Team Packet
Guatemala
Canadian Office
2820 Salish Road
West Kelowna, B.C.
V4T 2V9
www.feviva.org
(250)707-3283
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Index
1.
About Fe Viva World Missions
2.
Fe Viva Goals
3.
Bringing a Team
4.
Team Members
5.
What we will be doing in Guatemala
6.
What it will be like in Guatemala
7.
Preliminary Team Preparation Steps
8.
General Practical Preparation
9.
Finances
10. Preparing Spiritually
11. Ministry Preparation
12. Preparing your heart
13. Cultural Preparation
14. Packing/What to bring
15.
Travel Tips
16. Some Spanish Preparation
Emergency Numbers and Email Addresses
Direct Contact to Fe Viva Base in Guatemala
Base Directors: Matt and Kerry Blacklock
011 502 4688-1494
Email: [email protected]
Canadian Head Office:
250 707-3283
[email protected]
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1.
About Fe Viva World Missions
Fe Viva (Faith Alive) World Missions has been ministering full time throughout Central America
since 1995. With the support of mission teams, individuals, churches and organizations much has
been accomplished and the work has grown to include many distinct ministries directed by a
wonderful team of missionaries and national staff.
These ministries include:
1.
International School of Destiny (Bible College)
2.
Casa Esperanza Children’s Home
3.
Missionary Leadership Training Program
4.
Village of Faith – housing assistance for families in crisis
5.
House of Refuge Street Ministries
6.
Prison Ministry
7.
Education Centre
8.
Fe Viva School in Nicaragua
9.
Stoves for Life (Healthy, Energy Efficient stoves for families)
10. Youth and community ministries
11. Teams (general, construction, medical, dental)
Check out www.feviva.org for details about each ministry.
Fe Viva is dedicated to partnering with the local churches in Central America, North America and around
the world; we invite you to be a part of what God is doing in these nations!
2. Fe Viva Goals with Short Term Teams
The goals of Fe Viva World Missions with Short Term Teams are to:
a.
To serve God by working with Him to establish His Kingdom in Guatemala and Central
America and its peoples.
b.
Use the gifts, talents, and calls of individuals, families, teams, churches, and businesses from
Central and North America to bring the love of Jesus, train up individuals and bring positive change
to Central America.
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3. Bringing a Team
You have received this packet because you have been in contact with Fe Viva and are planning to
bring a team, join a team or are interested in visiting Fe Viva. We encourage you to look at our
website to see the various areas of ministry (www.feviva.org). We also regularly post projects
online that your team may want be a part of. As we are a multi-faceted ministry we host various
types of teams:
a. General (working in all the ministry areas)
b. Construction
c. Medical
d. Dental
e. Teaching, seminars, conferences, etc.
f.
Specific focus teams (i.e. Working in one area)
We work closely with teams to find out each team member’s strengths, gifts, talents and expertise
and help match teams to the ministry area(s) that they are most suited and where there is need.
4. Team Members
As a team member each one of you has a valuable role to play on the team. You have a unique
story and a unique set of gifts which God will use to minister to people you meet on the trip.
Whether you have participated on a mission trip before or whether this is your first time, be assured
that God will use you. If you are faithful you will do great things for Him regardless of age or
training.
5.
What we do in Guatemala
Every team is unique. What you do and the areas that you serve in Guatemala depend upon the
focus of your team. However, no matter what kind of team you are, you will experience many of the
ministries listed in Section 1. You will meet the people of Guatemala, work with them and for them
and be challenged in your own life. We encourage you to be open to every opportunity that arises
and see what God does. We are there to assist and guide your team through this experience and
allow the power of God to shape your life and the lives of the people you meet in Guatemala.
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6.
What it is like in Guatemala
a.
Lodging and Food
While in Guatemala you will stay at the ‘Fe Viva’ Base (www.feviva.org). We are equipped with
dorm style accommodations that sleep 2-6 people with shared bathrooms. Some rooms are
equipped with air conditioning. You will be provided with 3 meals daily and will eat together in the
‘Fe Viva’ Rancho with other short and long term missionaries. All food and drinks are made with
purified water and all food is prepared in a safe and healthy manner. We provide purified drinking
water and suggest that you bring your own identifiable water bottle to be refilled often. Bottled
drinking water can also be bought at any store. Fe Viva does not serve between meal snacks,
however snacks can be purchased locally and we recommend you bring nuts, power bars, and
other snacks with you.
b.
Temperature
The temperature where Fe Viva is located is HOT. We are 30 minutes from the Pacific Ocean and
have high humidity. Guatemala is closer to the equator and so skin burns much faster. May to
October is the rainy season (Guatemalan winter) and experiences heavy rains during this time.
November to the end of April is the dry season (Guatemalan summer) and although we receive
some rain during this time, for the most part it is dry. March and April are especially hot, with
temperatures in the high 30’s regularly. Evenings are generally a little cooler through most of the
year and a sweater or light jacket may be required. Refer to the section on “What to Bring” for more
information depending on when you come.
c.Travel
When your team arrives at the airport in Guatemala City, you will be picked up by the Fe Viva staff
and driven to the Fe Viva Base. The drive is approximately 2 hours from the airport to the Base,
depending on traffic and the time you arrive. The road conditions are good, but remember that we
are in Guatemala.
d.
Translators
You will have translators with you in most situations that you encounter. A possible exception to
when a translator may not be available is if you visit Antigua’s tourist markets and historical sites on
your day off. In every ministry situation, on and off the Base, translators are available to assist.
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7.
Preliminary Team Preparation Steps
a. Communicate your interest in bringing a team to Fe Viva by contacting the main office at
[email protected] and the Base Directors (Matt and Kerry Blacklock) at: [email protected] . As we
are a multi-faceted ministry with a lot on the go, good communication is essential to us. So
although you may have already been in contact with other missionary staff or promoters of Fe Viva
it is still necessary that everyone visiting Fe Viva follow this process.
b. Inform Fe Viva of the dates you are interested in coming to see if it will work in the Fe Viva
schedule. We recommend that you begin this process 5-6 months in advance to ensure
availability. Most teams Fe Viva hosts come: January to March, July, August, October and
November.
c.
Share what areas you would like to work in or with (i.e. General, construction, medical,
etc.) at Fe Viva.
d. Book your fights and send the fight itinerary to: [email protected] and [email protected] .
Only when your flights are booked and Fe Viva receives the flight itinerary will your team be
confirmed.
e. Stay in communication with your team and Fe Viva during your preparation time.
f.
Be advised that your team may not be the only team on Base, as we have the capacity to
host many people. We will inform you if there are other teams at that time.
g. Send your funds. Funds are to be sent in US dollars and should be received at least 2 weeks in
advance of your departure date. There are 3 payment options available including: Cheque,
which can be mailed to the Canadian head office at the address listed on the front of this packet;
Paypal, although there may be additional fees: or Money Transfer. If paying by money transfer
please contact the Head Office for more information.
8.
General Practical Preparation
a.
Passport
- If you don’t have a passport, apply for one at least 4 months before your trip. If you have a
passport, check the expiry date. If your passport expires within 6 months of flight date, contact your
local passport office for passport renewal to ensure travel.
- Whenever you state your “purpose of trip” or “reason for travel” on any documents, write or check
“TOURIST”, this helps avoid confusion and red tape. It is also important to remember this when
speaking to customs officials.
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- Make 2 photocopies of your passport photo and signature page along with 2 copies of your birth
certificate to bring with you in case your passport is ever lost or stolen.
- You can pick up a passport application at any travel agency, postal outlet or you can apply online.
*Team leaders may consider compiling copies of team member’s important
documents in a binder for quick and easy access.
b. Tickets
- The purchasing of flight tickets is the responsibility of the team or team members.
- There are certain days that are less expensive to fly, so look for the best days to travel from your
area.
c. Medical/Travel Insurance
- Each team member is responsible for his or her own out of country medical and travel insurance.
Every person is responsible for looking into this. Check your coverage. This is optional and we
recommended you use your own discretion.
- Fe Viva does have a medical clinic and a Guatemalan doctor on Base for emergencies.
- Please have contact information available for a relative or friend in Canada that can be contacted
immediately in case of any emergency.
d. Immunization
- Please check with your family physician or Public Health Nurse/Centre for recommendations
regarding immunizations for travel in Guatemala. Some vaccinations are recommended, but not
mandatory and we recommend you use your own discretion. (i.e. Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus)
- If you have any questions please contact the Fe Viva hosts.
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9. Finances
a.Trip Costs:
To Fe Viva: $795.00 USD for 11-14 days. (+ $30/day per person after 14 days)
Shorter term stays at Fe Viva can also be accommodated. Contact Head Office or Base Directors
for more details.
These costs include:
- Accommodations
- Meals & pure water at Fe Viva Base
- Interpreters
- Transportation to/from the airport and team transportation during your stay.
Other expenses not included:
- Airfare (depends where you are flying from)
- Transportation to and from airport (other than on planned arrival and departure dates)
-
Occasional meals out (2-3)
-
Offerings
-
Personal shopping
- “Free” day expenses
-
Overnight lodging close to Guatemala airport upon arrival or departure depending on flight times
(approx. $ 15 USD).
b.Recommended Currency
Teams need to bring U.S. cash that can be exchanged locally. A bank card with the PLUS on it can
mostly be used to access extra cash, but it is not guaranteed to work in all machines. It is
recommended that you have a VISA/MASTERCARD available for emergency purposes. Traveler’s
checks/cheques are not widely accepted.
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10.
Preparing Spiritually
This trip will be spiritually stretching and you need to prepare yourself appropriately.
HOW?
a.
Personal Devotions
- Pray about what God wants to do on this trip and with this team. Find out His desire.
- Read the Word of God to strengthen you and prepare you to speak His truth.
- Write down what God gives you.
- Take time to worship and pray.
b.
Getting Help
- Share what you are hearing from God with your pastor or leader(s).
- Ask people to pray for you.
- Share with your family and friends what you are preparing for.
11.
Ministry Preparation
a. Testimony
We encourage every team member to be prepared to share their testimony at least once during
your time in Guatemala. Prepare a short 3-5 minute testimony about a time in your life where God
brought change to your life, gave revelation to you or used you to help others, etc. Your story is
important and powerful (Revelation 12:11), and we want to hear it. Here is information to help
prepare your testimony.
Preparing a Testimony
•
You may have the privilege of giving your testimony during your time with Fe Viva, this could happen in a church, door to door ministry, in a school, or another place
•
A testimony is different from preaching and its central theme is what Christ means to you and
what He has done in your life
•
It is important to write out your testimony and practice presenting it until it feels comfortable
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How to Give a Testimony
•
Your goal is to present Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit clearly, beautifully and simply so that
those who hear your testimony will desire to know Him personally
•
“Testifying” refers to being a witness of what God has done in your life, you may want to give examples of how God is changing the way you think, your ambitions, delivering you from your fears
and giving you new life
•
Sharing what God is teaching you recently is very effective also
Types of Testimonies
1) Testimony of God’s reality in your daily life (can be shared in this basic outline):
•
Read a scripture verse that has personal significance to you and one God spoke to your heart in
your prayer time
•
Explain what the verse means using an explanation that can be related to, stay away from
“Christian Lingo”
•
Be as personal as possible while telling your testimony, relate some of the following: how life has
changed, how you have been set free, helped you forgive, given you courage or vision, met your
needs. People will connect with your needs, problems and/or fears, and when they see your heart
and transparency it creates an atmosphere of security and love. Don’t be afraid to show emotion
because through your life others will see the victory you have in Jesus.
•
Share the truth of the verse to those listening and share that God desires to minister to them in
His great love as He has to you.
•
Invitation for prayer, it may be appropriate to tell people there will be a prayer time at the end of
the service to minister to the people. Believe for God to work through and in you!
2) Salvation Testimony
The salvation testimony describes exactly how you accepted Jesus. Share what caused you to
choose Christ and how you realized your need for a Saviour, and also the way you received Him.
The goal of this testimony is if people never meet you again they will understand how to accept
Christ on their own.
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The A,B,C’s of the salvation testimony:
•
•
•
Brief history of life before Christ
How did you come to Christ?
What is your life like after receiving Christ?
Things to Do When Giving a Testimony
•
Use one or two significant scriptures
•
Speak from the heart demonstrating that Christ does not eliminate all our problems but gives us
peace and life to overcome them
•
Be positive and speak words that carry life and hope
•
Write your testimony, practice and edit as necessary before delivering it
•
When giving your testimony give room for the Holy Spirit to lead you to speak as He leads but do
not get sidetracked
Things to Avoid When Giving a Testimony
•
Don’t rely on a spontaneous inspiration to be an excuse to not have a testimony prepared
•
Don’t preach or use Christian terminology that is meaningless to non-Christians
•
Don’t be wordy and overemphasis how bad you were
•
Don’t speak negatively about the church and or other organizations or people. Don’t point out
faults, for example: “I was once a sinner like you.”
•
Don’t give the impression that once you accept Jesus life will be perfect
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b.
Service
Your team’s gifts and talents will determine the areas of focus and service you will bring to
Guatemala. To prepare for service, please contact us to find out what you need to do.
c.
Dramas/Dances/Music
Dramas, dances and music are always effective for use in evangelism and in churches. Ask the
Holy Spirit to direct you and give you creative ideas or contact us if you need help finding
resources.
12.
Preparing your heart
a. Code of Conduct (how to act while in Guatemala)
1.
When in a third world nation North Americans stand out, so we need to stand out as
individuals serving in a kind, encouraging and positive manner.
2.
Please keep remarks about what you see, hear or smell, etc. to yourself. If food that is
offered looks unappealing, accept it with joy, as it may be the best that they have. Please eat as
much as you can without making remarks or faces.
3.
No complaining allowed. If you have an issue with someone, go to that person directly.
(Matthew 18:15-17) Bring all unresolved concerns to your team leader.
4.
Smoking, tattoos and body piercings are not considered acceptable in general
Guatemalan culture. Please contact Base Directors at [email protected] for more information.
13.
Cultural Preparation
a. Do some research on the nation of Guatemala and find out as much as you can about the land,
the people, the history and the culture.
b.
Read some stories about missionaries.
c.
Study Spanish and begin to learn or improve your language skills. (see section 20)
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14.
Packing/What to bring
α. Luggage:
Check with your airline for their specific rules and regulations regarding carry-on and checked
baggage. If it is possible, depending on your team’s finances as extra charges may apply, we
encourage you to bring a second piece of checked luggage containing donated items.
o
First Bag: Personal (see What to Bring list below)
o Second Bag: Donated items to give away such as medicines, shoes, candies, toys,
dental/hygiene items, baby items, clothes, and school supplies, etc. What you bring may be
determined by your team’s ministry focus or at the request of Fe Viva. Please check the Fe Viva
website (www.feviva.org), or email your [email protected] for present and ongoing needs.
β. What to pack
Unforgettables
- Passport
- Credit Card(s) and/or
bank card with PLUS logo
- Cash *U.S. dollars only*
- Money Belt
- Photocopies of your I.D.
- Bible
- Notebook
Clothes
- Shorts (NO SHORT
SHORTS PLEASE)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Light, Cool Pants
- Skirts (for women)
- Shirts / Blouses
- T-shirts
- Sweater, hoodie or light
jacket
- Swimsuit
- Pajamas
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Belt
- Back pack
Footwear
- Dress/Walking Shoes
- Sandals (closed toe ones
work the best)
- Runners for sports
ministry
Personal Medical
- Prescription Drugs
- 2nd pair of glasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Tums/ antacids
- Antihistamine
- Motion Sickness Remedy
- Pain Reliever
- Vitamins
- Throat Lozenges
Toiletries
- Cosmetic Bag
- Deodorant
- Comb/Brush
- Aftershave
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Bar Soap
- Razor
- Shaving Cream
- Bath & hand Towels
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face Cloth
Miscellaneous
- Travel Clock
- Calculator
- Camera and batteries
- Ear Plugs
- English/Spanish
Dictionary
- Flashlight and batteries
- Neck Pillow
- Pens/Pencils
- Reading Material
- Pocket Knife
- Thank you notes
*NOTE*: These are
suggestions only and are
not mandatory to bring.
Use your discretion as to
what you would use for
yourself.
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χ. Miscellaneous
Women should have at least one skirt at knee length or lower to wear for rural ministry times and
also wear tops that are modest. Tops with wider straps and not spaghetti straps are acceptable.
Longer shorts (no short shorts), capris, slacks, runners, flip flops and a modest 1 piece bathing
suit or tankini are also very important to bring along.
Men should have at least one pair of decent slacks for ministry times although jeans or khakis may
be acceptable at times too. Collared golf shirts are fine for many ministry situations, but it is good to
have one or two dressier, short sleeve shirts as well. Men should also bring along shorts, swim suit,
runners, and sandals.
Shorts can be worn by both men and women for work and casual times at Fe Viva, but are not
suitable for ministry.
Remember: it is warm all the time and humidity is usually high, so you may want a “sweat rag” with
you.
A towel, pillow and set of sheets will be provided for your use while at Fe Viva. You are responsible
for washing your bedding, clothes etc. during your stay.
Please keep in mind that while at Fe Viva modern washing machines may not be readily
available and there are no dryers. Therefore light weight clothing which breathes and can
air dry quickly is most suitable. Washing machine use is sometimes limited due to the
number of persons using them. Label or identify all clothing, as it may be beneficial to
combine loads with other team members.
15. Travel Tips
a.
Carry-on Suggestions
It is advisable to pack a change of clothing and any essentials like medication and toiletries in
your carry-on bag in the case that your checked luggage is delayed or lost. Sharp or pointed
objects such as scissors, tweezers, knives, and liquids larger than 30ml are not allowed. Check
with your airline for current regulations regarding carry-on baggage.
b.
Diarrhea and Constipation
With travel and diet change people can often experience difficulties with their digestive system for a
few days. Two common symptoms are diarrhea and constipation. If you experience either of these
symptoms it is important to drink lots of water. Most diarrheas can be controlled by Pepto Bismol
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or Imodium. DO NOT bring anything stronger, unless you are under a physician’s care and have
directions to do so. Constipation can be very serious if it continues for more than a few days and it
may be helpful to have Metamucil or Exlax available. However, prayer is and always has been the
best medicine!
16.
Some Spanish Preparation
a. Pronouncing Spanish (the 5 vowels)
- “A” sounds like ‘ah’
- “E” sounds like ‘eh’
- “I” sounds like ‘ee’
- “O” sounds like ‘oh’
- “U” sounds like ‘oo’
Where there are 2 vowels next to each other in one word each vowel sound is pronounced. The
vowel sounds are very important and each must be specifically pronounced.
b.
Greetings and Departures
- Buenos Dias – Good Morning
- Buenas Tardes – Good Afternoon
- Buenas Noches – Good Evening or Good Night
- Feliz Noches – Good Night
- Hasta Manana – See you tomorrow
- Pues – Well then
- Hasta luego – See you later
- Ya vengo – Be right back
- Bienvenido- Welcome
c.
Numbers
- Uno – one
- Dos – two
- Tres – three
- Cuatro – four
- Cinco – five
- Seis – six
- Siete – seven
- Ocho – eight
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-
Nueve – nine
Diez – ten
Once – eleven
Doce – Twelve
Ciento – 100
Mil – 1000
d.
Common Christian Phrases
- Gloria a Dios – Praise the Lord
- En el nombre de Jesus – in the name of Jesus
- Dios te bendiga – God bless you
- Dios te ama – God loves you
- Oremos – Let’s pray
e.
A little about you
- Me llamo ___________ - My name is _____________
- Soy de Canada – I am from Canada
- Soy estudiante – I am a student
o Maestro – teacher
o Pastor – pastor
o Medico – doctor
o Carpintero – carpenter
o Conductor – driver
o Plomero – plumber
o Electricista – electrician
o Estanciero – farmer
- Tengo famila – I have a family
- Tengo hermanos – I have brothers and sisters
- Tengo hijos – I have children
f. Common foods
- Pan – bread
- Leche – milk
- Mantequilla – butter
- Arroz – rice
- Pollo - chicken
- Frijoloes – black beans
- Pina – pineapple
- Sandia – watermelon
- Naranja – orange
- Jugo de naranja – orange juice
- Limonada – lemonade
- Naranjada – orangeade
- Carne – beef
- Hamburguesa – hamburger
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- Queso – cheese
g.
Questions
- Donde esta el bano? – Where is the washroom?
- Que hora es? - What time is it?
- Como se llama usted? – What is your name? (When speaking to an adult)
- Como te llamas?- What is your name? (when speaking to a child)
- Cuantos anos tienes? – How old are you?
- Cuanto questa? – How much does it cost?
- Coca, por favor? – Could I have a Coke please?
- Café con leche, por favor? – Coffee with cream, please?
h.
Important Words
- Gracias – Thank you
- De nada – You are welcome
- Por favor – please
- Perdon – Excuse me
No gracias – No thank you
Un pequito – A little bit
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