The following is a document I collected after reviewing many resources on important considerations for those traveling on a short term ministry trip. I share it here in the hopes that perhaps it will help you, or you can share your feedback and we can improve the document.

Health Issues

• Check CDC for all relevant shots (some countries in Africa will check your yellow fever card) and preventions (eg Malaria).
• Be familiar with your own health issues and how to handle complications. Bring any necessary medications or food. Bringing protein snacks can be helpful. Know your insurance info.
• Minimize jetlag by getting on new time zone asap, drink lots of water, stretch, etc.
• File “Release and Emergency” Form with EFCA.
• DON’T drink or brush teeth in tap water. Only bottled water. And drink LOTS of water in warm climates. Don’t drink beverages with ice.
• Wash hands often with soap or antibacterial gel (Purell).
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.
• In equatorial climates, apply sunscreen regularly to exposed skin. Bug spray can help.
• Bring (or buy) a small bag of clothes washing soap for sink use overseas.

Spiritual Issues

• Have a team of prayer warriors who will be praying regularly for you while you are away. Appoint a contact person and try to email them periodically and they can pass the word along. Make sure you have thoroughly prayed and consecrated the trip to the Lord.
• Make sure you spend time regularly with the Lord while on your trip. You will experience extra spiritual warfare, so make sure to stay connected with the Lord.
• Be familiar with how to share your testimony and share the Gospel (briefly – 1 min, or in more extended version).

Emotional / Mental Issues

• Write in a journal to help you later absorb the experience. Write down your feelings, stories, special people, cultural differences, ways you have been changed, etc.
• Work to “develop, empower, release” nationals.
• Dial down your expectations, of yourself and others.
• Be quick to listen, eyes open, slow to speak, slow to anger.
• Ask questions more than give answers.
• People back home will have no idea what all you experienced. Don’t get bummed. They won’t know what questions to ask, won’t have long attention span for your stories. Reverse culture shock is a real issue.
• Plan ample time for downtime, reflection, devotions, and sleep. Be prepared to be exhausted much of the time. Culture shock really drains you.
• Discuss and form a plan for how to handle conflict.
• Recognize you (and your teammates) will be experiencing mega stress and it will come out in strange ways. Give yourself and others around you extra grace.
• Be a team player. Strive to honor, respect and encourage those around you. Pray together as a team. Playing together helps also!

Cultural Issues

• If you are assisting Pastor Training Team, dress appropriately to culture.
• Be careful in taking pictures – some cultures are offended at this. Be discrete.
• People in “most” other cultures are more relationally oriented than we Americans are. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Learn from it.
• Be prepared for how you will handle the many beggars who will come to you. Read “When Helping Hurts.” Best not to give in this way.
• Bargaining is common in many places. Use it as opportunity to build relationship, and expect to pay more than a national.
• Electrical supply will need an adapter and oftentimes overseas is 220v. Frequent surges.
• Giving small gift for hosts and special friends is oftentimes culturally important.
• Be prepared for the challenges of working through a translator.
• Ask a national for cultural tips (do’s and don’ts).
• Try to use some of the local language, if at all possible.
• Time is viewed differently by different cultures – event vs. linear
• Don’t hug adults of opposite sex. Best not to touch until you build relationship. Shake hands with same sex.
• Talk positively to nationals about their country. “Your country is beautiful…”
• Comfort and cleanliness is an option – not a goal/a right. “I surrender my rights to…”
• Your goal is to bring Christ to nationals, not American culture to them.
• Avoid the “ugly American” syndrome. Be courteous, culturally aware and sensitive, respectful, not loud, proud, task-driven and wasteful.
• “Embrace the Mystery” – Try to look at things that bother you as different/new, not weird/bothersome/wrong.
• When it comes time to say goodbye, don’t make promises to nationals you can’t keep.

Financial Issues

• Make sure to bring the credit card you purchased your air tix on.
• Bring ATM card.
• Bring “new” large denomination bills (better exchange rate).
• Alert bank or credit card company where and when you will be traveling.
• Make sure you’ve gone through GET finance policy.

Security and Travel Issues

• Make sure your passport is valid 6 months past travel date.
• Have appropriate visas or know how to get them when arriving in country.
• Be aware of TSA restrictions. Can lock luggage with TSA lock if you desire. Marking your luggage with bright ribbon can make it easier to spot in airport.
• Put name on outside and inside of luggage.
• Keep copy of passport as well as original with you.
• Tell somewhere where you are. No wandering alone, esp. females.
• Try to travel as lightly as possible.
• Be security conscious (hide money and valuables, etc.), keep money in front pocket or in money belt. Beware of pickpockets, scam artists.
• Keep local phone number of key contact with you.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary (and valuable docs, credit cards) with family or friend stateside. Give emergency contact info to others.
• On Immigration forms, mark “Tourist” for reason for visit. Use GREEN “Nothing to Declare” line at immigration.
• You can register your travel with State Dept. at https://travelregistration.state.gov

Other Issues

• Make sure you share alignment with ReachGlobal vision and values. Review Sandbox.

Helpful attitudes

• Sense of humor
• Sense of adventure
• Low goal/task orientation
• Ability to fail
• Perceptiveness. Focus on learning more than teaching
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• Open-mindedness
• Non-judgmental spirit
• Empathy
• Willingness to communicate
• Flexibility
• Curiosity
• Warmth in human relations
• Motivation
• Tolerance for differences
• Strive to “die to self, live for Christ.” Have a servant heart.
• Have FUN! Be quick to laugh, especially at yourself.
• Remember you represent Jesus Christ. You are being watched.