MISSIONGUIDE
Table of ContentsAbout Getting StartedBefore You LeavePacking ListWhile You're HereNeed to Know2913192135
Gracias ¡¡Bienvenidos!!missions@holahope.org+1-620-842-8510La Ceiba, Atantica, Honduraswww.holahope.orgE M B R A C I N G T H E V U L N E R A B L ER E A C H I N G T H E O V E R L O O K E DHola!We are so honored that youhave chosen to come servealongside us in our ministryHola Hope.We pray this book serves asa springboard to prepareyou for your days with us. Contact us for anything & wewill do our best to respondwithin 24 hoursWelcome! & thank youAbrazos,Kelly & Jenni ConradyAbout 1
WHOWE AREHola Hope hasa missionto provide Christ centeredcare, teaching, and resourcesto the most vulnerablepopulation of Honduras.Say "Hello" to HopeWe work to establish andplant churches in overlookedand hard to reachcommunities. Bringing themessage of Hope throughevangelism, outreach, andchurch planting initiatives.About 2
L A N G U A G ER E L I G I O NC U R R E N C YPOPULATIONA R E AC A P I T O LIt is said that Christopher Columbus, while exploring the easterncoasts of the region, reached a cape where he found shelter from theinclemencies of a tropical storm and declared, Gracias a Dios quehemos salido de estas honduras! [Thank God we've escaped thesetreacherous depths!]W E A T H E RCheck outthis quickvideo thatexplainseverything!HONDURAS TRIPS LIKE THIS AREN'T VACATIONS. THEY ARESO MUCH MORE. THESE EXPERIENCES SHOWYOU WHAT'S POSSIBLE & CHALLENGE YOU TOEXAMINE THE PATHS YOU'LL TAKE IN THEFUTURE- Tom Mycoskie | Founder of TomsWHAT'S IN A NAME?Main: SpanishOther: Garífuna, Miskito,Pech, and Ch'ortíCatholicism (67%) Evangelical, AnimismLempira (L) Aprox. Exchange 24:19.9 MillionCompared to Michigan112,492 km²Compared to VirginiaTegucigalpaPopulation: 1 millionHot and humid all year(almost everywhere)About 3
H E L P O T H E R S S A Y H E L L O T O H O P EThe country has the second-highestrate of femicide inLatin America,mostly due to abuseand rape.Over one third ofschool aged childrendo not attend schoolMany remote placesstill have little or noaccess to the gospelFifteen percent ofthe population liveson less than $1.90per day, the secondhighest poverty ratein LAC after Haiti.Together we can bring the love of Jesus to the people of Honduras. Whether it's construction,children's ministry, programs for women, medical, or something else, God can use your team tobring his Good News to those most undeserving of their circumstances.We are thankful to partner with you together on this journey.About 4
Getting Started Mission Guide Book Itemized budget formFinancial payment planMASMAS People Group .pdfMASMAS Location .pdfMASMAS Ministry .pdfShort Term Missions AgreementYOU'VE DECIDEDTO COME.....First things, firstYou've decided to come, now what? We want to make sure you know what to expect and what to expect from us. We will work with you to make sure thatyour teams talents and passions can beused within the trip. We will work with you to assure areasonable budget and help you tounderstand the dates that paymentsmust be paid. We will provide you will information tohelp you arrive safely and to be asprepared as possible for your time withus.Upon signing your Short TermMissions Agreement, we requirea $100 non refundable depositthat will be applied toward yourtrip with us. YOUR STARTUP ITEMS SHOULD INCLUDE5
Getting Started C U L T U R A L L I V I N GMany areas we serve have very limitedaccommodations. Please be prepared for thingslike no hot water, limited power, local food, andlimited sanitation conditions. We serve the vulnerable and although the areaswe stay are safe, remember you are visiting adeveloping country. R E S P E C T O U R R E Q U E S T S We have these things set up for specific reasons.Even if you've been here before, even if you canspeak the language-- our team here hasestablished these guideline for reasons. We require a minimum of 5 people for any of ourtrips and prefer no more than 10 in remote areas/hard to access areas because travel can bedifficult. We are exciting to help whatever sizefind a good fit in our ministryT E A M S I Z E & A G E SAlso: We use paperless communication and will store everything you need on a shared google drive. andpersonalized websiteBEFOREYOU SAYYES TOYOURTRIP6
Getting Started SHORT TERM MISSIONS POLICIESHola Hope offers a safe, economical and life-changing missionsopportunity for groups and families. Hola Hope has implemented the following policies inorder to provide the best experience possible.Payment Policy1. Any contributions/payments received in excess of trip fees will be used in support of the the ministry and cannot be refunded or used to reimburse expenses for the group/individualsparticipating. Hola Hope will discuss with you options for specific programs your excess fundscan go into. 2. Fifty percent of your team's total budgeted trip will be due 3 months prior to the trip. (SeeFinancial Payment Plan/budget). This will be used to make reservations. Refunds for this aredependent upon the policies of the companies that we contract with, and Hola Hope assumesno responsibility for possible lost funds. 3. Total Trip Funds: Remainder of the trip cost is due 30 days before Short-Term Missions(STM) trip start date, departure day.Adding/Dropping ParticipantsAny request to add or drop participants must be made in writing in email. All requests to addparticipants must be approved by Hola Hope.Number Of ParticipantsThe final deadline for the total number of participants for all mission trips will be 1 monthsprior to the trip start date. By this date, each group must confirm in writing the number ofpeople coming. After the 1 month deadline, groups are financially committed for the fullpayment of trip cost on all reserved spaces, unless there is prior authorization from HolaHope.For registrations received less than two months before the trip date, the final count ofparticipants is due 2 weeks from the date of registration or two weeks before the trip startdate, along with the balance of the trip funds due.7
Getting Started Cancellation PolicyWHEN HOLA HOPE CANCELS A TRIP: Hola Hope has the option to cancel a trip if the minimumrequirement of participants is not met or due to other extraordinary events. In this situation,there are two (2) options:• The group/individual(s) may transfer to another trip date with available spaces.OR• All monies paid by the sponsoring group/individual(s) will be duly refunded.WHEN A PARTICIPANT CANCELS AND/OR REQUESTS A REFUND: Any time a missions trip iscanceled by a registered group or individual, all monies paid will be determined by what fundshave already been used. Hola Hope must be notified of the decision to cancel a missions tripin writing by email.Exceptions: Hola Hope will refund participant fees (with exception of the non-refundable deposit and spent funds,i.e. construction fees, lodging expenses) for medical reasons only, (such has COVID) with receipt of a note/letterfrom the participant’s doctor.Trip Policies:1. Transportation to and from the airport stateside is NOT included in the cost of the trip.2. Local ground transportation in Honduras is included in the cost of the trip.4. Individual Registration: All participants in each group must complete all registration forms toparticipate in any missions team trip. The registration form must include all required contact,insurance, passport and release information, along with the signature of a parent or legalguardian for minors. The group leader is responsible to ensure all Individual Registrations arecompleted and accurate 30 days prior to the trip start date and must complete all onlineforms or email a PDF to missions@holahope.org.Insurance Coverage Policy:Travel Insurance is required for each participant. Hola Hope will provide the informationneeded to sign up for this policy through Assembly of God World Missions. As of 8/1/2002 thedaily insurance cost is $4.50 per individual8
Getting Started Hola Hope is not responsible for your airfare to/fromHondurasIt is your responsibility to pay for the Travel Insurancethrough AGWM (details will be sent to you)You are responsible for your own souvenirs.$8,000AB(# of Persons ) X (Number of Days)TotalS I N G L E L I N E I T E M SExpenseTotalBudget ActualD A I L Y P E R D I E MN O T E SITEMIZED BUDGET FORMPer Diem (Food, snacks,water,lodging)/ based off dualoccupancyGround transportation (12 passenger vanrental)PROJECT CHOICE #3Kids Ministry/ ChurchRepair$100Team Shirts ($20 per person) x2Recommended 2 shirtsPersonal Day/snorkeling($75 per person)Na me : Firs t Assembl y of GodLo ca tion: S om ewhere, S tate Da te s: Marc h 7, 2022 -M arch 16, Days: Number ofPeopleCOST(A+B)81080$320$600$1,000$4,000$5,920$13,920FOR EXAMPLE: This budget averages out to$1,740 per person.You could estimate about $500 -$800 for yourflight tickets. So your total is about $2,300EXAMPLE9
Getting Started Na me : Firs t Assembl y of GodLo ca tion: S om ewhere, S tate Da te s: Marc h 7, 2022 -M arch 16, 2022 Days: Number ofPeopleCOST(A+B)810$13,920FINANCIAL PAYMENT PLAN$13,920TOTAL$6960AMOUNT DUEHAL F IS D U E$6960Dec 7 , '21Feb 7 , '21TOT A L IS D UE (INDIVUALS OWE APROX. $865) (INDIVUALS OWE APROX. $865)EXAMPLE10
Getting Started NOTES11
Valid US PassportPre Chequeo FormsCustoms formsBefore you leave Travelers InsurancesFlight papers completedWelcome Packet Submitted12NOW WHAT?BEFORE YOU FLY, DO YOU HAVE?We are excited to have you joining us soon in Honduras. Weremember our first time traveling overseas, and the whirlwind ofeverything we needed to do. We've included everything we need toget your team ready for departure day.The following pages will help you get organized to make sure we haveall the information from each team member, and help make sure youare well on your way to serve with us.The stuff to get you fromhere to there
COUNTDOWN TO HONDURAS6 MONTHS BEFORE3 MONTHS BEFORE1 MONTH BEFOREWEEK BEFOREDAY BEFOREBefore you leave Return startup forms, etc.Meet with group to sign upto GOStart fundraisingTeam LeaderComplete WelcomePacketApply for US PassportBegin fundraisingIndividualPay 1st Half of tripMake sure all teammembers havecompleted WelcomePacketContinue fundraisingBuy plane ticketsBegin when HelpingHurts STM Bible Study(suggested)Team LeaderUpdate your vaccinesContinue fundraisingIndividualPay 2nd Half of tripSubmit copies of team'spassportsDesignate any roles forprograms/ servicesReview any suggestedmaterialPlan travel arrangementsto and from airportMake sure teammembers have travelinsuranceTeam LeaderPrepare anyrequested materialMake arrangementsfor when you aregone at home/workIndividualBuy any ministry relatedsupplies Have a final meeting forlast minute Q & AFill out last minute travelpapersDouble check flightsTeam LeaderAttend Q & A MeetingBuy any travelsupplies that youneedCall your bank andcredit card companyregarding your tripCheck on cellphoneDownload an appsuch as googletranslate on yourphone (offline mode)IndividualDouble check flightsText or notify any lastminute remindersTeam LeaderPack (double checkwith your airline forany restrictions)Eat a good healthymeal, tomorrowcould be crazy.Double check youhave your travelpapers and passportready to go.Individual13
Before you leave RAISING YOUR MISSION BUDGETIt's NEVER too early to start!Many people find mission trip fundraisingintimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! In fact,gathering financial support provides a way forothers to join and participate in God’s work inthe world. If we view fundraising as anopportunity to invite people to become a part ofwhat God is doing and will do through the trip,then it becomes much less awkward andintimidating.14Here are a few ideas get to get you andyour group going:Hold A Group Fundraiser:Auction, Chili cook-off, Dodge balltournament, Game night, Pancake breakfast,5K, garage sellTry service-oriented fundraising:"Takeout" dinner, Flower delivery, GiftwrappingMaybe something different:Collection boxes that be set out in businesses,number envelopes 1 to 50. Have people pickone of the envelopes and return it the nextweek with the corresponding dollar amountinside. This can raise up to $1,347! Remember to say THANK YOU toeveryone who helps. A handwrittennote is even better.
15On the average, $2500 can be raised through well-written letters sent to about 75 people whoknow you: family members and friendsSpread the word widely; don't limit the letters to Christian friends and family.Send thank-you letters for every financial gift. Sometimes, "thank you" notes will even bringfollow-up financial gifts1.2.3.SENDING SUPPORT LETTERSDear (name of person or family),God has presented me with an amazing opportunity. I have felt the pull in my heart to go ona mission trip to Honduras through (insert name of YOUR church or Group). We will be there during the dates of (insert dates). We will be serving with Hola Hope andpartnering with them to share the healing love of Jesus Christ. During our stay, we will beworking with (insert people group/category from +MAS Sheet) doing (Ministry from +MASSheet)The biggest blessing that you can provide would be to include my team and me in yourprayers. We ask that you pray for our safe travels, open hearts, the community and for eachday to come with the chance to plant the seed of faith.In addition, I will need to raise (a dollar amount) before (date). If you find it in your heart andcan support me financially please know that it will be used to support those in need.I will be taking donations by cash or check. Please make any checks out to (name). I want to thank you for your support in each way. I look forward to sharing with you myexperiences when we return. SAMPLE LETTERBefore you leave
Before you leave 16APPLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT1. Complete the applicationYou may complete the application form online or download a PDF version, butdo not sign it until you are instructed at the passport acceptance facility; inmost instances, this may be your local post officeThe QR Link below will take you to the required forms you need.2. Gather required documentsIn most cases you will need your birth certificate andyour drivers license. Make copies of both front and theback. You will take your copies, as well as the original tothe passport acceptance center.3. Obtain a passport photoDue to the strict requirements for passport photos, don’t take thephoto yourself; many chain pharmacies such as Walgreen or CVS withphoto departments take passport photos, as do copy shops andFedEx/UPS stores.4. Prepare to pay the feesYou’ll have to pay an application fee (to the U.S. Department of State) and an execution fee (tothe facility that receives your application). As a first-time applicant, this will cost between$135 and $165 if you use standard-return shipping, but fees vary depending on age andshipping methods.5. Submit your application in personAfter confirming you have everything listed above and double-checking the U.S. Department ofState’s requirements, you’re ready to submit your application! First-time applicants must filetheir application in-person at an authorized facility. (Often it's a local post office)Scan the QR Code below or visittravel.state.gov to get your formIT TAKES A MINIMUM OF6-8 WEEKS GET APASSPORTSTART NOW!!!
ROUTINE VACCINES: INCLUDING TETANUSTHESE VACCINESCONSIDERVACCINES & PREVENTIONCDC RECOMMENDED COVID-19HEPATITIS A & BPOSSIBLY MAY NEED MALARIA & TYPHOID17Before you leave
PACKING LISTCLOTHESFYITipsnotes:Jeans, or lightweight pants (No ripped jeans)Short sleeve cotton/light shirts (no tank tops/sleeveless)For Church: Men- button up short sleeve shirt. Women- skirt or dress below kneeSocks & underclothingLong-sleeve sunguard shirtSleeping clothes appropriate for dorm-stylesleepingFlip flops or sandals for showering timeTennis shoesShorts for free day NO SHORTS FOR WORKTolietries Tooth brush & tooth pasteShaving suppliesShampoo & Conditioner Body soapOther stuff to help you look & smell goodOther StuffTowel (possibly two)Swim Suit: Both men and women need to wear a T-Shirt the WHOLE timeSun screenInsect repellent18Before you leave Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen for mildpain or headachesBible / journalBackpackThe Majority of peopleswim in a t-shirt inshorts.. PACKCoNSERVATIVE And ASK ifyou have questionsOur will wash yourHola Hope shirtseach dayCheck with yourairline for anytravel rules foryour luggageMASMAS Suppplies/ clothes suggested on your
WHILE YOUR HEREOTHER THINGS TO KNOW WHILE HEREHow to Handle Belongings:Please keep your passport in a secure location on your person any time you leave the teamhousing area, unless otherwise instructed by your leadership or hosts. Please do not bring or wear any expensive jewelry or accessories which appear costly. Pleaseavoid removing large sums of cash or credit cards from your wallet or purse while in full publicview. These activities invite theft. Take care not to leave your belongings unattended while on the work site or on outreach. Wedo not wish to tempt anyone into a theft situation. Those living in rural Honduras, and conservative Hondurans, have traditionally held negativeviews about women wearing shorts or short skirts. We attempt to avoid any obstruction tosharing the gospel by eliminating any potential conflict of culture. If wearing a skirt, pleasemake sure the hem is at or below the knee. Capris are fine at or below the knee.Men are encouraged not to wear shorts on the work site, while on outreaches, or during anytrips away from the team housing area. Cultural Interactions & Exploring Your Environment:Honduran people tend to be physically warm and “touchy” in their greetings. Please do not beoffended if you are embraced by a Honduran or greeted with a quick kiss on the cheek. Theseare traditional and normal for welcoming and greeting situations. We encourage you to speakwith Hola Hope about any action which makes you uncomfortable. We desire your trip to bepositive and blessed. We respectfully request that no gifts (monetary or otherwise) be given to any Honduranwithout first sharing your desire to do so with Hola Hope. Please allow us to share our manyyears of experience with you in regard to this area. We desire to see you be a blessing and tobe blessed. Allowing us to guide you in this area will ensure a Christ-honoring outcome. We ask that you refrain from sharing your phone number, name, or social media info withnationals. As your hosts, we cannot guarantee the motives of each person who might desireyour contact information.19
WHILE YOUR HEREMedical & Dietary Topics:Each volunteer guest is required to carry our international medical insurance. Please inform Hola Hope of any food allergy or any special dietary needs prior to your arrival. We will not be able to provide accommodation if you inform us after you arrive.Please inform us early on of any medical needs or bothersome symptoms you mightexperience. The earlier we are informed of a possible medical need, the more quickly we canhelp deal with the issue and prayerfully avoid any major medical eventsIn the event that you experience diarrhea, (which is common) please let Hola Hope know. Wecan help best determine if a doctor or a prescription is necessary.Things to Avoid:We understand that the living conditions are probably outside what is normal for most peopleserving. However do your best to be appreciative of what the nationals offer through theirkindness and hospitality. Please eat any food churches may prepare for you under the supervision of Hola Hope.Do not complain or grumble-- it will always rob you of your joy and spreads division. If you dohave a valid concern please approach your team leader or Hola Hope directly. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER! Water here is extremely dangerous. Bottled water or filteredwater will be provided. (Tip: You can bring a LifeStraw Water Bottle for additional protection)Photography and the use of your cameras:We get it. You love to take picture. We do too, but we ask you to be considerate.ASK YOURSELF, "If someone took a picture of me like that, would I want it on the internet?Shared?" We never want to exploit or make someone feel bad if they stumble across theirpicture on the internet.DO NOT PIN YOUR EXACT LOCATION! Drugs, gangs and sex trafficking are very real here. Wewould never want to endanger the community you are serving. (You may pin Honduras, butnothing more)Please feel free to tag @Hola-Hope in your pictures and stories- we enjoy seeing your trip toldthrough your eyes. 19
WHILE YOUR HEREMemoriam of UnderstandingHola Hope works hard to provide you the best experience possible, while providing asafe environment. They are the cultural experts and ask that you respect thedecisions of staff. Please do your best to comply with the manual’s suggestions. However failure to comply with the following three items will not be tolerated. DRESS CODEWhen do ministry events or construction shorts are prohibited. Men may wear long pants. Women may wear long pants or a skirt that is at the knee or below. Yoga pants are notpermitted.You will not be permitted to leave the hotel and get on the bus with shorts on, regardless of.your responsibilities or reasons.STAY IN GROUPYou are prohibited from wandering away from the group, or site of ministry withoutpermission from Hola Hope staff. What may seem like a safe neighborhood, can bepotentially dangerous. PRESCRIPTION DRUGSYou are not permitted to purchase any medicine without the consent of Hola Hope staff. Wehave many medicines in our team first aid kit. We will work with a local doctor to confirm it iswhat you need. Most medicines here are not regulated by the FDA, and many things areactually not approved in the US. You may not purchase medicine while on a trip with us.Failure to comply with the above 3 rules will result in a verbal warning from HolaHope Staff, with leadership being notified of the warning. Failure to comply again (regardless of which one), will result in you spending theremainder of your trip at the hotel and having moderate meals, such as pb & jprovided for you.20
WHILE YOUR HEREGod asks that we all go. We all play our part. We are called to makedisciples and to do what is right. We know that together, we continue tobring his hope to the people of Honduras. We can help others to say "Hello"to the incredible savior who changed our lives. We know that he radicallychanged ours. Together we do missions. We are here if you have questions. We value your thoughts and we arehonored that you chose this time and this place and this ministry to sew yourtime and talents into. We can't wait to see you and for a brief moment in time be the hands andfeet of Jesus together, side by side. Abrazos (Hugs), Kelly and Jenni, Zander & Norah21OUR FINAL THOUGHTS Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always , to the end of the age.Matthew 28:19No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires ofyou: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.Micah 6:8TheConradys
NOTES22WHILE YOUR HERE