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Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world. As modern day disciples, we have taken this commission to heart. We have traveled literally around the world and we have seen the saving grace of God at work.

As missionaries, we have watched thousands become born again and get filled with the Spirit of God. We have witnessed many miraculous events as we've fed the multitudes the bread of God's Word. We hope everyone can experience this fun and exciting side of the mission field.

However, getting there can be another story.

All the preparation and travel to another country can be stressful physically, mentally and emotionally. We have discovered that being prepared and having as pleasant a traveling experience as possible helps us to be more effective on the mission field.

Our suggestion is to start the planning stage of your mission trip early, especially if it is your first trip. With all the interrelated aspects of preparation, it could take several months to have everything in place. One missing piece could hinder your entry into another country.

Get A Passport
First things first - get your passport! You cannot leave home without it. It is even a good idea to have a passport whenever you travel outside the USA to Canada or Mexico. You can print an application for US passports from the Internet or even apply online. Search out these websites for a wealth of information - www.travel.state.gov, www.instantpassport.com, or www.passportexpress.com

Get Immunized
The second recommendation is to check with your state or county health department concerning the necessary immunization for entry into the desired country, especially third world countries. Some immunizations are recommended while others are required.

A battery of vaccinations may take two or more months depending on what is needed. The health department also has information concerning suitable drinking water, medical alerts and health precautions while traveling. When traveling to a third world country, it is also recommended to take malaria prevention medicine. A good website to research for information is www.tripprep.com.

Will You Need a Visa?
It is possible that you will need a visa to enter certain countries. Most foreign embassies have websites that are accessible though the Internet. Much information can be gained through the Internet.

Use a search engine such as YAHOO, GOOGLE, or MSN to search on the name of the country in the keyword field or check out these websites - www.travisa.com or www.traveldocs.com.

Some embassies have the ability to print the visa application and instruction from their website. Usually your passport, two passport photos, a travel itinerary and visa fees are required to be sent along with the visa application. To avoid delays, follow the instructions completely. We recommend using the overnight express delivery service to and from the embassy through the US Post Office to speed up the process.

Jet Lag
Preparing for jet lag is one of the most challenging areas we have experienced. Traveling through several time zones and adjusting sleeping and eating habits to a new schedule demanding on the body. It is advisable to rest as much as you can whenever possible.

To help us rest while flying, we use eye masks to block out the light, a blow-up neck pillow to keep our heads from bobbing, and headphones with soothing music to block out unwanted cabin noise. It helps to take inspirational reading material, tapes, and CDs for those times of waiting in the airport or during the flight.

Be Sensitive
Remember that you are a guest in a foreign country. Be polite and respectful of their customs. Don't count on favor just because of your U.S. citizenship, but believe for favor because you are a child of God. Dress appropriately for the weather and lifestyles of that region.

There is a wealth of resource material at the library or on the Internet about the region or country you wish to visit. Get information from your hosts or people that have been there before. Learn a few conversational sentences, such as "hello," "good-bye," "thank you," and "you're welcome," in the language of that region or country. Do your homework and research!

Make a Checklist
Make a list of the items you need and want to take with you. Check off each item on the list as you pack them in the suitcases or carry-on bags. Purchase an around-the-waist money belt to carry valuables, such as money, travelers checks, credit cards, etc. Keep handy just a small amount of money for purchases and tips in the airport.

Taking an extra pair of eyeglasses is always a good idea. Take plenty of anti-bacterial gel, wet wipes and pocket tissues for sanitary purposes. Put together a first aid kit with items, such as, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Band-Aids, Kaopectate, Benadryl, rubbing alcohol, cough drops, sun block, insect repellent, etc. Sample sizes reduce bulky packaging.

Check with the airlines for the size and weight limit of allowable baggage. Weigh the baggage to make sure it conforms to these requirements. Excess or oversized baggage can be a very expensive additional charge. The airlines will also have current security information and what is not allowable to bring on board the plane. Most airlines have websites that will give this type of information.

Final Thought
As a final thought, take some things along just for pure enjoyment, such as a favorite snack, family photos, a good novel, crossword puzzle, or a game or hobby that is easily packed. These will help to buffer the shock of a different culture. McDonald's, 7-11 and Krispy Kreme (or something similar) are not always just around the corner.

Have fun and enjoy the grace of God in a new and exciting adventure. The grace will meet you there!

McDowell Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Author Biography

Clifton and Leta McDowell
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Clifton and Leta are graduates of RHEMA Bible Training Center (aka Kenneth Hagin Ministries) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. They have been ordained since 1989 and traveled throughout the world bringing revival to the nations. Clifton and Leta preach and teach under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Thousands have been saved and healed by this anointing. They founded McDowell Ministries, Inc. USA in 1995 and World Witness Training Centr-Kenya in 2005.
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