| Regardless
of how well you have prepared for a short-term missions trip,
there will always be unexpected situations and needs that
you will encounter during your trip. After having worked alongside
over 20 teams this year, we have realized that there are certain
things that are very important for ministry teams to know
before they get to Jamaica. There are both cultural and practical
issues that should be considered:
| Ministry
Tips |
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If you are coming to work on a construction
or work project, plan ahead. Send money to your in-country
contact ahead of time so all of the materials you need
will be there before you arrive. You also want to make
sure that everything you need to complete your project
is available at local stores. |
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When organizing a Vacation Bible School,
ask the church that is hosting the VBS to approve your
program's theme before you commit to it. Some subject
matter is offensive in Jamaican culture that would be
acceptable in the States. (Note: avoid Jungle themes,
especially anything relating to monkeys, gorillas, and
apes) |
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Dress Code: In general appropriate dress
for ministry in most churches here is skirts and tee
shirts (not tank tops) for girls and long pants with
button down shirts for boys/men. For construction/work
projects, shorts are ok for both men and women, but
men should leave their shirts on and ladies should avoid
tank tops. |
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When visiting orphanages it is a good
idea to leave your personal items at the hotel or on
the bus. If you bring in a purse or water bottle, you
will spend a significant amount of your time there fielding
questions about them.
If your team is looking for a practical
way to assist these organizations, everyday items are
always needed and appreciated. Disposable diapers, lotions,
baby oil and powder are good items to bring for babies.
For older children, flip flops, coloring and art supplies,
underwear, toothbrushes and toiletry items (deodorant,
shampoo, soap) are always needed. |
| Team
Care |
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You can't overstate the importance of
keeping your team hydrated. It is a good idea to make
a rule to ensure that each team member is drinking enough
water. Dehydration happens quickly because of the humidity
and hot sun. If you will be traveling away from the
city, make sure you pack clean water in the bus as many
of the water supplies outside the city are not purified
and may make you sick. |
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It may seem like a good idea to keep
your team busy every minute of every day but the reality
is that an over packed schedule will result in a less
productive week. Make sure you leave plenty of time
for meals if you are eating out -- even fast food isn't
very fast in Jamaica. It is a wise idea to put free
time on the schedule to make sure that you don't overwork
and prematurely exhaust your team. |
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Daily team debrief sessions are important
to help everyone digest everything that you are experiencing
each day. They also help team members bond, which makes
it easier to work in close proximity during the week. |
For help planning a trip to Jamaica or coordinating
your itinerary while you are here, contact
us.
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