ERD FAQs
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Wed, 09/17/2008 - 15:55.The following information is a list of frequently asked questions provided by ERD to groups planning to travel to El Salvador. Although it is country specific, some of the questions are applicable to other countries. Also, at the end of the document is a good list for individuals to consider when planning and packing for their trip. Please note that, although ERD has discontinued its volunteer trips to El Salvador, much of the information is still current as of 2008.
Episcopal Relief and Development FAQs
Solidarity El Salvador - General Information
El Salvador is a small, developing country in Central America that shares borders with Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the east. ERD sends volunteers to El Salvador to work in its national reconstruction effort which is a response to the 2001 earthquakes. Volunteers stay at the diocesan guest house in the capital of San Salvador and travel to work and visit sites from there. Some travel could be as long as 3 hours one way. You will arrive into El Salvador via the international airport in San Salvador (airport code SAL.)
El Salvador is tropical with a rainy season that lasts from May to October. It will rain most nights during this time, but rarely does it rain all day. The dry season, from November to April, leaves the country dusty. This could affect people with respiratory problems. The average temperature is about 88 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
The Anglican/Episcopal Church of El Salvador has about 20,000 members in 12 churches and several missions. The church works with communities to improve their well-being. The mission of the church is to follow the path of Jesus with love and tenderness, to continue solidarity with marginalized members of society, and to provide a commitment of faith, hope, and love. The church has many programs providing health care, earthquake reconstruction, schools, theological education, and human rights. The priority of the church is to plant and cultivate a culture of peace and justice through Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do volunteers do in El Salvador?
The bulk of a volunteer’s time is spent working in one of ERD´s projects. Most volunteer groups perform work related to the building of the ERD-funded housing communities. The work is non-technical in nature and if it requires training, it will be provided at the work site. Most work is somewhat physically strenuous (clearing brush, excavation, leveling, etc…) Tasks are assigned by the Salvadoran project staff when the volunteer group arrives according to the needs of the projects and safety and logistical considerations. For this reason, ERD does not offer groups a choice of the work they will do. We ask that you put yourself at the disposition of the needs of the projects.
There are also planned recreational activities including a trip to the beach and to the craft market.
How does this help?
Principally, you will be building relationships with members of the Salvadoran Episcopal community. You will meet and work with Salvadorans and will get to know a little bit about the problems facing El Salvador and the poor in other countries in general. Volunteers will learn from a limited cross-cultural exchange ( ERD volunteer trips are not a full cultural immersion.) Visitors also help the local economy by bringing in tourism revenue. More than anything, having North Americans visit El Salvador brings faces to go with the funds that ERD provides. The fact that donors care enough to visit brings hope to the people ERD serves.
To a lesser extent, volunteer and beneficiary labor comprises a significant portion of the enormous amount of labor that goes into ERD projects in El Salvador. Your gift of your time will help us economize on labor and reach more people given our finite economic resources.
What are the accommodations like?
You will stay at either or both of the diocesan residences located at San Juan Evangelista Church in San Salvador and at the El Maizal ERD project site. Accommodations will be divided into separate facilities for men and women with a common meeting/dining area. Accommodations are basic with bunk beds and cold showers. Episcopal Church rules require adult and youth volunteers to be lodged in separate rooms. We appreciate and rely on your attention to this guideline for your protection.
How do I arrange the pilgrimage?
The first thing you need to do is to identify the people who will compose your group. You need a minimum of five people in your group but no more than twelve. Talk to your group members and decide when you are able to make a one-week trip. Contact ERD's volunteer coordinator at 1-800-334-7626 ext. 6105 to schedule your trip. In order to schedule your trip, ERD requires a $200 per group non-refundable deposit that should be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development- Volunteer Coordinator, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017. Your group will need to arrange air transportation.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age for volunteers unaccompanied by a parent is 14. Groups must have at least 1 adult chaperone per 5 minors (youths.)
What is the group size?
The maximum is 12 and the minimum is 5 people in a group. We cannot accept groups that are larger than 12 or smaller than 5 because of cost-effectiveness and accommodations.
Is there a maximum age for volunteers?
There is no maximum age, however please be advised that volunteer work is physical in nature, and some of the travel includes arduous drives on bumpy, dusty roads.
What is the cost of the program?
The breakdown of costs is as follows:
- A $200/group non-refundable deposit is due to ERD (send your deposit to: Episcopal Relief and Development- Volunteer Coordinator, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017 ) at time of trip scheduling. This money will go to support the activities of the El Salvador Program’s volunteer coordinator whose work helps make your experience in El Salvador a productive one. It is not included in the expenses that you will pay in El Salvador.
- Volunteers must arrange and purchase their own air transportation. Round-trip flights cost about $600 (or closer to $700 in the summer peak travel season) to San Salvador.
- In El Salvador volunteers pay $40 per volunteer per day (including both arrival and departure days…8 days for most groups) to the Diocese of El Salvador. This covers your local transportation, meals, lodging, and water. Volunteers may choose to pay this expense by check (personal, business, or bank) or in cash, as a group or individually (make checks payable to “The Anglican/Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador.”)
- We recommend about $150 per volunteer in additional spending money while in country. For U.S. passport holders, there is a $10 fee upon your arrival for your visa, and a $30 exit tax. If you have other than a U.S. passport, please call a Salvadoran consulate to find out what visa rules apply to you.
- We also highly recommend you consider obtaining travel insurance since most U.S. health insurance plans will not cover treatment abroad or medical evacuation. Coverage can cost as little as $6/day and typically includes a death and dismemberment benefit, luggage loss protection, and most importantly medical evacuation to your home country in the case of an emergency. You may be able to obtain coverage through Church Pension Group at 1-800-223-6602. Also try www.insuremytrip.com on the internet.
Please note that only the initial trip deposit is paid to ERD.
What currency is used in El Salvador?
As of 2001, the official currency of El Salvador is the US Dollar, so no currency exchange is necessary when traveling to the country. ERD recommends bringing cash in denominations of no greater than $20 because often merchants are suspicious of large bills and/or do not have change for them.
How will I communicate in El Salvador?
The language of El Salvador is Spanish. Groups are received by and accompanied during the week by an interpreter.
What kind of food will be served?
Food will be prepared for you at you lodging. You will be served a simple Salvadoran breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals are Salvadoran cuisine prepared by staff trained to cook for delicate North American stomachs . If you decide to eat out for any meal, please let the staff know a day in advance so that they may plan ahead. Boxed lunches are available for days when volunteers are not at the lodging during lunch time.
Will we have the opportunity to worship?
Yes. We recommend getting together before your trip to pray together and meet as a group. ERD recommends that volunteers hold a group meeting every day to reflect on what they’ve experienced. ERD will provide you with a copy of an example Compline service. There may also be opportunities to attend Eucharist or other worship services and bible meetings in the Salvadoran community. Some volunteers choose not to participate in worship.
Can we drink the water?
NO! You will be provided with purified water both at your lodging and at your work site. We recommend that you use it to brush your teeth as well. Please do not give away your water. The people you will meet have their own source of water. We cannot provide water for all of El Salvador.
Should we bring our own bed linens and towels?
No, they will be provided for you.
Should we bring our own toiletries?
Yes. Note: El Salvador uses 110V 60Hz electricity just as in the US, so you can bring and use electrical appliances (ie blow-dryer, electric shaver, etc…) You should be aware however that power outages are frequent.
¿Que hora es?
El Salvador is on Central Standard Time during North American Daylight Savings time and on Mountain Standard Time the rest of the year.
What do I need upon arrival in El Salvador?
US passport holders must have a valid passport. US passport holders will pay $10 for their tourist visa in the immigration area. If anyone in your group has other than a U.S. passport, they should call a Salvadoran consulate and follow their instructions for obtaining a visa prior to travel. If you do not already have a passport, allow plenty of time to obtain one before the trip as that process can take as long as 4 months. ERD requires that you send us copies of all group members' passports and suggests you carry a copy of your passport as well.Passport theft is a danger. Report a lost or stolen passport immediately. After going through customs, you will be met at the airport by a church employee with your group leader’s name.
Do I need any immunizations?
We recommend that you follow the Center for Disease Control’s advice. They recommend vaccinations for diptheria/tetanus, Hepatitus A and B, typhoid, rabies, and malarial prophylaxis. Depending on your physician’s advice and health insurance, these may cost up to $300.
Can we bring donations?
Consider making your gifts to El Salvador through ERD instead of directly. ERD’s professional staff works hard to determine the best way to help the people of El Salvador. We focus our efforts on social and economic development, and pride ourselves on managing your donations in the most efficient manner possible. ERD provides the best value and most trustworthy destination for your donation.
The Diocese of El Salvador does accept certain kinds of in-kind donations including school supplies, children’s books, and over-the-counter medicines. Medicines should be sealed and accompanied by a letter from your group or church stating that they are a donation for the church. All donations should include an inventory, and should be given to the Salvadoran program staff. Please provide an inventory copy to the ERD office as well. Please do not give gifts of any kind directly to individuals in or around ERD projects.
Where do I send my paperwork?
You will send your non-refundable deposit (due at time of initial trip scheduling,) passport copies, registration forms, and your deposit check to:
Volunteer Coordinator
Episcopal Relief and Development
815 Second Avenue, 2 nd Floor
New York , NY 10017
The deposit is $200 per group. This money will go to the El Salvador program. It will not be applied to your expenses, which you will pay directly to the church in El Salvador. The deposit to ERD guarantees your agreed-upon trip dates.
What should I pack?
NOTE: CLOTHES SHOULD BE COOL AND LOOSE FITTING
There are cultural considerations related to dress. Salvadorans do not wear shorts except when recreating. Women wearing shorts or tight-fitting and/or revealing clothing in public might receive unwanted attention. Salvadoran men wear long pants and women wear either pants or a skirt. Following their example is a good way to avoid possibly uncomfortable situations and to show respect for and humility in their culture.
Suggested packing list:
Boots or sneakers (that are sturdy and water repellent)
Work gloves
Light pants for evening wear.
T-shirts/long sleeve shirts
Lightweight skirt or sundresses for evening wear.
Tank tops (beware that the sun in the tropics is very intense. Use lots of sunscreen).
Sweat socks
Underwear
Bathing suit
Hat with broad brim. (Baseball caps do not protect your ears and neck)
Sweat band/bandana
Work Gloves
Rain suit/Poncho
Water bottle (Plastic disposable water bottles available at stores)
Combination type padlock (for lockers in San Salvador)
Sun Glasses with UV protection (Tropical sunshine can injure your eyes)
Medications (with copy of prescriptions)
Immodium AD/Pepto Bismol/Cipro (pill form)
Alcohol wipes
Liquid hand wash with disinfectant
Sunscreen SPF 35
Bug repellent with at least 33% DEET
Band Aids (continued on reverse)
Bacitracin/Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment
Small flashlight with extra batteries
Shower shoes
Camera & film & spare batteries (film is expensive)
Regular toiletries
Bar soap
Tylenol/Aspirin
Budgeting Guidelines
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 01:52.Budgeting Advice
To start … you already have a pretty good sense of regular costs … airfare, local transportation, room & board, and spending money. Work up a spreadsheet with those details.
Think through all that you’ll do when you are in your host country … where you’ll go, who and what will help you get there, will you eat while there, will that be included in packaged fees, etc. … think in terms of a flow chart (hint: you’ve probably done this before planning a family vacation). Also, make sure you engage with your host. Often, there is a host representative that will have a good handle on some of your trip questions. That person may even have a substantive list of travel costs based on previous group experiences.
Now that you’ve completed a draft of your budget with all the obvious costs, think about the hidden costs and contingencies?
Hidden Costs:
- If people travel at different times, you may not be able to get group rates. Does that increase the overall projected cost of the trip? (smaller group, higher rates for all)
- Do you need a bus to get to and from the LOCAL airport?
- Are all taxes included? Do you know which ones are and aren’t?
- Are there meals that aren’t included in the budget … for example, does your planner include breakfast and dinner and assume you’re on your own for lunch?
- Do you get travel insurance as a group? If so, is that included in the budget?
- Do you take gifts for your host?
- Are all project funds included … will you plan to give “post-project” funds to help ensure the work continues after you depart?
- Do you want people to read particular books, buy a language book, etc.? Might they be cheaper in bulk, bundled into the overall project cost?
- Are passport visas included?
- Did you include airport taxes, entrance and exit fees, and so forth?
- Medical expenses for shots and medications (will you take a group first aid station and specifics for water purification)?
- Will currency exchanges impact your budget between the time that you create it and the time that you travel? (Is the local currency pegged against a particular international currency … the mark, pound, dollar, franc, etc.?) You may feel confident you did your homework only to discover that international currency rates have shifted significantly in six to eight months, increasing the cost of your trip by $50 or $100 per person.
- Does your host country have things like fuel surcharges? (You receive a quote for transportation to and from your host site, but get charged a different fee when you actually travel … the fuel surcharge wasn’t included in the quote, but assumed by local custom.)
Sometimes you need to think in terms of worst case scenarios. For example, you are quoted $2000 for a bus. You’ve projected and budgeted $100 for the 20 people in your group. But by the time you travel, you’re group is down to 16 and the bus still costs $2000. Who covers the missing $400? How do you reconcile the difference in your budget?
Some folks complete their budget and then add 20% as a cushion. The logic is that it is easier to give back or require less than it is to ask for more. You might consider some kind of contingency factored in to your budget in the range of 10% to 20%.
It’s important to ask participants to make a deposit early on … even if only $100. This gives you a better sense of who is serious and helps participants commit to the trip and associated processes. You’ll need to decide whether or not you’ll give refunds for cancellations, and if yes, under what circumstances. It may seem harsh to refuse refunds, but the alternatives are to figure out where to get the funds to cover the extra costs or ask the group to pitch in and pay the difference. A realistic example might be that you requested $250 deposits. You’ve now completed all of the planning and the costs are going to be what they are (buses, potentially non-refundable airfare, etc.), and two people of a group of 12 decide to back out. You won’t receive much, if any, savings from their dropping out, and will now be in a position of having to ask the rest of the group for $50 per person to pick up the difference from losing the deposits from the two that dropped out. What seems fair? … having to lose $250 for dropping out (for whatever reason) … charging the difference to the parish mission budget … or asking the group to pay more because someone dropped out?
Remember that budgets are practical. That means you need accounts, relationships with financial managers (church treasurers), and all of the associated accountability. You’ll need to pay bills, purchases plane tickets, and receive donations. Someone has to make deposits and someone has to write checks. It’s a good idea to develop a relationship with whoever is going to assist with the financial matters early in your process.
Models for covering trip costs:
- Entirely self-paid (everyone on their own to cover costs)
- The church mission budget picks up the tab
- Pay as you can/need-based scholarship
- Hybrid plans (samples):
- 1/3 church, 1/3 fundraising, 1/3 individual (more traditional)
- Pooled resources (contributions and fundraising)
- ½ church/fundraising, ½ individual
General Travel Planning
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 01:10.Some Travel Advice for ALL Travelers
GENERAL EXPENSES
Airfare (averages for budgeting purposes as of Spring 2008)
- Round-trip flights to Central America cost about $650.
- Round-trip flights to South America cost about $1,200.
- Round-trip flights to South Africa cost about $2,000.
- Round-trip flights to Jerusalem vary widely between $1,000 and $2,000.
*Keep in mind that airfare can vary significantly with group packages, current economic conditions, and time of year.
Project fees should be considered as a group, but in many cases groups may choose to divide the responsibility for raising the funds across the team. For example, a project might cost $2500 for supplies and 10 people are planning to go. The group may decide that each person is responsible for raising $250 toward the project cost. Groups will undoubtedly work together on fundraising, but this breakdown will give them some barometer of what to expect from each other in terms of participation in those fundraising efforts.
Groups should plan on $40 to $50 per volunteer per day to cover your local transportation, meals, lodging, and water. When figuring transportation other than airfare, remember that you need to get to and from the airport. You may have local support for transportation, but be mindful of the potential expense if you do not.
ERD recommends about $150 per volunteer in additional spending money while in country. Also, keep in mind that many countries have a passport tax (for US passport holders) of $10 or $20 payable upon entering and $20 - $30 upon exiting the country. It is recommended that group leaders determine the specifics of any passport tax and hold sufficient funds to cover the exit of all volunteers.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, since most U.S. health insurance plans will not cover treatment abroad or medical evacuation. Coverage can cost as little as $6/day and typically includes a death and dismemberment benefit, luggage loss protection, and most importantly medical evacuation to your home country in the case of an emergency. There are a number of carriers for travel insurance. You may be able to obtain coverage through Church Pension Group at 1-800-223-6602. You may also want to try www.insuremytrip.com on the internet.
Leaders should determine the appropriate currency for a group’s destination. It is recommended that volunteers carry small denominations ($20 or less). Large bills can be an invitation for theft and merchants are often suspicious of large bills and/or do not have sufficient change.
You are encouraged to accept the hospitality of your hosts and sample the cuisine of the region. Note, however, that in certain circumstances and regions you need to be wise while being a good guest. Be careful of fresh foods that you are unsure about their origin or whether or not they are clean. Many people traveling in the countryside of poorer nations tend to carry pepto bismol tablets and acidophilus supplements. Both can help limit any stomach upset and can be used as a prophylactic (e.g. 1 pepto tablet per day; 1 acidophilus caplet before each meal).
One of the key contributors of stomach upset is water. In most instances, you will be provided with purified water which you should consume regularly to prevent dehydration. In many cases, it will be recommended that you purified water to brush your teeth as well. It is often a good idea to carry a bottle of tablets (Potable Aqua) for making water drinkable. It’s not the best tasting, but beats the stomachache that follows a drink of problem water.
You are advised to carry a copy of your passport.Passport theft is a danger. Report a lost or stolen passport immediately. Many groups find it helpful to have a leader be responsible for copies of everyone’s passport. It’s also recommended that you leave a copy of your passport with someone at home in the U.S.
Yes, you will need immunizations. It is recommended that you review the advice of the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/). Depending on your physician’s advice and health insurance, immunizations and medications may cost up to $300. Be aware that many immunizations require time, so DO NOT wait until the week before your trip to schedule your appointment with your primary care physician. Consider seeking immunizations three to six months prior to your departure.
PACKING
NOTE: CLOTHES SHOULD BE COOL AND LOOSE FITTING
There are cultural considerations related to dress. In many countries, for example, it is not acceptable to wear shorts or sleeveless tops except for specific times such as recreating. Also, be aware that in many countries, women wearing shorts or tight-fitting and/or revealing clothing in public might be considered disrespectful and/or receive unwanted attention.
Suggested packing list for most trips:
Boots or sneakers (that are sturdy and water repellent)
Work gloves
Light pants for evening wear.
T-shirts/long sleeve shirts
Lightweight skirt or sundresses for evening wear.
Tank tops (beware that the sun in the tropics is very intense. Use lots of sunscreen).
Sweat socks
Underwear
Bathing suit
Hat with broad brim. (Baseball caps do not protect your ears and neck)
Sweat band/bandana
Rain suit/Poncho
Water bottle (Plastic disposable water bottles available at stores)
Sun Glasses with UV protection (Tropical sunshine can injure your eyes)
Medications (with copy of prescriptions)
Immodium AD/Pepto Bismol/active culture Acidophilus/Cipro (pill form)
Alcohol wipes
Liquid hand wash with disinfectant
Sunscreen SPF 35
Bug repellent with at least 33% DEET (remember, mosquitoes carry diseases)
Band Aids (continued on reverse)
Bacitracin/Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment
Small flashlight with extra batteries
Shower shoes (e.g. flip flops)
Camera & film & spare batteries (film is expensive)
Regular toiletries (including a small roll of TP and a pack of tissue)
Bar soap
Tylenol/Aspirin
Volunteer Guidelines
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 00:42.This document is provided by Episcopal Relief & Development to groups traveling to El Salvador. For the most part, the guidelines are applicable to just about any other region in the world. As such, they offer some useful advice for travelers preparing to depart from the United States.
Guidelines for Volunteers
- Please DO bring your address and emergency phone numbers with you wherever you go.
- Please DO carry a copy of your passport on you at all times.
- Please DO NOT wear expensive jewelry or watches or carry expensive items that you don’t need.
- Please DO NOT leave the group without advising someone else.
- Please DO NOT give money or other donations to people at the worksite. If Americans give gifts to people at the worksite, it creates the expectation that all Americans will give them gifts, and that opens the door to begging. This can then be uncomfortable for future volunteers and endangers the integrity and sustainability of ERD’s projects.
- Please DO NOT accept gifts of food from anyone but staff associated with your trip. Food often carries bacteria that American stomachs are not used to digesting.
- Please DO NOT promise things to people you meet on the worksite. If you see someone with a condition, or situation you would like to help, first speak to a member of the project team, and arrange how best to do so.
- Please BE AWARE that you will see poverty that may upset you. A few dollars will not help these people. It will only help alleviate your feelings of upset and guilt. If you would like to help, please contribute to the project through Episcopal Relief and Development, and we can create systemic solutions that address the root causes of the problem.
- Please BE AWARE that you are guests in a foreign country. As such, be mindful of different cultural expectations, and DO NOT seek to direct your surroundings. You are encouraged to enter in as volunteers in service, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Please BE AWARE that every project staff person has duties and responsibilities that may include caring for the beneficiaries, paying for materials and labor, finding materials, directing workers, meeting with government officials, architects and engineers, and overseeing the many disputes that come up in the community. Please BE PATIENT with their ability to respond immediately to volunteer requests.
Eight Steps
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Fri, 09/12/2008 - 17:44.The following is a meetings guide for groups planning to take a trip together. The guide was prepared and made available by Mark McKone-Sweet. This should give groups some sense of the commitment involved, time-wise, and aid facilitators in preparing a group to travel.
Eight Steps to a Service Trip [Plus One]
About one meeting (step) per month:
- Step #1 Introduction, What is Mission, Questions, Why me
- Step #2 Final Inquiry, Goals for Team, Expectations
At this point, those leading the group, should spend some time together discussing specifics of the trip, overall team management, roles, responsibilities, and so forth.
- Step #3 Travel Code, Fundraising, Group Development
- Step #4 Expectations, Group Development, Questions
- Step #5 Small Group Work, Q&A
Final preparation and travel:
- Step #6 Final pre-trip meeting, small Group and final questions
- Step #7 Depart from Boston
- Step #8 Arrive in your location
After your return:
- Step #9 Goal Review, Goods and Not-so-Goods, Share the Message
Where To Go
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Thu, 09/11/2008 - 02:02.
Bishop Tom Shaw and friend
Image: Dr. Loring Conant
Thoughts & Resources for Global Mission Engagement
What might you do? How might you live into your baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ?
First and foremost … do something … do anything … to engage in God’s mission in the world.
In so doing, be mindful of the power of 'ministry of presence' and consider joining our brothers in sisters in mission elsewhere in the world by …- Leading a mission team to an international destination to work on a school, a church, a community center, a housing project, a medical clinic
- Sponsoring a school, clinic, program, diocesan project
- Learning about projects and programs in which you might become more involved
- Leading and/or participating in a medical mission
- Being open to Christ’s transforming love wherever it may be found in the world
The following is not an exhaustive list nor does the absence of a country imply that it is a less desirable destination for mission. It is offered solely as a starting point for churches in discernment. It provides contacts and some ideas about global mission that can assist a church in visioning next steps.
Ted's Blog - Global Partnership Task Force - An Invitation to Get Involved!
Submitted by Ted on Fri, 08/01/2008 - 21:41.Arguably, this may be one of those times in history where it’s clear we need strong cross-cultural relations. Challenges in the Anglican Communion, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, issues related to immigration, and so on, all point to our need to understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives. One of the ways in which all of us can strengthen our ties within the Anglican Communion, develop and share new perspectives, and ultimately, be spiritually transformed by our encounter of Christ in others, is through global mission activities.
The Global Partnership Task Force is focused on providing leadership and support for churches to develop their own unique global mission program. In some cases, churches encounter problems and need some assistance. Last year, for example, Christ Church Needham was scheduled to travel to Haiti on a medical mission. Given the environment in Haiti at the time, they needed to make a last minute change. I was able to facilitate contact with the diocesan offices in Guatemala and arrangements were made for the team to stay at a mission and provide medical services through congregations in the Lake Izabal region.
The majority of this year’s work has been focused on revamping our web site (which you already know or you wouldn’t be reading this), continuing the success of the Mission Leadership Program, and developing a global mission event for the Diocesan Resource Day. If you’re interested in getting involved, I hope you’ll take a minute to drop me a note or give me a call (tjgaiser@earthlink.net or 617-782-1577).
Ted's Blog - Reflections on Global Partnerships
Submitted by Ted on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 15:47.Often when I present on global mission, after I’ve made a lengthy pitch about parish discernment and ways in which I can support the discernment effort, someone inevitably says something like, “just tell me what you need,” or “is there a list somewhere of things we can support?” While that’s an understandable desire, particularly when the work of discernment is difficult, it, unfortunately, doesn’t make for sustainable partnerships.
I could tell you about some possible projects in Tanzania. I could share that Wilfred, the headmaster of the diocesan secondary school in Hegongo could use a few thousand toward a new chemistry lab or the reconstruction of the chapel. I could advise you to give medical books to the library of the School of Nursing at Teule Hospital. If you asked about Central America, I could encourage you to donate to the diocesan road construction project in El Maizal, El Salvador, or how to sponsor a child at El Hogar in Honduras, or maybe how to support the Diocesan school, Holy Cross, in Belize. But then who has the relationship with the organization? … me. We need to ask ourselves what makes a relationship sustainable and whether or not giving another $1,000 from next year’s mission budget constitute “sustainable” or a “relationship?”
If you're looking for opportunities to donate money toward mission, then there are many. On the Diocesan website, www.diomass.org , you'll find a link to Jubilee. The committee is doing great deal of work in Africa and would welcome your involvement and contribution toward their many AIDS projects in East Africa. If you’d rather, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), www.er-d.org , raises funds for a variety of programs from emergency relief around the world to specific projects such as the distribution of mosquito nets for the prevention of malaria. If you’d like more options, there is Save the Children, Children International, Feed the Children, The Heifer Project, Direct Relief International, Doctors without Borders, and … take your pick.
Go ahead and donate. Donations are necessary, and our contributions go a long way in addressing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). But don’t fool yourself into thinking that means you have a “relationship.” Relationships develop when you “relate.” Relationships take time and effort. They require action and interaction. As we get frustrated by the differences in our uses of technologies, negotiate times to call that compensate for differences in time zones, deal with snafus in the itinerary, learn about added fuel tax for our trip due to the rising cost of fuel oil in the region where we’ll be travelling, discuss food allergies and medications for warding off regional illness … a relationship begins to emerge. When we see commonalities and dissimilarities, talking about raising our children, addressing typical challenges at church, learning about new liturgical ideas … these are the ways in which we begin to plumb the depths of a new friendship. These are the signs of a relationship. These are the signs that a global partnership is forming.
In El Salvador, Bishop Barahona expressed this well when he shared with the Mission Leadership participants that he once turned a visitor away. He shared that he was talking about relationships and the desire to be in relationship with the visitor’s diocese. He then shared the kinds of things they might do together. At that moment the guest pulled out a check book and asked how much he needed for one particular project. His response was to ask if the person had heard anything that he had said. He wasn’t interested in his money, because if it’s about money, there are lots of places to get it. He was interested in relationship. He was interested in the empowerment that emerges when people from other countries show interest in the work of their church and in learning more about their experience. He wants the church of El Salvador to have the opportunity of experiencing that they are seen as brothers and sisters by their Anglican colleagues, evidenced by our willingness to come work beside them in El Salvador as they, too, work to fulfill God’s mission in the world. He concluded his comments to us by summarizing as follows, “You can’t fix our problems, nor do we want you to. But we all share in the same baptismal covenant … we are all called to the same mission … God’s mission. Come work beside us, joining together in mission.”
Mission Links
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 14:00.Mission Links
The Episcopal Church (USA), www.episcopalchurch.org
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, www.diomass.org
AIG Travel Guard, www.travelguard.com
AIG Travel Guard is one of America's leading travel insurance plan providers, specializing in providing innovative travel insurance, assistance and emergency travel service plans for travelers.
GoMissionTrip, www.gomissiontrip.com
Trip insurance specifically geared to the needs of missionaries and participants in short-term mission trips
Cristosal, www.cristosal.org
Cristosal is a U.S. foundation for the support of the Anglican Church of El Salvador.
Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation, www.e4gr.org
Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation is an Episcopal grassroots movement of connection and collaboration to seek and serve Christ in the extreme poor around the world.
Episcopal Relief & Development, www.er-d.org
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States, guided by the Episcopal Church’s principles of compassion, dignity and generosity as we work to heal a hurting world.
The Global Episcopal Mission (GEM) Network, www.gemn.org
The Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEM Network) is an association of dioceses of the Episcopal Church, together with partner dioceses throughout the Anglican Communion, committed to the engagement of diocesan bishops, leadership and people in Global Mission.
Global Partnership Task Force, www.diomass.org/mission/global_partnerships
As part of the Diocesan mission strategy, every church in the Diocese is challenged to develop a relationship with another congregation or organization within the Anglican Communion.
Circle of Hope, www.circleofhopeonline.org
A non-profit organization established and dedicated to serving people in need. Circle of Hope currently houses two individual human-service programs: The Greater Boston Community Exchange serves individuals and families living in homeless shelters, as well as those in transition and struggling for independent lives, and the International Medical Team provides hands-on routine medical care in rural Haiti.
Gifts of Life: Fair Trade Shop, www.giftsoflife.org
This is a non-profit fair trade organization selling hand-made crafts. One hundred percent of the proceeds are returned to support the artisans. Currently, this NH-based organization is doing a great deal of work in Kenya.
Haiti Connection, www.haitiepiscopalconnection.org
Main themes of this conference will be what’s new in health care, development and education. While the primary focus will be on the mission and ministry of Episcopal and Presbyterian outreach efforts, any persons and all ministries engaged in ministry in Haiti are welcome to attend. Pre-conference trips are also being planned to take small groups to mission projects throughout the country. These trips are especially helpful to newcomers to Haiti.
El Hogar, www.elhogar.org
The mission of El Hogar Projects is to provide a loving home and education in a Christian environment for abandoned, orphaned and hopelessly poor children, enabling them to fulfill their ultimate potential as productive human beings in Honduras.
The Jubilee Ministry of the Diocese of Massachusetts (AIDS in Africa), www.diomass.org/mission/AIDS_in_Africa
The Jubilee Ministry is a group of individuals, laity and clergy, who come together in the community of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Massachusetts to help to repair the suffering inflicted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), www.episcopalchurch.org/3654_71627_ENG_HTM.htm
Project Honduras, www.projecthonduras.com
The focus of the Conference on Honduras 2008 will be education, healthcare (including HIV/AIDS and clean water), and community building (including micro-credit and caring for orphaned children). The aim is to present and exchange information on current and proposed grassroots volunteer projects to help the people of Honduras.
Sabeel International Conference & Pilgrimage to Nazareth & Jerusalem, www.sabeel.org
This conference will focus on the commemoration of 60 years since the Nakba, and the complex issues of memory, narrative, and identity raised by the events of 1948.
The International Collaborative for Science, Education, and the Environment, www.the-icsee.org/index.htm
The International Collaborative for Science, Education, and the Environment, Inc. (ICSEE) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(C)(3) corporation established in 1992. Its purpose is to organize, encourage and support projects in:
- Science, environmental, and general education
- Sustainable community development focused on women and children
- Environmental protection and conservation
- Expansion of educational opportunity for traditionally under-served groups
Extensive experience in East African science education projects convinced us that the work of local people, with good ideas and high energy, could be extended and intensified with the support and participation of an independent and flexible organization like the ICSEE. The ICSEE provides technical assistance, consulting on program design and development, and training. Local organizations also often need help in locating financial resources that we work to provide. We are now working in Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
Pure Water for the World, http://www.purewaterfortheworld.org
Pure Water for the World (PWW) works in remote regions of developing countries which lack sustainable clean, safe drinking water. We work with local governments and community partners to select, analyze the appropriate technology for the community, and to implement cost effective projects.
Photo Gallery
Submitted by rkhotte2 on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 13:58.Photo Gallery
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| From Haiti 2005 | From Ecuador 2008 | From Tanzania 2008 |
