MOTTO FOR U.S. PARTNERSHIP TEAMS

Using our God-given gifts and God-developed skills to share Christ with the Miskito people.

U.S. PARTNERSHIP METHODOLOGY

All teams are part of an overall strategy and focused on the long-term ministry that will assist in the initiation of a church growth movement among the Miskito people.

U.S. PARTNERSHIP teams are an integral part of our strategy for the evangelization of the Miskito people. This is based on several core values regarding volunteer missions.

God has called all of us to fulfill the great commission.

The task is greater than what career missionaries can accomplish by themselves.

Volunteer missionaries can effectively share Christ in spite of language and cultural barriers.

Volunteer missionaries can understand and respect mission principals, the value of local initiative and reproducibility.

Stewardship and servant-hood are transferable models that can be reproduced by the Miskito people.

Our God-given spiritual gifts and God-developed physical skills are His tools to build His kingdom.

STRATEGIC U.S. PARTNERSHIP TEAM

1.      Surround and encompass the Miskito ministry with prayer.

2.      Cooperate with local churches in planting new churches through Medical Evangelism, Youth Evangelism, Partnership Construction, Evangelistic Surveys, and Human Needs projects.

3.      Facilitate lay-pastoral leadership training by assisting in the construction of Bible Institute facilities.

4.      Assist in training lay leaders in discipleship and church planting.

5.      Model stewardship and servant-hood by assisting new congregations in the construction of their first-unit building.

U.S. Partnership teams must be self-contained and be able to rely on little direct supervision by missionary. The “Mosquitia” of Honduras and Nicaragua is a remote and rugged area with no medical services available. Only individuals in good health and with a spirit of adventure should consider this type of mission experience.

TEAM SIZE: Teams should include at least 12 people and not more than 15 people. The exception would be road crews, sawmill teams and special circumstances. 

 MEALS: Teams should plan with the missionary which types of meals are required for their specific location and travel plans. Kitchen sets, including all cookware and dishes, will be provided. Please do not bring disposable items such as paper plates and plastic-ware. Each team will need to bringing cooks capable of working in a make shift field kitchen and cooking from scratch. Teams will also bring some food items that are not available on the field. Sample menus and shopping list will be provided by the missionary.

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION: Team leaders should prepare the team in advance during regular meetings. During these meetings, questions about the trip can be addressed; however, the main goal of these meetings is to prepare each member, and the team as a whole, for the spiritual experience of missions. Bible studies and prayer should be included in the meetings. On the web site, under the category of Spiritual Preparation, you will find several studies to prepare the team. All teams will be involved in evangelistic activities and worship with local believers, including prayer walks and showing the Jesus film. Each person must have a prayer partner; someone who will be praying for them specifically during the week. Each team member must write out and rehearse their testimony prior to their arrival. Each person should be ready to share his or her personal testimony with a moments notice. 

ORIENTATON: Team leaders should give orientation materials, provided by the Missionary, to each team member prior to coming. Each team member must confirm they have read the materials. An on-the-field orientation will be provided the first day.

1.      DATES: All teams should confirm dates for mission projects with Missionaries before purchasing tickets.   Due to the complicated schedule, dates may not be changed (not even one day) without checking with the missionaries. 

2.      INSURANCE: All teams must purchase IMB approved insurance through Adams and Associates. Each team will receive an email providing IMB project number and instructions for purchasing insurance. Insurance can be purchased online.

3.      TRAVEL: All travel itineraries must be e-mailed to the missionaries at viola@palmerministry.com  as soon as the dates are confirmed and the tickets are purchased. Please include the list of team members’ names. Missionaries will make your in country flight reservations. No matter what your travel agent says, reservations for the in country flights cannot be made by internet or through U.S. travel agents. You will pay for your tickets and overweight at the National flights counter with cash or credit card.

4.      HOTEL: If you must overnight in Managua or La Ceiba, the missionaries will make your hotel reservations. Check with Missionary for current rate. You can pay for the hotel with cash or credit card.

5.      LUGGAGE: On the Managua to Puerto Cabezas flight, you are allowed 40 pounds of baggage per ticket and will be charged $.1.00 a pound for anything over 30 pound. Honduras in-country flights have different set of rules.

6.      MONEY: You can pay for you ticket and overweight at Costeña Airlines with cash or credit card. Your $30 per diem per person must be brought in cash. We prefer $100 or $20 bills. Bills must be clean, no folds, tears or marks. We know this sounds like a drug deal but we live in a cash only economy and banks are leery of counterfeit bills.

Nicaragua- If you arrive in Managua before 12:30pm you will be able to come straight out to Puerto Cabezas. Otherwise you will have to spend the night at the Best Western across the street from the Airport.  They have a shuttle. Most of our teams are able to arrive before 1pm and come straight out. You will clear Immigration ($5.00 visa fee); tell them you are staying at the Mision Bautista, Puerto Cabezas. Get your bags and clear Customs. Go outside, take a left, and walk to the other end of the airport terminal to the National Flights Building. There are men with carts that will help move your luggage to National Flights.  Choose only two to help you (or you will have to pay everyone). You can tip them $1.00 for each bag. Please do not cause problems for future teams by over-tipping. At the Costena desk you will purchase your tickets ($150) and pay for your overweight ($1.00/lb) You will receive a ticket folder; please note the folder is small, only 4”x6”. Please keep all the Costena tickets together and do not separate the tickets from the folder.  As you go into the boarding area you will pay the airport tax ($2.50), go through security, then wait until they call your flight to board the plane. Someone in a Mision Bautista truck will pick you up at the airport in Puerto Cabezas.   

Honduras – The teams should plan to arrive in San Pedro Sula on American Airlines around noon on Friday afternoon. Please check with the missionaries about the how you will travel from San Pedro to your field of service. Generally, this is a 2 day trip. 

CARRY-ON: It is imperative that everyone has a carry-on that must fit in your lap.  Bring in your carry-on:

1. Personal medications
2. Two sets of clothes (church clothes for Sunday-- dress for women and long pants for men—and work clothes for Monday).
3. Personal hygiene items

Excess baggage will come on a space available basis and may not come on your flight.

Upon arrival, each team leader should have, on hand, several copies of a printed list of all team members with passport numbers, address, and occupation. This list may be required of you by Immigration officials. This facilitates easy passage in Immigration, Customs, and police checks.

Airline tickets US to Managua	????Depends on fares????	$600.00-$800.00
Volunteer medical insurance	7 days @ $2.75/day	$19.25
Visa into Nicaragua	Paid at Immigration.	$5.00
Flight from Managua to Puerto Cabezas	RT ticket - $150 Overweight fee - $50+-	$200.00
National Airport fee	Leaving Managua	$2.50
Airport tips	$1 per piece carried	$2.00
U.S. Partnership Ministry Overhead costs (Per diem) – ministry support fee. Covers all overhead expense, tools, materials, housing, meals in Puerto Cabezas (see breakdown below)	Pay to the Missionaries on arrival in Puerto Cabezas – 6 days	$180.00
Food purchases in US about $400. (see below.)	Purchased by team	$40.00
Tools purchased in US about $200. (see below.)	Purchased by team	$20.00
National Airport fee	Leaving Puerto Cabezas	$2.50
Maximum per person cost depending on US ticket costs		$1,271.25

U.S. PARTNERSHIP MINISTRY OVERHEAD COSTS (Per diem)

The Miskito Strategy Team of the IMB utilizes over 30 volunteer ministry teams each year as a strategic part of our church planting objectives. Each team participates in valuable ministries that promote evangelism and church planting. In order to maintain our Ministry Center, and the equipment and employees needed to support our volunteer ministry program, each team has agreed to contribute $30 per diem ($180 per person per week) to cover the following costs. We receive no IMB funds to cover these costs.  Without this per diem we could not maintain our Ministry Center and support the team who come to ministry to the Miskito people.

Items	Description	Weekly Cost/Person
Vehicles and transportation	Fuel, maintenance, repairs and drivers. ($10/day)	$60.00
2 Nights lodging at the Guest House	Electricity, cleaning, laundry and guest house staff ($10 per night).	$20.00
Camping Equipment	Up keep on cots, tents, sheets and towels, canopy, kitchen utensils, and stove. ($6 per night)	$25.00
Meals*	4 meals coming and going from Guest house ($2.50 c/u)	$10.00
	Food purchased locally for team while out on ministry site for 5 days. ($5/day)	$25.00
Administration and translators	Salaries for administrative personnel and translators who accompany the team.	$40.00
	Total cost per week (6 days)	$180.00
	Per diem costs	$30.00

*Each team will purchased certain supplies to be brought from the US. These are items that are either unavailable or prohibitively expenses in country. These items should cost the team approximately $400 or $40 per person. This $400 is in addition to the per diem. Some teams spend more, others spend less, and other get most of the items donated.

Under this per diem there are absolutely no additional costs to the team during their mission project.

Each team must have at least one - two people with servant attitudes to cook and be responsible for the kitchen. National (local) Christians might help but will not be able to fix American style food or may not be able to ensure American health standards. There may not be a missionary present on site to help in the kitchen.   The team cooks will be responsible for cooking, serving, washing dishes, and general cleanup, preparation of pure water, snacks and assuring the work site has water and drink.

Teams must eat well in order to work hard.  Most teams include big hard working men, and while working, they eat more than the average person in the U.S. setting. Missionaries, interpreters, helpers, guards, and occasionally the local pastor may be included in meal times, so plan on preparing enough food for at least 20 people. It is better to have left over than not enough. Nothing will be wasted.All leftovers that you do not plan to use in future meals should be given to the pastor’s wife and she will see that it is used wisely. Make it clear that you need your containers back.

Usually the team workers will not be able to help with cooking because cooking may be done away from the work site. Breakfast should be served at 6:00 a.m. This means that cooks must be up early to prepare breakfasts. Lunch will be served at 12 noon and supper at 6:00.  Snacks should be planned for mid-morning and mid-afternoon.   In order to maximize our ministry time, meals must be served on time and coordinated with ministry plans. 

Your meal at the Mission Center in Puerto Cabezas will be provided by the Mission. You will only be asked to pitch in to help as needed. Outside Puerto Cabezas and or Puerto Lempira ice, bread, and vegetables are NOT available.  Plan accordingly. We will do all we can to have ice on the site, but after the first 2 or 3 days it may be gone. Meals will be planned around canned or foil vacuum sealed bags and boxed goods. 

The following is a simple menu that provides plenty of energy and is easy to transport and prepare. It requires at least one team member to be the designated cook who can draft others to help. The menu relies on locally cooked beans and rice augmented with hamburger and chicken helper.

Beans and rice will be cooked by the pastor's wife or another lady in the community. This saves time and fuel and allows others to receive a blessing of service. The team will not pay the person for this service, but left-overs will be sent to the cook's house and will help feed church members and others who are helping

Gatorade or Kool-Aid needs to be available all the time. Snacks should be available with drinks mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Breakfasts will involve boiling water for coffee and oatmeal packets. Usually two packets make one serving. After breakfast the measured amount of beans and rice will be sent to the designated house to be cooked. Lunches are simple bean and rice meals with picante sauce and peanut butter and jelly. For supper the hamburger or chicken helper can be heated up in a sauce pan, mixed with either ham or chicken, and then served with the beans and rice.

MISSION TRIP MENU – FOR ONE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	SUPPER	AM SNACK	PM SNACK
TRAVEL DAY	Instant Oatmeal -breakfast bars - tang - coffee	Sandwich snack taken from the Mission	Lasagna helper and ham - beans - rice - tortillas	Trail mix,	Cookies
1ST WORK DAY	Instant Oatmeal -breakfast bars - tang - coffee	Beans - Rice - Tortillas - Peanut butter and Jelly	Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken - beans - rice – tortillas	Nuts	Cookies
2ND WORK DAY	Instant Oatmeal -breakfast bars - tang - coffee	Beans - Rice - Tortillas - Peanut butter and Jelly	Chilly Mac with ham - beans - rice - tortillas	Raisins	Cookies
3RD WORK DAY	Instant Oatmeal -breakfast bars - tang - coffee	Beans - Rice - Tortillas - Peanut butter and Jelly	Cheesy Chicken Enchilada with chicken - beans - rice - tortillas	Trail mix,	Cookies
4TH WORK DAY	Instant Oatmeal -breakfast bars - tang - coffee	Beans - Rice - Tortillas - Peanut butter and Jelly	Stroganoff with ham - beans- rice - tortillas	Dried fruit	Cookies
TRAVEL DAY	Instant Oatmeal -breakfast bars - tang - coffee	Snack on the road	Supper at the Mission Center

The team will purchase 31 items to bring for meals. Estimated value of $300-$400. You must follow the list or you will be missing something at mealtime. Other food items will be purchased by the Mission and added to your supplies. Food items should be packed per day (4 work days) in black tote trucks (Wal-Mart specials). The items should fit in 4 trunks without being overweight (50lbs). Once you arrive in Puerto Cabezas you can repack before going to the village.

SHOPPING LIST FOR TEAM OF 15 FOR 1 WEEK MISSION TRIP
You will be providing for your team, plus translators, pastors, and missionaries (TOTAL OF 20-24)
	AMT	ITEM	SIZE	PRICE		TOTAL
1	1	Large Dish soap
2	4	Dish towels
3	1	Dish wash cloth
4	2	Pot holders
5	1	Roll or package large trash bags	20 bags
6	12	White flour tortillas (Flour not Corn)	packages of 20 large
7	1	Creamer	1.4 lb jar
8	4	Pace Picante Sauce	Quart jugs
9	5	Tang	Makes 22 quarts
10	5	Country Time Lemonade mix	Makes 8 quarts
11	5	Cherry  or Grape Koolade	Makes 8 quarts
12	5	Tea with Lemon	Makes 8 quarts
13	3	Peanut butter	16 oz (1 lbs)
14	2	Jelly	32 oz (plastic jar)
15	120	Individual packages of instant oatmeal (a variety of flavors)	Boxes that equal 120 pks
16	60	Variety of Breakfast Bars	Boxes that equal 60 bars
17	6	Boxes of Chili-Mac	Hamburger Helper box
18	6	Boxes of Fettuccine Alfredo	Chicken Helper box
19	6	Boxes of Lasagna	Hamburger Helper box
20	6	Boxes of Cheesy Chicken Enchilada	Chicken Helper box
21	60	Zip locks bags	Snack size
22	12	Canned chicken	Canned or foil vacuum packs
23	2	Disposable Salt and Pepper	pair of Salt and pepper
24	20	Freezer Zip locks bags	Jumbo 2.5 gallon size
ITEMS NOT TO PURCHASE - WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE MISSION  (Can be purchased cheaper in Honduras and Nicaragua and will be provided for you.)
AMT		ITEM	SIZE	PRICE	TOTAL
1	36	Chickys Cookies	individual packages
2	36	Butter Cookies	individual packages
3	36	Oatmeal Cookies	individual packages
4	36	Chocolate Chip Cookies	individual packages
5	36	Oreo Cookies	individual packages
6	36	Fruit cups
7	1	Sugar or salt	1 lb.
8	4	Coffee	1 lb. bag
9	1	Cooking oil	gallon
10	5	Rice	10 pounds
11	5	Beans	8 pounds
12	12	Canned Ham	1 lb
13	1	Clorox for dishwashing and purification	I gallon
14	3	Soap for handwashing	3 bars

FIELD KITCHEN WILL BE PROVIDED

A field kitchen will be provided for each team. The kitchen includes;

A portable propane 2 or 3 burner stove

Cooking utensils and dishes for your team plus a few extra.

Stove top coffee pots.

Hand washing pans, and dish washing pans

Water and drink coolers

If you desire anything special, i.e. your favorite cooking spoon, bring it with you.

WATER PURIFICATION

Water will probably have to be hauled from a creek or local well, and then purified.   Use Clorox to purify the water one drop is suggested per quart. Depending on the quality of the water, you can double amount but no more or it will be too strong.  Let water stand 30 minutes before using it.  15 drops is equal to 1 cc or 1 teaspoon.  For the large 5 gallon thermos we use 2 and 1/2 cc which is equal to ½ teaspoon or 30 drops. Purified water and Kool-Aid/Gatorade must be available on the worksite.

Most team will be able to carry out ice in chests. One person should be responsible for the ice chests and to keep foods cold and drinks cold, opening the ice chest as little as possible (After the ice in the chest is gone you will NOT be able to get more). If only one person is authorized to open the ice chest the ice will last twice as long.

Keep a hand washing station set up at all times.

 In front of the tent place the 3 dishpans for hand washing.  The steps are:

1.  Wash water with soap along side of tub.

2.  Rinse in plain water

3.  Rinse in water with Clorox.  1 Tablespoon per gallon.

1. Work area should be divided into a “contaminated” preparation area, and a “clean” final preparation area; and things that have not been washed, peeled, or unwrapped should not be placed in the clean area. Use one end of one of the tables as your contaminated area. The end of the table that is your “counter top” should be used as a clean area.
2. All counters and tabletops should be scrubbed with soapy water mixed with bleach.
3. Do not use knives or counter tops on un-clean food and then on clean food.
4. Keep trash to a minimum.  Burn trash daily. Do not throw away any food that can be eaten or any containers that can be reused. Give away any leftovers and metal cans, jars, jugs to local pastor’s wife.  She will distribute them.  
5. Do not use the same area or knife for cutting meat as you do for vegetables and fruits without washing them with soapy water and bleach and drying thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle water on dry dusty ground to keep the dust down.
7. Cover prepared foods with clean clothes or lids
8. When storing items in the ice chest, wipe and clean off the container first. Do not use the ice for drinks that you are using for storing food.
9. Use a scoop (cup or pan) for getting the ice and do not allow people to get the ice with their hands. 
10. Use purified water for all cooking!

1. Wash Dishes in soapy water

3. Rinse in Bleach water  of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water

4. Let air dry or dry with clean cloth. Place dishes in trunk and shut lid to keep clean. If air-drying dishes, cover with a clean cloth so they will not get dusty or have flies land on them.

Preparation of fruits and vegetables to be eaten raw.

Step1.  Wash with cool, purified water and detergent.

Step 2.  Peel and wash again.

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

These items are used constantly in the ministry, even when construction mission teams are not present. Most teams will consume the items during the week of ministry. Items that are left over are used for future mission projects. If there is an abundance of some items, they will be given to pastors and others who can take good advantage of them. Each team member should bring their own hammer and tape measure. Many of these items can be donated by Sunday school classes or ministry groups within the church. EACH TEAM SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING:

¨      Carpentry pencils

¨      Cheap work gloves (not just for team but for Miskito workers)

¨      Cloth nail aprons (just a few, not hundreds)

¨      6 skill saw blades

¨      1 hack saw with extra blades and a small general purpose hand saw (short cross-cut, aggressive set)

¨      Several 25’measure tapes

¨      1 chalk line (not 2 or 3)

¨      Several hammers

¨      2 rolls nylon masonry string

¨      2 plastic speed squares

¨      2 rolls of duck tape and roll of caution tape

¨      Light weight rope

¨      Paslode nails for air guns – 1000-2 ½” , 1000-3 ½” 

¨      Galvanized or coated wood screws (for doors and windows) 10 lbs of 1 ¼“.

¨      #2 screw driver bits (small box)

If you would like to bring something to give out in the community, we ask that you not bring toys, but school supplies. School supplies are more valuable than toys or gifts. The amounts are merely suggested amounts.

¨      1000 - No. 2 pencils

¨      200 - spiral notebooks

¨      50 -Small packs of 8 or 12 count of crayons

Depending on need for replacement – Check with missionary coordinator.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT (With rough travel and use our equipment must be constantly replaced)

¨      2 big man lumber jack cots (not the extra large ones, they tend to break easily)

¨      2 Plastic tarps (10’x20’) to cover the tents during heavy rains.

¨      1 square or rectangular 4-6 man tent (they actually only sleep two on cots) (no oblong or odd shapes)

SOME TEAMS WILL BE ASKED BY MISSIONARY TO HELP REPLACE POWER TOOLS AS NEEDED OR BRING NEEDED TRUCK PARTS. Check with missionary coordinator.

CHURCH CONSTRUCTION TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

These items are used constantly in the ministry, even when construction mission teams are not present. Most teams will consume the items during the week of ministry. Items that are left over are used for future mission projects. If there is an abundance of some items, they will be given to pastors and others who can take good advantage of them. Each team member should bring their own hammer and tape measure. Many of these items can be donated by Sunday school classes or ministry groups within the church. EACH TEAM SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING:

¨      Carpentry pencils

¨      Cheap work gloves (for team and Miskito workers) and Cloth nail aprons.

¨      6 skill saw blades

¨      1 hack saw with extra blades and a small general purpose hand saw (short cross-cut, aggressive set)

¨      Several 25’measure tapes and 1 chalk line

¨      Several hammers

¨      2 rolls nylon masonry string

¨      2 plastic speed squares

¨      2 rolls of duck tape and roll of caution tape

¨      Light weight rope

¨      3” hinges for windows - 23 pairs

¨      4” hinges for doors – 4 pairs

¨      Paslode nails for air guns – 1000-2 ½” , 1000-3 ½” 

¨      Galvanized or coated deck screws (for doors and windows) 10 lbs of 1 ½ “and 10 lbs 2 ½ “.

¨      #2 screw driver bits (small box)

¨      24 - 12” treaded rod ¼”with washers and nuts for tying forms together.

CHURCH ITEMS (These items are always needed by our new congregations)

¨      1 cheap or used acoustical guitar (Usually can be found for $100-$150)

¨      1 Coleman duel fuel lantern (sold at Wal-Mart for about $39.00). A duel fuel lantern is the only kind that will work down here with our fuel.  

If you would like to bring something to give out in the community, we ask that you not bring toys, but school supplies. School supplies are more valuable than toys or gifts. The amounts are merely suggested amounts.

¨      1000 - No. 2 pencils

¨      200 - spiral notebooks

¨      50 -Small packs of 8 or 12 count of crayons

CAMPING EQUIPMENT Depending on need – Check with missionary coordinator

 (With rough travel and use our equipment must be constantly replaced)

¨      2 big man lumber jack cots (not the extra large ones, they tend to break easily)

¨      2 Plastic tarps (10’x20’) to cover the tents during heavy rains.

¨      1 square or rectangular 4-6 man tent (they actually only sleep two on cots) (no oblong or odd shapes)

SOME TEAMS WILL BE ASKED BY MISSIONARY TO HELP REPLACE POWER TOOLS AS NEEDED OR BRING NEEDED TRUCK PARTS. Check with missionary coordinator.

Come spiritually prepared, ready for God to use you as a blessing to others.

You are a missionary this week, act like a representative of the King.

Take time to learn about the Miskito people.

Actions speak louder than words:

·                                refrain from use of tobacco, alcohol, playing cards, or anything that might be seen as gambling,

·                                refrain from references to dancing or playing pool that might be misunderstood,

·                                refrain from the use of Christian jewelry that might be seen as amulets,

·                                and cover up tattoos or body piercing.  

Be in good health (have any medications in your carry-on)

Wear shoes at all times (no flip-flops or other open-toe shoes). Water shoes are fine for bathing). Use sun block and wear a hat.

Bring a flashlight and batteries

Bring a personal drinking “sports” bottle

Do not wear:

·        Short shorts or tank tops (both sexes)      

·        Backless blouses or spaghetti-strapped tops      

·        Halters or any top that shows the abdomen or back

·        Women do not wear a swimsuit for bathing

·        Men no camouflage-patterned clothing (military styling)

ØMEN: bring long pants for church services

ØWOMEN: bring a dress or skirt and blouse for church services.

ØBRING CHANGE OF CLOTHING, PERSONAL MEDS, AND CHURCH CLOTHING IN CARRY-ON, YOU MAY NOT GET YOU LUGGAGE TILL THE NEXT DAY.

ØDO NOT make promises or give out your address nor telephone number

ØBE PREPARED to share your testimony; have it ready written or memorized.

I have read the information entitled “WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO”. I agree to the principles outlined and to the best of my ability commit to follow the instructions so that I might be an effective witness for Christ.*

* Sign and date this page; give it to your team leader before you come.