Honduras Missions Trip 2018

2018Trip Information

Ministry Opportunities (from the Kensingers)
Locations:
Ministerios Evangelicos de las Americas (MEDA) seminary (this is where you will be staying , our MEDA website is currently being re-done)
Iglesia Bautista Betania, IBB (Bethany Baptist Church) and El Socorro, ES (daughter church)
La Clinica de Iglesia Bautista Betania (the clinic is at the church)
Ministry Opportunities:
Medical ministry with Dra. Karina and the clinic staff at the clinic and sometimes in local villages – this would be if you have any doctors/medical providers interested in coming (I can communicate directly with them if there are some, and they have questions).
Construction at MEDA or Iglesia Bautista Betania (IBB)
MEDA is currently working on a $125,000 project of building 4 new classrooms for the seminary. You could be a part of this, and as noted in the “General Group Costs” handout you could raise money to help with the portion of work that you would be completing.
In addition, as of now we need a cement pad to be laid as a parking spot (driveway if you will) in front of our house as well as a project for dealing with water drainage that presently creates a small pond in front of our house every time it rains. (My rough estimate for this expense would be between $1,500 and $2,000.)
The Clinic at Iglesia Bautista Betania is presently working on a new clinic building. There may yet be work to be done on the external structure, but more likely by next summer, inside work will need to be done (e.g. cabinet installation, wiring, plumbing, finishing work, etc.)
Both churches (IBB and ES) always have needs, sometimes construction, sometimes maintenance (painting, plumbing, external or internal repairs, etc.)
Evangelistic ministry
VBS’s are useful annually either at IBB or a nearby church (I added more expense info in the “General Group Costs” attachment, and could give assistance in planning if that were of interest.
Some groups like having opportunities for door to door evangelism or handing out tracts in the central plaza, etc.
We usually ask pastors to share in preaching and teaching duties at the churches (Sunday School, Sunday Preaching Service, Wednesday night at IBB and even Thursday and or Saturday night at the church at El Socorro)
We are always interested in new and creative ideas that you might have. The biggest thing to keep in mind is the language barrier. We have great translators, but sometimes groups need to remember that music, materials, etc. need to be in Spanish.

LHBC Planned Ministry (God willing):

-Dental Ministry

-Eyeglass Ministry

-VBS Ministry

-And…depending on those who come

Medical clinic
Hand chimes

A Heart of Service (this is a reminder that I told a team from my church in 2012 to encourage them)
We are going on this trip to serve God and others
We are trusting that you will be a good representative of Jesus Christ, your church and your family. This will be reflected in your:
Speech
Dress
Submission to authority
Playing well with others
This may also be hard when you are tired, hot and the culture and food are different, but that is when your testimony for Christ can shine!

Medical and Vaccinations:
You will be responsible for bringing your own medications (in compliance with TSA travel regulations )
You will be responsible for making sure that you have adequate insurance that covers overseas travel
Go to the CDC website ( ) and contact your physician for travel medicine advice
No vaccines are required for entry into Honduras from the U.S.
Having your tetanus up to date is a very good idea
Due to the elevation, malaria and typhoid are unlikely, however you are at your own risk (there are vaccines for typhoid and there are prophylactic medications for malaria) – our family (the Kensingers) have done neither in our trips down as short-termers and we don’t take prophylactic medication for malaria now that we are full-term
Immunizations you could consider: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningococcal, Malaria prophylaxis (contact your physician for further questions and personal medical advice)
Water is potable – you can bring an empty charcoal-type water bottle (or other filter bottle) if you wish or you can purchase bottled water or soda at MEDA (we usually try to have some readily on hand for you), but we drink the water from MEDA and have not had a problem. Also, we have received a water purification system for MEDA due to a generous donation from the Children’s Hunger Fund, but I’m not sure if this will be completed and functional before you all arrive, but it may be.
We do see Dengue Fever here as well as the Chikungunya Virus, but it would be uncommon for anyone to get these in your short stay here. These are both viral borne illnesses and thus there is no treatment other than symptomatic care (just like with any virus).
Note: there are no health guarantees. We will do our best to care for you in all ways while you are here, but sometimes people get sick anyway. Someone (likely more than one) will get traveler’s diarrhea. It just happens. Prepare and do that which you feel most comfortable, and trust the Lord with the rest.

Specific Details of the Trip
Identification
Passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity – this is important as sometimes they won’t let you travel if you don’t have at least 6 months remaining on your passport)
Photocopy of passport (keep this with you at all times)
Additional government-issued photo ID is not a bad thing to have (i.e. driver’s license)
Special Requirements for Minors: Parents should obtain U.S. passports for infants and minors born in the United States and not rely on birth certificates for their child’s travel. Honduran entry and exit control laws require that a child under age 21, traveling either unaccompanied or with one parent only, must have written and notarized permission to travel from the non-traveling parent/s (or legal guardian/s). If the non-traveling parent is the father, he must authorize travel; the law does not delegate this authority to any other male member of the family in his absence.(Don’t know that this applies to your group, but wanted you to know about this in case anyone under 21 is traveling in the group. This is taken directly from a Honduran government webpage.)
Airline Travel
You will want to check the three major U.S. Airlines. You want to fly into San Pedro Sula (SAP) and arrive midday (this is important for safety in ground travel):
Delta – connects through Atlanta
American – connects through Miami
United – connects through Houston
Another option from the west coast is Avianca through San Salvador (I have flown this before and was pleased.)
You could also check with Aero Mexico through Mexico City if you wish
It’s hard to avoid an overnight flight coming from the west coast in order to arrive midday, but arriving midday or in the morning is important. Arriving in the evening when it’s dark is not best for the 2-hour drive to MEDA once you arrive.
Usually for a group you’ll want to use some sort of travel agent. The cost per ticket will generally be about $100 more than what you can find on Travelocity or a similar site, but when you’re travelling with a group, that’s the way it goes.
Money
Bring additional money in small bills (having a number of $1 bills is a good idea for tips, etc. while traveling) Most restaurants, etc. in the airport in San Pedro Sula will take dollars, but the exchange rate isn’t very good there.
We don’t recommend carrying a purse
We recommend using a credit card for most travel expenses when possible (so you can carry less cash)
You may use your credit card in some locations in Honduras (e.g. souvenirs), however some credit cards have international fees (check with your credit card company re: this, one of ours had a 3% fee) – also make sure that you let your credit card company know that you are traveling to Honduras at that time so that your card is not rejected when you go to use it
If you need to exchange your money (dollars to lempira) you can do that in Honduras with the help of the missionaries – note most places in the airport will accept dollars, but the exchange rate is usually less.
We recommend that you keep most cash in your luggage at the MEDA complex while in Honduras (your room has a lock/key). You should only bring money that is essential for that day’s activities (usually, none)
Do not bring excessive electronic equipment (your cell phone will likely not work in Honduras, however it will for travel in and out of the U.S., unsecured WiFi is available at MEDA for smart phones, IPads, computers etc.)
For group activities, etc. MEDA will usually collect your money as part of the total fee for the trip (again, additional expenses for meals while traveling, snacks, souvenirs, etc. are up to you)
Packing
Pack lightly – plan to bring most of your clothes and personal items in your carry-on bag so your main luggage may be used to bring materials for your mission (craft supplies, medications, etc.). Obviously some things need to go in a checked bag – see below.
Luggage requirements: Make sure that you check the exact requirements of your airline, you can usually do this on-line).
What to pack:
Clothes for trip
Ladies
For most church activities (Sunday, Wednesday): long skirt/dress (below the knees) – may want to bring at least two or three skirts
For ministry: pants or capris are fine
For casual times, you may wear shorts, but they should be to the knees
For exercising (there is a soccer field around which you may jog/walk, etc.: modest running attire is fine (no short shorts)
Please no low cut necks on any tops
Shoes: it’s up to you, be comfortable (but the fewer the better as shoes take up much space and weight in a suitcase)
Keep jewelry to a minimum
You may have a swimming opportunity if you go to the beach or the waterfall. The custom of the Honduran Christians is for the ladies to wear modest shorts and dark shirts over their swimsuits or over appropriate undergarments. This may prove to be inconvenient and certainly not American culture, but again it is only for one day at the most.
Be aware it will likely rain in the afternoon on some days
Men
For most church activities (Sunday, Wednesday): business casual – long pants and dress shirt of some sort, ties are certainly optional
For casual times, you may wear shorts, but they should be to the knees
For exercising (there is a soccer field around which you may jog/walk, etc.: modest running attire (no short shorts)
Shoes: it’s up to you, be comfortable (but the fewer the better as shoes take up much space and weight in a suitcase)
Keep jewelry to a minimum
You may have a swimming opportunity if you go to the beach. Long swimsuits (no Europeans please) and a dark T-shirt will do the trick
Don’t forget a belt
Be aware it will likely rain in the afternoon on some days
Work-clothes
Please bring appropriate clothes for your ministry
Usually jeans and a T-shirt are acceptable here
In working with children, wear clothes ready for spills, dirt and hugs
Toiletries
All liquids over 3 oz must be packed in your checked bag (this includes toothpaste, deodorant, liquids and gels)
Any of these liquids that are 3 oz or less may be brought in your quart size zip-lock bag in your carry-on suitcase (essential liquid medication in a properly labeled and original bottle are the only exception)
Don’t forget the following:
Soap
Shampoo/conditioner
Safety razor
Shaving cream
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Hair dryer
Travel iron
Kleenex
Hand sanitizer
Two washcloths can be helpful (we’ll explain when you get here)
Personal medications, etc.
We will have access to the clinic and a pharmacy and will do our best to accommodate any acute medical issues you may have, however please be prepared to otherwise handle your ongoing personal medical problems as recommended by your private physician
See comments on immunizations, etc. above
Water at MEDA is potable, however if you wish to take your own charcoal-type or micropore filter water bottle, that is up to you
Mosquito spray (100% DEET bottles are small and easy for travel)
Sun screen – your choice as to the SPF (you will burn more easily here, and if you have to take any antibiotics while here, many will increase your sensitivity to the sun)
Personal snacks
You will be fed well, however some snacks are always nice – please keep these to a minimum
Please keep all food in your luggage and room in zip-lock bags– unless of course you wish to share your snacks with some of our friendly insects (please bring your own zip-lock bags)
You may purchase bottled water, sodas and some snacks here, but if you have your favorites, bring them with you
Other personal items
Don’t forget your Bible
Team daily devotions are a great way to praise God and to reflect on your ministry week
You may want to bring a small game to play with others in your down time (something like Rook or Dutch Blitz is good) - we try not to give you too much down time
Safety – Don’t be stupid and God is in control (enough said)
Other stuff
Electricity is the same as in the U.S., but sometimes we have irregular power with surges so brining a small power strip for electronic devices is a good idea
Cleanliness is next to godliness (your roommates and travel partners will appreciate it)
A light jacket might be nice in the evenings (you never know)
A hat might be useful (especially for those who are follicularly challenged like me)
A small, travel umbrella might be useful, but not critical
Any chargers that you might need (for cell phones, etc.)
Pens and notebooks
Sunglasses
Things to do now:
Pray for:
The trip and for God’s will re: your participation as well as that of others
Affordable airfare with adequate connections
Wisdom in organizing the team and ministries
The families in Honduras to whom you will be ministering
Your own heart to be impacted by the experience
The team to be committed to serving others
Safety in travel and ministry
Have an up to date passport ASAP – the sooner you all have these, the sooner youcan get your plane tickets
Save money and pray that God will provide
Make sure you can get the time off work, school, etc.
Be committed to God’s ministry now! – regular church attendance, Sunday school, active in ministry