The Do's and Don'ts of Mission Trips
  When a group from the USA comes to Mexico and particularly to Toluca to work with us we want you to be prepared to have the maximum benefit and experience that you can have. We want you to realize that you are here to serve not be served. You are here to be missionaries and serve the Lord to your full capacity. If you are to do that then you need to be aware of some vital things that will enhance your ministry here with our people.
 
The Do's in mission work:
  1. Do be spiritual prepared before you come. Pray every day and study your Bible.
2. Do learn a few phrases in Spanish like Hello, How are you? What your name? My name is…
3. Do learn what you can about some of the customs of the people you are coming to serve.
4. Do be sensitive to the hosting missionary needs.
5. Do purchase the insurance that the IMB has for your trip.
6. Do be flexible. Things do not always go as you plan. It does not upset your Mexican brothers. So do not be upset when it doesn't go as YOU thought it should.
7. Do be prepared. You have been asked to do certain things prior to your coming. Please prepare for those projects.
8. Do ask questions. You have them, ask them.
9. Do communicate to your missionary. They have other responsibilities and other groups coming. You should initiate the communication.
10. Do be positive. It makes for a better time for all.
11. Do all you can to help the ministry where you are. You are on a mission trip to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthen the work where you are serving at the time.
12. Do have a daily Quiet Time and a group devotional. It would be good to have prepared daily devotionals for each day and then have a group devotional with your group each evening. It works wonders.
 
The Don'ts of Mission Work
  We have included some Don'ts because we need to bring attention to things that will help in your relationship with our people and also help you to prevent some unwanted experiences. This will help us all to have a great trip.
1. Do not be negative. Negativism is like a disease it will and do a lot of damage and make for a bad trip.
2. Do not complain. Everything will not go as you think it should but in the long run it will be a very rewarding time. It is amazing how things work out.
3. Do not refuse the hospitality of your hosts. Many time our Mexican brothers want to fix a meal or a refreshment for you. It is very rude to refuse that offer.
4. Do not make fun of people. Many understand what you are saying and this can be very hurtful to them.
5. Do not be afraid of trying new things. Just do not be afraid period. God is not the author of fear.
6. Do not listen to rumors about Mexico. What you read and hear are not always the whole truth.
7. Do not compare the two countries. We are different. Mexicans are proud to be Mexicans just as you are proud to be an American.
8. Do not discuss politics.
9. Do not give out your name or address. Consult your missionary about what to do.
10.Do not give money out or promise to help someone. We have had nationals ask for help. Again consult your missionary on what to do.
11.Do not wear expensive or flashy jewelry.
12. Do not wander off from your group. Preferably you travel in groups of two or three. Just use your common sense.
13. Do not get offended if people stare. You do look different than they do and they are interested in your blues eyes, blondes or red hair , freckles, etc.
14. Do not ask people if they are Christians when witnessing. If you do they will say yes because everyone in Mexico consider themselves Christians. It is better to ask if they are believers.
 
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