Missionary Dos and Dont's
The majority of foreign short-term mission volunteers can be thought of as being the kindest, loving and the most giving people from among their entire congregation. This does not mean however that they may be world travelers. In this segment you will receive tips, suggestions, recommendations and cautions that will hopefully enable you to have a more comfortable mission experience. You may be only a first time traveler but we want you to feel as comfortable as a world traveler. Our goal is for you to travel to the mission field and have a fulfilling experience and return home safely. Please read the following carefully and be sure to ask questions!

PLEASE DO...
  • Commit yourself to preparation.
  • Be gracious, humble and courteous
  • Respect other people’s traditions, customs and taboos
  • Be prepared to give your testimony
  • Keep your passport, money and traveler’s checks, airline ticket on your person at all times
  • Take your malaria medication one-week prior to traveling and keep it with you to take once a week and four weeks after returning home
  • Carry your insect repellent, (Deet) canteen for water and sunscreen with you when you go outside in the tropical sun (Nigeria primarily)
  • Dress comfortably
  • Make sure hands are clean before eating
  • Bring a small pack to carry tracts, small bible, hand wipes, camera etc.
  • Be considerate of other’s having to eat
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid possibility of dehydration
  • Be careful about displaying money
  • Brush your teeth with bottled water
  • Go to serve and not present yourself as the “expert”
  • Let someone know right away if you are feeling sick
  • Be ready to pack up and vacate with a few minutes notice
  • GO WITH THE FLOW OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!
PLEASE DO NOT!
  • Engage in conversations that exalt your country, state or culture over another.
  • Engage in political conversations
  • Bring expensive jewelry
  • Over pack
  • Drink water, milk or any beverage offered to you unless the Team Leader says it is all right
  • Eat any raw vegetable or fresh fruits unless you have peeled it first
  • Set up housekeeping in your assigned room
  • Make promises that you cannot keep
  • Give out your home address or phone numbers
PHOTOGRAPHY DO’S AND DON’TS
Be sure to bring lots of film and replacement batteries. These items are available in the larger cities but may not be available in the smaller or more rural areas. If available these items may be very expensive. To get good pictures of African people requires more light. Consider using a flash with an automatic camera, or decrease your stop setting at least one stop. If your subject faces the sun facial features will show up much better. When you photograph children, squat or kneel to be on the same level. Except in church settings do not take pictures of people without their permission.
It is still against the law to take pictures of government buildings, government officials or at the airport, or any military facility in most foreign countries for reason of national security. Before taking any pictures it is best to ask your Team Leader or National with you if it will be permissible. The Nationals will often want copies of pictures taken of them. Don’t promise to send copies unless you really intend to follow-up. Unfulfilled promises create bad feelings and can demean the good things that you do.