FULL-TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM

Transcription

1 FULL-TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM Amigos for Christ 1845 South Lee Ct. Suite A Buford, GA

2 Table of Contents Full- Time Missionary Program... 2 Our Mission & Vision...2 Five Foundations...2 Application & Interview Process... 3 Steps of the Process... 3 Interest Form...4 Official Application...7 Information...8 Letters of Recommendation...10 Medical Release & Affidavit...11 Legal Release & Affidavit...12 Acceptance & Employment Fundraising & What It Covers...13 Fundraising...13 Health Insurance...13 Plane Tickets...14 Vacation Time...14 Working & Living in Nicaragua Expectations...15 Commitment...15 Our Team...15 Mission Trips & Donors...15 Projects...15 Individual...15 Periodic Evaluations...15 Living in Nicaragua...16 Living Arrangements Financial Responsibility...16 Amigos Property...16 Training & Cultural Immersion...16 Medical Care in Nicaragua...16 Visitors...16 Packing List

3 FULL-TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM Thanks for your interest in serving with Amigos for Christ in Nicaragua! This packet contains information about our Full- Time Missionary Program. Before you jump in, here s some basic info about who we are: Our Mission Our mission is to serve God by providing opportunities for missionaries and impoverished families to grow through life- changing experiences. Our Vision Our vision is to be a model community development organization that facilitates water, health, education, economic, and infrastructure improvements in rural Nicaragua. Five Foundations We Stand On 1. Following Jesus. In everything we do, we want to model Jesus ministry. We believe that He set the tone for what serving others looks like. Consistently referring to His life and ministry is where we will begin and finish everything we do. The following four foundations are built upon this one. 2. Being Transparent. Every penny that is given to Amigos for Christ will always be accounted for and our financial reports are always available to the public. In the same light, we want our personal lives to look the same on and off stage so to speak. Maintaining integrity in our work and personal lives is crucial. 3. Striving for Excellence. We believe in utilizing every resource within our reach to carry out our mission to its maximum potential. From building houses and water systems to scrubbing toilets in our mission dormitories, it will be done to the best of our ability. 4. Pursuing Growth. There is always potential for growth both in our mission and in our personal lives. Amigos for Christ was built upon creative ideas inspired by a creative God. We continue to cultivate that ingenuity to move us forward. New initiatives and projects are frequently being created by volunteers and employees. We encourage all who come in contact with Amigos to dream big, trust that God is in the driver s seat, and to use their talents to expand our mission. 5. Connecting Cultures. We have much to learn from each other. Our mission trips completely immerse participants into the Nicaraguan culture for a deeper look into the lives of amazing people. Stepping out of our comfort zones to meet new people and experience different things can challenge us to come alive in new ways so that we can live abundant, purposeful lives. Relationship building is the backbone of what we do. If you have any questions along the way, don t hesitate to contact us at BeAMissionary@AmigosForChrist.org. 2

4 APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS Steps of the Process: 1) Submit Interest Form (see next page) 2) Phone/Skype Interview 3) If determined to be a possible missionary from initial interview a) if been to Nicaragua before, on to step 4 b) if NOT been to Nicaragua, schedule a mission trip preview week (room & board fee waived only need to purchase plane ticket) 4) Application 5) Nomination from hiring committee 6) Medical and legal clearance 7) Invitation to join Amigos for Christ 8) Prepare for departure 3

5 Full Time Missionary Interest Form Thank you for interest in serving in Nicaragua. Please complete this form and it to Please let us know if you have any questions. Please note: Applicant must be 21 years of age and over Name (as it appears on passport): Birthdate: Are you a U.S. Citizen? Phone Number: T- Shirt Size: Address: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Please answer the following questions: 1. Why do you want to be a missionary in Nicaragua? Please type answer in this box. 4

6 2. What are your previous mission trip/service experiences? Please type answer in this box. 3. Tell us about your involvement in your local church and/or ministries. Make sure to highlight any leadership roles you have held or currently hold. Please type answer in this box. 4. Please tell us about the circumstances that led you to commit your life to Christ as well as the ways in which you are growing in your relationship with him. Please type answer in this box. 5

7 5. At Amigos for Christ we believe we are called to live a missionary lifestyle, whether that means in Nicaragua, in your local community, or at your job in the US. In what ways do you live your life as a daily ministry to those around you? What impact do you think your time in Nicaragua will have on your ministry? Please type answer in this box. 6. What are your practical skills? (What was your major? What are you good at? What gifts/abilities to you hope to bring to our team?) Please type answer in this box. WHEN COMPLETE, TO BeAMissionary@AmigosforChrist.org 6

8 FULL TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM APPLICATION This page is a guide to our official application. Please submit all information to BeAMissionary@AmigosForChrist.org. Checklist to Include: Application information (see next 2 pages) Resume 1-2 page essay (double- spaced, 12pt font) Two letters of recommendation Medical & Legal Releases/Affidavits Age and Education Applicants must be 21 or older. Applicants must have earned a bachelor s degree. Graduating college seniors are eligible to apply. Resume A professional resume is required. Please highlight leadership and involvement in your extra curricular activity, community, cross- cultural study or experiences, academic or other honors and distinctive experiences, skills, or interests. Essay Questions Please write a 1-2 page essay discussing: 1. Why you want to spend 2 years+ in Nicaragua with Amigos. 2. What expectations do you have from God? 3. What expectations do you have for yourself? 4. What expectations do you have from Amigos? Letters of recommendation Two letters of recommendation are required. The letter should be written by a person who has observed the applicant in a service, work, or classroom setting and is able to assess the applicant s gifts and aptitudes for living and working in an international community. Terms of the Amigos for Christ Full Time Missionary Program Accepted applicants are required to follow the expectations of Amigos otherwise they will be asked to return home. 7

9 MISSIONARY PROGRAM APPLICATION INFORMATION PERSONAL INFORMATION : DATE OF APPLICATION: Name: Last First Middle Address: Street (Apt) City/State Zip Alternate Address: Street City/State Zip Contact Information: ( ) ( ) Home Telephone Mobile Telephone How did you learn about our program? Have you been on an Amigos Mission trip: yes no If yes, when? Date(s) Available Start Date: Are you currently employed? Hourly or Salary? EDUCATION Name of High School : College or University: Name and Location Graduate? Degree? Major / Subjects of Study Specialized Training, Trade School, etc Name and Location Graduate? Degree? Major / Subjects of Study Other Education 8

10 Please list your areas of highest proficiency, special skills or other items that may contribute to your abilities in performing the above mentioned position. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Please list beginning from most recent Dates Employed Company Name Location Role/Title Job notes, tasks performed and reason for leaving: Dates Employed Company Name Location Role/Title Job notes, tasks performed and reason for leaving: Dates Employed Company Name Location Role/Title Job notes, tasks performed and reason for leaving: 9

11 FULL TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION NAME OF APPLICANT Recommendation Instructions: Please provide two (2) letters of recommendation and list who will provide these letters. 1. Name Address Phone # Relationship to You 2. Name Address Phone # Relationship to You To the Applicant: You will need to make a copy of this page for each person providing a recommendation. Please fill out this form and give it to those persons providing letters of recommendation for you. To the Person Providing the Recommendation: The person whose name appears above is applying for a 2 year stay in Chinandega, Nicaragua with Amigos for Christ. We are interested in knowing about this person s capabilities as demonstrated in a role of service to the wider community, with particular focus on his or her leadership ability, desire to serve, ability to be understanding and flexible in cross cultural experiences, willingness to grow in their faith, perseverance, passion, and love. Please limit your response to one typed page. Thank you. Please place the applicant s name and your name at the top of each page of your letter. Please return these materials to the applicant in a sealed and signed envelope. Recommendation letters may be mailed directly to Amigos for Christ in our Buford, GA office or returned to the applicant in envelopes for the applicant to mail with the completed application. Please allow your recommenders time to get their letters to us. Recommendations may be ed to BeAMissionary@AmigosForChrist.org or mailed to: Full Time Missionary Program, Amigos For Christ, 1845 South Lee Court Suite A, Buford, GA,

12 FULL TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM MEDICAL RELEASE & AFFADAVIT Name Address City State Zip Code Home Phone: Cell This certifies that I am medically able to commit to working in a developing country and have no medical issues that will prevent me from staying in the country of Nicaragua for the period of at least 2 years. Applicant name: Applicant signature: Date: Notary: (please affix notary seal) PHYSICIAN AFFIDAVIT: This certifies that the above applicant (applicant s name) is in good general health and has no medical issues that will prevent him/her from living and working in Nicaragua for the period of at least 2 years. Physician name Physician ID # Address: City State Zip Phone: Physicians signature: Date: 11

13 FULL TIME MISSIONARY PROGRAM LEGAL RELEASE & AFFADAVIT Name Address City State Zip Code Home Phone: Cell This certifies that I am legally able to commit to working in Nicaragua, that I have no legal obligations or outstanding warrants or cases pending against me, and have I no legal issues that will prevent me from staying in the country of Nicaragua for the period of at least 2 years. Applicant name: Applicant signature: Date: Notary: (please affix notary seal) 12

14 FUNDRAISING & WHAT IT COVERS Fundraising The table below reflects an estimated amount to be raised. You may fundraise more or less than the following depending on the items starred below. Amigos will help you decide what you need to raise. Item Estimated Amount per Month Total (24 mos.) Housing $100 $2400 Salary* $425 $10200 Health Insurance* $150 $ Plane Tickets* $133 $3200 Spanish Classes & Training $20 $480 Savings* $83 $2000 Moving Budget* $8 $200 TOTAL TO RAISE $920 $22,080 *Salary You may choose to earn less than the above amount. *Health Insurance Amount will depend upon the plan you choose you may fundraise more or less than above amount. Health Insurance is required. *4 Plane Tickets Amount to raise equals the price of your plane tickets. The above amount is an estimate. *Savings You may raise up to an additional $1000 per year. Ask for more information about how this savings can be used/accessed. *Moving Budget You may choose to raise this additional amount to help you buy small supplies or items for your home/room in Chinandega. Fundraising Schedule By When Minimum Amount Raised Minimum Amount Pledged Before Month 1 25% 50% By Month 6 35% 75% By Month 12 60% 100% By Month 18 85% By Month % EXAMPLE: If your total amount to raise is $18,640 and you plan to move to Nicaraguan on January , then your fundraising schedule would look like this: By When Minimum Amount Raised Minimum Amount Pledged Before January 1, 2013 $4,660 $9,320 By July 1, 2013 $6,524 $13,980 By January 1, 2014 $11,184 $18,640 By July 1, 2014 $15,844 By December 31, 2014 $18,640 13

15 If you are not able to follow the above fundraising schedule, Amigos will take the amount not raised out of your monthly salary stipend. If the amount not raised exceeds your monthly salary stipend, you may be asked to end your service in Nicaragua. This will be done on a case- by- case basis. Health Insurance You are required to have health insurance. There is a $150 monthly insurance stipend included in the amount raised. You may choose your own insurance plan up to $150 per month, and are responsible for the difference. Amigos for Christ will help you find an insurance plan if help is requested. If you are included on your parents insurance plan, you do not have to fundraise to cover your health insurance, but you must provide proof of policy. Plane tickets Full- time missionaries are allotted 2 plane tickets per year cost is estimated at $800 per ticket. Full- time missionaries are allotted 3 plane tickets per year starting their 4 th year of work cost is estimated at $800 per ticket. You may use or accept donated airline miles to purchase your plane tickets. If so, the amount to be fundraised will be lowered accordingly. Vacation Time You will have the following vacation time: o 3 weeks for Christmas dates will coincide with Nicaraguan office vacation o 1 week in July usually 1 st week in July (built in break during our summer mission trips) o 1 week in April - week before Easter o 2 weeks of choice submit for approval Married Couples & Families If you and/or your spouse are accepted to our program, we will help you develop a fundraising plan that fits your specific needs. Married couples and families live in their own house and may have additional items to fundraise for (ex: basic furniture and appliances). 14

16 EXPECTATIONS OF FULL-TIME MISSIONARIES Commitment This is a 2- year program, unless arranged differently. This is for the benefit of you and the organization. We have found that it usually takes 6-12 months just to adjust and settle into your life and area of service. We will ask you to sign a 2- year commitment contract when you begin living in Nicaragua. Amigos for Christ reserves the right to end your term of service in Nicaragua at any time based on your performance or lack of funds raised. Commit to prioritize in this order: 1. Amigos for Christ Team 2. Donors, Mission Teams, Supporters 3. Community Projects Our Team Your fellow missionaries and Nicaraguan employees are the most important people to support. Look for opportunities to serve them. When they are in need, help them. Be a positive influence, not a negative one. Mission Groups Look for opportunities to serve them. Create an environment for the groups to have an incredible week, whether at the Amigos Property or within your program area. Connect with people in the group so you can become a positive influence in their growth. Support your fellow missionaries, especially those who lead the mission groups. Projects Communicate at least every week with the leader of your project area and let them know what you are working on, how things are going, where you need help, and how you would like to offer to help make your area better. We strive to improve the lives of those we serve in Nicaragua. Commit to carrying out our project plans to the best of your ability. Individual Growth Commit to personal spiritual growth. Commit to spiritual growth with fellow missionaries and employees. Periodic Evaluations Each month, Amigos for Christ can provide a fundraising update. Each month, you will set monthly goals with your leader. Every 4 months, you and your leaders will complete an evaluation and discuss strengths and areas in need of improvement. 15

17 LIVING IN NICARAGUA Living Arrangements For the first 2-3 weeks, you may live with a host family. After 2-3 weeks, you will live in housing provided by Amigos for Christ. You may or may not have your own room. Each house of missionaries will have a monthly house meeting. Financial Responsibility The rent of your house will be paid by the Amigos office from your fundraising account. When mission groups are present (most weeks of the year), breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available at the Amigos complex. When groups are not present, breakfast and lunch is provided on work days. You are responsible to pay your electric and water bill along with your roommates. You may buy Internet access for your house, but this will be your responsibility to pay. Amigos Property The office will be closed Saturday and Sunday. The kitchen and clothes washing area is closed Saturday and Sunday with the exception of kitchen crew making food for the groups and washing donated clothes from previous groups. The laundry area is available in the evenings. Training & Cultural Immersion Upon arrival, you will participate in an Amigos training program to learn the mission, vision, development model, safety, and general logistics of working for Amigos for Christ. You may attend Spanish classes they are offered at all different levels. Medical Care in Nicaragua Any illness or injury that can be treated by our health professionals on staff are free of charge. Any other medical issues will be referred to the local clinic or hospital along with assistance from Amigos medical staff. You or your insurance company must cover these costs. (Medical care is very inexpensive in Nicaragua.) Visitors Encourage your family and friends to come visit you in Nicaragua. Each year, we will waive the mission trip room & board fee for 2 of your family members or friends. 16

18 PACKING FOR NICARAGUA Things you will definitely need: Basic toiletries * T- Shirts (8-10) Shorts/Pants (6-8) 2-3 nice outfits for church, special events, etc. A longsleeve shirt/sweatshirt Plenty of socks/underwear Tennis shoes (2 pair recommended) Flip flops/sandals Bathing suit Bible and journal Small bag/backpack Sunglasses Rain jacket Mace on a keychain (women) Computer/Ipad Prescription Medications Things that come in handy: Pack in storage containers approved for flying EXAMPLE Chacos/keens/tevas Eno Hammock and straps Headlamp An old cell phone to get unblocked to use in Nica (must accept a SIM card) Things you don t need: Sunblock/Bugsrpay (we have enough for an army) Basic/common medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benedryl, Pepto, etc) *There is a grocery store in town that you can also buy toiletries, should you run out. 17