Good Shepherd Ministries' Short-Term Missions
Would
you savor the opportunity to exercise your faith, practice your
Christian training, and share your talents and expertise with the
people of another race and culture?
Shepherd Teams provides the avenue for just such an experience.
You may be saying, "Just what could I do?" The answer
is simply- "Whatever you're doing at home, on the job, at church,
in learning or fixing things, you could find some great use for
on the mission field." Teams are often flavored with a variety
of talents and there is a place to use all of them. Most projects
vary according to the needs of the Mission at that time, and the
talents and abilities of the team.
Why Have Shepherd Teams?
The purpose is twofold:
(1) It gives Christian laymen the opportunity to share their love,
talents, and gifts with others, and at the same time experience
the excitement of foreign missions.
(2) It provides assistance with projects exposure to the work of
the mission and its needs.
General Information
Attitudes:
Enter into each new experience with an open mind, and a flexible
attitude. Enjoy things that seem to blow your best laid plans and
accept all of the delays, frustrations, and setbacks as part of
mission work. Keep in mind this Mission needs you at your best.
God loves you, and in eternity God will get it all straightened
out. Smile, pray, and trust!
Health Practices:
Malaria pills and a tetanus shot are recommended but not required.
The team will also be given some "survival instructions"
at the orientation meeting the first evening on the field. Some
preliminary advice to remember; always question the water! Know
where the water comes from and if it's drinkable. Eat only food
prepared in the Mission kitchen. Fruit and vegetable must be washed
in pure water before eating.
Shepherd
Assignments:
G.S.M.I. will be responsible for having shepherds on the field with
each team. They will be responsible for the projects and ministry
efforts of the group while in Haiti. When duties are assigned, whether
on the work site or in the kitchen cannot be traded off without
the permission of the team leader. Team members are expected to
be prompt to their assignment and see it through to the end.
Publishing Good News:
Evangelistic street meetings and visitation to out-stations where
one can participate in bringing the "Good News" to the
people are experiences never to be forgotten. One afternoon you
may quit work early to go with the national pastor and visit some
of his parishioners. You'll be deeply moved by the life style and
faith of these national Christians.
Fun Time:
Having fun is a horse back ride up the mountain to visit the famous
citadel of King Henri Christophe; a shopping trip to the tourist
market to buy baskets, wood carvings, embroidered shirts, blouses
and dresses, or to enjoy the local art work. Note: Souvenirs and
extra fun activities are at your own expense. $100 is usually sufficient.
Bring small bills. American currency will be exchanged for Haitian
money either at the Mission or in town.
What Should I Take?
Weather in Haiti is hot in the summer and warm in winter. Lightweight
clothing is appropriate for both seasons.
Dress Code for Mission Bon Berger:
Modest casual attire is appropriate for travel, town and evangelical
services. Women should wear skirts or dresses when going off the
Mission compound unless otherwise specified. Men should wear casual
trousers and shirts with collars and bring a necktie for Sunday.
Blue jeans and T-shirts are recommended for the work site. Tank
tops for men are acceptable on the job, but not for wearing off
mission property, such as to the village or to church.
Girls
should avoid wearing tight blouses or short shirts. Long shorts
may be worn only on the compound. Long shorts are four inches above
the knee or eight inches below the crease in the buttocks. Women
may wear culottes or split skirts that come to or below the knees
for work and in the villages, but not at church.
How Do I Get Involved?
Please download an application,
call the office for team dates and ask for an application, or use
our contact page to send us a message directly.
Passport is required!
Board Policy Concerning Teams & Visitors To Field:
Any foreign person or groups planning to visit, evangelize, teach
or minister in any capacity shall make a formal request in writing
to the Good Shepherd Ministries, Inc. Board of Directors. The Board
reserves the right to honor or reject the request. No group shall
be on the field without a board member or designated person being
with them.
Special Projects:
Anyone desiring to do a special project within or related to the
Mission must have the approval of the Board of Directors. Special
Projects could be in the area of individual housing, supplying special
needs to individuals or families, inviting nationals to visit you
in the United States or visiting the fields personally (other than
teamwork). Contact U.S. office for information and how to proceed.
Extended Stay:
Anyone going down with the team must return with the team. Extended
time must be approved prior to leaving the States.
Recruiting Teams:
Any pastor, layman, or Christian organizations that wishes to recruit
a team must work within G.S.M.I. perimeters.
Refund Policy:
Due to the cost of planning and plane reservations, any cancellations
made after registration date will forfeit registration fee of $100.00.
Cancellations within two weeks prior to departure will forfeit 50%
of the team cost.
Cancellations within the week of departure will forfeit the total
cost as team member expenses for airfare, project material, etc.
have already been paid and cannot be reimbursed to the Mission.
Cost:
Due to the nature of the team, travel arrangements, length of stay,
and number of team members the cost will vary. Please contact the
office for a quote for your trip.
How Do I Get There?
You are responsible for getting to West Palm Beach the day or evening
before departure in the morning. We stay at the Hampton Inn near
the Palm Beach Airport. MFI has arranged a discount for their passengers.
GSM will be happy to assist you in making any arrangements.
Please Bring:
- Casual dress outfit for special occasion and Good dress outfit
for church service
- 1 tie (men)
- 1
pair casual shoes
- 1 pair work shoes
- Hat or cap (may be bought in Haiti)
- Housecoat (women)
- Toiletries, towel, and soap
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight and Batteries
- Mosquito repellant
- Camera and Film
- 1 roll of toilet paper
- 1 box of tissue
- Weight Limit:Thirty pounds. If your baggage exceeds 30 pounds,
you might be asked to leave excess behind.
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