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Come and See Missions Manual
Come and See Missions are empowered by God, to seek to glorify the Lord Jesus the Christ, as lead through the Holy Spirit in service, fellowship, witness and worship. Equipped to the seasons of the region to coordinate, facilitate ans emphasize this YPM ministry, their programs and process through experiential education.
Come and See Missions are inclusive with service project, lodging, food, ground transportation and are designed to adapt and tailor to the specific needs, concerns and desires of Christian curriculum content and delivery to assuring accountability in a secure, safe and enjoyable environment.
Come and See Missions are committed to bringing the Word of God to the peoples of the world through Labors of Love, Education and Medical Programs. The hundreds of volunteers who have poured concrete, comforted a child and shared laughter without regard to language leave this place savoring a rich experience… and memories of heartfelt gratitude in eyes of those they served with.
Challenge
The challenge to serve within a Come and See Missions ministry is a serious decision. It is a commitment that requires conviction, dedication and a resolve to explore a great opportunity –not only in a foreign country, but also within one’s own heart and relationship with God. Volunteers from the United States who come to the Yucatan each year range in age from youth to retirees with varying backgrounds. They serve alongside Mayan/Mexican colleagues to provide for health care and learning, construct churches, educational buildings, houses, medical clinics and community centers or complete special projects. Throughout the history of YPM, through the American visits, have provided volunteers who have donated their time and energy to the needy in the Yucatan region of Mexico.
The Program and Process
Come and See Missions are committed to assisting in any way we can. It is our prayer that everyone will have the educational experience of a lifetime.
Purposes of the mission:
To observe God in other cultures.
To build relationships with Christians in other cultures.
To serve those less fortunate than yourself.
To experience God in your own life.
Your team will live and work alongside the people they serve. The accommodations can be primitive and the hours long, but the end result is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment – and the opportunity to see and experience the way God moves when we open ourselves to his leading!
Where will the team go?
The mission team will be assigned a destination from a list of projects, based on dynamics and where the most need is in towns of the Yucatan, including a variety of locations along the Northern/Southern and interior Peninsula Mayan villages.
An example of a typical 7-day week: Saturday to Saturday
Saturdays-International Travel Days Sunday-Worship and Fellowship day Monday-through Thursday Program
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Project Site
1:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Project Site
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Activities/Evangelism/Devotions/Bible Study
Friday-Free Day
Each mission is unique, and the experience is tailored to meet the needs and desires of educational mission goals.
Identification requirements:
A valid passport is required for travel in Mexico, and we strongly recommend a second form of ID due to current United States airport security precautions. In addition, upon arrival in Mexico the immigration officer will require everyone to present the tourist visa card and a head of household customs declaration form given out by the airline attendant during flight.
DO NOT PACK PASSPORTS AND/OR OTHER PERSONAL IDENTIFICATIONS IN CHECKED LUGGAGE.
Passport applications can be obtained and submitted at a local post office or County Clerk office. Be aware that everyone will need ALL these documents upon both arrival and departure from Mexico. Don’t lose them!
IMPORTANT: The name on the passport and the airline ticket must be the same. Again, we recommend everyone have with them their Passport and a second photo ID that displays your current name.
Forms of identification that are required for U.S.A. airline travel:
Due to the increased security in airports, in order to proceed to the departing gate, travelers are now required to present an airline-boarding pass and a form of picture ID issued by a government authority. International travel the requirement is a Passport and National travel a valid Driver’s License or employee ID issued by a county, state or federal agency.
They will make no exceptions!
Consent and authorization forms for youth:
Any participant under the age of 18 (if the child is traveling International without either parent/guardian) must have both his/her biological parents or court appointed guardians completed two (2) sets of the Authorization and Consent forms before a Notary Public, and if the participant’s parental/guardian authority has been effected by divorce or death, certified original copies must also be submitted. These documents are necessary for departure from the United States, and it is required that they carry the notarized signatures of BOTH parents/guardians.
(See example pages at the end of this manual.)
WITHOUT THESE FORMS A MINOR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BOARD THE PLANE FOR MEXICO.
The following measures will help at the airport:
1. Arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
2. Have two forms of identification readily available, one of which should be
a passport. Again, entry into/exit from Mexico is accomplished only by passport and we strongly recommend you carry a second government- issued photo ID.
3. If questioned by security agents, give straightforward answers without adopting an attitude or trying to be witty. Remember, some delays are inevitable. Get to the airport early – have your identification handy – be polite.
Travel into Mexico:
The exact flight schedule will be included with receipt of the airline reservation. It is always a good idea to leave a copy of this itinerary with family, church or friends at home. When receipt of the Visa, put it in a safe place until the arrival/departure to/from Cancun International Airport (or other destination depending on your itinerary), the port of entry into/departure from Mexico.
Entry into Mexican airport: Immigration:
1. Upon leaving the plane, everyone will proceed through Mexican
immigration. Everyone will need their personal identification documents, their completed tourist visa card, and a head of household Mexican customs form given to them on the plane.
2. The immigration officer may ask about the reason for the visit to Mexico, or what the group is doing there. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GIVE HONEST ANSWERS ON THE MEXICAN TOURIST VISA FORM AS THE REASON OF YOUR VISIT.
3. Proceed to the luggage area.
Customs:
1. Gather all luggage, baggage, boxes/crates and any other items that were
brought. Go to the Customs Station, which at times can seem very crowded and confusing.
2. Here the head of household will be asked for the customs declaration
form filled out on the plane.
3. Next that person will be asked to push a button on a traffic light. If the light turns green, they will be permitted to go through without being checked. If the light turns red, luggage, baggage, boxes/crates must be placed on a counter and opened for the inspector.
4. If carrying luggage, baggage, boxes/crates or other items on behalf of yourself and/or the team, and you are being searched:
a) Notify the team leader.
b) Get a Spanish speaker from the team to assist and help.
c) Present the authorization letter. (See at the end of this manual)
Note: Each person is allowed to import $300 worth of gifts into Mexico. If by chance, the item being carried is new, and was purchased for over $300, declare the item on the customs form before pressing the traffic light button, and pay any needed taxes. Be sure you have all receipts available for all materials. The inspector has the right to search and then confiscate if the item has not been declared on any item upwards in value of $300. Used items do not carry such a value; therefore it is not necessary to declare them. But, if you and/or others are bringing in many things for donation, spread them out among the members and be prepared to present the authorization letter.
(See example page at the end of this manual)
After leaving customs, the team should stay together. If not, luggage baggage, boxes/crates and other items can be easily stolen at this point, and therefore should be watched carefully. From this point on, security depends you.
Immunizations and medications:
Prior to departure, all participants should consult their Doctor, and consider being immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Malaria tablets and strong anti-diarrhea medications are also advised. These immunizations and medications are all recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for travel in Mexico, as well as for the typical conditions during these types of service projects. Bring all medications required in there original containers. A completed health form, signed by each individual and their physician, should be submitted to the mission leader(s) prior to departure.
(See example page at the end of this manual)
First aid and medical needs:
Keep a record of what medications are being taken with a personal ID. Report ANY illness or injury to leadership immediately. Any participant with a medical condition that demands special care or treatment should report that information to the mission leader(s) prior to the trip, again upon arrival in Mexico and on the Confidential Medical Information and Release Form at the end of this manual.
Code of ethics while visiting Mexico:
1. Travel in a spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and
talk with the local people.
2. Be aware of the feelings of other people, thus preventing what might
be offensive behavior.
3. Cultivate the habit of listening and observing rather than merely hearing and asking questions.
4. Realize that people in Mexico often have time concepts and thought patterns different from another Country. Not inferior, just different.
5. Discover the enrichment that comes from experiencing another way
of life rather than looking for the beach paradise portrayed in tourism posters.
6. Get acquainted with local customs and respect them. Many people will be happy to help.
7. Develop the habit of clarification instead of the western practice of
thinking we know all the answers.
8. Remember that you are one of thousands visiting. Do not expect special privileges.
9. Spend wisely. If a home away from home is wanted, why travel?
10. Remember when shopping that the bargain obtained is only possible
because of the low wages paid to the maker of the product.
11. Make no promises to local people and host families because to fulfill them is most likely a impossibility.
12. Reflect daily on the educational experience, and seek to deepen the understanding. Be glad and joyful that you did!
Currency exchange:
When the team leaves the airport there will be limited opportunities to exchange American money to Peso for when needed. The reality is that the need for cash will be modest as there will be limited spending opportunities.
Packing hints:
Pack light!
Carry necessary items in carry-on luggage in the event checked luggage does not arrive.
Shorts are acceptable. Long pants or skirts are recommended for while in Mayan villages.
Socks, boots, tennis or dress shoes and other footwear are advised.
Women must wear a skirt to worship services.
Men must wear dress pants to worship services.
Swimsuits are to be worn ONLY in the tourist areas.
Daytime temperatures can be 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures as lows can average between 50 and 60 degrees. The humidity is high in this part of the world!
Plan to wear hiking/work boots or substantial tennis shoes to protect feet while in villages or on construction projects.
Travel tips:
Drink ONLY water that has been filtered, boiled or bottled.
DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER.
Avoid raw vegetables, raw meats, raw fish or shellfish.
Peel all fruit. Do not eat the skin.
Drink only beverages that are filtered, boiled or sealed in containers.
DO NOT EAT FOOD FROM STREET VENDORS.
Be alert on streets and highways. THE PEDESTRIAN DOES NOT HAVE RIGHT OF WAY.
Drink plenty of liquid when under heat stress or if suffering from diarrhea.
Wear some form of footwear at all times. Check inside shoes and clothing every morning and any other time before changing apparel.
Use common sense in unfamiliar surroundings and situations.
Packing Tips:
Each participant is limited to one airline-checked backpack, duffel bag or suitcase of which the total dimension (height+length+width) may not exceed 45 inches and not weigh over 60 pounds. Each participant is limited to one airline carry-on bag and the following items should be in it at all times or as needed or in the event of the checked bag does not arrive:
All identification and travel documents
Spending money
One change of clothes
All necessary personal hygiene items and medications
Note: Pocketknives, nail files, knitting needles and any other “sharp” objects, lotions, jells and liquids considered to be potential weapons will be confiscated by airport security. Please put these and like kind items in checked luggage.
Suggested Packing List:
Pack as little as possible, plan to not do laundry but wash by hand several times on the trip if wanted or needed. You may leave behind any personal belongings as long as everything is in good and acceptable condition.
I Bandana/sweatband
I Camera (pack film separately)
I Church attire: Men-dress pants and shirt Women-skirt or dress
I Clothes line (optional)
I Cotton blanket/sheet
I Flashlight (pack batteries separately)
I Insect repellent with high DEET rating
I Personal medications in original containers
I Safety type glasses (optional)
I T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, a long-sleeved shirt
I Shorts, sweatpants or a light weight pair of pants
I Spanish/English dictionary (optional)
I Substantial work clothes and shoes
I Sunglasses with high UV protection
I Sunscreen with high UV protection
I Swimsuit and beach shoes
I Tennis shoes
I Flip flops (shower shoes)
I Toiletries with case
I Towels for shower/beach
I Underwear and socks
I Water bottle
I Work gloves (substantial)
I Work/sun hat
INFORMATION FOR MAILING/CONTACTING
MEMBERS OF THE MISSION MINISTRY
(This page is to be left in the church and/or with relatives of the team members.)
Yucatan Peninsula Mission
YPM-USA, and Come and See Missions
56491 State Highway 69, Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
Mark LaGree 970-318-6890
mark@lagree.org
Sandy LaGree 719-783-2588
sandy@lagree.org
YPM-Mexico
Base facility in Leona Vicario
Pastor William Cen Colli pastorken62@yahoo.com.mx
Erly Flor Santos
erfts@hotmail.com
Email: ypm@ypminc.org
Emergency contact information:
In the event of an EMERGENCY ONLY YPM-USA-Mexico can be contacted using cell phone and email information given above, which is to be left in the church and/or with relatives and friends of the team members. Sometimes it is very difficult to get emergency messages to teams, especially those in remote villages, so expect that it will take at least a day, if not more.
Long-distance calling from Mexico:
By far the easiest way to call to the U.S. is to purchase a Ladatel pre-paid calling card (we do not recommend a cell phone). These come in 30, 50 and 100 peso denominations and can only be purchased in Mexico. Put the card in the phone and dial direct (001 + area code + the number). The screen on the phone shows you how much time is left. These cards can only be used in urban areas where pay phones are accessible. Before departure consult the personal long-distance carrier for instructions on how to receive or place a long-distance call while in Mexico on your personal current cellular plan. They can advise of the needed numbers and approximate costs.
Expectations for all participants:
1. When traveling everyone is to use the buddy system at all times.
2. When staying in the villages, make ALL purchases (including handicrafts)
at a store. Purchases from the host families or other individuals will alter our relationship from one of service to one of financial assistance. Please DO NOT give or leave cash as a gift.
3. All participants should understand this is a trip of service and evangelism, NOT a vacation.
4. No smoking, alcohol or drugs are permitted while within service projects.
5. Swimsuits are not acceptable attire except in tourist areas.
6. Used toilet paper and feminine hygiene articles are to be placed in
wastebaskets NOT in the toilet. The local sewer systems are not adequate to deal with this material.
7. Do not waste precious water.
8. During free time: kite boarding, parasailing, diving, snorkeling, fishing and the use of wave runners, sea-doos, mopeds, etc. are at personal risk.
Hammocks:
A hammock may be a bed for the trip. They are woven in a Mayan village
and take approximately 40 hours to create. Be careful with it, because a tangled hammock is very difficult, if not impossible, to untangle. A hammock will be given to everyone that has purchased one upon arrival.
– Unpack the hammock carefully.
– While it is on the floor, pull the two large loops straight up.
– Find a previous hammock-user to help attach it to the walls.
– If the hammock is taken down during the day, do it carefully to avoid tangles.
And if you have ANY questions, ASK!
Sanitary procedures: The following are very important rules. Please read them carefully. Closely following all procedures is crucial to staying healthy!
Food Preparation:
All food prepared will be done by a trained cook, who is conscious of the differences in preparation necessary for non-natives.
Wash hands often with soap or other hygienic solution.
Use only sanitized materials in food preparation. Example: if a pocketknife is used, it must be sanitized by soaking it in the same bleach solution used for rinsing dishes.
Use clean, sanitized cutting surfaces.
Sanitized – peeled fruit is OK (i.e., bananas, melons, oranges, pineapples)
Sanitized – peeled vegetables are OK (i.e., lettuce, tomato, potato, cucumber, pepper)
Sanitized – fully cooked meats are OK (i.e., chicken, beef, pork, fish, turkey)
Hard cheese and canned cheese may not be safe to eat for some people with allergies.
All allergies and Salmonella can be a serious problem if not careful about what to eat.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANY UNSANITIZED, UNCOOKED, AND/OR UNPURIFIED FOODS.
Note: Some want to help our local cook at all their meals and some expect all to be prepared for them. Either way all will eat together, and do all their own dishwashing, as well as all house cleaning and care.
Drinking Water:
Drink only filtered, purified or boiled water or buy purified bottled water.
DO NOT SWALLOW/DRINK TAP WATER
Dishwashing:
We use a three-washtub setup with washing, rinsing and sanitizing water in each tub.
Scrape dishes of left over food particles into waste baskets
Tub 1: Soapy water (the washing bath) — grease insulates bacteria from the chlorine bleach, therefore wash dishes thoroughly.
Tub 2: Clear water (the rinsing bath) — use this tub to rinse all soap from the dishes. Soap prohibits the action of the chlorine bleach, therefore it is important to rinse off all soap.
Tub 3: Chlorine bleach water rinse (the sanitizing bath) — read the label on the bleach bottle to make sure it is at least 3% hypochlorite. Use cautiously per 5 gallons of water. IF THE WATER DOES NOT SMELL LIKE BLEACH, ADD MORE UNTIL IT DOES!
Place dishes, pots and pans on a clean surface to air-dry. Do not wipe, wait till dry and put away properly.
Put silverware out to drain. Do not wipe, wait till dry and put away properly.
The village experience:
If the mission is to take part in a village experience, please understand the living conditions differences.
Housing
The team could be sleeping in hammocks in village homes.
Each will be housed with at least one other participant.
There may be open fire use in the home.
Flooring will range from packed earth to cement.
Toilet and Bathing
Bathing will likely be from a bucket of warm or cool water.
Family toilet facilities will vary. They can include a pit latrine, flushable toilet or a designated bush.
Food
All food prepared will be prepared by our trained cook, who is conscious of the differences in necessary preparations.
You can help prepare the food and drinks from what is purchased locally and/or locally available food will be prepared.
Fruits and vegetables must be peeled and sanitized.
Meat must be fully cooked before eating.
Drinks must be made from purified water.
All will eat together, and all sanitation by small groups.
Watch hygiene: Sanitize/Wash body and hands frequently. Brush teeth.
Suggested Criteria for Selecting Leadership Candidates:
MISSION LEADER Qualities/Responsibilities:
a) Provide love and encouragement for everyone and everything.
b) Oversee the application process and all paperwork of the members.
c) Must possess stamina, physical energy, understanding, patience, commitment, confidentiality and motivational skills.
d) Facilitate and organize all documentation, releases, schedules, cancellations, transfers, penalties, parents, congregations, guardians, planning meetings, correspondence, organization, communication, presentations, membership, finances, health and safety, etc.
SPIRITUAL LEADER
Responsibilities:
a) Pray daily for the members, project site, co-workers, home prayer team supporters/sponsors and your church, travel mercies.
b) Organize quiet time, study time, outreach opportunities, fellowship, worship, devotions and music during the trip.
SECRETARY Responsibilities:
a) Organize correspondence, phone tree communications, meeting minutes, daily journal delegations, thank you notes, reports to sponsors and donors and fundraising flyers/materials.
b) Member of the Purchasing Team.
TREASURER Responsibilities:
a) Collect and control of all monies.
b) Oversee income and expenses; report all money and fundraising activities. c) Member of the Purchasing Team.
FUNDING OFFICER
Responsibilities:
a) Plan budget.
b) Oversee all fundraising events.
c) Prepare and send solicitation support letters. d) Member of the Purchasing Team.
TRAVEL AGENT Responsibilities:
a) Keep track of all travel documents and itineraries.
b) Plan and/or research any leisure, exercise and/or pleasure attraction options.
WORK COORDINATOR Responsibilities:
a) Organize all participants and materials on the project site.
b) Schedule goals to be completed.
c) Manage attitudes and diligence in order to complete the project on schedule.
KP OFFICER Responsibilities:
a) Ensure health, medical care, safety and sanitation of the . Includes hygiene, housing, project site, travel and additional food purchasing.
a) Member of the Purchasing Team.
PURCHASING TEAM Responsibilities:
a) Plan optional costs in expenditures for additional recreational experiences; food, activities, transportation and fuel.
b) Keep funds secure.
(This form must be on official letterhead, signed and completed by each member of the mission trip, and kept at the official letterhead office.)
Release in Full of All Claims
In consideration of being accepted to participate in the Christian Missions Ministry trip, and for other good and valuable consideration, the undersigned party does hereby absolve, release and forever discharge the Yucatan Peninsula Mission, Inc./Yucatan Peninsula Mission, A.C /Come and See Missions and it’s directors, officers, manager, representative, staff and employees, including this (put in your church name), it’s mission members and leader(s), from any responsibility and/or liability for all action, causes of action and claims or demands for any damage, loss or injury of any kind or nature whatsoever, arising from or in connection with this Christian missions ministry.
In witness whereof the party has signed this release on the date
as indicated. Signature
Notary
_
Confidential Medical Information and Release Form
(should be printed on official letterhead)
Name Date In case of emergency contact:
Name Phone
Address
Relationship
Name Phone
Address
Relationship
Please note: if you become unconscious, incoherent and are in need of medical attention your Team Leader needs to know all of your requirements in order to assist in treatment. It is in your best interests to fill out this form, being as complete and specific as possible. If you answer yes to any of the following, please describe your answer in detail by attaching a separate
sheet of paper. A Doctor’s Medical Release may also be required.
Asthma Yes No Diabetes Yes No Heart Condition Yes No Dietary Condition Yes No Physical Limitations Yes No
Seizure Disorders Yes No Digestive Problems Yes No Emotional History Yes No Surgical History Yes No Chronic Illness Yes No
If you answer yes to the following questions, please explain.
Medication Requirements Yes No Other
Allergies Yes No
It is the responsibility of all individuals to consider private health insurance (please check to see if your carrier covers you outside of the United States) to cover expenses due to injury or illness. A certificate of health insurance is required with this release.
It is in my best interest, being as complete and specific as possible, to have informed and answered to the best of my ability the medical and health information required. I hereby acknowledge that I am solely responsible for any and all medical expenses, which I personally incur while serving this Christian missions ministry. And with this, I hereby release and absolve everything and everyone from any and all responsibility on my behalf of medical expenses.
Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Authorization Form for Youth
(should be printed on official letterhead)
We,
_
and
_
Citizens of the United States of America and parents and/or legal guardians of
_
authorize the departure of our son/daughter from the United States of America to Mexico from (dates)
for participation in a Christian Mission Ministry trip sponsored by
He/She will be under the care of the parent or guardian (if only one is on the trip) or the Christian Mission Ministry trip Leader named
Signed: _ Father/Guardian
Signed: Mother/Guardian
Signed: Notary Public
Parent/Guardian Consent Form for Youth
(should be printed on official letterhead)
Name(s) of
Parent/Guardian _ Address _ _ City _State Zip Home Phone Work Phone
Is there anything else besides what was covered in the manual, which you feel we should know about your child, which would make this a more positive experience for him/her, as well as for the rest of the members?
Please use the following space to address any additional concerns you may have, including anything related to health or emotional problems the Leader should know about. my/our child, wishes to participate in this Mission trip and has fully discussed the terms of this trip with me/us. I/We are supportive of his/her decision to go and also support the Leader. I/We will provide support in terms of guidance and preparation for the trip. I/We have read the entire manual, and have completed all necessary forms and understand and acknowledge the support my/our child will need for this trip. I/We delegate my/our authority over my/our child to the Leader. I/We are to be held accountable to the Leader for all statements made in my/our child’s application.
I/We understand the Leader will provide me/us with all pertinent information regarding contact information and travel plans.
Parent/Guardian Signature(s)
Date
Date
(example letter to be carried by each person checking boxes/crates of supplies or other goods into Mexico that are not personal luggage, i.e., teaching, medical supplies, construction material, etc.)
This should be printed on official letterhead, and bring ALL applicable receipts for items.
(Put in date of arrival at Mexico airport)
Fecha:
Esta letra atestigua al hecho de que las mercancías llevadas como bagaje por el
(Hand written personal name same as on Passport)
,
los E.E.U.U.
(Hand written personal name to: Pbro William Cen C. and Erly T. Santos) al , México
es una donación libre de la
(Hand written from official church name as above)
,
iglesia directamente al
YPM030723FS8 Yucatan Peninsula Misión, A.C. Calle: 25 Mazana: 4, 30 Avenida. Y Calle Sur, Lote 24. Colonia San Miguel 1, Cozumel.
Quintana Roo, Mexico, Codigo Postal 77665
Para su uso no lucrativo.
(Hand written signature same as on Passport)
Firmado,
(Hand written witness signature of church same as above)
Testigo,
