Unity:

Phil 2:1-11

Work together with one heart and purpose. Put the team first before your own desires. The team will accomplish this by meeting daily as a team, and holding each other accountable everyone should be prepared to lead a day in group devotions.

Relationships with the Opposite Sex:

Proverbs 4-6, 1 Corinthians 6

Men should minister to men and women to women. Members should use discretion when relating to members of the opposite sex so as to be above reproach in all that we do. If there are only, minor discretions, HFT will give a warning, and if behavior persists you will be asked to leave at your expense.

Conflict Resolution:

Within the Team - Matt.18: 15-17

PRAY first. Then if needed go to that person and talk to them in a loving manner with the purpose of resolving conflict. If not resolved, consult the team leader; do not talk about the problem publicly. Team members will not argue over a decision in a public setting. Discussion over the issue needs to be done in private.

With a National - Proverbs 9: 7-9

If there is a problem with a national, the matter will be taken to the team leader and a member of HFT.

In dealing with conflict, final authority rests with the team leaders and/or Hope for Tela for conflict resolution.

Dress:

Romans 14:19-21, 1 Timothy 2: 9-10

We need to represent Christ with humility and sensitivity to others in a way that will focus on Christ and not ourselves.

General:

*Use discretion with any logos or slogans on t-shirts (USA #1)

*No flashy makeup or jewelry

*Shorts should be above the knees

*Conservative pajamas

*No tight-fitting tank tops

*One piece bathing suits or a t-shirt worn over a two-piece

*Swim trunks for men

When Teaching or Presenting:

Women:

*Dresses or skirts

*Blousy or loose-fitting dress pants

*No flashy makeup or jewelry

Men:

*Casual, long pants

*Ligtweight is best

*No jeans

Gifts:

If you are feeling led to gift a national, please seek the approval of HFT. These gifts should be given away from a group setting.

Relationships with Nationals:

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Make necessary lifestyle adjustments in order to adapt to the culture of the host community. This may include altering eating habits, dress styles, interaction between men and women, etc. Team members will behave in a manner that would not create a perception that would compromise the team’s testimony for Christ. Do not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

Language:

Ephesians 4: 29

Do not use abusive or profane language. Do not use cultural slang (e.g. that sucks, pissed off). Do not take God’s name lightly (e.g. Oh my God). Exodus 20:7

Spiritual Accountability:

Each team member will set aside time every day to be alone with God. Be prepared to share a devotion with the team at least once on the trip and take part in daily team devotions.

Time and Flexibility:

Be on time to all team and national events unless excused by the team leader. Be flexible about the unexpected changes in schedule and/or events at all times.

Security and Protection:

While becoming acquainted with the culture and surroundings no one will go out without another team member unless approved by the leadership. Females should not go out without a male team member. Team leaders should know of your whereabouts at all times.

Electronics Usage:

We encourage you to turn your cell phones to airplane mode and leave them there for the duration of your trip. If using for photos, internet, etc., refrain from using during group times (e.g. meals, devotions, etc.). Be present!

Remember as you go overseas, you not only represent Hope for Tela and the United States, but also Christ. This is a tremendous responsibility; each person needs to be above reproach in both your actions and attitudes.

*Team members must submit to Hope for Tela’s authority

*Refrain from expressing your political opinions while overseas

*If a team member’s behavior creates a problem, the team leader or Hope for Tela have the authority to ask that team member to return home. Any additional cost incurred as a result of this action will be at the team member’s expense.

I agree to abide by these policies during our mission trip:

In consideration of the undersigned’s application for participation in a mission trip sponsored by Hope For Tela (hereinafter, MINISTRY) and as an inducement to organizing the mission trip and permitting the undersigned’s participation, the following is agreed:

The undersigned hereby fully and forever releases and waives and agrees not to cause to be brought any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action of every possible kind and nature whatsoever the undersigned might assert, including, without limitation, claims for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage, whether or not absolute, now or unknown, or otherwise against the MINISTRY or any of its trustees, elders, officers, employees, agents and volunteers (collectively referred to herein as the Releasees.) by reason of, arising out of or relating to the undersigned’s participation in a MINISTRY mission trip.

The undersigned further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Releasees harmless from damages, including, without limitation, special, incidental and consequential damages, losses or expenses suffered or paid, directly or indirectly, as a result of any and all claims, causes of actions, suits, proceedings, demands, judgments, assessments, and liabilities, including reasonable attorneys fees incurred in litigation or otherwise, assessed, incurred or sustained by or against the Releasees by reason of, arising out of or relating to the undersigned’s participation in a MINISTRY mission trip.

The undersigned further agrees that this Release and Indemnification
Agreement (the Agreement) is binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and legal representatives; that this Agreement releases all successors, assigns and legal representatives of the Releasees; and that this Agreement is to be governed by the laws the State of Michigan. The undersigned further agrees that the execution of this Agreement is continuing in nature; it is the undersigned’s knowing and voluntary act; the undersigned does not intend to participate in the mission trip until and unless the undersigned has had full opportunity to the undersigned’s satisfactions to inspect and determine the scope of the mission trip and receive all information from the leader which bear on the undersigned’s decision to participate; and the undersigned is under no duress or undue influence to execute this Agreement.

The undersigned hereby grants full permission to the MINISTRY to use any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings, or other records or documents of the mission trip and to do so without notice or compensation to the undersigned. The undersigned acknowledges that the MINISTRY has made available for travel insurance and agrees that it is the undersigned’s responsibility to purchase travel insurance. The undersigned assumes responsibility for full payment of the published and announced cost of the mission trip; agrees to pay any outstanding balance upon request by the MINISTRY; and agrees that any and all cost incurred by the undersigned during the mission trip, including, without limitation, costs due to health problems, emergencies and death, are the responsibility of the undersigned or estate of the undersigned.

The undersigned certifies that the information provided in the undersigned’s application for participation in the MINISTRY mission trip is true, complete and correct and acknowledges that the undersigned has read and understands this Agreement; that the undersigned has not relied in signing this agreement on any statement, oral or otherwise, by the MINISTRY; and that it is the undersigned’s intention with this Agreement to make a complete, general and unconditional release of any and all claims whatsoever against the Releasees as set forth above.

This form must be completed before participation in a short-term mission trip with Hope For Tela.

*Will your current medical insurance cover you while traveling outside out of the United States?

Check if you suffer from any of the following medical conditions

*Medical insurance is required for all short term mission trips.

I understand that by signing below I am allowing the group leader the right to seek medical attention in case of a medical emergency for me. I hereby authorize any necessary examination, anesthetic, dental, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment by any duly licensed physician or dentist and hospital service that may be deemed necessary while participating on this mission trip.

In an emergency, I give my permission to a licensed physician to hospitalize or anesthetize me, or perform surgery on me. I understand that every effort will be made to inform my emergency contact before these actions are taken.

Passport: Required for all trips out of the continental U.S. Apply now for your passport! To obtain a passport, you will need a certified birth certificate (not the hospital record), two passport photos, and a driver’s license. All of this can cost $100-$175, depending on when you apply. You should allow 15-20 weeks for your passport to arrive. Also, remember that it sometimes takes state agencies several weeks to provide a certified record of your birth if you don’t currently have one. Further passport services and information are available at the following website: https://travel.state.gov.

Immunizations: Hope for Tela supports the immunizations recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Call your physician or the International Travel Clinic to determine costs and which ones are needed. Vaccinations are not included in the price of the trip. Required vaccinations for all trips: Tetanus/Diphtheria. Recommended vaccinations for all trips: Hepatitis A & B, Measles/Mumps/Rubella (*if born after 1956), and Traveler's Diarrhea RX.

As a body united in Christ, consecrated to the task of sharing His love, we covenant with one another before God to:

1 Pray together before all major decisions and events, including travel, and work days.

2 Share openly and unashamedly our thoughts, joys and fears with one another.

3 Share our experiences with one another, both good and bad.

4 Pray for one another daily in faith, and bear one another’s burdens in love.

5 Never trivialize someone else’s feelings or betray a confidence.

6 Refrain from engaging in sarcastic humor.

7 Clear up any grievances we have with one another before the sun goes down.

8 Speak honestly with one another.

9 Assume the best of each other’s motives in any situation.

10 Always be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.