PJ,
Here is some more information for the big trip, I don’t know if everybody has email, but they can feel free to write me any questions or thoughts they have or if they just want to start getting our email updates about our work in the Patpatar tribe.
Thanks,
Aaron

PJ, Jimmy, Jared, Cheryl, Chuck and Gloria, John and Michelle, and Chad,

Just over a month left until you embark on the adventure of a lifetime. As the countdown gets closer I wanted to give you some more information on what to expect, what to bring, and what you will be doing. Some of this you will already have heard through the meetings or the video and some of it will be new. Thank you in advance to each one of you who have taken the step to be a part of this adventure. Thank you for the sacrifices of family, work, time, and money that each one of you have made to be a part. I believe that each one of the sacrifices will be worth the cost and God will do amazing things through this trip.

Where does it begin? Your airplane trips! From Sioux City, each plane will be getting on will be bigger and nicer and about all you can do is sit back, and try to get some sleep and enjoy your flight. Once in Papua New Guinea you will need file off the plane with everybody else and go through customs. It is there you will have to show your passport and get your visas which should be waiting for you and claim anything from your customs slip (that will be explained to you on the airplane). You will collect your luggage, exchange money if needed and then head out of the room. Welcome to PNG!

You will have to take all of your luggage out of the building and go down the sidewalk to your right. You should have plenty of time, but you will have to keep moving to be sure to get on the plane. Once you get to the Domestic Terminal (the other building) you will have to go in and clear your bags through an x-ray machine and then get in line for the flight you are to be on. After you have gotten your tickets you will have to go to through the doors on the side and through another x-ray machine. Now you are in the waiting room. It is always a good idea to sit towards the front and be ready when they call your flight, because many times they over book and it is first on first to go.

The next landing will be in Hoskins and I will be waiting for you just on the other side of the fence. You will only have a couple of hours of daylight left. So I will show you around a little. You will have supper prepared for you and you can go to bed early if you want.

The next several days you will be going in various directions serving so many of us. You know more about what to expect than I do since you’ve been in correspondence with the conference committee. We will have enough food for you to get through most of your time there. For additional drinks or snacks I believe the store will be open for an hour each afternoon. I will be around and can be your inside man if you need anything. In an earlier email I mentioned carvings and tribal crafts for sale. If they are around they will be sitting outside the store. I (or probably anyone around) can help you barter and translate if you see something you like.

On Sunday we will go back to the Hoskins airport and you will fly to Kokopo (Kokopo is the fastest growing town and one of the nicest towns of PNG. It is across the bay from Rabaul which was destroyed in 1994 by the volcano.). We will check the seas and pick up some produce and last minute things for the next week. If the seas are nice and everything works like we have arranged we will head to the boats. Our boat will be there along with two others. It will be a crowd of us with the Kunzers, the nine on the workteam, myself, and all our stuff. We do have life jackets for everybody and we will take every precaution available. We will not take chances if the seas are rough. If that is the case we will stay at the SIL guesthouse Sunday night and try to leave early Monday morning, since the seas are generally calmer in the morning. It is about a one hour ride to one of the most beautiful islands you will ever see and then another hour to our village, Bom (rhymes with home). (For an alternative possibility of the kind of trip it could be ask PJ about his backside. J) You made it here!

For the next 4 days you will be with us. Some of the projects are listed below. We will be working long days, but will have a great time and you will get to see some incredible things. We are very excited for you to be here and for the opportunity to get to know you. Each evening we will get together to share, pray, sing, and plan the next day. During the day we will be doing many things at once trying to get as many of the projects done as possible. We will also squeeze some walks into the village and the gardens in the jungle. Bring your sense of adventure, your ethic of hard work, and your appetite for spiritual growth. See you soon!

Aaron

What to bring:

Bedding: I don’t know what you are provided or required to bring for conference, but once you get to the tribe we have enough bedding for everybody. We will be short about 4 pillows though (unless you want to use a small throw pillow) so some of you may want to bring a pillow. Our all time low so far has been 71 degrees, so you will only need a sheet to cover up with. We do have mosquito nets available for everybody.

Clothes: One nice but casual outfit for travel. A few lightweight old work clothes that you won’t mind getting wet or ruined. A swimsuit. A poncho. Whatever you want for footwear – we will be dirt work and some hiking. One thing to keep in mind is that if it is raining much you will probably be walking through water, so you may want some flip-flops or sandals (or for walking on the beach or between houses).

Other: Towel and washcloth will be provided for you; You do need to bring Toiletries; Bible; Journal; Pen; Flashlight; Bug Spray (There are fewer mosquitoes and biting bugs here than there are in Iowa, but we recommend bug spray all the time while you are here to help prevent malaria); Sunscreen (we are a lot closer to the equator here so it takes less time to burn; but one bottle can be shared among several); camera (optional).

Important papers: Passport, Visa (should be in your passport); Photo ID; (maybe a picture of your family to show us); some money

Living

Where you will be staying: Cheryl will be staying with Kunzers. The rest of you will be staying at the Luses. Chuck and Gloria and John and Michelle will each have their own room. The rest of the guys will be Avalon and Sierra’s room or else the living room. There is indoor plumbing (a toilet, shower, and sink). The ladies will be able in the shower. Though, Lord willing, we will have enough water (especially since the last work team connected the tank and Kunzers will be by themselves when we leave), for the sake of power and time the guys will probably bathe in the creek (though we can make exceptions).

Laundry – Laundry will be done everyday. This should help with you not having to bring so much clothing, however, things are not always dry after one day, so you may want to plan accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast will be at the Luse’s. Lunch and supper will be at Kunzers. Tammy will be in charge of the meals, but will require the help of a couple of you.

Projects:

Kunzers: There are several small jobs in and around the house. The overflow from their water tank needs redirected. The gray water needs redirected. Several window louvers need replaced. Some things need painted. Repair some termite damage and some preventatives added.

Luses: There are several small jobs around and in the house. The gray water needs rerouted to a nearby ditch. There is some termite damage that needs fixed and some preventatives added. There is a floor board that needs replaced. Several window louvers need changed. An oven door needs fixed. Some screens need replaced. The nursery needs set up. And last the house needs boarded up.

Boat: This will be the major project and the biggest priority. We need to put a floor in the boat. Put the consul in. Patch and paint some areas on the outside. And several other smaller details to get it ready for our team to use. We will also be filling some PVC pipes with cement to use as rails to pull the boat up on our beach.

Other: If time permits the stairs on Marbach’s house need repaired.

Prayer Requests:

Good seas: for safety in travel to and from Bom

Little or no rain: Yes, we need rain to have water, but when it rains in the rainforest it really rains. If we get too much it could greatly hamper our work.

Good health: When traveling to different areas, eating different food, drinking different water, stomach problems are common. Pray that everybody will have a smooth transition.

Open hearts: For what God has in store for you and for us.

Good testimonies: Though we have not preached the Gospel to the Patpatar people yet, they are watching us. Some know English, but even those who don’t will be watching you to see what they can learn about the white people and their God.

I am praying for you and your families as you prepare and come on this trip!

The Lost Art of Journaling

Journaling differs from a diary. A diary usually contains the facts of the day or the situation. Journaling is reflecting on what God has impressed upon your heart each day. This will be a great keepsake and an opportunity for you to review the things that God impresses upon your heart over these 2 weeks.

Some Helps

The act of writing has tremendous potential to arrange conscious thoughts in a clear pattern as words flow from your mind down your arm, into your hand and across the page. Banish your internal editor. This is that voice that booms from the darkest recesses of your brain: “You shouldn’t be writing that.”
Here are a few tricks to banish this frightening little voice.

• Write quickly, allowing the words to freefall from your subconscious.
• Keep writing. Don’t erase or cross-out any words. If you’re heading in a direction you would rather avoid, start a new paragraph. These accidental forays may be telltale signs for issues you need to address. And erasing just takes more time that you could be using to focus on you.
• Date each entry in your journal. Note the time, place, and any details regarding your mood and emotions that will be necessary for context when you read back on your work.
• After you have finished a journal entry, take a walk or get up for a glass of water before you reread your entry, and remember to reread this entry with compassion.
• I do not read the previous entry before writing the new entry. Start with a blank slate of what God is teaching you.

Diary Type Entry
Monday – 2/9/04 - Today we boarded the plane to PNG. Weather was great and plane was crowded. Got some sleep and everything went fine. Enjoyed the flight, but it was long – had a good day.

Journal Type Entry
Monday – 2/9/04 – Left for PNG today. Was pretty nervous getting on the plane and leaving all my friends and loved ones. Leaving the comfort of home on an adventure that I am not sure what it holds. Been very nervous, but I keep thinking that God will take care of me, but at times that is easier said than done. Spent a lot of time in the airport and couldn’t help but notice the all the different type of people. Started to wonder – who was telling them about Jesus. Here I am traveling half way around the world to help someone share the gospel, but I have a hard time talking to my neighbors (kinda ironic). Maybe I need to make a little more effort to tell my friends – but it is hard – and sometimes it is easier to go to another world where I do not know anyone.
God seems very real – maybe because this is a big step and an adventure that is not in my comfort zone. I guess I depend more on Him when I am outside of my comfortable surrounding – probably a good lesson.

Some Questions to Ask

• What is God impressing upon my heart?
• How did I see God work in my life today?
• Where did I see God today?
• What is the Holy Spirit teaching me today?

Sexual Abuse Mission Trip Policy
Holly Springs Bible Fellowship

PURPOSE: It is the purpose and intent of our mission trip is to provide a safe, secure environment to teach and care for the children and students of our faith family.

GOAL: Our goal is to protect children from sexual abuse, child molestation or any type of inappropriate sexual behavior by employees or volunteers in this church and to protect employees and volunteers from false accusations.

DEFINITION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: The National Resource Center on Child Sexual Abuse defines child sexual abuse as "any sexual activity with a child, whether in the home by a caretaker, in a day-care situation, in any organized ministry, whether at the main facility (church) or away, or in any other setting, including on the street by a person unknown to the child. The abuser may be an adult, an adolescent, or another child.
Child sexual abuse can be violent or non-violent. It is criminal behavior that involves children in sexual behavior. Child sexual abuse can involve fondling; penetration of the oral, genital, and anal areas; intercourse; and forcible rape. Other forms of abuse can include verbal comments, any exposure to pornographic materials, inappropriate internet activity, obscene phone calls, exhibitionism, or allowing children to witness sexual activity.
This policy will address four (4) areas that are critical for the protection of the children, our employees, our church and New Tribes Mission: definitions, protection policy, reporting procedures, and responses to allegations.

I. DEFINITIONS

1. Minor- A minor is any individual under the age of 19 years.
2. Employee – anyone who is paid by the church on a full-time or part-time basis, whether or not they work directly with preschoolers, children and students. (i.e. Pastor)
3. Volunteer – anyone who is not paid by the church on a full-time or part-time basis, and is serving in any position involving the supervision or custody of minors (i.e. Mission Trip volunteer)
It is understood that each member of this team has truthfully submitted information to New Tribes Mission for a background check. It is also understood that each team member will abide by these guidelines and any other guidelines established by New Tribes Mission.

II. PROTECTION POLICY

A. Two Adults
Reasonable effort will be made to have two (2) adult workers present, or nearby, with preschoolers, children and students during any activity. Reasonable effort shall be made to assure that one adult is not left alone with one minor. A husband and wife working the same room will typically be considered as one adult for purposes of this policy.

B. View Windows/Open Doors
Reasonable effort will be made to place preschoolers, children and students in rooms with view windows or open doors for all teaching/learning activities.

III. REPORTING PROCEDURES

Observed or reported child sexual abuse or child molestation should be reported immediately to the Pastor (Jim Thomas) or the Island Chairman (Jan Wols). Reporting abuse can precipitate severe consequences to a family, so it should never be done casually or thoughtlessly, and certainly not for malicious purposes. At the same time, failing to report abuse can have severe consequences to a child at risk. Therefore, if you have reasonable cause to suspect abuse, you should talk with an appropriate person to see what steps could and should be taken to protect the child and help the family. As soon as time and circumstances permit, the report should first be made to the Pastor or Island Chairman, who will then proceed with the correct and thorough process.

IV. RESPONSES TO ALLEGATIONS

A. All allegations will be taken seriously and Holly Springs Bible Fellowship leadership and New Tribes leadership will take appropriate action in accordance with the current laws, insurance policy requirement, and based upon advice of legal counsel.
B. The official spokesperson for the church in any of these matters will be the Pastor, his appointee, or a designated member of the Church Board. No other staff members or church members shall speak to the media in an official capacity.
C. The church leadership will document (in writing, with date and signature) all efforts in the handling of any incident.
D. The church leadership will not deny, minimize, or blame any individual involved in allegations. Holly Springs Bible Fellowship staff will minister to all involved, as well as cooperate with authorities.

Missionary Trip Preparation #5

Items To Bring Checklist
Low temperature – 71 degrees

Checked Luggage

• Insect Repellent – available at Walmart ( needs to include Deet 20-35% – see malaria section)
• Hat can be very important
• Suntan lotion / or Sun screen
• Small flashlight
• Photo of your family
• One travel outfit
• 3-4 pair of shorts
• 3-4 shirts
• Underwear
• Sheet
• Pillow
• Bedroll / Air mattress ( Aaron has – 3 twin mattresses / 1 Double air / 2 Double)
• Shoes (hiking and cement work)
• Sandals / flip flops
• Toiletries
• Washcloth / Sponge / Small towel
• Bible

Carry On Baggage

• Complete change of clothes (in case luggage doesn’t make it)
• Washcloth or hand towel – clean up in between flights - Handy wipes, etc
• Hand sanitizer
• Small travel roll of toilet paper
• All personal medicines, glasses, prescriptions, etc. (We will have an emergency kit for the team with aspirin, motion sickness, medicine, band aids, Rolaids, Imodium, etc.)
• Camera, electronics, etc.
• Passport, airline tickets, Credit card, etc.

Group First Aid / Travel Kit will be available to all team members.

If you typically have stomach problems and use allot of one medication – bring it in the original package with you (i.e. Tums) We will also have some, but the emergency kit is for occasional use.

General Luggage Guidelines

We are basing our guidelines on Air Nuigini regulations for International Travel

Carry on Baggage Allowances (11- 15 lbs)

• A lady’s handbag, lady’s pocket book or lady’s purse which is appropriate to normal traveling dress and is not being used as a container for the transportation of articles that would otherwise be regarded as baggage;
• An overcoat, wrap or blanket;
• A small camera or pair of binoculars;
• A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight;

Any item that purports to be a specified article listed above, but does not visibly conform to the description set out must be weighed and such weight included in the total baggage weight. All other articles including overnight bags, briefcase, typewriter, personal radios, ladies vanity or cosmetic cases, hat boxes, infant collapsible pram, wheelchairs, heavy cameras and reading matter which cannot reasonably be read during the flight, must be weighed with the baggage and subjected to normal rules.

• One (1) cabin bag (1pc) not exceeding 7 kgs (15lbs), the total measurement of which must not exceed 50 x 30 x 20 cm = 100cm (40 inches)
• These Items must be weighed, and if necessary, charged in accordance with valid tariff. Cabin baggage dimensions vary in different countries and are subject to Government and Airline regulations in force at the time of travel.

Checked Baggage Allowances – 2 Bags - 1 bag is for you – the other is for the missionaries!

Economy Class: 20 kg (2 bags at 35 - 44 lbs) – Passengers on Air Niugini are allowed the following baggage. No single item may exceed 30kg (66 lbs) in weight.

For International travel, a passenger using Air Niugini connecting services is entitled to the applicable international free baggage allowance. Additional baggage may be carried at a fixed baggage rate per kilogram in excess. An excess fee will be collected for each kilogram of baggage over the designated free baggage allowance and for each piece that is overweight. Except as provided for under the relevant provisions in 5 or 6, the airline is not liable for loss, damage to or delay in the delivery of fragile or perishable articles, money, jewelry, precious metals, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables (including but not limited to cameras and electronic. equipment), business documents or samples which are included in the passenger’s checked baggage, whether with or without the knowledge of the airline. Such personal valuable items should be carried on your person or in your carry on baggage under your care.

We suggest placing your clothes inside clear plastic Ziploc bags. We will be in an island environment and there is a strong possibility your bag may get wet.

• We suggest placing a large garbage bag in an outside pocket of your suitcase.

Carry On Luggage

You are allowed a carry on bag and a personal item.

General Luggage Policies
Note that when maximum size measurements are shown as a total number of inches (eg 45") this is the total of the length, width and height of the piece. There are standard sets of dimensions that go to make up these totals (for example, 22 x 14 x 9 is the standard for 45") and if you have a bag that is an unusual shape but still within the total number of inches, you may find it being rejected.

Is Your Carry-On Bag Legal?
Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as 'carry-on', but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 45", in the form of a 22" x 14" x 9" bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 55", but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers not always tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches).
If you should be very unlucky and find yourself forced to try and squeeze your carry-on into an unforgiving luggage template by the gate, even one extra inch - if your bag is already at the maximum - will be enough to mean it doesn't fit and you have to check the bag.

Personal Items
The standard allowance typically provides for a bag of up to a certain size plus one 'personal item'. What is a personal item? Some airlines give examples, and suggest that a personal item may be:

• Briefcase, Camera, Handbag/Purse, Laptop (in carry bag), Other items not exceeding 36" in total dimension, Reading Matter, Small book-bag style backpack, Umbrella
• Each one of you may be carrying a computer laptop with you. This would be considered your personal item. You would be able to place some things in this case. The case and laptop will be left with missionaries at Hoskins, so you will not have it on the return trip.

Missionary Trip Preparation #4

International Travel Reminders

Guard Your Passport - Your passport is the most valuable document you carry abroad. It confirms that you are an American citizen. Do not carry your passport in the same place as your money or pack it in your luggage. I suggest carrying it in your front pants pocket – so it cannot be easily stolen. If you think you have lost your passport – notify Pastor Jim immediately.

Do not give money to anyone in airports – People may approach you in the airports and ask you to help them. They will have very convincing stories – but many of them earn their living this way. This is their profession. Do not talk to them – keep walking or walk away.

When traveling on Foot - If you will be moving around a city or airport on foot, these "Do's" and "Don'ts" can help you:

• When making purchases, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or a number of credit cards.
• Carry your wallet in your front trouser pocket or your handbag in front of you, with the clasp towards the body.
• Always let someone in the group know where you are going and never go by yourself unless it is an absolute necessity. If, by chance, you find yourself in an area you feel worried about, look straight ahead, walk quickly but not hurriedly and try to appear as if you know where you are going.
• Do not take photographs of military personnel or installations unless you are absolutely sure it is allowed.
• Never exchange currency with persons who approach you on the street.
• Be careful about traveling in elevators. If you are in doubt, don't. If you are already in an elevator and someone suspicious gets in, get out right away.
• If you are jostled, almost knocked over by a car which stops suddenly in front of you when crossing the road, or surrounded by a group of children begging, you should assume that you are being distracted to facilitate picking your pocket, stealing your handbag or taking your watch. If you react instinctively if this happens, you might avoid losing your belongings. Pickpockets can be very quick.

The Boat Diagram

Here are Aaron's orginal plans for the boat. This ia an idea of what we have to acomplish in 4 days of 90% humidity and 100 degree weather while working with fiberglass and wood.

Missionary Trip Preparation #3

Dressing Appropriately

A key factor in maintaining good travel security is to always maintain a low profile. This should be reflected in your dress, which should be low key and unremarkable. The wearing of expensive jewelry and wristwatches, etc., particularly in poorer countries, can only invite unwelcome attention. Avoid wearing anything that would attract attention to you (i.e. camouflage, US logo, etc.).
You will spend large amounts of time on a plane and in airports. Bring shoes that are very comfortable (your feet will probably swell). We will also be sleeping on floors and chairs in airports, therefore your clothes should adapt to this easily.

Baggage Tags

Each piece of your baggage should have three identification labels.

• One label should be attached to the handle and have a fastened-down flap over the front to preserve your anonymity. When completing the identification tags, use first initial and last name only.
• The second label should be affixed to the inside of the suitcase lid, in case the handle tag becomes unattached and the suitcase is lost. We will provide everyone a sheet to include inside their luggage which will provide you the necessary information. You will be given these sheets on Thursday night when we pack for the missionaries.
• The third label should be affixed to the inside of the suitcase lid. This label is part of our Insurance for lost baggage.

The Boat Ride

Many of you have heard the horror stories – here is the real scope. If the seas are rough – Aaron along with the national driver of the other boat (who is very experienced) will make a decision about the seas. It is possible that we will go when members of the team may not think it is safe, but I assure you I will not put the team in danger. Most of the time the sea is choppy at some point and there is a good chance of getting pretty wet. I don’t want to make anybody nervous (especially if it is going to be a calm day), but if someone thinks they get sea sick they may want to bring some sea legs (medicine for sea sickness).
We do have some alternatives available by flying to an airstrip and then driving, but that is not the preferred option if the seas are passable and is very expensive. Another note: Everybody should have there belonging wrapped in plastic or in the plastic totes. If the team want to put there passports, wallets, and other papers in my water proof bag they may. A couple can keep there cameras in there for easy access to in case they want to take pictures of the island or we run into a pod of whales or dolphins. I will have some fishing gear on board, in case we hit a school of tuna or other fish.

Emergencies

Prayerfully there will be no emergencies. However, if there is in the tribe. We do have emergency procedures in place as a mission and we do have a satellite phone that can be used to call out. If there is an emergency at home the best thing would be to call Pat or Teresa Luse (number will be on the emergency sheet we leave with you). They have all the numbers necessary to get a hold of the mission base and the mission base can contact us by radio.

Missionary Trip Preparation #2

Blood Donors

If you are a blood donor, please be aware that you will not be able to give blood for 1 year after taking this trip. Any blood donations need to be made before you leave on this trip.

Travel Arrangements

• Prior to leaving, I will have a detailed copy of our itinerary with emergency contact information available to everyone. You can give this information to your family. Jean will also have a copy. We are hoping to provide a daily update on our Blog while attending the conference.
  

• On the “I don’t want to think about it side”. – You should make sure that your will is up to date (you should do this every few years anyway, so this is a good time to review it). Your immediate family should also realize that if a family emergency arises – you will probably not be able to get home any sooner than the April 1st.
• Communication with Family – Your best opportunity to talk to your family will be in between flights. Be aware that phone rates are very high. If you think you will want to make calls – I suggest getting an account at www.pennytalk.com/
  

Shopping

For information about what you can and cannot bring back into the United States after traveling to another country, check the U.S. Customs' Web site: www.customs.ustreas.gov

• You will probably want to purchase things while in the airports or on the airplane. A Visa or MasterCard is about the easiest way to make purchases. You do not have to worry about exchange rates. You should call your credit card company before you leave and let them know what cities & countries you will be visiting. You do not wanting them locking your account while overseas because they think it is suspicious activity.
• Check My Trip – you were sent a link to a website that allows you to look at the trip. You can find information about our seating, the plane, airports, and shopping and restaurants available in the airport.
  

Airport Security – some suggestions for going through airport security

• Shoes must be absolutely clean – no farm residue on anything
• No gunpowder smells on anything – if used for hunting wash VERY thoroughly
• Shoes must be CLEAN – no animal residue – you will be stopped in Australia & PNG!
• No nuts or agricultural products (i.e., sunflower seeds, etc., when traveling outside the US)
• No metal buckles, belts, etc., – be easily scanned

Prohibited and Allowable Items = you may review the TSA brochure for allowable items. Following the guidelines in the new 3:1:1 program by the TSA will allow speed up the screening process. TSA regulations may change without notice. To check on any item you have a question about – see the detailed list at www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Mission Trip Preparation #1

Important dates

March 5, 2007 - Malaria Pills – Malaria Monday
March 11, 2007 – Special Commissioning Service on Sunday
March 15, 2007 – Thursday Night - Pack Missionary Luggage
March 17, 2007 - Leave Omaha, NE on Saturday at 3:15 pm – be at airport by 1:00 pm
April 1, 2007 – Return Omaha, NE on Saturday at 6:10 pm
April 2, 2007 – Special service Sunday

Emergency Identification Kit - I will have an emergency identification kit in case your passport gets lost or stolen. I will have a photocopy of your passport and driver’s license

International Security Warnings – see www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html

VISA’s – All visas have been arranged for you. You have an Australian ETA Visa and a PNG Visa.

Travel Insurance – The church has purchased travel insurance for each team member. This is a primary coverage policy and covers major medical events that occur as a result of this trip.

Advance Medical Preparation

• See your doctor at least six weeks before you leave. Some vaccines don't reach the highest protection until about six weeks after you get the shots. PNG does not require any vaccinations. We would suggest that everyone have an up to date tetanus shot and a flu shot prior to traveling.
• Have medical and dental check-ups before your trip to be aware of problems and to find out about what medicines you might want to take along. If you take prescribed medication, be sure to have a sufficient supply for an extended stay and a copy of the prescription. Keep the medication in its original packaging to avoid problems with Customs.
• If you have a medical condition or allergy, prominently display the details, together with your blood type, in your passport
• If you wear glasses most of the time, take a spare pair with you.
• See your doctor to make sure you’re up to date on everything you need for PNG. Don’t let them talk you into an encephalitis vaccine – you don’t need it. You’ll want to get or be up to date on: tetanus. You may want to let your doctor know you will be taking malaria medication:
• You’ll want to start taking a malaria prophylaxis 2 weeks before travel. We will be taking a drug called mefloquine/lariam. It is one pill a week, easy and very effective. If you have hallucinations with mefloquine (or are taking psychotropic medication - Paxill, etc) – we have another drug which we will substitute for mefloquine.

Australian Visa information

• You must acquire an Australian Visa if you will in the country overnight. You can apply online at http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAAusXEn.html

Travel Insurance

• You must have travel insurance upon entering PNG. We acquired ours at Travel Guard International
• They were half the price of Church Mutual's quote.

As many of you know January 7th I started a 2 part series on Missions (Them and Us). I talked about the need to make missions a partnership and change the thinking from Them and Us to WE.
Every person in our fellowship was challenged to take one of the sheets off the wall containing the names of 45+ families who will be attending the Conference in March. I have listed some of their websites below. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the Island missionary work in PNG.
Here is a picture of some of them.


Here are some of their websites.

http://www.tribalmissions.com/

http://www.bucknerspng.com

http://www.islandsbeglad.org/

http://www.burnsabroad.blogspot.com/

http://www.burns.oddsocks.net/

http://www.thebittners.com/

http://www.4theword.org/kesingerskorner/

http://www.missionaryhome.org/lauver/

http://www.lowellpng.com/

http://www.everytribe.info/index.html

http://www.martinpng.com/

http://www.mmol.org/Preheim/index.html

http://www.mmol.org/Reichman/

http://www.ntm.org/aaron_weatherl/

http://www.ntm.org/jan_wols/

Note for the Team - check out the recent Survey trip to New Ireland Island at

http://www.lowellpng.com/ora.htm