The Dominican Republic Work Team Guide

Service and Learning Team

Pre-Field Information Guide

For July 2007- June 2008

for teams, visitors and volunteers hosted by

Christian Reformed World Ministries

Christian Reformed World Missions

And Christian Reformed World Relief Committee

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in the Dominican Republic

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Including Mission Field Profile, Program, Contact, Preparation and Financial information, Liability and Medical form, Daily Devotionals, Spanish Glossary, etc.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God

works all of them in all men.

I Corinthians 12:4-6

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS INFORMATION TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS TO READ WELL IN ADVANCE

It is also advisable for each member to print the entire packet and bring it with.

CRWM Dominican Republic Field Contacts and Addresses

Name	Work Description	Location	E-Mail / Agape Account #	Phone #’s
Steve & Sandra Brauning	Church Growth & Development	Santo Domingo	stevebrauning@yahoo.com #13923	Home: 809-530-9008 Cell: 809-853-1098
(open position)	Christian School Consultant	Santo Domingo
Duane & Shelley Postma	Service & Learning Team Coordinator	Sioux Center, IA & Santo Domingo	dspostma@mtcnet.net	Home, Sioux Center: 712-722-4440
Joel & Allison Renkema	Reformed Bible Institute & Seminary	Santo Domingo	renkemaj@yahoo.com	Home: 809-530-5919 Cell: 809-751-1155
Joel & Patty Zwier	C.R.W.R.C	Santo Domingo	crwrc.dr@gmail.do #13925	Home: 809-363-0067 cel 809-697-8261

Mailing address & fax number for all missionaries:

Agape DMGs # (insert the # from above list for each missionary)

100 Airport Ave.

Venice, FL 34285-3901

IN COUNTRY ADDRESSES:

Mission Office, Avenida 27 de febrero #370, Bella Vista, Santo Domingo

Phone: 1-809-565-9601 FAX: 1-809-547-3501

Centro de Ministerio, calle 4 # 6, Barrio Los Angeles, Avenida Monumental, km 13 Autopista Duarte; Phone: 809-564-3026 or 809-564-2963

Your Contacts for Christian Reformed ServiceLink:

- http://www.crcna.org/pages/servicelink_front.cfm

In Canada In the United States

Carol Sybenga ServiceLink Office

PO Box 5070, STN LCD1 2850 Kalamazoo Ave., SE

Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8 Grand Rapids, MI 49560

1-800-730-3490 1-800-552-7972,1-800-346-0075

sybengac@crcna.ca dykstram@crcna.org

buntinr@crcna.org

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MISSION FIELD PROFILE

CHRISTIAN REFORMED WORLD MINISTRIES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Missionary Presence: 3 career missionary families, including Christian Reformed World Missions and World Relief Committee; plus various volunteer and partner missionaries.

1. People group: Christian Reformed World Ministries works with both Dominicans and Haitians in the Dominican Republic. The Haitian community includes immigrants as well as residents, and second and third generation Haitians. Many work for the sugar cane industry and live in company owned villages called "bateys". Others commute or live in squatter areas in the larger urban centers where they work at labor-intensive jobs. Haitians are the largest foreign minority group in the Dominican Republic and generally lack permanent legal documentation by the Dominican government, and face the reality of being deported at any time. They are the poorest of the poor in the D.R. There is estimated to be up to a million people of Haitian descent living in the D.R., or about 1/8 of the total population.

2. La Iglesia Cristiana Reformada en la República Dominicana (ICRRD - the Christian Reformed Church in the Dominican Republic) is our main partner. About 10,000 persons attend the ICRRD regularly. About 3,500 are adult members, 3,500 are regular attenders, and 3,000 children. There are about 200 congregations throughout the country of which about 125 are organized churches with ordained pastors. The rest are chapels or preaching stations.

3. Mission Programs: Basic-Level Bible training; Advanced-Level theological training; Local, Regional and National church training and consultation; Evangelism and discipleship training and ministry; Church, Pastor housing and School building construction program; Diaconal committee development; Ministry Center development; Literacy program; Community development program; Christian Schools

4. Christian Reformed Schools (COCREF): Christian day school education(K-12) in twenty-one marginal communities reaching approx. 5,000 students from both churched and unchurched families. 200 national teachers, supervisors and other staff are the backbone of COCREF.

5. Community Development: In partnership with several agencies, C.R. World Ministries is involved in community development. This occurs in the national church as well as in other contexts. DESCO is one of several Christian Reformed World Relief Committee partners.

6. Other Partner Agencies: Santiago Christian School is a bilingual primary and high school, at which a number of partner CRC missionaries serve. UNEV and UNELA are evangelical university partners with which the mission and church for higher education. Liderazgo Juvenil is a regional youth ministry with a director in the DR. Worldwide Christian Schools is another agency that partners with COCREF.

Service and Learning Program

INTRODUCTION

Christian Reformed World Ministries in the Dominican Republic(D.R.) is committed to providing opportunities for service and learning for North American visitors, volunteers, and teams. These opportunities contribute to growth and development on all sides, and provide a vital link of communication and fellowship between the North American participant, the mission team, and the national partners.

This experience allows the participant a first-hand view and understanding of the missionary task and life, which cannot be communicated in any other manner. Although visitors may contribute materially to the people in the Dominican Republic, they also RECEIVE spiritually from the people they meet, LEARN and GROW as persons, gain new insights on issues such as poverty/wealth, international relations, cross-cultural communication, and even construction methods, and can build life-long relationships with believers here in the DR. Also, the Lord uses these experiences and relationships in many lives to spiritually edify and even to call new missionaries.

TYPES OF SERVICE AND LEARNING

1. CHURCH CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: These teams, sent by a church or group of churches, help in the construction of church buildings or other projects, as part of the joint construction program of World Missions and the Iglesia Cristiana Reformada en la República Dominicana(ICRRD). The need remains great in this area. The majority of leaders and members of the Christian Reformed Church here are plantation workers with little property or rights, or financial resources to build their own church buildings. The team provides part of the construction costs and labor, as does the local congregation. Each construction project is a JOINT PROJECT with the national church where the team works along side Dominican or Haitian partners. Part of the donation goes back into a revolving construction fund to help with other projects. These teams should be ten days/ten people. A variety of factors including transportation, costs, division of labor, and national participation make this necessary. Oversized groups are discouraged.

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Church buildings: block walls, cement floor, and a tin roof supported by a wood frame. Wooden doors and windows may also be included. Size: 20' width is standard - with lengths ranging from 35'-50'. The buildings are not completely finished during the team’s stay, and elements not completed are considered the responsibility of the church.

Pastors' houses: Many pastors do not have the economic resources to have their own home and may rent or live in very substandard quarters. A small, durable home helps the pastors carry out their work, which aids church growth and stability in the community.

Ministry center buildings provide facilities for a zone (classis) to hold a variety of activities.

Teams should include people capable of physical and skilled labor, but not exclusively. Willingness to help, spiritual maturity(we suggest that only committed Christians be considered), availability, disciplined character, organizational skills, and good overall physical health, are important requirements. It is recommended to include several young people in the team, in order to encourage interest in missions.

2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAMS: these teams work with water projects, latrines, or other community development projects.

3. STUDY OR VISION TEAMS: Usually organized by colleges, universities, seminaries, churches, or other institutions, these groups come down with the express purpose of learning about culture, language, or missions. The idea is on-site education, with some hands-on experience. School teams may have certain academic standards, set by the sending institution. Youth groups may come to participate in evangelism, drama, Vacation Bible School, or youth encounters. Others may simply want to visit the mission work to get to know the missionaries and their work.

Although these might not be work teams, they may participate in some construction project as part of their whole program. Team size is determined by organizational and logistic considerations and vary widely. It is vital to have at least one Spanish speaker - be it a student, teacher, or translator who would accompany the team at all times.

4. CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION TEAMS: COCREF, the Christian Reformed School program partners with Worldwide Christian Schools to provide construction of school buildings. Please refer to WCS for any information regarding this ministry.

GUIDE TO PLANNING, FORMING, AND SENDING A SERVICE AND LEARNING TEAM

1. EARLY PLANNING: The first step is one of vision, best formed within the context of a local church, although teams also can be organized on a classical level, or at high schools, colleges, universities, etc. Form a "Service and Learning Team Task Force", find interested persons, make connections with other churches, etc. Form your ideas as to purposes, plans, timetables, finances, etc. Planning can take anywhere from 6 months up to two years. The continued contact and support of the church is vital to the team, and therefore, the team should keep the church(es) informed as to progress, plans, and prayer requests throughout the whole process.

Once the team is selected and formed, get to know each other well and start the process early. Start meeting together for planning, discussion, encouragement, prayer and fund-raising well in advance of going to the field.

The team should name individuals to several roles including:

---- team leader (could be a couple)

---- spiritual/ devotional leader

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---- construction or project coordinator

---- contact person for communication to the field(can be the same as the team leader).

---- fund-raising & finance coordinator

2. APPROVAL & SCHEDULING: Initial approval of teams serving with World Ministries is done by the ServiceLink offices in the US & Canada(see contacts on page 2). Once teams are approved, scheduling and other planning is done by the missionary team on the field. Winter months are very popular, but cannot always be fulfilled, so start the communication process early.

Be sure to relate the airline and flight numbers to the ServiceLink office and your missionary contact once your flights are confirmed. If at all possible, avoid travel on Sunday since this is a busy day for missionaries.

Maintain these contacts throughout the preparation and planning stage to relay any and all pertinent information, as well to be informed about what is happening on the field.

3. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION: As mentioned before, the spiritual benefits from the exchange experience are many. We suggest, therefore, that preparation and effort go into this aspect as much as any other. Begin to develop a group devotional time BEFORE coming. Plan on having daily team devotions, as well as special times of prayer and worship, while on the field.

The team should prepare to participate in a church service here in the Dominican Republic. This is a local expectation and a good opportunity to demonstrate not just what the hands can do, but also the heart. This is not a Aperformance@, since worship participation is generally informal here, without the expectations of >polish= as in many North American churches. By simply participating, a bond can be established. First and foremost, is that the team identify themselves, their sending church(es), why they are here, and bring a greeting from home. A song, brief testimony(ies), or even a sermon can be included. These can be done with translation.

4. GENERAL PREPARATION: Read and learn about the Dominican Republic ahead of time. Newspapers, magazines, and broadcast news are helpful to keep you current. Encyclopedias, almanacs, as well as information from World Ministries are also good sources. The Internet also has a wealth of information.

For general information: http://www.dr1.com

http://www.sjbc.org/missions/drinfo1.htm

For Canadian perspective: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/english/geo/lac/82050.htm

For U.S. perspective; http://travel.state.gov/travel/dominican_republic.html

For pages with links: http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/ca/dr/

To learn about Haiti/Creole: http://www.uhhp.com

Note: The above sites are suggestions for possible information only. The nature of the sites and their content are not necessarily endorsed by Christian Reformed World Ministries or the Dominican Country Team.

Spanish is very helpful to have, even if it is just a little. Members can study before hand with phrase books. Try to learn some Spanish words, phrases, and songs. Bring along a Spanish/English Dictionary or electronic word translator and dictionary.

5. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS & PAPERWORK: Entrance requirements occasionally change, but be prepared for the following: US & Canadian citizens need a valid passport and can enter the DR with a tourist visa, available in the airport when you arrive. Check with your travel agent and airline if in doubt. The tourist visa costs $10 U.S. dollars. In addition, for some flights there is an Airport Departure Tax of variable amounts, again in U.S. dollars. Again, check with your travel agent and airline, but just in case, it is good to have this U.S. cash ready when you exit.

For minors not accompanied by their parents, please have a written and signed letter of permission and liability waiver from the parents, indicating also the name of the party responsible for the minor (should be an adult team member/leader).

The team should keep a file of important information (in case of emergency) in one place for easy reference. This information should consist of family emergency phone numbers, health care policies and numbers, blood types, and any special medical information or medications a person might be taking.

All team members need to fill out the waiver and the medical information at the end of this packet.

6. FINANCES: Service and Learning teams cover all their own expenses, as well as the project expense. This is the only financial resource we have on the mission field to sustain this program.

There are two three main financial elements to the team:

A. Team Donation sent to CRWM or CRWRC (Grand Rapids or Burlington) covers logistics and projects. The simple formula is: US$120.00 per day per person, from Santo Domingo airport. The exact breakdown varies from team to team, but about 35% covers team logistics, including your in-country lodging, food and transportation expenses; and 65% provides a grant for project expense such as materials, land purchases, and local builders.

This money is to be donated by your church directly to CRWM or CRWRC (see addresses below) -designated for the D.R. Service and Learning Team Project from “your church/area”, and should be submitted no less than two months in advance of the team=s arrival on the field. As soon as the funds are sent in, please notify your missionary contact.

Send funds to the appropriate address below:

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Teams from Canada send in CDN $:

CRWM or CRWRC

3475 Mainway Box 5070 LCD 1

Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8

Take current exchange rate into account when calculating funds.

Teams from the U.S.A. send in US $ :

CRWM or CRWRC

2850 Kalamazoo Ave., SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49560

Designated specifically for Dominican Republic Service and Learning Team Project.

B. Team expenses include airfare and all other pre- & post-field expenses(travel to and from airport, food while in transit, etc.). These need to be handled directly by the team itself.

C. Individual expenses: Expenses for souvenirs, snacks, restaurants, outings and other special activities, etc. are the responsibility of the individual. Note that there will be special group outings planned which may include some personal expense, depending on the wishes of the team. Exchanging Money: Either cash or checks – IN US DOLLARS ONLY – can be exchanged with the help of your missionary contact. You can change a small amount in the airport upon arrival in order to have some personal funds on hand right away. We do not recommend traveler checks.

Resources: You may be wondering, "Where are we going to get all this money?" It is a step of faith to make the commitment to plan for a Service and Learning Team, and the Lord will provide. The best sources are church missions budgets, special offerings, sponsors or fund raising events. Some lumber yards or construction companies / venders may be willing to donate tools; just ask. Phone or e-mail ServiceLink offices for more information. There are many ways to raise the money. Be creative, and have faith.

7. INSURANCE

A. Medical: Team members should verify if their medical insurance covers them while overseas. If not, we suggest purchasing a rider on their policy or obtaining additional short term insurance. U.S. teams may obtain a special short term Medical Policy for the whole group through Adams, Eddy and Assoc. P.O. Box 5595 Columbia , SC 29250 -5595. For Canadians, different provincial health plans have different policies. You should phone and enquire about your provincial health plan. Some plans may only cover you for what the same expense would cost in Canada, others may not cover you outside Canada. Canadians may contact the Blue Cross at 1-800-873-2583 if considering additional insurance. This information is not to be considered an endorsement.

B. Travel, Accident, Liability: This insurance is also available for groups from the companies listed above. The above companies are suggestions only and should not be considered an endorsement. You may want to contact your travel agency or own insurance company for additions to policies you may already have, or policies available at the time you or the group purchases their plane tickets.

8. LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS: note that with most airlines, checked luggage can only be 50 lbs. per piece. It is very important that you check with your airline, well in advance and before you start packing, concerning additional weight and size limits. Some airlines have certain times when embargos apply to the amount you can bring. If you are flying during a peak season, ask specifically if there is an embargo in effect on Caribbean flights.

9. WHAT TO BRING

A. Tools & Materials: Please check with your missionary to find out what they have and what they need on the field. In this way the real needs will be met. There is a substantial tool collection on the field, but some specific items may be needed. Please check your airline specifically about their policies about tools in checked luggage.

B. Kitchen / Food Items: In most cases, three meals a day are provided as part of the team room and board expense. But teams are requested to bring some snack food for the project site, to accompany lunch with may be sparse.

C Personal & Miscellaneous

$ Bible and song books for group devotions

$ Spanish phrase book or dictionary.

$ any personal medications

$ hats for sun protection

$ sun block

$ work boots & gloves

$ your "favorite" hammer or other hand tool,

$ clothing for HOT weather. Expect to sweat out your clothes on a daily basis.

$ toiletries & personal hygiene items

$ well-stocked first-aid kit for the team, including tweezers & scissors,

$ a picture of your family – to share with local people

$ camera

$ bring one sheet and one towel – your missionary contact will advise you if you need to bring more, as some housing locations may require that.

D. Donation Items: Please consult the missionary on field about the type of items and the proper procedures for donations. Donated items should be given and distributed through the church and mission organizations, not by individuals. This is because of dependency and other cross-cultural and missiological issues, and out of respect for national leadership and structures. It is the concern of all that distribution of gifts be done in a sensitive and respectful manner. (See the paragraphs below about relationships -#14.)

10. ORIENTATION: Missionaries will provide orientation on the country, national partners, mission team, work project, cross-cultural issues, and other items. This will normally be scheduled early in your visit. Orientation is an important part of an enjoyable, productive and memorable service and learning experience. Written and audiovisual materials, as well as interaction with missionaries and national partners will be used. Visits to ministries other than the one associated with the project are also helpful ways to build the team's vision for the ministry.

11. HEALTH

A. Food & Water: Don’t drink the water! Not from the tap or anywhere else, except from a safe source, ie. purified bottled water. Use only purified water for brushing teeth, making coffee, cleaning fruits & vegetables, etc.. Make sure ice and drinks offered by nationals or purchased are made from safe water. If it may contain impure water, DON'T DRINK IT! Drinking unpurified water can cause anything from diarrhea, dysentery, or even hepatitis. Anything cooked or peeled is usually fine, but a simple rule for food and drink is, Awhen in doubt, throw it out@.

Eating or drinking contaminated food can quickly change your short-term experience into an unhappy one. Also important is to wash one=s hands after contact with people, before eating and after using the toilet. This is common sense in any location but more so here in the tropics.

B. Heat : Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and even severe sunburn are all very common and very dangerous. Main causes are exposure to heat and sun, and lack of sufficient liquids in the body. To avoid any of these conditions, first we insist that care is taken to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun by making use of shade, hats, and sun screen. Secondly, we insist that everyone drink lots of liquids all day, especially while you are working. Taking regular breaks helps as well. These things are especially important for anyone who is over 60 yrs old, has had heart problems, or is overweight. These precautionary measures will insure you of a healthy, positive experience in country.

Symptoms of heat illness start with muscle craps, including abdominal cramps, headaches, and/or lightheadedness. If these are noticed, the person should cool off and drink right away. More severe stages are characterized by nausea, vomiting, enlarged pupils, dry, hot, red skin, weakness, dizziness, rapid, weak pulse and/or breathing, confusion, or even unconsciousness. A person with these symptoms needs to get help. Cool the person down with water, fans, or air-conditioning if possible. If the case is severe, get the person to a hospital. They may need intravenous fluids.

C. AIDS: Avoid contact with another person's blood, and watch out for things that could carry blood, like used hypodermic needles. AIDS is very common here, so even in treating someone else's injuries, use latex gloves.

D. First Aid: The best first aid is often a good wash-down with water and an anti-bacterial soap (like Dial). In case of more severe injuries, get a recommendation for a good clinic for stitches, treatment of fractures, etc. We recommend that the team keep a first aid kit with them at all times. If it becomes necessary, there are good hospitals and clinics located in the capital Santo Domingo and Santiago. The team would do well to have a nurse or someone trained in first aid.

E. Immunizations\medical Preparations: The only immunization required is a tetanus booster shot.

12. TEAM SCHEDULE \ ACTIVITIES:

The missionary assigned as host to the team will arrange for the team’s stay here. That includes housing, transportation, food, tools, orientation, and project supervision. He will consult with the church regarding priorities of construction and local labor, and help the local church coordinate its participation.

Generally, the missionary will not be the leader of the team, but rather be the host and coordinate overall. The team itself will have its own leadership, and determine its own schedule, work assignments, and other activities. Of course, these should always be in consultation with the host missionary.

Team and relational needs are vital to a good experience. Daily group devotions should be held. An evening fellowship and \ or worship time may be planned with a missionary family. All activities should be planned with the best interested of the team in mind. Therefore we ask that individuals not to plan separate outings, personal vacations, or individual activities while with the Service and Learning Team. Rather, schedule group activities. Singles should avoid dating or "pairing off" with other team members or nationals.

AFree days@ with the possibilities of other special activities should also be planned. Some special activities can include such things as visits to tourist markets, colonial sites, the beach, snorkeling, exploring the countryside, hiking, sports, or even scuba diving or deep sea fishing. Again, these activities must be planned in coordination with the team and missionary.

13. MINISTRY ACTIVITIES

While the work project is important, it is not the only goal. North Americans are typically very project-oriented: "We gotta get the job done", is a typical attitude. Haitians and Dominicans are very people-oriented. It is so important that the group take time to relate to the people. This is a lasting part of your witness here and is a reflection of your love and concern for them as people as well as your love of Jesus Christ. Attendance at a worship service or other church activity is an important part of the experience. Time spent interacting with nationals is always a blessing despite the language barrier.

To enhance the missions experience and exposure, your team may participate in a ministry or outreach other than the building project. It may be evangelizing with local church members in their neighborhoods, a visit to a Christian school where the team can meet teachers and children and participate in a chapel or other activity, or simply spending time in the homes of local church members or neighbors. This will be planned ahead of time through your missionary contact.

14. RELATIONSHIPS WITH NATIONALS: Remember that you have come to learn as well as to give. While working with nationals, we should respect their ways of doing things. There are many rich resources in these communities, families, churches, and cultural heritages. We must recognize and respect this, and not cheapen it by trying to be the "savior" of some "poor folk".

To respect the national Christians, we ask that all group members refrain from smoking or drinking during their stay.

On the work site or other public places, please plan on only very modest clothing. Long pants are recommended, and women should wear skirts for church and other public activities. There is a careful balance between casual and dressed-up: avoid extremes. Shorts are generally not acceptable for women, nor tank tops.

On the work site, you will work along-side church/community members who are also serving voluntarily to help build their own church or school building. We are going to build a church, but rather, assist the church build its own building. This is one way that we reduce the dependency mentality, as well as instill local ownership. The project is not a Agive-away. For example, most projects will have been started by the local church or school before the team arrives, and they will finish whatever is not done by the team.

There are different ways of doing things in the Dominican Republic, and some construction methods may seem antiquated or even ridiculous. We need to adjust our thinking, and go along with some of the tried and true "Dominican" ways, just as the nationals here will be adjusting to try to understand and learn from the North American way. We need to be flexible in cross-cultural relationships.

One of the long-lasting results of this trip will be relationships with nationals. There are cultural factors that must be kept in mind, though. One is the strong dependency mentality that exists here. Often North Americans are seen as wealthy benefactors. Remember that you have come to help, but you can't solve all the problems. At times, giving money or other goods does not help, but hinders and can create hard feelings. You may be bombarded, from almost the minute you land, with requests for money or things. The airport porters may beg for more tips. People on the streets and on the work site may ask you for your hat, shoes, tools, clothes, etc. Just plan on not giving away anything until the very last day, or the team will be swamped. Also, any donated items should be given through the channels of the church or school leaders, to those who really need them the most. Your missionary contact can advise and help you arrange these things.

One of the big issues we deal with is “how to help”? We are confronted with so many needs and many requests for help. This tugs on our heart strings. Of course we want to help, that’s why we’re here! But the big question is, “how to help?” How to help in ways that will really help? How to help in ways that don’t actually hurt? Some of the issue involved are avoiding creating dependency and unmet expectations, avoiding damaging relationships and long-term projects, and nd The rule of thumb is: don’t do for someone what that person can do for himself. You can’t imagine the possible implications or consequences of trying to “help” someone in another culture. But it doesn’t usually help to just give things or money. You will want to help someone within your first hour of being in a new situation. Don’t. 99 times out of 100 there would be negative consequences you can’t even begin to understand. Yes, there are rare exceptions to this rule, but your situation is probably not one of the exceptions. This is one of the stickiest situations encountered in intercultural situations, and it’s probably one of the stickiest situations you’ll encounter too, so please be patient with us if we sound just a bit over-the-top on this one. We’ll be pretty tough about insisting that your donations of materials and money go through one of our agencies, rather than directly to a recipient on the field. Your team host will lead you into thinking about this during your experience. We will arrange things ahead of time so you fit into the community’s plans in an appropriate way. Here’s some really great wisdom from a veteran overseas staff person, reporting on the aftermath of some “help” being given in an inappropriate way:

The individuals who did not get gifts will feel angry and resentful of the ones who did. Conflict, jealousy, and suspicion were introduced into the community and families. What seemed like a small sum of money to a North American was close to a whole year's income. People now will feel a strong temptation to become "best friends" with

the rich white visitors just in order to get money from them. This can cause national Christians to fall into the sins of lying and greed.

Imagine if Bill Gates joined your church, and said he really wanted to help, how would it affect the leadership and the dynamics of your congregation?

Traditional communities have many customs and practices that ensure that people are treated fairly, and that benefits in the community are shared with all members. For example, at a baby naming ceremony in West Africa the portions of meat are carefully divided among the guests, close relatives getting more, but everyone getting at least some. When a visitor from the outside gives to an individual, rather than to the whole group in public, you have disturbed a system of reciprocity and sharing that has been functioning for hundreds of years.

The same principle goes for giving large sums to one village, such as to build a school or clinic, while the neighboring villages get nothing. Or, giving money to one church's building fund while the other churches get nothing. Local churches are usually organized into groups of churches in districts, and they prefer to let all the churches share benefits, and

discuss how those will be spent, rather than have one local congregation, who was “lucky” enough to host some white visitors, get it all.

15. FOLLOW-UP - After the trip, teams are asked to sharee their experiences and those of the Dominican people with their church and supporters. They are also asked to participate in debriefing and provide feedback on their experience through ServiceLink, CRWRC and CRWM.

SUMMARY

This summary has been provided as a reminder and quick reference once you have joined us in the DR, but is not meant, nor should be used as, a short cut to the entire manual.

1. Travel in a spirit of humility with a genuine desire to learn more about the people in the countries you will visit.

2. Realize that people in the countries you will visit have time concepts and thought patterns different from your own. This does not make them inferior, only different. They are our sisters and brothers.

3. Be sensitively aware of the feelings of other people, preventing what might be offensive behavior on your part. This applies especially to photography. Try not to take photos of people without their permission.

4. Discover the enrichment of experiencing a different way of life, stretch yourself to try new foods and activities.

5. Cultivate habits of listening and observing, rather than merely hearing and seeing. Ask questions respectfully. Instead of the Western practice of knowing all the answers, talk less and listen more.

6. Acquaint yourself with local customs. People will be happy to help you and will notice your sensitivity.

7. The shopping "bargain" you obtained was only possible because of low wages paid to the producer.

8. Remember that you are only one of thousands of tourists. Do not expect special privileges.

9. Do not make promises to people you meet unless you are certain you can carry them through.

10. Spend time reflecting on your daily experiences in an attempt to deepen your understanding. If you keep a journal, write not only what you saw, but what it meant to you, how you felt, what you learned, or what needs further study.

adapted from a "Code of Ethics for Travelers" drawn up by the Christian Conference of Asia.

DURING YOUR STAY:

q Remember the beatitude: “Blessed are the flexible, for they will not snap”. Patience helps.

q As you have suggestions, pass them on to your translators so that they may pass them on to us.

q Drink only bottled or purified water.

q Using hand sanitizer several times per day, especially before meals, keeps you healthy.

q Flashy jewelry, clothing or showing off a lot of money in public targets us for thieves (just like home)

q Promises to nationals, including “if.. maybe… we’ll see.. perhaps…” get us in trouble.

q Most Dominicans believe that, if you drink alcohol or smoke, you can not be a Christian. Don’t.

q The success of your work depends not on your skills but on prayer and the Holy Spirit.

q In your testimonies, share your salvation experience and how and why you came to the DR.

q Play with children, but do not be alone with a child. If you have a favorite child who follows you everywhere, others will be left out. Include all of them in your activities.

q Work at maintaining a positive attitude. Have a sense of humor, even if it kills you!

q Encourage and bless those around you at all times.

And finally….We go to serve in obedience to a call. What we do is first of all for the glory of the King whose Kingdom we will have a small hand in bringing about. The key to a successful work team is to submit ourselves to God and one another out of reverence for Christ, being open to new perspectives, and not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, but counting others better than ourselves. If your group communicates, and is open to learn, receive, and serve, during its time on the field, the experience will be one for which we will all want to remember and praise God. As you have joined us, based on the information provided in this manual, we are then assured that you accept your responsibilities in honoring the role you undertake.

Thank you for the gifts of time, money and friendship you are sharing. You are a blessing to our community here in the Dominican Republic. We pray the Lord, in turn, will bless your family, church and community through this experience. Please remember to pray for the DR and its people.

A Brief Spanish Glossary: Words and Sayings

HELLO Hola (OH-la) GOODBYE Adios (ah-dee-OHS)

YES Sí (See) NO No

PLEASE Por favor -(poor fah-VOHR)

THANK YOU Muchas gracias (MOO-chas GRAH-see-ahs)

YOU’RE WELCOME De Nada (day NAH-dah)

GOOD MORNING Buenos dias (BWAY-nose DEE-ahs)

GOOD AFTERNOON Buenas tardes (BWAY-nahs TAR-days)

GOOD NIGHT Buenas noches (BWAY-nahs NO-chays)

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?¿Cómo se llama? (KO-mo say YA-ma?)

HOW ARE YOU? ¿Cómo esta usted? (KO-mo aye-STAH oo-STAYED)

VERY WELL THANK YOU Muy bien, gracias (moo-e bee-AYN GRAH-see-ahs)

I don’t understand. No entiendo. (no en-TEE-EN-do)

How do you say it in Spanish? ¿Cómo se dice en español? (KO-mo say DEE-say en espan-YOL)

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

for All Service and Learning Team Members and Volunteers

(In advance of travel, please fill out and sign, detach and send to the above address in your country)

Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________ City _____________________________

Province / State ________________________________ Zip/Postal Code ______________

Telephone (______)____________________ e-mail:_____________________________

Church ________________________________________________________

I hereby release Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM), Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), and any of its affiliates or associations including all of its employees, directors and workers, from any claims, demands, suits, or causes of action against it which I, my heirs, my son/daughter, or personal representatives have or may have in the future with regard to any accidents, injuries, loses, or damages to me or my property arising from my work performed with CRWM / CRWRC in the Dominican Republic.

I understand that CRWM / CRWRC has acted as a agent and that I or my son or daughter has been referred to work in the Dominican Republic as a volunteer under the supervision of the team leader and designated CRWM /CRWRC missionary. I waive all rights to claims, demands, suits or causes of action for injuries or damages sustained in relations thereto.

I understand that I am personally responsible for my own and my dependants= medical, travel, accident and liability insurance and that CRWM / CRWRC does not provide any coverage for any team members or volunteers.

Signature ______________________________ Date_________________

Please print Name: _______________________________________________

(PERMISSION FOR MINOR)

I hereby grant permission for my son/daughter (name: ________________________________ under 18 years of age to travel with __________________________________________ and for that person to make any medical or other emergency decisions in the event they are necessary. I do have appropriate insurance coverage for any situation that could rise.

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian _____________________________Date _______________

Please print Parent / Legal Guardian=s name: ____________________________________

Continue on next page

Service and Learning Team Member and Volunteer

PERSONAL MEDICAL INFORMATION

Work projects are physically demanding. We ask you to thoughtfully assess your health in light of the potential rigors of the trip, and with the awareness that illness may affect your ability to participate in scheduled programming and can affect the entire team's experience. Your team may be placed in an isolated location a considerable distance from professional medical care. If you have any concerns about your fitness to participate in a work team, please consult your doctor, and discuss with ServiceLink.

Please complete the form below and make sure you have two copies. One copy of this form should be carried by the team leader on your trip and the second one needs to be handed in to CRWM / CRWRC personnel upon your arrival in the DR. All information will be treated as confidential.

Name…………………………………………..Age…………......Blood type…..………………..

1. Do you suffer from any of the following or other medical conditions that CRWM / CRWRC should be aware of? Heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, allergies, back problems or other injuries, emphysema, high blood pressure. Other? Please specify.

How might these conditions affect your ability to travel and participate on a work team?

2. Work teams are very intensive, emotionally and physically. Have you had any traumas in the last six months that CRWM / CRWRC should be aware of?

3. Please list any medications which you will be carrying (other than Tylenol, diarrhea remedies etc). Specify name, condition they treat and possible side effects.

4. Do you have any special dietary needs? Please specify

5. Any other comments about your health that would be helpful for CRWM / CRWRC to be aware of?

6. In case of illness or emergency please notify:

Name ……………………………………………Relationship …………………………….

Address ………………………………...............................................................……………….

Phone .evening ……………………………………………..day ...........................................................

E-mail ……………………………………………………………….

8. Indicate your insurance company

& policy number:

Signature ______________________________ Date_________________

Please print name: _______________________________________