrush/toothpaste
_____ lightweight rain jacket
_____ sunscreen
_____ hand lotion
Other things to consider:
_____ chap stick
Clothing should be modest.
_____ bug repellent
Shirts and caps must not display questionable
_____ sunglasses
designs, such as beer advertisements or rock
_____ pens
groups.
_____ camera/film
Church: wear nicer, casual dress clothing.
_____ alarm clock/watch
Men: no earrings. Women: modest makeup
_____ razor/shaving cream
Shorts: We suggest the hem be no more than
_____ flashlight/batteries
four inches above the knee.
_____ money pouch
Please check specific weather conditions for the
_____ Bible / journal
area in which you will be traveling for final
decisions on what clothing to pack.
Use discretion: In rare circumstances, men and
women may sleep in the same room when
staying with missionaries
If you bring questionable clothing, you may be asked to purchase new clothes
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SUITCASE PACKING TIPS
Use your carry-on for your personal belongings. Please visit the website of the airline you are flying on for
information about the size of carry-on you can take. Anything you bring on the trip will have to be carried by you
during the duration of the trip. In some cases, we will have to pack duffel bags while overseas. Below are
guidelines and tips for packing. The duffel bags will have all the supplies for the Christians and missionaries.
VBB usually sends out pre-packed duffel bags for you to carry from the USA to your destination, but we may ask
you to help collect items in your community to take.
Types of bags to use:
• Army style duffel bags. (Preferred non-green)
• Hockey style duffel bags with a long zipper.
• Medium sized luggage. Large luggage draws attention.
Weight: maximum is 50 pounds. To determine the weight of the bag, weigh yourself, then get back on the scale
holding the bag, while someone else reads the weight. Subtract your personal weight from the total.
How to pack:
• The main concern is to make the bag look like there is nothing in it other than clothing. Corners
should not be seen sticking out of the bag. Start with a layer of clothing at the bottom. Then make a
base for the Bibles or tape players to sit on. The way to get the most books in the bag is to stack them
up (using the army style bag). Sometimes two rows can be stacked. Sometimes one row, with another
row stacked vertically next to it.
• As you layer the books, keep putting clothes around the Bibles or supplies, so the corners won’t be
sticking out.
• Try to get most of the books at the bottom of the bag so there will be a larger layer of clothing at the
top. While packing the clothes, make sure all the clothing is in good condition. If it has holes or
stains, please discard it. To get the most clothing in a bag, it is best to roll the clothing, although it
will add more weight to the bag. Please pack only clothing that you would give to your family.
Seeds:
•
Packs of seeds should be put inside of Ziploc bags. It is best if the seeds are at the bottom of the bag,
in case the duffel bag is searched.
Tape Players:
• When packing tape players, it is best to take them out of the boxes, so if they are found, they won’t
appear brand new. Tape players fit the best in the hockey style bags. Each player weighs
approximately four pounds.
LEAVE THIS PACKET AT HOME
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