My Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

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Greetings to Our Missionary Partner,

PARTNERSHIP

You are embarking on a journey that will change lives eternally, yours included. The Holy Spirit will provide countless opportunities to share the love of Jesus with precious souls for whom Jesus died. You will want to come with eyes and ears open to see God at work all around you. You will be working alongside our national partners and missionaries. As you experience the blessing of serving with them, you will gain new insights into their daily challenges and learn how to better pray from them. Prayer is essential in order to be used by God. Intercession for the lost will be vital during each step of this process. As early as possible, you will want to begin a strategy of intercessory prayer which will include your personal prayer plan. You will want to enlist a team of prayer warriors who will pray for you in your days of preparation and during your time of service. While language and culture are significant barriers, your smile, enthusiasm and caring attitude will bring down these barriers. The language of your love and genuine care will speak loudly and clearly. You will want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way to communicate the message of the Gospel as you use the talents and resources entrusted to you by the Lord. As you honor the Lord through your faithful obedience and availability, He has promised to equip you to accomplish that for which He has sent you. The work to which we are called is truly a God-sized task. Even as you prepare you will discover the impossibility of the task set before you. At times, you may even question your being a part of this mission partnership. We must remember that it is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6) Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. This is His work, and He will empower you to accomplish the work to which He is calling you. Dare to walk in the power of Gods provision. We are thankful to the Lord that He has provided this opportunity of missionary service to you. We pray that God will bless you with a joyful experience as you deliver a message that will change the eternal destiny of many people. Listen carefully to the Lord as He speaks to you during these days. You may hear the call of God to serve as a missionary on some field that is ready to harvest. Your Partners in Missionary Service, David & Glynis Miller Guatemala Catalytic Connectors, International Mission Board, SBC

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PARTNERSHIP

TRIP OVERVIEW
The following overview is a general description which will apply to most teams. Since each team will be unique, this information may be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the group. Example of Possible Schedule for Saturday-Saturday Trip: Arrive midday on Saturday, process immigration, eat lunch, and travel to Arkansas Mission House for orientation and overnight; Sunday travel to the place of ministry and prepare to begin or begin ministry; Monday-Wednesday ministry days; Thursday complete ministry and return travel to Arkansas House for overnight; Friday Free Day for shopping and sightseeing and Ark House overnight; Saturday flight home. (This is only an example. Schedule for your churchs FIRST TEAM will slightly vary). Air Travel: Each team will be responsible for securing airline tickets which best fit the needs of the team. Several major airlines fly into Guatemala City throughout the day. It is usually best to get a flight that arrives in Guatemala around midday. Lodging Guatemala City: The Baptist Missions Arkansas House, located in Guatemala City, is usually available to teams if needed for lodging when arriving or departing for a minimal cost. Transportation: The team will be responsible to pay for a van and fuel for transporting the team. The missionary will assist in reserving a van. Travel Insurance: All team members must have travel insurance from Gallagher and Associates prior to departure. Information needed to secure this insurance is available at http://www.aaintl.com. Click on Insurance Programs, Missionary Travel, Volunteer Missionary Travel Insurance, Contact Us, and provide the requested information. Lodging and food/water: Lodging and food/water costs will vary according to the assignment of the team. The cost will be provided as team needs are defined. Snacks: Team members may want to bring along a small supply of snacks for an energy boost during the day. Pure water will always be available. Translators: The number of translators secured will be determined by the size and need of the team. Translators will be paid per day. Team Money: Teams may no longer send their in-country money to the IMB, Richmond for transfer to Guatemala. Funds to cover the cost of team expenses must be brought into the country by the team. Cash brought into the country must be $20 bills or less. All bills must be totally undamaged, with no markings, tears, fold damage, etc. Any unused funds at the end of the week will be returned to the team. Guatemala currency for personal purchases is best secured through an ATM withdrawal. The missionary can assist you in ATM withdrawals.

As you consider securing Quetzals for your personal purchases, the following rate of exchange may be helpful. Exchange rates will vary slightly. This is a general rate of exchange.
$10.00 $20.00 $50.00 $100.00 $200.00 Q78.04 Q156.09 Q390.22 Q780.45 Q1560.90

Shopping: You will be given the opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs to take home with you. Most teams will shop at the Artisans Market in Antigua which is filled with beautiful items made by local artisans. You will be expected to barter in the market. Your missionary will give you some advice on bartering. In addition to the Artisans Market, you may have the opportunity to visit the Apple Factory which is a small wood working shop that sells beautiful they look real fruits, vegetables, and other items carved from wood. They will take either quetzals or dollars. Also, you may have the opportunity to visit the Jade Shop where you will be dazzled at the beautiful jade jewelry. You may be offered jade products in other locations, but we can only assure you of authentic jade at this location. You may pay in quetzals, dollars, or credit card. IMPORTANT: You will need to have a pen available on the flight to complete immigration papers. On the immigration form, for PURPOSE OF TRIP, check TOURIST. For FORESEEN ADDRESS, put Mz C Lote 12, La Plazuela del Conquistador, Antigua.

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PARTNERSHIP

IMPORTANT!
ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING IMB CHILD PROTECTION POLICY. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THIS TRAINING AND CLEARANCE, PLEASE ASK YOUR TEAM LEADER FOR THE PROCESS YOUR GROUP WILL BE USING.

2009 IMB Child Protection Policy

Children are a precious resource entrusted to us, and their care and protection are top priorities. In a world where sexual and physical abuse of children is a sad reality, many churches are taking steps to assure that the children related to their ministry are safe and secure from sexual and physical abuse. The IMB is joining the growing number of churches in implementing a child protection process. Because almost everyone serving on the mission field interacts with children, we are asking that all short term mission trip participants ages 18 and older have child protection training and go through a background screening process.

Child Protection Training

Many churches have training in place for those working with children and youth. Child protection training materials are also available free of charge at the IMBs website http://going.imb.org/vim/Step_2/team_leader.asp. Each team member must participate in their churchs training program or review the materials provided by the IMB.

Background Screening
Many churches utilize a screening process that includes a criminal background check, an interview, and confidential references. The IMB is requesting that this three part process be utilized for those participating on a short term mission trip. The sending church or organization should interview each potential member, gather and evaluate personal references, and secure a company or local law enforcement to conduct a criminal background check for each team member. This check should include a county, state, and national record check.

Verification
Team leaders must confirm in writing to their host contact on the field that each short term mission trip participant has completed the child protection process. The training and screening only needs to be completed every four years. For short term mission trip participants under the age of 18, the sending church or entity should conduct a reference check only. The training and the other elements of the background screening are not required.

Available Resource
The IMB has established a relationship with Protect My Ministry as a tool to facilitate the criminal background process. This program provides discounted rates and a streamlined on-line process for conducting the checks, reviewing the results, and safeguarding the data. Churches may establish an account with Protect My Children through http://going.imb.org/vim/Step_2/team_leader.asp.

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PARTNERSHIP

Date ________________________________________________ Church ______________________________________________ Town _________________________________________

I confirm that each person on our Guatemala Partnership Team has (1) (2) Completed CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING and BACKGROUND SCREENING PROCESS has been completed on each participant.

_________________________________________ Team Leader

(Please give this completed information to your Guatemala host missionary on the first day you arrive.)

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PARTNERSHIP

KEEPING COVERED
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Each team member must purchase travel insurance provided through Gallagher & Associates. THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL! This insurance provides excellent coverage for you as you travel. Please read the policy to know what it covers. Contact information is given above. Very rarely, a volunteer has an accident or medical condition which requires hospitalization or other medical treatment. Each team should have a credit card to cover any hospital costs in country. You will then submit your claim to your insurance company after your return to the states.

PASSPORT
All team members are required to have an active USA passport that will not expire within six months of your date of return to the USA. No visa is required for Guatemala. Color copies of your passport and drivers license should be given to the following: (1) Your contact person in the USA, (2) Your Team Leader, and (3) you should maintain a personal copy for yourself.

IMMUNIZATIONS
No immunizations are required to enter Guatemala. However, you should have an up-to-date Tetanus shot. Some Health Departments recommend other immunizations for Guatemala which you may choose at your own discretion.

PHYSICAL FITNESS/MEDICAL
Villages are often located in remote areas which may require walking on trails to access homes. The climate where we often work is hot. Medical care is available but often is not quickly accessible. If you have a physical or health condition which may limit your ability to function in this environment, please confer with the missionary before arriving. Dont forget to bring a sufficient supply of your prescription and other medications. If you have a tendency to have a sensitive stomach, consider bringing a bottle of Pepto Bismol or other stomach medication.

COMMUNICATIONS
Often phone service and internet connections are not available in the areas we work. Daily contact with family and friends in the United States should not be expected. Please let family members and friends know that you may be out of communication during your visit. Your missionary will have a cell phone and sometimes remote internet access which can be used for emergencies. The Arkansas House has wireless internet and a stateside phone you may use to call home without charge while staying there.

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PARTNERSHIP

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

What should I wear?
Guatemala is known as the Land of Eternal Spring. However, in some of the areas where we will be working, the climate is hot and may be dry or rainy according to the season. Clothing should be cool and comfortable. Well broken-in walking shoes are recommended. Dress modestly to provide a good Christian testimony. In the field, men wear long pants, like blue jeans or khakis. Women wear dresses or skirts (below the knee is important) and blouses with sleeves (no sleeveless dress or blouses). On our Free Day for shopping, women may wear slacks or jeans. Nights can be cool, so a light jacket or long sleeved tee shirt is good to have.

What should I pack?

Anti-Bacterial Hand Cleaner Bible & Devotional Materials Camera Cap/Hat Chap Stick & Sun Screen Credit and/or Debit Card Clothing Drivers License Flashlight & Batteries Flip Flops/Shower Shoes Insect Repellent Medications Money Pouch Passport Pens/Pencils Energy Snacks Spanish-English Dictionary Spending Money Sunglasses Toiletry Items Washcloths (hotels dont provide)

THINGS TO REMEMBER
Blessed are the flexible. Drink only bottled water, including for brushing your teeth. Use hand sanitizer, especially before meals. Wash hands as often as possible Travel with toilet paper. (Walmart has small travel rolls.) Public bathrooms may not have it. In a public place, move your wallet to your front pocket. Dont carry all your cash in one place. Dont eat foods prepared on the streets. Dont initiate conversation with a national of the opposite sex. Say you are from the United States (Los Estados Unidos), not from America. Dont take pictures of anyone in uniform, or any person without permission (especially children). Flashy jewelry and showing your money targets you for thieves. Dont assume that people do not understand English. Phrases like if maybewell see. Perhaps are promises to nationals. Guatemaltecos believe true Christians do not drink alcohol or smoke. When giving your testimony, share your salvation experience. Play with children, but never be alone with a child. Never give a monetary gift before talking to the missionary. Guatemaltecos are quiet and humble people. They rarely raise their voices. Therefore, avoid boisterous behavior common among North Americans.

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PARTNERSHIP

Twenty Things to Do or Dont Do

1. Dont walk outside at night. If out in the daytime with permission, make it a group of at least 3. 2. Dont bring any valuable jewelry and be wise in displaying valuables including money. 3. Dont expect to take a shower every day. Shower facilities may not be available in some places. 4. Dont expect hot water. Many places only have cold water. 5. Dont flush your soiled bathroom tissue in the toilets. Place it in the trash can provided. 6. Dont expect to have a bed like back home. 7. Dont lick your fingers or put your fingers in your mouth. 8. Dont make promises to nationals. 9. Dont take pictures of people without permission, especially of children. 10. Do expect a simpler lifestyle, focusing on the value of people and relationships 11. Do expect that God will use this experience to cause you to reevaluate your priorities. 12. Do expect that God will use you in a wonderful way to impact lives. 13. Do expect Guatemalans to be hospitable and generous. 14. Do drink only bottled water unless you are in a social situation which requires a hospitable response and it would be offensive not to receive it. 15. Do be people-oriented, not just task-oriented. 16. Do seize every opportunity to share your salvation testimony both privately and publically. 17. Do respond positively to your team leaders, even if you do not fully understand their request. 18. Do speak positively about Guatemala, the people, and the culture. 19. Do enjoy the food the Lord provides, even when it might not be what you would have prepared. 20. Do give thanks daily for the privilege of bringing the Gospel to those who have not yet believed.