1 of 5

There's plenty to excite your imagination when you're planning a short-term missions trip: The ministry of your work in the field, the spiritual growth of your group, the opportunity to support a missionary, and to share the love of Christ with people around the world. And there are many details to nail down, including flights, transportation, and accommodations, among others.

But months of planning cannot prevent the unexpected from interrupting even the most meticulously planned itinerary. It only takes a moment—a turned back, a missed stop sign, even just being in the wrong place at the wrong time—and suddenly you find yourself in a dreaded "worst-case scenario" you didn't think would ever happen to you. But by preparing for these unlikely situations before you leave, you can replace panic with a carefully crafted immediate response plan that makes the most of available resources.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for any given problem. Before you leave, be sure to research the destination, especially when the trip takes you across borders. Good resources include the host country's U.S. consulate and U.S. embassy.

"Definitely gather all the information—there's a lot of information available through the State Department," advises Eric Spacek, senior risk manager at GuideOne Insurance. "Reach out to the missionaries in the field who are aware of the community and the surroundings and the lay of the land there—gather information from them as well. Then sit down before you go to create a plan on what to do in the event of an illness, or accident, or any of these situations."

Preparedness is all about asking the right questions, both before you leave and in the field when the situation occurs. The following "worst-case scenarios" can help guide your thinking on what questions to ask now so you can act calmly and swiftly should one happen.

You turn your back for one minute, and it's gone: your laptop, your camera, your sound equipment—even a round-the-clock guarding of your most valuable possessions cannot guarantee that you won't become a victim of theft. As soon as you notice something is missing:

• Alert your group and anyone else you may be working with;
  
  
• Search your possessions, quarters, property, vehicles, and anywhere else you may have visited to be sure it wasn't accidentally left behind;
  
  
• Check with the host family if you are staying with one, says Monnie Brewer, president of the National Association of Missions Pastors. "Don't be surprised if your hosts dig through your suitcase or take things out of your room, backpack, or purse. If you stay at their home, everything you have is theirs, because everything they have is yours, too.";
  
  
• When you are sure that the item has been stolen, report the theft. "Touch base with the missionary in the field about what to do," Spacek says. "The State Department would recommend that you first make a report with local authorities. They can also offer some sort of assistance. They offer themselves as a resource for American citizens who are victims of crimes in a foreign country."
  

next page... |  1 of 5

share this page