Team Roles & Responsibilities

MOST MINISTRIES

Will be available to the Team Liaison for telephone and email consultation, and also to church leadership and team members, as needed.

Will be the communications link between your team and the foreign field.

Will make final determinations along with the foreign field as to location, dates and service of mission.

Will inform the Team Liaison of any changes and developments regarding the mission trip.

Will provide suggestions for any materials needed for execution of mission service (crafts, witnessing tools, VBS, etc.).

Will make all international and on-field travel arrangements.

Will make all on-field food and lodging arrangements.

Will acquire and provide supplemental foreign travel health insurance for team members.

Will provide all necessary team training materials.

Will provide a trained MOST Ministries’ Team leader to lead travel and on-field mission.

THE MOST MINISTRIES TEAM LEADER

Will be experienced in cross-cultural ministry.

Will be spiritually prepared.

Will be culturally prepared. The Team Leader will have a viable knowledge of the culture and its customs.

Will be logistically prepared. The Team Leader will carry out all logistics throughout travel and while on the field.

Will be prepared for the unexpected. Will react calmly and responsibly to unexpected changes, and will coordinate necessary adjustments in accordance with the MOST Ministries’ Crisis Management Plan.

Will be aware of and sensitive to needs. The Team Leader will make every effort to be aware of the needs of the team, as well as the host missionary and nationals. While it may not be possible to meet all needs, he/she is responsible for and will discern priorities.

Will be a spiritual leader. The Team Leader will facilitate team devotions on the field and help set the spir-itual tone of the trip.

Will be a gift releaser. The Team Leader will look for opportunities to use the gifts of every team member.

Will be a communicator with the team. The Team Leader will pass on information to the team regarding

plans and discussions with the host missionary or national, While on the field, the Team Leader will ar-

range for daily team meetings where information about changes and logistics will be shared and dis-

cussed.

Team Roles & Responsibilities

Will be a spiritual and cultural debriefer. The Team Leader will create opportunities each day on the field for team members to verbally process their experiences.

Will be a decision maker. The Team Leader has the responsibility to make all decisions for the team. They will work closely with the host missionary or national, and will rely on their knowledge and understanding of the on-field situation. Some decisions may be made that the team member, who at the time does not have a full picture of all the factors involved, may not understand.

Will be a strong leader when traveling. Traveling is one of the biggest jobs for a team leader. Keeping a large group together and organized is quite a task. We want everyone to depart and arrive together!

Will be a dependent prayer warrior. Team leaders will pray, acknowledging dependence upon God for themselves, the team members, the host missionary or nationals, the people whom you will be serving and for all of the logistics.

THE TEAM LIAISON

Will recruit prayer support for yourself and the planning process.

Will be a role model for your team members in all aspects of servanthood; to each other, to the team as a whole, to the missionary or national host, to those whom you will serve and to the leadership and deci-sions of the MOST Ministries’ Team Leader.

Will be a communicator to team members, church leadership and congregation regarding information re-ceived from MOST Ministries.

Will work with the Church Business Manager/Treasurer to receive team member payments and to send one check to MOST Ministries for each payment due.

Will recruit team members or other individuals to share responsibilities, such as:

Church or organization PR

Fund-raising

Country/culture research

Recruiting prayer support

Planning the report back to the congregation

Will plan and facilitate pre-field team meetings.

Will provide your MOST Ministries Team Administrator with a schedule of your pre-field meetings.

Will cooperate with and support the MOST Ministries’ Team Leader in all decisions made on the team’s behalf.

Will be flexible.

Will be an encourager.

Team Roles & Responsibilities

THE TEAM MEMBER Will have a servant’s heart

Will read the Team Training Information in its entirety.

Will complete the Servanthood Bible Study or one of the two supplemental Bible studies.

Will attend and participate in any and all team meetings scheduled by MOST Ministries or the Team Liai-son.

Will be flexible and positive.

Will cooperate with and support the MOST Ministries’ Team Leader in all decisions made on the team’s behalf.

Will hold team unity and the needs of those we are there to serve as more important than self.

Will pray for themselves, the team, the team leader, the host missionary or national, and the people whom you will serve.

TEAM HELPERS

The concept of a team is a group of individuals working together. For every team that goes out into a foreign country, there is a lot of work that needs to get done, A major part of your role as the Team Liaison is to dele-gate responsibility. Below is a list of opportunities for team members to help with the preparation and imple-mentation of the mission trip. Since you know the members of your team better than we do, it only makes sense to have you recruit for or delegate these jobs. Make sure, though, that each person accepts the posi-tion they are assigned. A willing worker is a happy worker!

Team Medic ~ Every team must have someone to act as the Team Medic. Usually, the person taking this responsibility is a nurse, However, if there are no nurses on your team, consider someone else with a medical license, such as a pharmacist, sports medic, EMT, etc. The minimum requirement is a current CPR and Community First Aid card. Let MOST Ministries know if you have no one on your team to fill this position.

Cultural Coordinators ~ These people facilitate the research and learning the team does about the country, culture and mission they will be traveling in and serving, This is immensely important so more than one person is usually needed. Each team meeting should have a “culture learning” section. This should range from learning basics such as geography and climate to the history and traditions of the people group the team will be serving, do’s and don’ts of the culture and basic words, phrases and songs in the appropriate lan-guage.

Team Photographers / Videographers~ It’s an old saying but true: a picture is worth a thousand words! For personal memories as well as your post-trip presentations, the team will want to capture as much as possible on film. You’ll want to document the team’s journey from beginning to end and capture the emotions and ex-periences to share with others, Also, having one or two designated photographers avoids standing through twenty different cameras being pulled out for group shots, The team photographers should share their pic-tures with the entire team via CD, a website such as PhotoBucket or by giving the opportunity for others to make copies. Don’t forget MOST Ministries in sharing your digital pictures, We would like copies too!

Team Roles & Responsibilities

Music Coordinator ~ Teams always have the opportunity to use the gift of music, no matter how grand or limited it may be. It is important to have someone willing to lead in this area. It may be singing during devo-tions, on a long bus ride or during a worship service. The Music Coordinator should bring prepared music sheets, booklets, or create something for the team. Often there are a number of musically talented team members and they need to be included whenever possible.

Luggage Coordinator ~ This person is responsible for making sure all the team ’s luggage gets from one place to another. They count the bags and are often called upon to know the status and whereabouts of the luggage. An average team has thirty plus checked bags in addition to carry-ons, so this can be a big task!

Crisis Management Assistant (CMA)~ This person is responsible for reviewing the Crisis Manage-ment Protocol and carrying it with them onto the mission field. This person will take over in the event the MOST Ministries’ Team Leader is unable to carry out this role. The CMA will implement the plan and com-municate with the MOST Ministries office through the Team and Emergency Cell Phones.

Depending on the type of team you are offering, consider other ways you can delegate responsibility, pre-field, on-the-field, or post-field. Make sure you communicate with your MOST Ministries’ Team Administrator what you have assigned, and to whom. Consider these additional Team Coordinators:

Devotions Coordinator

Drama Coordinator

Tools Coordinator (for construction teams)

Meal Coordinator

VBS Coordinators (Story, Crafts, Recreation)

Finances / Fund Raising Coordinator

Prayer Partner Coordinator

Post-Trip Presentation Coordinator

Etc. The following pages have detailed descriptions of the vital Team Helpers. Please make copies of these to give to the respective Helpers. They can also be a tool when recruiting for the positions. No one wants to say yes to something without knowing what is involved!

Team Medic The primary responsibility of the Team Medic is to maintain the health of the team members. The Team Med-ic is very important because without preventative measures or proper treatment, teams can be hindered from accomplishing their ministry due to illness within the team. The following is a list of the Team Medic’s respon-sibilities. Responsibilities: 1. Current license 2. Maintain all ethics of license (level of care, confidentiality, etc.) 3. Maintain close working relationship and open communication with Team Leader at all times. 4. Review team members’ medical history as recorded on their Application Forms, and contact team mem-

ber, Team Leader and MOST Ministries directly with issues or concerns, 5. Receive communication directly from team members informing of special health issues. 6. Review and be familiar with MOST Ministries’ Nursing Protocols as written by Dr. Dale Carroll, M.D., Trav-

el Medicine Consultant, certified in Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine.

Team Roles & Responsibilities

7. Review and be familiar with the contents of the Team Medical Bag. 8. Maintain immediate access to the medical bag at all times through the duration of the mission trip. 9. Responsible for administering medical supplies when needed. 10. Responsible for administering medical attention when necessary. 11. In cooperation with the Team Leader, the Team Medic will seek direction and/or concurrence regarding

major health care decisions, or any health care decisions that the Team Medic is not familiar or comforta-ble with.

12. The Team Medic is responsible for giving their “level of license” opinion and advice to the Team Leader and the host missionary or national, while the decision is being made regarding the need for emergency care and/or evacuation, and to assist whenever possible.

MOST Ministries’ Medical Bag MOST Ministries provides a medical bag for each team. The bag includes: Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness Medicine 1 Essential Equipment Splinter / Tick Puller 1 Accident Report Form & Pencil 1 Safety Pins 3 Bandage Scissors 1 Hyperthermia Thermometer 1 Insect Repellent 1 oz. 1 Double Antibiotic Ointment 4 packets Nail Clippers 1 Wound Management Antiseptic Towelettes 6 Povidone Iodine 1 20cc. Irrigation Syringe 1 Wound Closure Strips (1/4” x 4”) 10 Bite Stick 1 Eye drops 1 Blister Materials Moleskin 7” x 4’ 1 Medications Extra Strength Tylenol 4 packets Motrin 4 packets Diphenhydramine 4 packets Advil Cold or generic 2 packets Diamode (Immodium) 6 packets Ceralyte Rehydration Salts 1 packet Laxative 1 sheet of tablets

Team Roles & Responsibilities

Bandage Materials Strip & Knuckle Adhesive Bandage 15 4 x 4, 3 x 3, 2 x 2 Sterile Dressing 12 3 x 4 Non-adherent Dressing 2 Conforming Gauze Bandage 3” or 2’ 1 roll Cotton Tipper Applicators 4 Tape 1” x 10 yards 1 roll 5 x 9 Trauma Pad 1 Infectious Control Nutrile Examination Gloves 2 Antimicrobial Hand Wipes 1 Re-sealable Waste Bag 1 Suture-Syringe Medic 5-0 Nylon Suture with Needle 1 1cc Syringe 1 3cc Syringe 1 25ga. X 5/8”Needle 1 21ga. X 1.5” Needle 1 18ga. X 1.5” Needle 1 18ga. Intravenous Catheter 1 The medical bag is the team’s and can be left with the national host or brought back. The blood pressure equipment must be returned to MOST Ministries, and this is the responsibility of the Team Leader. The Team Leaders will have the cuff and stethoscope or the wrist monitor as part of their Team Leader bag. For teams with a licensed medical person in the role of the team medic, a standard wraparound blood pres-sure cuff with stethoscope will be included in the team leader bag. Teams who do not have a licensed medical person, the Team Leader will bring a wrist blood pressure monitor that does not require medical skills to use. There will be a chart for blood pressure ranges included with wrist monitors. Instructions will be provided with the wrist monitor.

Cultural Coordinators

Learning about the people and place where the team will serve is more than learning facts to enhance the short-term mission experience. It is a critical part of preparing to be a vessel the Lord can use in cross-cultural ministry. Justice is not done to the Gospel message if you share it while acting in a way that culturally offends the person you are with. Not intending to offend or being naïve of customs does not counter the potential harm that acting culturally inappropriately can cause. To be responsible and committed servants, team mem-bers need to learn the dos and don’ts of the culture, as well as the history of the people and the church there, in an effort to better understand what will be seen and experienced. Not knowing the background of some-thing leads to misguided judgments.

Cultural learning will not only make the team better missionaries but also enhance the experience for the team members themselves. It will be a much more meaningful trip if time is put into studying the country and culture in which the team will serve. Also, we cannot emphasize enough how important even basic language learning is. People will appreciate you greeting them or trying some phrases in their language and, in turn, will be more open. As Cultural Coordinators, you are responsible for facilitating the team training in regard to the culture. There should be time devoted in each team meeting to cultural study. Things to cover include:

Team Roles & Responsibilities

History. While you could spend months studying history alone, you should at least get a basic gist of what has taken place in the country in the past. Have there been wars? Natural disasters? Other signifi-cant events?

History of the Church or Lutheran presence in the country. MOST Ministries will provide some information on this, but you can also do your own research. Google search terms (e.g. “History Lutheran Church Guatemala”) can be good places to start.

In-Country Missionaries and Pastors. Who are the missionaries or national pastors you will be working with? What are their ministry goals? How does the team fit into this? (Your MOST Ministries’ Team Administrator can provide information on this.)

Challenges. What are some of the challenges the church faces in this area?

Religions. What religions are prevalent in the country? (Consult the CIA World Factbook.)

Holidays. What holidays are special and how do they celebrate them? Will any take place while the team is there?

Food. What types of food do they eat? Are there any specialties the team should try while on the trip?

Greetings. How do they greet one another? Is it different for when they greet a foreigner?

Basic Words and Phrases in Their Language. Learn basic phrases, words, greetings!!

Handicrafts. What handicrafts is the area known for?

Geography and Climate. What is the geography and climate of the country or region in which the team will be? There are many maps and pictures available on the Internet.

Politics. What is the political atmosphere and type of government? What is the relationship like between the US and the country in which you will be?

Economics. What is the economic situation of the country? What is the standard of living and how does the economy affect education and health in the country?

Gender Roles. How are men and women seen in this particular culture? What are typical roles for them and what does the family structure look like?

The cultural email in addition to having a list of questions to guide you in the learning process, will have links to various cultural resources that focuses on the country, mission, national church and country/cultural specif-ics. However, this will be a light overview. Please incorporate cultural learning into each team meeting. There are many travel books available as well as websites that provide the most up-to-date information. You can also contact your MOST Ministries’ Team Administrator for details. If you are part of a congregation/organization team, your Team Liaison has a list of online and print resources in the back of the Liaison Binder that are wonderful sources of information. Ask for a copy of the list to help get you started!

Team Roles & Responsibilities

Following are two illustrations about cross-cultural ministry that you may want to share with the team.

The W.C. (A Story of Cross Cultural Communication) An English woman recently visited Switzerland looking for an apartment to move into during the summer. She asked the schoolmaster if he could recommend any. The schoolmaster took the English woman to sever-al rooms and when they found a good one and everything was settled, the English woman returned home to make final preparations to move.

At home, she thought about the apartment and it occurred to her that she had no water closet (which in Eng-land means bathroom). Immediately she wrote the schoolmaster, asking if there was a “W.C” near the apart-ment.

The schoolmaster was a very poor master of English, so he asked the parish priest if he could help him figure out the meaning of “W.C.” The only solution they could find was that it meant “Wayside Chapel.” Then the schoolmaster wrote the following note to the English woman who was seeking a “W.C.” with her new apart-ment.

Dear Madam,

I take great pleasure in informing you that a W.C. is situated about nine miles from the apartment in the cen-ter of a beautiful garden of pine trees. It is capable of holding 22 people, but is only open on Sundays and Wednesdays. As there are a great number of people expected during the summer months I would suggest you come early, although there is a great amount of standing room. This is unfortunate if you are in the habit of coming regularly. You will no doubt be interested in knowing that some people bring their lunches and make a day of it, while others that can’t afford to come by car arrive just in time.

I especially would wish you to come on Sunday when there is organ accompaniment. The acoustics are beautiful and the most delicate sounds can be heard. It may also interest you to know that my daughter was married in the W.C. and it was there where they met. I can look back and recall the rush for seats. A seat usually occupied by one was then occupied by two. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. My wife, rather delicate as she is, cannot attend regularly. It has been eight years since she last went, and it hurts her not to be able to go more often.

It has been a great pleasure to have been of service to you.

Sincerely Yours, The Schoolmaster

When Elephants Dance: Thoughts on Short-Term Missions by Miriam Adeney

“Would you like to know what it is like to do missions with Americans? Let me tell you a story,” said an African Christian. “Elephant and Mouse were best friends. One day, Elephant said, ‘Mouse, let’s have a party!’ Ani-mals gathered from far and near. They ate, and drank, and sang, and danced. And nobody celebrated more exuberantly than the Elephant.”

“After it was over, Elephant exclaimed, ‘Mouse, did you ever go to a better party? What a blast!’ But mouse didn’t answer. ‘Where are you?’ Elephant called. Then he shrank back in horror. There at his feet lay the Mouse, his body ground into the dirt - smashed by the exuberance of his friend, the Elephant. Sometimes that is what it is like to do missions with you Americans,” the African storyteller commented. “It is like dancing with an elephant.”

Team Roles & Responsibilities

Lessons Learned in Dancing with Elephants by Lis Espinela Chinn

1. The dance floor is God’s. The elephants do not own it. I do not own it. We are on the dance floor because God called us to be there. The elephants and I are both equal members of God’s family.

2. Elephants have strengths, so do I. They can go places I can’t. I can go places they can’t. I see things they don’t see. They see things I don’t see. We both have our sins and flaws, but when we forgive each other, amazing things happen.

3. We work best when we acknowledge and appreciate each other’s value, uniqueness and contribution.

4. Even if it is sometimes hard to stand up to elephants, I have learned that I have to — for their sake, my sake, the dance floor’s sake, and God’s sake.

5. I feel most honored and affirmed when the elephants are willing to lie down so we can see eye to eye (even if it means my being on tiptoes!).

6. As we dance into the 21st Century, we both have to be open to learning new steps together.

7. Elephants also have feelings like mine. They need to be loved, affirmed, encouraged and comforted.

8. I should not quietly rejoice when they fumble and fall. If I think I have some insight on why they fell, I should be willing to share it.

9. I should not take advantage of the elephant’s size and access to resources.

10. I should encourage others to learn to dance with elephants. Elephants have taught me bold and innova-tive steps. Together we have covered more areas on the dance floor.

Lessons Learned in Dancing with Mice by Terri Hughes

1. Mice have been dancing on their dance floor long before I came. First, I need to watch them dance and follow their steps.

2. Mice accept me on their dance floor, even though they know the danger of my clumsiness.

3. Mice usually let me lead the dance because I’m the guest and I’m so big. When I let mice lead me in dancing, I learn new dances I never knew existed.

4. Mice have feelings just as I do. They need to feel respected, appreciated and affirmed in the giftedness and abilities of their dance.

5. I’m learning not to take advantage of the smallness of mice, or feel superior to them because of my size and resources. I’m learning to trust them to use the resources I’ve brought in the way they see fit.

6. I’m learning to encourage all other elephants visiting mice to learn to be gentle-footed around mice, to be aware of them as dancing partners, and to realize how easy it is to crush them.

7. When I’m visiting mice, I’m learning to sit back and watch a Mouse Show instead of just coming to an Ele-phant Show. And then we enjoy doing a show together.

Team Roles & Responsibilities

1. Mice eat less than elephants, but they can run faster. Mice do much with little resources. I’m learning to live with little, even though I’m big.

2. When I lie down so that I can see a mouse eye-to-eye, then we have a magical moment. I leave as a light-footed elephant, ready to dance not only with mice, but with all kinds of God’s creations.

Copyright©Mobilizer / (a publication of ACMC)Fall 2000

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Team Photographers

One of the most important aspects of a short term mission occurs once the mission itself is done. “Sharing Your Story” is what brings that experience back to those who supported you and the team. It is what enables the mission experience NOT to end upon return to the U.S. and what inspires others to go on their own short-term mission trip.

Video or PowerPoint, along with personal testimony, is often the way teams share the moments, people, pro-ject and feelings of the trip with others. However, many teams don’t think of this until they are back home and then try to gather and blend everyone’s photos into a presentation. It can be frustrating to realize that for some of the important things you want to share, no one took photos.

It is best if two people take on the responsibility of making sure the team “gets all the shots.” Two photogra-phers provide a varied perspective of the trip and also ensure that one person (the one behind the camera) will not be missing from all the pictures! Here are some suggestions: 1. Ask your Team Leader and Cultural Coordinators about the culture in which you will be serving. You need

to know what the cultural etiquette is for taking pictures. You might consider checking again with the mis-sionary or host once you arrive in country.

2. Think about the story you want to tell. Look for opportunities to tell that story from beginning to end. Start early in the process: team meetings, fundraisers, packing day, the team’s commissioning and departure.

3. Make sure you have enough film or memory sticks to take with you. It is more common than not to have everyone wishing they had more. Film can be hard to find and very expensive in other countries. MOST Ministries discourages taking laptops so plenty of memory space is needed for digital cameras.

4. Try to capture the culture on film. Photos of people usually say more than photos of scenery, although most countries have beautiful and unique scenery and you will want some of those, too.

5. Don’t be afraid to capture the true economic situation and contrasts.

6. Take action pictures: the team while they are serving, worshiping, playing, eating and relaxing.

7. Take a variety of close-ups and full-scene shots.

8. Smile!

Team Roles & Responsibilities

Music Coordinator

Every team has the opportunity to minister through music in some way. This can be a very powerful tool and you do not want to miss an opportunity to witness through song. The team may be called upon to sing as a group during a worship service, spontaneously on a street or in a village while you tour. There may be oppor-tunities for special music, such as solos, duets, instrumentals, bells, etc. Music is used as an outward expres-sion of our love for Christ to those whom we serve and meet during the trip as well as among ourselves dur-ing team devotions. Here are tips and suggestions for the team’s Music Coordinator:

1. It is important to be culturally sensitive. Ask your MOST Ministries’ Team Administrator or your Team Leader if there are any issues that might affect your music selection.

2. Have a selection of music available for team use during pre-field meetings, as well as for travel and on-the-field team devotion time. However, you select the music (song books, music sheets, etc.), make sure there are copies for everyone on the team, plus a few extras for any additional people joining in.

3. Select two to three songs for the team to learn in the country’s language. This is greatly appreciated by hosts and those whom the team will be serving. MOST Ministries may have a few songs available. Ask your Team Administrator.

4. Select solos, duets and/or instrumentals according to the gifts within the team. Remember to be sensitive to people’s personal comfort levels.

5. Determine other gifts within the team, such as puppets, drama, etc., and invite them to participate, also.

6. Be ready to suggest singing at impromptu times on the trip: setting up for the project, on the bus, waiting for something to begin, etc. You are the person to get the singing going!

Luggage Coordinator

The Luggage Coordinator has a very essential role. Though each team member is responsible for his or her own luggage, it becomes complicated when we are trying to move sixty plus pieces at airports, train stations, lodging facilities, etc. The Luggage Coordinator should be strong and organized. While this person certainly is not responsible for moving the luggage alone, he or she, along with the Team Leader will need to be able to direct others in moving the bags, keeping count of the bags and not getting flustered in crowded airport situa-tions.

Listed below is what is needed from the Luggage Coordinator. Please review it carefully and check with MOST Ministries or your Team Leader if you have questions.

1. If you have not already met your Team Leader, introduce yourself as the Luggage Coordinator as soon as you arrive at the airport.

2. Make sure each piece of luggage (carry-ons, personal bags and team bags) is tagged with a personal lug-gage tag (personal tags are available at the airline counter if someone does not have a tag). Make sure all loose straps are removed or secured on the bags.

3. Before the Team Leader can approach the check-in counter at the airport, he or she needs to know exact-ly how many bags the team has in total. This includes checked bags, carry-on bags, personal bags and “team bags” (by “team bags” we mean MOST Ministries luggage with project supplies). Please note that each “team bag” is numbered and will be assigned to a particular team member so in case it is lost, we will know exact what supplies are missing.

Team Roles & Responsibilities

1. At the airports and when traveling, stay close to the Team Leader. He/she will be passing along infor-mation to you that they receive from the airline check-in staff, bus official, customs officials, etc. You will need to be prepared and ready to respond quickly.

2. Each team member is now responsible for collecting their own bags from the conveyer as well as keeping track of their carry-on bags.

3. Designate a spot for team members to gather once they have collected their bags from the conveyer.

4. Select one or two team members (who have already removed their bags from the conveyer) to assist oth-ers in removing their bags from the conveyer if assistance is needed.

5. No one can leave the baggage area until the Luggage Coordinator and Team Leader determine that all bags are accounted for.

6. Once the luggage is accounted for and the team moves to the next location, each team member is re-sponsible for his or her own assigned bags.

7. If any bags are missing, the Team Leader or Luggage Coordinator shall go with the team member to the baggage Claims Department to complete appropriate forms.

Crisis Management Assistant

Emergencies can sometimes be anticipated. However, they can also strike at a moment’s notice. It is difficult to plan for such an event. In order to respond to an emergency, where the Team Leader(s) are not available to implement the Crisis Management Plan (CMP), you as the Crisis Management Assistant (CMA) will need to step in and implement the plan.

You will receive the Crisis Management Plan prior to departure. Please take time to read through the plan and contact the Team Administrator with any questions you may have. Below is the process for handling any emergency that can occur, and the steps you should take and the steps that the MOST Ministries’ office is taking.

1. The first step is to assemble the team and, if necessary, move to a safe location. Assign someone to lead the team in prayer for the situation. Your priorities are the health and safety of the team and to seek the Lord’s guidance and protection.

2. As soon as possible after the team is secured, call the MOST Ministries office for further directions. This is where the CMP goes in effect. Communications should include:

Phone number where you can be reached.

Exact location.

Health status (need for immediate evacuation).

Is there someone helping you.

Whom have you contacted?

Is further danger imminent (need for immediate evacuation)?

Insurance for medical help and/or evacuation assistance, if necessary.

Even though it is a normal first reaction to call family, please do not call family members first, MOST Minis-tries will contact families with the information and update with what we are doing to assist the team and how the team is doing.

Team Roles & Responsibilities

MOST Ministries will give you further instructions based on the emergency. Please adhere to these directions; they are vital steps in a process to as quickly as possible identify a plan for securing your safety and return to the States.

Hold prayer vigils. invite others to join you.

Expect the Holy Spirit to minister to each of you.

Stateside Response by the MOST Ministries Office

Maintain as close communication as possible with the Team Members. Important information to obtain includes:

Exact location.

How to contact them.

Whom have they contacted?

Who is there to assist them?

Exact situation.

Level of danger.

Current status of team (health).

Set a time to try to continue communication.

Order of Contact in the MOST Ministries office:

Team Administrator.

Executive Director.

Determine immediate action.

Initiate prayer vigil.

If necessary, MOST Ministries will contact U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the involved country, inform-ing them of the above information.

Contact LCMS World Missions for assistance, as needed.

Maintain all appropriate communication.

Document!

Continue until situation is resolved by evacuation or in-country resolution.

Report, as appropriate.

Stateside Post Emergency Response Debrief team members.

Obtain written report from team members.

Follow up on any health care issues, as needed.

Provide crisis counseling, as appropriate, for those involved.