My Covenant with God and My Church

I realize that the following elements are crucial to the effectiveness, quality, and safety of our campaign together. As a member of the campaign team, I agree to:

• Remember that I am a guest working at the invitation of a local pastor.
• I will be open to learning other people’s methods and ideas.
• Respect the host’s view of Christianity. I recognize that Christianity has many faces throughout the world, and that the purpose of short term trips is to introduce and expose people to cross-cultural ministry, and to a greater perspective of God and His people around the world.
• Develop and maintain a servant’s attitude toward all nationals and my teammates.
• Respect my team leader(s) and his or her decisions.
• Refrain from gossip. I may be surprised at how each person will blossom when freed from the concern that others may be passing judgment.
• Refrain from complaining. I know that travel can present numerous unexpected and undesired circumstances, but the rewards of conquering such circumstances are innumerable. I will try to be creative and supportive.
• Respect the work that is going on in the country with the particular church(es) or person(s) with whom we are working. I realize that our team is here for just a short while, but that the local church is here for the long term. I will respect their knowledge, insights, and instructions.
• Refrain from negative political comments or hostile discussions concerning our host country’s politics.
• Refrain from giving funds directly to nationals and/or missionaries during, or after the trip. Any funds that you feel led to give, must be given through the agency we are working with.
• Remember not to be exclusive in my relationships. If my sweetheart or spouse is on the team, we will make every effort to interact with all members of the team, not just one another.
• Refrain from any activity that could be construed as a romantic interest toward a national. I realize certain activities that seem innocent in my own culture may seem inappropriate in others.
• Abstain from the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the use of tobacco, or an unChrist-like behavior while on the trip.
• To share my faith in an appropriate manner while on the mission field.