Safety Suggestions in Short Term Missions

Finding the right short-term mission trip can be a tricky but worthwhile process.  Follow these safety tips as you plan to minister in places other than your own community. These provide increased security amidst the adventure.

Before you go:

Check References of Ministries

If you are traveling internationally, recognize that the same risks apply in connecting with an unknown ministry as there are with meeting with anyone else on the Internet. ChristianVolunteering.org does not vouch for the ministries posting on our site, so it is up to you to verify that they are reputable will be a good fit with you. There have been a couple of cases on other sites where people tried to impersonate a ministry and posted short-term volunteering trips, and then once the person arrived, they did not have a valid ministry and tried to make the person pay them money. While this has never happened through ChristianVolunteering.org, please verify the validity of the ministries you may be serving with internationally.  When contacting potential ministries in which to serve, here are some good questions to ask:

• Have you receieved international volunteers in the past?
• Could I have the name and contact information of an international volunteer who has served with you previously?  
• Are you affiliated with any associations that could verify their membership and attest to you credibility? Are there other ministries in the area that could serve as a reference for you?  Could I get their contact information?

We recommend that if you ask these questions, you just explain yourself by saying something like, "Traveling internationally to an unknown ministry can be a significant risk. While it sounds like you are doing great ministry, I just want to be sure that there is a good fit and I know what I'm signing up for.  Would you mind answering a few questions that could help me in this?"

Do your research

Is the area you are planning on visiting a safe place to go?  It is important to answer the following questions before you leave, through internet research or other means:

• What shots or vaccines will be necessary to obtain before I leave?
• What is the policial situation like where I am going (will there be stability or strife during your stay)?
• What is the attitude of the people in this new community towards outsiders?
• Are there any other dangers, threats or problems I could encounter in this new community?

Make local connections

Whether through a search on www.ChristianVolunteering.org or through friends, family and other contacts, connect with ministries in the area where you will be serving.

Figure out the details

Details can make or break your week or month of short - term service.  Make sure you will be able to safely sustain a positive and Christ-like attitude in the location where you wil be staying and/or serving.

• Where do volunteers stay?
• What will I eat and drink if I minister there?
• Will I be able to use phone or internet in case of emergencies?

While serving

"A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." Proverbs 22:3

The excitement of being in a new place may cause you to let down your guard. At that point you can become easy prey for thieves or worse. As you prepare to hit the road on that mission trip, engrave these safe travel tips in your memory. Make them part of your safety training.

Keep your luggage nearby and within your view.
If traveling by air, check your baggage in as soon as you arrive at the airport. Only allow airline personnel and uniformed sky caps to handle your baggage.

Don't flash cash in public
When buying something at a store, don't pull out a huge wad of money (even though it may seems like "play" money to you). Wear a money belt or sack under your clothes to carry your cash and small valuables. Do not leave valuables in a car or hotel room.

Be observant
Always look around you. Be aware of what's going on. When loading or unloading vehicles, don't leave doors or the trunk open and unattended.

Keep your address somewhat private
If you're staying in a hotel, don't disclose your room number when strangers are within earshot. Be reluctant about opening your door for unexpected visitors or deliveries. If you can, call the front desk to verify the visitor's identity.

Be alert for mishaps that seem deliberate
Thieves and pickpockets distract people with ploys like bumping into someone or spilling a drink on people in a crowd.

Wedge the door shut
Take a door wedge on your trip. At night place it under the hotel room door to prevent anyone from forcing the door open.

Lock hotel room doors and windows when you leave
Don't leave a hotel room door ajar while you run an errand. If you find your room door open after you had left it closed, go back to the hotel lobby and ask that someone return with you to your room. When you leave the hotel, drop your key at the hotel desk. That eliminates the chance you'll lose it (or have it plucked from your pocket!)