In light of the recent violence which has surfaced in Mexico over the past few months, the executive director and the board of directors have followed the reports and made recommendations limiting the number of Mission Work Groups (MWG) through August 2011. It is also understood Faith Ministry was founded to help our brothers and sisters in Mexico, not just in the good times but also to keep their hope alive during the bad.

People are anxious to answer God's calling in Mexico, and God will not take you anywhere he cannot protect you. However, He does expect you to use good judgment and understand the environment and do your part in keeping you safe.

To that end the following guidelines are being issued for MWGs coming to work with Faith Ministry beginning March 1, 2011 (note this date is subject to change based on current violence/safety conditions)..

* A short orientation session with be held with each MWG to provide up to date information and define any alternatives plans/actions which are being implemented. Each person will be required to attend.

* A waiver of liability must be signed by each person and given to David prior to crossing the border.

* MWG size: Small groups in the range of 8 - 12 people is recommended

* Recommended participant age: 18 years and up, with experience in either prior MWG or international travel

* Accommodations: Consider staying in the U.S. with work hours limited to allow border crossings during the safest part of the day.

* The church facilities in Reynosa will be available with staff on-site, but all people should be inside the facility well before dark. The gates will be locked at 8 P.M.

Travel within Mexico:

* A Faith Ministry "guide" will be provided to escort the group to/from the border to ensure if there a problem an alternative safe route can be utilized. This will include groups using accommodations in the U.S. and crossing daily.

* Groups staying in the U.S. should cross the border during the daylight and during the safer times of the day (no later than 3 P.M.).

* Supply runs should be approved and accompanied by Omar (or a senior FM staff) to ensure the safest paths are used. It would be best if food and supplies are purchased on the U.S. side of the border.

* Sign out lists are required and group leaders should be aware of who is leaving and their destination.

* No restaurants should be frequented after 5 P.M., and only then with either Omar or a senior FM staff member.

* Families should not be visited after 4 P.M. , request the families visit them at the church complex.

Each group must work with David to establish an "emergency plan," preferably before the team arrives and certainly before they cross the border. The plan should include items such as:

* Evacuation

* hospital and police facilities locations

* how to get to the border from the jobsite, not just the church facility

* which leaders are responsible for what actions

* be prepared to relocate McAllen for a day or so

Think of this as a fire drill, each participant should know what is needed and how it is done.


March 1, 2011