Lesson 2
Trip Logistics
Logistics issues
• Documentation
• Travel arrangements
– Air travel to and from
– Transportation within host country
– Luggage
• Legal/insurance
• Financial responsibilities
Legal/Insurance Issues
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Valid passports—plan well ahead
Will visas be necessary?
Review immigration and customs process
Consider trip insurance to cover any
cancellations
• Overseas medical insurance?
• Permission slips from parents when minors
are leaving the country
• Signed liability releases with local church
Scheduling and Transportation
• Use a reliable travel agency that has
experience with international travel to the
Majority World
• Inquire with air carrier about any special
items being shipped—medical supplies,
equipment, etc
• Rely on the advice of host receiver with
regard to travel planning
On-field logistics
• Your host receiver will generally be
responsible for arranging in-country
transportation and lodging
• Having someone on-site is invaluable
for ensuring necessary arrangements
• Project site logistics will typically be
arranged by the host receiver
On-Field
Project considerations
• Consider how to involve local people in the
project—broad-based participation
• Focus on felt needs of the receiving community
• Respect the wisdom of the receiving community
• Always buy any supplies locally to help
economy
• Goal is not to displace local workers who need
jobs and income
• Working with locals can be a very effective way
to build relationships and lay foundation for
long-term partnerships
Building for Eternity:
Some Thoughts on Construction
• Must recognize the differences in cultures
– Materials sometimes not available
– Materials do not arrive on time or at all
– Materials not of the quality you want
• Must keep the focus on the purpose and the
people and not the project itself
• Must understand the local customs, methods
• Must respect the local wisdom
• It is critical to BE FLEXIBLE
Being Flexible
• Allow for changes in your plan
• Uncertainties:
– Weather
– May not be able to transport materials
– Materials may not be available that day
– Electricity may not be on that day
– There may be no water
• Go with the flow
Key Principle:
Construction Projects
Do not be too
prepared!
Key Requirements
• Need to have someone on the ground in whom you
have confidence and already there before the arrival
of the team
• Need to try to have the materials on-site before team
arrival if possible
• Will likely need to get money to someone beforehand
• Gather as much information as possible—what kinds
of tools are already available, how many tools will
you need, etc.
Key Requirements (cont)
• Ideal is to have a national foreman on-site
• Engage as many local people as possible in the
project—ownership
• Team should consider not trying to finish every little
thing—allow the local people to finish the job
• Be prepared to be patient—the project will typically
take more time than you imagine
• Sometimes, need to send a couple of people to the
project site beforehand
Medical Missions
• The doctor who goes may be the only doctor
people will ever see
• Great opportunity to address the physical
and spiritual needs of the whole person
• Majority of people have generic problems—
infections, bronchitis, pain
• Many people come out of curiosity—great
opportunity to witness
• Not always easy for doctors to practice in
another country—but can advise, coach
What makes a successful
medical missions trip
• Many opportunities for virtually
anyone—do not necessarily need
medical skills
• Only need a heart to serve
• Nurses bring a wide array of gifts
• Integrate prayer into the outreach—be
holistic
What makes a successful
medical missions trip
• Teams can be structured depending on skills—
education, personal hygiene, veterinarian, physical
therapy, chiropractic medicine, etc.
• Being flexible is critical—space, water, electricity, light,
communication
• Can leave behind supplies and equipment
• Coordinate with the local church—needs, follow up
• Present the gospel after actually seeing patients
Dangers in Medical Missions
• Actually misdiagnosing a problem—e.g. lack of
familiarity with tropical diseases
• Actually harming someone
• Can reflect badly on the ministry of the local
missionary
• Can cause problems for access by future teams
• Patients do not understand—communication
issues
• Reality: cannot meet all the physical needs,
cannot see all those who want to be seen
Practical Travel Tips
• Plan to use only cash but inquire about credit
cards (and take only one?). Take only what
you need.
• Use a money belt or something similar
• Team leader should collect all passports &
individuals should carry a copy with them
always
• Take and be willing to share photos of your
family with the receiving people
• Take prescription medicines in original
containers
Practical Travel Tips (cont)
• Someone on the team should take a small
sewing kit
• Pack some snack food
• Do not take electronic gadgets—displaying
your wealth to those who have much less
• In packing, take only what you need
• Pack lightly—take minimum luggage and
clothing necessary (but appropriate) with
space to bring back any gifts and
souvenirs
Practical Travel Tips (cont)
• Pack some re-sealable plastic bags—different
sizes
• Take a musical instrument if possible
• Inquire if your host would like you to bring
anything from the U.S.
• Remember that voltage may be different and also
the possible need for adaptors
• Take soap, a washcloth, and alarm clock
• Have all travelers use a brightly colored yarn on
their luggage
Vacation time???
• Consider the cultural value of taking
some time to see and experience
the country
• Best at the end of the trip
• Good time to relax and de-brief
• Can enrich the overall STM
experience