Going to Africa

To be in isolation is to distort the Gospel! Fellowship is a relationship of unity among believers that expresses itself in our religious beliefs as Christians as we work towards common Goals and our first priority to Glorify God through our acts and deeds. These same acts patterned after the Good Samaritan and Christ Himself. One of our main tasks is also to Be a friend, to show we care by asking and being there when we are needed!

As part of our fellowship dimension we also implement Short Term Missions projects to the region. The areas of ministry we would like for you to consider could include: several medical outreaches to remote villages and congregations, distributing medicines and supplies to local clinics. Trips could also include holding Bible School & planning recreational activities with children in local congregations; visiting rural village churches and pastors. Smaller construction projects including agricultural or playground projects.

Fundraising for Trips/Projects

We encourage team members to raise their own support, however sometimes this could be difficult and the congregation or missions committee might also assist members with funds. Keep in mind that when the entire church becomes involved in mission funding, the burdens are shared, but so are the rewards. When the team leaves, they will benefit from multiplicity of prayer partners, when they return, the congregation listens with interest and pride to their report.
However each congregation and missions committee should have his own criteria of when to become involved in assisting team members financially. Need around the world is big and budgets of missions committees are limited. The above mentioned should be a good criteria.

General Tips when Fundraising

Do not start strong and then give up right away. Talk, talk and do!! Don't view yourself as begging for money, you are merely an instrument allowing people to give to the Lord's work.

Four core beliefs:
1. Money is available- I must learn where it is
2. God owns it all- So I will pray
3. Donors need to give- So I will share the opportunity
4. I must ask- So that needs will be met

What you must do:
1. Make Worthy to receive the gift
2. Make the Worthiness Visible
3. Create Vehicles of Response

Building support through the mail
On the average, raising sufficient funding can easily be done through well-written letters sent to about 50 people who know you: family members and friends. Some groups prepare a fund raising letter on computer diskette so participants can easily personalize it. When money goes to a specific fund at your church or already to a registered missions organization for your account, all these donors could also receive tax-receipts for supporting you to go on the trip.
Remember:
-visualize the needs and mention $ amounts
-avoid long letters, words and sentences,
-remember the PS at the end
Spread the word widely; don't limit the letters to Christian friends and family only.
Send thank-you letters for every gift. Sometimes, thank-you notes will bring follow-up gifts

Please keep in mind that people give towards the project (either to your church or another missions organization) and once tax receipts has been issued and you do not go anymore, funds could not be returned and will go towards the goal of the project.

Malaria

An important reminder about Malaria and the fact that it is your own responsibility to ensure that all precautions have been taken and medical advice has been sought prior to the trip departure.
Very often we receive a requests and questions on malaria - where, when and how to protect yourself. We share the following information with you which could serve as guideline should you decide to visit our region.

You cannot be vaccinated against malaria, but you can protect yourself in different ways

Introduction
Malaria is mainly found in the Northern areas of Namibia towards Angola as well as the eastern and north eastern region. Although it has also been reported in the central region and occasionally in the South. Malaria can be serious and fatal decease without prompt treatment.
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an invective mosquito, which usually bites after dark.
Tourists in Namibia can help to reduce the risk of malaria by using personal protection measures and prophylaxis.

Symptoms
Fever, rigors (shivering), headaches, backaches, diarrhea and/or vomiting and malaise.

Personal protection measures/ Avoidance of Bites
Mosquitoes bite at any time of day but most bites occur in the evening. The following measures are effective in reducing the risk of mosquito bites:
" Sleeping under a mosquito bednet when mosquitoes are active at night, especially between 20:00 - 6:00 h. Nets treated with harmless insecticides will further increase protection. Bednets are available in the local shops.
" If possible avoid outgoing between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes commonly bite.
" Wearing long sleeved clothing and trousers. Dark colours attract mosquitoes.
" Burning coils and pellets containing the insect repellent pyrethrum. Spraying insecticides in the room and heating insecticideimpregnated tablets all help to control mosquitos
" Applying mosquito repellents to exposed skin and clothing. Those containing diethyl toluamide (deet) or dimethyl phthalate are the best. (We buy this in Windhoek)
" Using insecticide sprays is effective if entry of mosquitoes into the room is prevented.
" Sleeping in rooms with windows and doors screened with mosquito netting. Keep windows and doors closed.
" Mosquitoes cause much inconvenience because of local reactions to the bites themselves and from the infections they transmit. Mosquitoes spread malaria, yellow fever, dengue and Japanese B encephalitis.

Garlic, Vitamin B and ultrasound devices do not prevent bites.

Taking Anti-Malaria Tablets
1.Make sure about the type and prescription. Start well before travel as guided by your travel health advisor (with some tablets you should start three weeks before).
2. Take the tablets absolutely regularly, preferably with or after a meal.
3. It is extremely important to continue to take them as guided by your travel health advisor. In some cases it could be for four weeks after you have returned, to cover the incubation period of the disease.

Prompt Treatment
Following these guidelines faithfully might not guarantee complete protection. If you get a fever between one week after first exposure and up to two years after your return, you should seek medical attention and tell the doctor that you have been in a malarious area.

Jetlag

Start the trip well rested, try to sleep on night flights
For two/three days before we leave, try to get at least two/three extra hrs of sleep. I.e. go to bed earlier!
Set your watch to the time of the destination/start (9-10hrs ahead). To think will adjust mind and body
Drink water and Gatorade® as much as possible, avoid alcohol and caffeine
On flights that will arrive late at night, try to keep awake so you can, sleep there
Minimize mid-afternoon naps once you have arrived.

Important information to leave with friends/family:

Planned itinerary/route with map
Photocopy of passport and health insurance
Health cards and information about special health care/conditions
Credit Card number and the number to call for lost, stolen, or fraudulent card use,
Telephone numbers (in case of emergency only):
Our cellular phone in vehicle 011 264 81 3050420, with reception in most towns, pay as you go phone cards so you can phone home.
Our numbers (when dialing from Canada)
In Windhoek, Namibia: 011 264 61 302416,

Packing; Checklist suggestions

" No more than one travel bag/suitcase plus small handbag
" 3-4 sets comfortable outfits (shorts) i.e. green/brown/ khaki etc.
" SWAM T-shirt.
" 1-2 sets casual evening clothes (long light coloured trousers to reduce insect bites)
" Swimwear and towel
" 1 medium weight sweater or fleece as early morning temperatures and night
" A good pair of covered shoes for walking (thick soled trainers for camp walks are adequate but light walking boots for walking or a pair of cross trainers)
" Comfortable flip-flops/waterproof sandals as well as a comfortable hat and perhaps sunglasses,
" Small Moneybelts and carry-on bags for Travel documentation, Passports, Travel Insurance etc.
" Normal toiletries, soup, shampoo, detergent, moisturizers etc. sun screen, lip salve,
" Strong insect repellent with bigger % DEET we buy in Africa,
" Antihistamine cream, tablets
" eye drops for dust
" Necessary prescription medication
" Safe bottled drinking water is widely available in our region. Should you visit an area where you cannot find the bottled water.
" Always good idea to take something like "Imodium®" or " Pepto Bismo®" with.
" If you wear contact lenses bring a pair of glasses as well since dust can be a problem.
" Small Flashlight/Torch - could sometimes be a good thing
" Camera, some ideas: Batteries fully charged. Take converters - Electricity plugs also different from here.
" Bring spare batteries and correct recharging equipment. Enough film and other camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag could be useful.
" Reading Material.
" Money; It is necessary to change money, we buy petrol/gas only with cash. Most other purchases and gratuities can be made by credit cards, (visa & MasterCard everywhere, AMEX& Diners less so) When necessary money could be drawn by debitcard.
" Passport, valid for six months after return date