Although the coronavirus has caused churches to move discipleship online, our Every Nation church in Japan is inviting friends and neighbors to hear the gospel for the first time.
What an exciting journey you are embarking on with Every Nation on a Ten Days trip. For us to honor God and be like Jesus in the way we go to the nations, there are a few things we want everybody to agree on, so your trip will be the best it can be. We’ve thought carefully about what’s important for everyone to see eye-to-eye on and listed those things below. These expectations will help to make this experience meaningful, Christ-like and safe for everyone.
The cohesiveness of our group has the power to create an outstanding mission experience. It is important to get to know one another and encourage each other. This can be done through notes of encouragement, text messages/emails, praying for one another, meeting for coffee, etc. I commit to walking toward my team members and seeking to be united in words and actions as I prepare for and go on the Ten Days trip.
I recognize the official leaders of our team. In all situations, I commit to having a submissive, respectful, and grateful attitude towards my leaders. Attitudes of disrespect or misbehavior may hinder my ability to go on the trip and can lead to dismissal at the discretion of trip leadership.
I will go above and beyond what is expected of me in service to the hosting church, in respect for my missions team, and in communication and gratitude for my financial partnership team. I will seek opportunities to serve, listen to, and care for those whom I encounter with an attitude of humility.
I will commit to the daily pursuit of spiritual growth through discipleship, small group, and personal study. In preparation for this mission experience, I recognize these moments of spiritual growth and intimacy with God will be even more important, and I commit to pursuing and growing in my relationship with Christ daily.
I commit to actively recruiting prayer and/or financial partners. I understand that I am raising funds for Every Nation Churches & Ministries for this particular mission trip. Therefore, if I am unable to attend this particular trip, I understand that gifts cannot be refunded to my partners. In this case, only raised funds of $300 or more will be available to transfer to another trip in the twelve months following the end date of the original trip.
Regarding trip reimbursements, team members have 30 days after the end of the trip to submit a reimbursement request. I understand and agree that any reimbursement request submitted after 30 days after the end of the trip will not be accepted.
I understand that all funds must be raised via the Every Nation website. I will not attempt to use an outside fundraising method, such as GoFundMe, due to the negative implications this may cause on Every Nation’s nonprofit ECFA rating.
I give permission to whoever is giving my pastoral reference to disclose and discuss any concerns and information that may affect me joining this team and attending this trip. I also give Ten Days the right to discuss with me such concerns that may affect my position on this particular team. I understand that my pastoral reference must know me personally in order to speak to my character and spiritual maturity. This person may be a small group leader or ministry department leader.
I understand that training and equipping are necessary parts of being prepared to go on a Ten Days trip. I will commit to completing all of the training sessions available for my team. I will also commit to attend all prayer calls preceding the trip or notify a team leader if I am unable to do so.
I understand that I must adhere to the coronavirus restrictions set by the host nation, Every Nation, and my trip leaders while on this trip. I also understand that my trip may be canceled, postponed, or shortened due to factors related to Covid. If my trip is canceled, I understand that I will be able to use funds raised towards another ten days trip for up to 18 months (which is a specific extension of the normal time frame due to accommodations related to the coronavirus).