El Salvador Mission Trip February 6-13, 2016
General Information El Salvador is a small country on the Pacific side of Central America. El Salvador experiences two seasons. Dry season, is from May to September and wet season which is from October to April. Spanish is the spoken language. There are about 7 million people, and the vast majority is Catholic. El Salvador endured 12 years of civil war ending in 1992. Although the war has long been over, there is still plenty of residual pain lingering from those 12 years. Poverty, lack of education and violence in the home are leading issues within El Salvador. Street Gangs are a violent force most Salvadorians have to deal with on a daily basis. From walking down a street, to riding a city bus, to living in different areas of El Salvador, Salvadorians have to negotiate with the local gangs. Although El Salvador is plagued with much opposition, making it difficult for people to live simple lives, there is an incredible openness in people s hearts. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is radically affecting lives in Central America, and Kings Castle has the amazing privilege of being in the heart of the action. The capital city, San Salvador, is the most prosperous city in the nation. Yet, it is riddled with poverty stricken, ganginfested neighborhoods. In the midst of these communities, the HOPE of Jesus Christ is rising up and the people are responding. Bring your team and bring HOPE. Cultural Information Perhaps the most important thing to realize as a team in El Salvador is that we are guests in a foreign country. We are the ones who do things that seem quite different. In fact, many things that are thought innocent or normal at home could be offensive here and may hinder people from hearing the message of salvation. It is critical that we be careful of the impression we create as representatives of Christ. The following suggestions are offered to help teams understand the people of El Salvador and to help teams have a positive experience. The general guidelines will assist teams in developing a mindset of cultural sensitivity, while the practical guidelines give more detailed rules to follow.
About King s Castle We will be staying at King s Castle Ministries (Castillo del Rey) San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America. Founded in 1989, King's Castle Ministries was purposed to raise up an army of young, Spirit-filled warriors who would invade Latin America with the simple message that Jesus saves and is coming soon. Today that vision has expanded to dozens of countries throughout the world. In El Salvador and Nicaragua, the countries to which Don and Terri Triplett are appointed; they are witness to a mighty move of God as He pours out His Spirit to anoint this generation who will usher in the return of His son, Jesus Christ. Working hand-in-hand with the local church, thousands of young men and women are giving their lives for the cause of global evangelism in the various aspects of the ministry. For more information on their many ministries, please check out www.kingscastle.org Don & Terri Triplett International Ministry Directors triplett@kingscastle.org
Mission To serve... period We are in El Salvador to serve and encourage the missionaries, local pastors and churches. Our leadership team takes very seriously the responsibility of watching out for your physical and spiritual well-being. All team members are expected to follow all the directions in this booklet as well as all instructions given in El Salvador by King s Castle staff and our trip leaders. Outreach: Get ready to have a blast! King s Castle is a great organization that is serious about God and reaching people who don t have a relationship with Him. The key focus of King s Castle is children. They understand that if they can reach the children, they can reach a nation. Get ready to love people and work hard each day. We will be trained our first full day in the country and then sent out with a team of nationals (mission students) to the ministry sites each day. We will be part of street crusades and school assemblies, using songs with movements, dramas and lighthearted skits. We ll visit multiple sites per day, depending on how well we are received and how far we must travel to each location. Each day will be a new experience. Usually all of the evangelism team participates in the songs and dramas. Some of the dramas require quite a few extras so we need everyone to participate. Everyone will be trained and learn the songs. Clowns will be an important part of our outreach ministry on the streets. If you have your own clown makeup and costumes, please bring them with you. One or two team members will be clowns each day. Prior to our children s programs, we usually play with the kids. If you would like, you can bring balls, bubbles, a jump rope, or Frisbees in order to play with the children. Medical and Dental Team: An important part of our mission trip is the medical and dental clinic outreach. We begin our time in El Salvador by sorting medicine in order to easily dispense during our clinics. Our team of physicians, dentists, nurses and other medical team members travel to set up medical and dental clinics in community churches serving hundreds of hurting El Salvadorians. Our patients have their vitals taken, identify their physical concerns and then are seen by one of our medical professionals. Young and old alike are taken care of and provided with appropriate medicine and/or advice. Patients also have the opportunity to visit with missionaries to hear the Gospel and learn more about God s love.
Auto Repair Team: We have an outstanding team of mechanics whose skills and gifts are critical to King s Castle. The team helps repaint busses, motors and other engines necessary to the operations at King s Castle. Construction: Several years ago North Ridge Church s Missions team began building a medical clinic at King s Castle. Our construction directors will provide the construction crew with details on the needs of King s Castle. For those of you who don t mind a little sweat, this is the perfect opportunity to serve!
Stuff to Know Dress: The culture of Central America is more conservative than that in many churches in North America. Shorts are generally not accepted except as athletic attire, at the beach, or as pajamas. Earrings and extreme hair styles on men are not acceptable in Central America. Body piercing is not acceptable in this culture for Christians. Do not wear fatigues, camouflage or anything associated with gangs or the military. King s Castle is an international missionary training center. We must dress conservatively to respect those around us and their culture. Tank tops, cut offs, bikini s, etc. are not to be worn during this trip. Men on the Outreach Ministry Team: Wear jeans or khakis (no tears or patches) and ministry T-shirts (if supplied). Modest shorts may be worn on the training day and during free time. Ladies on the Outreach Ministry Team: Long, full skirts and ministry T-shirts are worn when on Outreach. Bike shorts or leggings are recommended under the ladies skirts for modesty during the active mimes and dramas. Do not bring dresses since they will be too hot with T-shirts over them. Slacks, jeans, and modest shorts may be worn on the training day and during free time. Construction/Auto Repair Team: Jeans, work boots and work gloves. No shorts should be worn for safety reasons. Medical Team: Scrubs can be worn. The Medical Director can provide additional guidance on dress and needed equipment. Behavior: We will be visiting people whose culture is different from our own. Please keep a good spirit and cooperate with guidelines. Daily conduct should include the avoidance of the use of tobacco products, drugs, alcoholic drinks, vulgar and lewd language, immodest dress, and reckless behavior, etc. All volunteers should conduct themselves daily so as to present a positive Christian witness to everyone around, including other volunteers. Each team member will be assigned to a team leader. Your team leader will provide you with guidelines during the trip. Water & Food: The only water suitable for drinking in El Salvador is bottled water. Due to the climate, we encourage team members to drink all the bottled water you can, to prevent dehydration and heat-stroke. Bring some type of water bottle to carry at all times. It is recommended that you
drink one ounce of water per pound of body weight to stay hydrated during the day. Sickness: Every attempt will be made to minimize the possibilities of you getting sick on this trip. Team members will be provided with anti-diarrhea medicine to be taken through out the course of the trip. Even so, it is inevitable that some may experience stomach and intestinal problems due to the new environment and demanding work conditions. Team members will be provided bottled water at King s Castle. There will be a well-equipped first-aid kit available. You are responsible for bringing other medicines for any unique medical problems that you may have. Sunscreen: Due to the location of El Salvador, the suns rays are much more direct and powerful. Sunscreen should be applied several times a day. SPF 35 or higher is highly recommended. Snacks: We encourage each member to bring some sort of healthy snack foods to eat during the day. Please do not buy any food from a street vendor. We also encourage each member to only eat fruit that can be peeled, or has been washed thoroughly in a trusted water source. Extra Money: Although care must be exercised, team members should bring cash (US dollars) for personal use and souvenirs. Travelers checks are very difficult to cash as are bills over $20.00. The amount needed will depend on the number of souvenirs required and personal use. King s Castle has a snack and souvenir shop. We recommend bringing no more than $200 per person. Personal Devotions: It is imperative that we all spend time with God in the Word and in prayer first thing in the morning daily during this trip. We need to keep spiritually fit so that we can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Please bring a journal and Bible. Trip Devotions: While on the trip we will also have group devotions. Depending on the daily schedule we will either meet in the morning or the evening after our evening meal. Sleeping Arrangements: Each night we will be staying at the King s Castle Training Center s dorms (male and female). Bedding is provided, but you may want to bring your own pillow. Offering: At the conclusion of the trip there will be a general appeal for a love offering for King's Castle Ministries. You are not required to participate, but we would like you to know that the opportunity will be there so as not to surprise. Orientation: King s Castle staff will provide us with an orientation upon our arrival and will provide us instructions and schedule for our week.
Adult 2016 NRC EL SALVADOR MISSION TRIP REGISTRATION FORM February 6-13, 2016 PERSONAL INFORMATION (Please Print Clearly) Name (as spelled on your passport): First Middle Last Home Phone #: Cell Phone #: Work Phone #: Age: Email Address: **This must be an email you check regularly. Email is the primary form of communication used to relay important information regarding this trip. Occupation: Do you speak Spanish? Yes No T-Shirt Size (Adult sizes): Small Medium Large XL XXL Motivation for registering for this trip: Concerns and/or expectations for this trip: MEDICAL INFORMATION 1. Please describe any physical disabilities: 2. Current illness or conditions: 3. Current prescription medications: 4. Please list any allergies (including food and medications): 1
WORK TEAM INTEREST (Check one) Medical Dental Construction (block laying, welding, carpentry, etc.) Operations Support (auto repair, warehouse work, etc.) Outreach (interaction with children /adults street dramas, praying, games, etc.) SKILL SET Please share your skills (e.g. sewing, roofer, medical, conversational in Spanish, photography, etc.) so that we may best plan our mission work. Skills: BACKGROUND CHECK All trip participants over 18 years are required to have a Wisconsin Background Check completed prior to the trip. Information provided below will only be used for the purposes of the Background Check. First Name: Last Name: Middle Name: Other names (surname, etc): Gender: Male Female Date of Birth: (MM/DD/YYYY) Social Security Number: Signature: 2
North Ridge Church 2016 El Salvador Mission Trip February 6-13, 2016 Forms Checklist & Instructions Thank you for your interest in registering for North Ridge Church s El Salvador mission program! Our 2016 trip is scheduled for February 6-13, 2016. God has blessed our work and the participation and financial contributions of generous supporters. This year will mark our 15 th year of sending teams to El Salvador! What started in 2001, with 4 attendees participating in earthquake relief, has grown into a program focused on providing a lasting impact. Participants can take part in one of four areas: outreach, medical, construction, or mechanical. We will conduct medical and dental clinics. Thousands have received medical care and the Gospel message at these clinics over the past 10 years! We will also continue our outreach work and operations support activities (bus repair, construction, kitchen repair and street evangelism) for King s Castle. REGISTRATION Registration forms will be accepted beginning July 15, 2016 forms will not be accepted before this date. Spaces for this trip fill up quickly and are limited per work team, so make sure to turn in your forms as soon as possible. Once the spots are filled we will start a waiting list. Forms can be found online at www.northridgefamily.org/events/elsalvador-trip. o Forms o Copy of your current passport (You can still register if you do not have a passport. Please provide a copy upon receipt.) o $100 deposit (Check may be made to North Ridge Church) ALL PARTICIPANTS Complete all elements of each form: NRC Trip Registration Form AG Team Signature Form (Member Contact, Beneficiary, Emergency Information and agreement to terms): For Review Only: AG Assumption of Risk and Insurance Agreement and Code of Conduct Agreement MINORS (under 18 years old) also submit: Parental Consent and Minor Authorization: Parents please complete ALL elements of this form. This form replaces the Assumption of Risk and Insurance Agreement for minor attendees only. Note that children under the age of 10 can attend the trip notwithstanding some elements of the form. Please also note that, as with the adult form, additional insurance coverage is elected and is covered in the trip cost. This form must be signed in the presence of a notary public and notarized accordingly. Please contact Beth Zarnke (715-387-6111) if you require the assistance of a notary. Temporary Guardianship: The Temporary Guardianship form is only needed for minors not traveling with a parent/legal guardian.
Copy of Volunteer Card: If you received a card from Assembly of God, include a copy of the card. If you traveled to El Salvador in 2015, you may have received an electronic version of your card. The volunteer card verifies the cardholder has been screened according to the policies of The General Council of the Assemblies of God. The purpose is to simplify the registration process for a mission s team member. It also represents the insurance and legal forms already on file with AGWM. Cards are automatically sent to everyone that registers through AGWM for a mission s trip. Your volunteer card expires five years after it is issued. T Dates TRIP DATES The trip begins on Saturday, February 6th (early morning departure from NRC) through Saturday, February 13th (late evening arrival at NRC). TRIP COSTS The tentative cost for the trip is $1,535. This cost covers airfare, coach bus transportation to and from the airport, food and lodging in El Salvador, insurance, tourist card, departure tax, and materials subsidy. The $1,535 cost does not include costs relating to obtaining your passport (which you should do now, if you haven t already done so) meals traveling to and from El Salvador and any personal spending you may do while in El Salvador. PAYMENT SCHEDULE Based on tentative $1535 participant cost, the following payment schedule will be enforced. If the trip cost increases, participants will be notified. Payments may be made prior to the schedule deadline or in one lump sum. August 15th: First payment due $300 September 15th: Second payment due $300 October 15th: Third payment due $300 November 15th: Fourth payment due $300 December 15th: Final payment due $235 Payments may be mailed to: North Ridge Church, 1021 West McMillan Street, Marshfield WI 54449 If payments are not received by the due dates, North Ridge Church cannot guarantee your participation in this trip. It is extremely important that you contact us if you are unable to fund your trip or continue as a participant. After October 15, 2015 we are locked into our airline tickets. If there is a cancellation after this time, there will be a charge of $100 per airline ticket. Please keep us informed as soon as possible if you feel you will not be able to make the trip. Raising funds and making timely payments for this trip is the full responsibility of each participant. If sponsors/donors are assisting you with your trip costs, please ensure they are made aware of the payment schedule. Payments may be mailed, dropped off at the church office or placed in the North Ridge Church Sunday offering. Please be sure to identify on the envelope that the payment is for the El Salvador Missions Trip, so that it can be directly applied to your account. 2
Fundraising Fund raising materials are available to assist trip attendees with soliciting sponsors either to defray trip costs or to assist North Ridge in defraying the substantial materials costs of the trip. Even if you are able to cover your own trip costs, we strongly encourage each of you to consider fundraising in order help pay for the approximate $10,000+ pharmaceutical and construction materials costs of the trip. Fundraising resources templates are available upon request. If you are engaging in fundraising, please instruct potential donors to clearly identify that their contribution is being made to North Ridge Church on your behalf for either your trip cost or NRC s materials cost. Note that contributions must be made to NRC (as opposed to the trip attendee) in order for the sponsor to receive a tax deduction. Please note that if contributions on your behalf exceed your trip cost, the surplus will be credited to the general El Salvador Mission account to be used for either trip materials or to defray the expenses of other attendees in need of financial assistance. Trip Contacts: Marshfield North Ridge Church Kathryn Miller, Trip Coordinator 715-387-6111 (office) email: kathryn@northridgefamily.org Trip website: www.northridgefamily.org/events/el-salvador-trip Kings Castle: www.kingscastle.org
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines For more information, please see: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/el-salvador.htm Preparing for Your Trip to El Salvador Before visiting El Salvador, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.) To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4 6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it. Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, antimalaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons. Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life. Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection. Page 1 of 2
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Vaccine recommendations are based on the best available risk information. Please note that the level of risk for vaccinepreventable diseases can change at any time. Vaccination or Disease Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Routine Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travelrelated hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors. Hepatitis B Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission, especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). Typhoid Rabies Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Mexico and Central America, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water. Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians), for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites. Page 2 of 2