Mercy & Truth Medical Missions

721 N. 31st Street

Kansas City, KS 66102
(913)621-0074 x 4016

Mombassa, Kenya
October 6-21, 2009
Team Timeline and Meeting Dates:
August 1st – Applications closed for Oct. Kenya team
August 6th – 50% of total MTMM Trip Invoice due (< 50% remaining)
August 25th –Meeting #1 – 8:00 PM
25% of total MTMM Trip Invoice due (< 25% remaining)
September 8th –Meeting #2 – 8:00 PM
September 29 – Meeting #3 (Packing Party) – 6 PM
Deadline: MTMM Trip Invoice paid in full
October 6, 2009 – Depart home airport for Kenya!
October 21, 2009 – Return at home airport
 Preface

You are about to embark on a life-changing journey. With this trip, you’ll be
introduced to lifelong friends, cultural challenges and many things that will broaden your
thinking in numerous ways. You will see things you’ve never seen before. You will think
thoughts that are new to your mind.

This manual is a tool to guide you through the journey. Inside you’ll find most of the
information you need to prepare you for the trip, as well as daily devotions to help you
process your experiences while on the trip. This manual is an important piece of your
journey.

Our desire is to help you experience going around the world in a safe, productive
and enjoyable fashion. Thanks for joining the team!
You will forever be changed!

Enjoy the flight!

Mark Seeley
International Director
Mercy & Truth Medical Missions

Email: mark@mercyandtruth.com

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Table of Contents

World Statistics ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Country Overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Mission of Mercy & Truth ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Trip Logistics-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Mandatory Paperwork
Immunizations
Traveling with a Minor
Covered and Non-Covered Expenses
Payments
Gifts and Donations
Hunting and Gathering
Raising Support
Sample Support Letter
Cultural Considerations -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Country of Service
Sources of Information for Your Country
Weather
Clothing
What to eat
What to Drink
Taking Photos
Email
Blessed are the Flexible
Hurry Up and Wait
Responding to Beggars
The Evil Eye
Work Assignments
Work, Work, and More Work
Daily Team Meetings
Flexibility and Wisdom are Essential
Personal Logistics-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
Packing Guidelines
Suggested Personal Packing List
Traveling
In-Country Logistics -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Clinic Setting
Clinic Cards
Let’s Talk Money
Emergency Contact Information
Team Reunion
Questions
Mercy & Truth Contact Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------18
Daily Reflection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

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The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
the world and those who dwell in it… Psalm 24:1

God’s kingdom is being extended to all the people of

the world. Yet there are still billions of people who have
no access to the gospel. Many of them live in a region
referred to as the 10/40 Window, an area between the
10th and 40th latitudes north of the equator and
stretching from North Africa to East Asia.

“Inside the 10/40 Window live the vast majority of the

world's unreached people groups, more than 80% of
the world's poorest people, and more than 2 billion
people who practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism,
Atheism, and various animistic religions.” (Caleb
Project)

10/40 Window Stats:

2.7 Billion Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims live in the 10/40 Window. An astonishing 97% of the least
evangelized people live in the 10/40 Window. 82% of the Poorest of the Poor live in the 10/40 Window
where 2.4 billion people — 40% of the world’s population — live on less than $1.40 per day. Every day
some 50,000 of them perish without having heard the Gospel -- 26 million people a year.

If all the missionaries needed to reach the 10/40 window came from this country, less than 0.5% of
evangelicals aged 18 - 35 could form the teams required.

Each day in the developing world, more than 30,000 children die from mostly preventable and
treatable causes such as diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, measles or malaria.

Africa
“HIV-AIDS is the leading cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa and the paramount threat to the region's
development. More than 20 million Africans have now died, and 12 million have been
orphaned by AIDS. Those living with the virus number 29.4 million, the vast majority in the prime of their
lives as workers and parents. Life expectancy continues to drop, family incomes are being decimated, and
agricultural and industrial efficiency is declining because of the epidemic.” (Worldbank)

East Asia and the Pacific

Nearly 446 million people live on less than a dollar a day. This greatly affects their ability to get basic health
care.

American evangelicals could provide all of the funds needed to plant a church in each of the world’s
remaining 10,000 unreached people groups with only 0.2% of their income.

"We must be global Christians with a global vision

because our God is a global
God."
- John
Stott
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Information gathered from the following websites:
calebproject.org, ad2002.org, 1040window.org, thetravelingteam.org, bread.org, worldbank.org

-5-
The Country Profile
Background Information on Kenya

Kenya is located in East Africa and lies between latitudes 4.21 0 N and 4.28 0 S and between longitudes
34 0 E and 42 0 E. It is bisected into almost half horizontally by the Equator and vertically by the 38 0 E
meridian lines. The total land area is 592,909 km 2 which includes 11,230 km 2 of inland water which is
mainly comprised of Lake Turkana and Kenya's section of Lake Victoria. The country is bordered by
Ethiopia and Sudan to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south.

It is divided administratively into 8 provinces namely Nairobi, Central, Coast, Eastern, North Eastern,
Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western. The provinces are divided into a total of 72 districts. Major cities and
towns are: Nairobi - Pop: 2,143,254 Mombasa -pop: 665,018, Kisumu - pop: 322,734, Nakuru - pop:
231,262. (1999 census),

Political Structure

Kenya gained its independence from the British in 1963 and subsequently became a Republic in 1964
under an executive President who is both the head of State and the head of Government. The country
has had a stable government and political tranquility since becoming independent. Although it enjoyed
multi party politics in the initial years of the 1960s, opposition parties were banned in 1969 and the
country become one party state up to 1991.

In 1992, and 1997 multi - party elections were held and the KANU party retained power. During the 2002
general elections, the National Alliance of Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ascended to power through a
landslide victory.

Kenya is divided into 210 parliamentary constituencies each represented by a Member of Parliament
(MP). In addition to the 210 MP's, there are 12 Nominated Members allocated to each party represented
in Parliament, on the basis of the number of elected seats of each such party.

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Topology and geology

The country can be divided into seven topographical regions:

1. The Coastal Strip; Indian Ocean border

2. The Nyika and Tana Plains which are thorn scrub bush lands;

3. The Eastern Plateau which includes the Amboseli, as well as the Chyulu Range and Taita Hills;

4. The vast northern plains that account for 60% of the land area and are a series of arid plains;

5. The Kenya Highlands, comprising one of the most successful agricultural production regions in
Kenya;

6. The Rift Valley with the basin consisting of a series of extinct volcanoes and the lakes of
Naivasha, Elmentaita, Nakuru, Bogoria and Magadi and;

7. The Western Plateau, which descends into Lake Victoria.

The principal rivers are the Tana and Athi. The arable areas cover nearly 20% of the country and
provide the main livelihood for most of the population.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Kenya's climate varies from a tropical climate on the coast characterized by hot and humid conditions to
a temperate climate inland and to a dry climate in the north. Over 70% of the country is arid and semi
arid receiving less annual precipitation while rainfall is greatest in the highlands. Most parts of the
country experience a bimodal pattern of rainfall, with the long rains coming in March- May and the start
of the short rains occurring through October and December .

Altitude is a major factor in variations in temperature between the different regions of the country.
Average temperature ranges in Nairobi are from 11 to 23 degrees Celsius in July to 12 to 28 degrees
Celsius in February.

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Mission of Mercy and Truth Medical Missions
Sharing the Gospel through the “open door” of health care

Mercy & Truth Medical Mission's primary endeavor is to spread the Gospel to those who have not yet
heard. We believe in using the gifts of medical care and knowledge to deliver healthcare and share
Jesus Christ. God has given us an "open door" into many closed countries through medical care,
enabling us to bring blessing in the name of Jesus. The chief mission of Mercy & Truth is two-fold:
"Mercy" represents the use of medical care to reach out to those in need; "Truth" represents our desire to
share the life-changing message of the gospel with the unreached people of the world.

The name Mercy & Truth Medical Missions comes from Psalms 85:10, which reads, “Mercy and truth
have come together, righteousness and peace have kissed". This communicates the vision of Mercy &
Truth Medical Missions, to use healthcare and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach out to the world.

Mercy & Truth Medical Mission teams are made up of volunteers—like you—who partner with Christian
ministries working in developing countries. The teams provide crucial health care and training to severely
stricken people and support the emerging Christian movements in the area. The model of partnering with
ministries already at work in the countries assures us that the work we do will last.

Why are you going? Take a moment and develop your own personal mission statement for this outreach.

Trip Logistics

Because each trip is different, some details covered here may not apply directly to your specific trip. Your
team leader will communicate any changes and specifics with you via phone, email or through team
meetings. If you have questions regarding the details of your trip, feel free to contact your team leader or
Mercy & Truth’s International Director, Mark Seeley at mark@mercyandtruth.com.

Mandatory Paperwork
The following is a list of all of the paperwork that must be completed for you to take part in a T.
1. Completed Mercy & Truth team member application
2. Code of Conduct – must be notarized
3. Release of liability – must be notarized
4. Two Copies of your professional license (If applicable)
5. Proof of immunizations as required by host country (see immunizations section)
6. Two copies of your Passport (must be value for at least one month after team’s return date)

You may have already completed some of this paperwork in the application process. Please submit the
rest of the forms the first team meeting. If you are not able to attend the team meetings, then please mail
your passport and completed visa application to Mercy & Truth prior to the first team meeting.
Health
First and foremost, we want you to know that we are concerned about your health and safety. We want
you to be safe and to feel safe. Therefore, we follow the immunization suggestions of the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) for each country we enter. The immunization guidelines of the CDC are only
recommendations and are to be used at your discretion. However, we recommend that you are current on
your tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots.

• Hepatitis A: 2 shots given 6 months a part, lasts for 10-25 years, and usually costs $60 a shot
• Hepatitis B: 3 shots given at zero, one, and six months a part, lasts for life and costs $60 a shot
• Tetanus: 1 shot, lasts 10 years, and costs approximately $25

Malaria information from the Center for Disease Control

Malaria is a serious disease that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms
may include fever and flu-like illness, including chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Malaria may
cause anemia and jaundice. Infections, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and
death.

Malaria can often be prevented by using anti-malarial drugs and by using personal protection measures
to prevent mosquito bites. Please contact your personal physician to obtain these prescription drugs prior
to your trip. Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, any fever should
be promptly evaluated. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-
risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and
should tell the physician your travel history.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn. If possible,
remain indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period. If out-of-doors, prevent
mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats; apply insect repellent to exposed
skin. Use insect repellents that contain DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide) for the best protection. Read and
follow the directions and precautions on the product label.

Please bring your own personal medications for headaches, etc. If you are traveling with personal
medications and/or prescriptions, please keep all of them in their original containers to help discourage
any problems while going through customs. If you have a special medical condition or problem, please
notify your team leader. In case of illness on the outreach, remember, you are with a medical team!

Some countries require specific immunizations before issuing visas, and we will make you aware of those
through the Country-Specific Information and through your team leader.

Please visit www.CDC.gov/travel to view their suggestions for specific immunizations.

NOTE: The lodging in Kenya provides sleeping (bed surrounding) mosquito nets for each participant.

Disclaimer:
Mercy &Truth Medical Missions Inc. is not responsible for loss, accident, injury, disease, or death
sustained or contracted while traveling to, from or on the designated outreach.

Traveling with a Minor

New regulations stipulate that if a minor (someone younger than 18) is traveling outside of the country,
that minor must have written permission from both parents. If you have a minor who plans to travel with
Mercy & Truth, please download a permission form from our website,
www.mercyandtruth.com/downloads/downloads.htm.

9
Covered Expenses
The price of your outreach includes airfare from Kansas City, lodging, in-country meals and
transportation, water, insurance, VISA, departure tax, tips, and gifts to hosts and missionaries.

Non-Covered Expenses
Spending money, travel outside of the Mercy &Truth Itinerary, CEU credit (30 hours of CEU available
through Mercy & Truth), loss of your ticket or luggage, vandalism, passports and visa pictures,
immunizations or additional travel insurance

Payments
• You may pay for your trip in full or through installments as provided in the team member
welcome letter
• Payments may be given to your team leader or sent directly to Mercy & Truth.
• For payment questions please contact the field director via email, mark@mercyandtruth.com
• ALL CHECKS MUST BE PAYABLE TO: MERCY &TRUTH MEDICAL MISSIONS INC.

Gifts and Donations

For those of you whom are actively raising financial support, Mercy and Truth Medical Missions is a
nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Therefore all donations made specifically for an outreach purpose may be
tax deductible. To qualify as a tax-deductible contribution, all checks must be made to Mercy & Truth
Medical Missions. Donors should submit a note with their check designating the gift to your trip account.
Your name must not appear on the memo line. A note along with the check will suffice.

Unfortunately Mercy &Truth Medical Missions Inc. does not have the financial means to support team
members on outreaches or to support them in debt. Please be sure your payments are on time so that
we can best meet your needs during this outreach. Delayed payments may result in increased
expenses due to loss of group rates.

Hunting and Gathering

Yes you may ‘hunt and gather’ medications and supplies. Vitamins, Tylenol, Ibuprofen and Band-Aids
are most desired. Depending on space and accommodations, some items gathered might not be used on
your outreach. Donated items not used on this specific outreach will be used in future outreaches.

10
Raising Support

We know that you are concerned about the cost of the trip — and so are we. Many of our team members
raise financial support to go on our trips. If this is your first time to raise support for a missions trip, you
may feel overwhelmed or intimidated. Let me assure you that it is much easier than it seems!

Here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Make a list of all the people you would like to ask to support you.

a. Brainstorm a list of 50-100 names. Organize it to help make sure to include everyone --
family, friends, co-workers or classmates (and their parents), church members from your
church and other churches with whom you are familiar. Turn to the next page for a
brainstorming worksheet.
b. Don’t exclude anyone because you think they might not be able to “afford” to support you,
and don’t assume everyone you think can support you will.

2. Write a letter describing your need.

a. Make it compelling. Share why you feel God is leading you to go, and what you (and
your team) intend to accomplish.
b. Make it personal. Although a sample letter is included here, your personality and style
should be evident in the letter. Your supporters will not respond to a form letter!
c. Make it short. Your letter should be less than a page. Give exact details about your trip
and your financial need. People who give need to know how to give, how much you
need, and when you need it. Spell out deadlines in your letter and include a return
envelope addressed to Mercy & Truth Medical Missions, 5817 Nieman Rd. Shawnee KS,
66203.
d. You can mail these letters, but we suggest hand-delivering them whenever possible.
This will usually help people see how important the trip is to you.

3. Talk to your church.

a. Share with your community, pastor, small group and Sunday school class what you are
doing. Ask them to let you give a short presentation to the group for support raising
purposes, and also a post-trip report to share your experiences on the trip.
b. Ask your pastor/small group leader if they would help you raise the money through
prayer, a special offering, and/or allowing you to distribute letters.

4. Follow up.
a. Following up your letter with a phone call or personal visit can make your efforts much
more successful.
b. You might even consider placing a designated follow up time frame in your letter, so your
readers will be expecting to hear from you.
c. Make sure to thank the people that helped make your trip possible. Send a brief note of
thanks that Includes a brief description of your trip and the impact it had on you once you
return. Be creative! Buy postcards while in the country or some other small souvenir to
give to each person. The more memorable, the better.

11
Support Raising Brainstorming Worksheet
In the space provided, make a list of 100 names of people you could ask for support. Remember, this is
brainstorming, so include everyone!

Don’t know who to 1. 35. 69.

ask? Use this list
2. 36. 70.
to help you get
started: 3. 37. 71.
advertising agencies
apartment manager 4. 38. 72.
Avon lady
baker 5. 39. 73.
bank presidents
banker 6. 40. 74.
barber
beautician
Bible bookstore
7. 41. 75.
brothers & sisters
butcher 8. 42. 76.
Chambers of Commerce
Christian business groups 9. 43. 77.
church directories
church members 10. 44. 78.
church missions committees
church-related news ads 11. 45. 79.
civic clubs
coach 12. 46. 80.
college friends
community leaders 13. 47. 81.
dentist
doctor
editor of local newspaper
14. 48. 82.
eye doctor
family attorney 15. 49. 83.
fellow workers
florist 16. 50. 84.
former college professors
former customers 17. 51. 85.
former employees
former high school teachers 18. 52. 86.
foundations
friends 19. 53. 87.
friends of relatives
grocery store clerks 20. 54. 88.
high school friends
exercise class
insurance agent
21. 55. 89.
Kiwanis Club
local businesses 22. 56. 90.
local radio stations
mailman 23. 57. 91.
military personnel
milkman 24. 58. 92.
missionary societies
neighbors (current & former) 25. 59. 93.
office building directory
parents 26. 60. 94.
parents’ work associates
pastor 27. 61. 95.
printers
retired people
Rotary Club
28. 62. 96.
service station manager
Sunday school classes 29. 63. 97.
teammates
telephone directory 30. 64. 98.
veterinarian
wedding lists 31. 65. 99.
youth group
32. 66. 100.
33. 67. 101.
34. 68. 102.

12
Sample Support Letter

Dear family and friends,

Last summer while in East Asia, Mei Ging and Rao Mingke invited us into their home. It
was fascinating to sit in their living room and drink chrysanthemum tea and watch foreign
TV with our new friends. It was heartbreaking to find out that they knew nothing of our
Savior, Jesus Christ.

God is graciously allowing me to lead a team of 10 back to the East Asia. Our team of
medical professionals will be training Asian physicians, treating poor villagers, and building
relationships that will open opportunities for the Gospel. We are all very excited to go
because we know that this country has the world’s largest population of
people who do not know Jesus Christ. Although we will meet many needs, it is the
relationships that will impact our team and the Asians we befriend. This trip will be life
changing.

Pray with us as we prepare for this trip. Will you also consider supporting me financially so
I can lead this team? I must raise $4,800 for this trip. We need your prayers and we need
your support. Please consider how you can give to make this trip possible.

My trip to East Asia is 17 days long, starting June 12. I will need $2500 by April 15. All gifts
are tax deductible if made payable to Mercy & Truth Medical Missions. Please send your gift
in the self-addressed envelope provided. Please do not put my name anywhere on the check.
I’ve enclosed within the envelope my name and information for MTMM to process your
funds.

You are a real blessing to us. With your help, we will represent Christ in a nation that needs
Him!

Your name here.

13
Cultural Considerations
It is important to understand the cultural considerations of the country you are visiting. Please note that
this printed material is broad in scope, covering the basics of international travel. You should ask your
team leader about specific cultural considerations.

Country of Service
A portion of this manual gives specific information regarding the country and people whom you will be
serving. We suggest doing a little research on your own. Listed below are a few websites that will help
you prepare for this trip. Learn all you can about the people and place(s) where you are going to serve.

Sources of Information for Your Country

• http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blckenya.htm
• Encarta.msn.com
• The CIA World Factbook: www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
• www.State.gov
• CDC.gov
• www.traveldocs.com
• Embassy.gov
• Yahoo Travel for latest weather report
• Yahoo.com: search for sites related to your destination country

Weather
Check one of the websites listed above for current weather conditions in your country. Climate conditions
and average temperatures are included in the country specific information on page 6.

Clothing
Although each country is different, the key is modesty. If you are questioning whether or not an article of
clothing is appropriate, please ask your team leader. Women in most countries wear skirts and dresses;
therefore we recommend that our women dress in the same respectful manner. Jeans, slacks and causal
clothing may be worn during breaks and travel times. For the men, short sleeve button-up shirts or nice t-
shirts along with jeans or casual slacks are acceptable. Scrubs are generally permitted while in a clinical
setting. Please see the country information on page 6 for more details.

What to Eat
”Food should be selected with care. Any raw food could be contaminated, particularly in areas of poor
sanitation. Foods of particular concern include salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit, unpasteurized milk
and milk products, raw meat, and shellfish. If you peel the fruit yourself, it is generally safe. Food that has
been cooked and is still hot is generally safe. Remember: Boil it, Cook it, Peel it, or Forget it.”
THERE IS NO 5 SECOND RULE IN AFRICA!

What to Drink
Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Clean the rim of all
cans. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Do not even brush your teeth with local water
unless your in-country hosts tell you it is safe.

Taking Photos
Always ask the person before you take their photograph! Be considerate of sensitive situations.

Email
On occasion, our teams will be able to visit an internet café or the host family will have internet access.
However, this is the exception and not the rule. Team members should not expect to be able to
communicate with friends or family while on the field, nor should they expect for friends and family to be
able to reach them unless it is an extreme emergency.

14
Blessed are the Flexible

A work trip to a developing country is stressful enough, but when you add in all the possible things that
could go wrong, then you have created a situation beyond the limits of most people. That is why being
flexible is so important. No matter what happens; relax, smile, trust your team leader to handle it, and be
flexible. This will make the trip much more enjoyable everyone on the team.

Hurry Up and Wait

There will be times when we have to rush to our flight, and then sit on the tarmac for two hours. That’s
reality. Developing countries tend to run on their own time schedule, much to the annoyance of American
visitors! We must prepare ourselves to deal with the Hurry Up and Wait principle.

Responding to Beggars
Many of the worlds poorest are children. Their needs are tremendous, and the desire to meet those
needs is strong. But we absolutely cannot give to beggars. In many countries, giving to one will start a
riot. In other countries, giving a piece of candy to a child in the clinic may be viewed as an attempt to
bribe the child and can infuriate the parents. So please, do not give to beggars.

The Evil Eye (Africa Specific)

All over the world, people believe in the superstition of the evil eye. Of course, in each culture it has a
different meaning. Many people wear charms around their necks and bodies to protect them from the evil
eye. Parents place these charms on their children in an attempt to protect their health. If you encounter
charms in the course of treating a patient, you must ask permission of the person or their parent before
you attempt to remove it. Asking their permission will honor them and give you an opportunity to learn
more about their beliefs.

Work Assignments
Work assignments will be given on-site once the needs and the situation are assessed. Be ready to
assist in roles that may be outside of your comfort zone. Being flexible and willing to serve will make the
clinic run smoothly.

Work, Work, and More Work

We will work very hard. Prepare yourself for that. Prepare your attitude to handle the challenges of the
work. Ask a number of people to pray daily for you while you are gone. We suggest a minimum of ten
(10) prayer partners. Prayer and a good attitude will make the work easier and more enjoyable!

Daily Team Meetings

Each day while in-country, your team will meet to discuss the day, talk about what you have been
learning, and to pray together. These team meetings are very valuable in helping you process all that you
are learning about the world, yourself, and your faith.
Included in this manual are daily scripture readings. These readings and reflection questions will help
you prepare yourself for the day ahead. We encourage you to use take 15-20 minutes each morning to
pray, read the scripture, and answer the questions. During the daily team meetings, your team leader
may use the scripture of the day during the group discussions.

Adaptability & Wisdom are Essential

During this trip, you represent our country, Mercy & Truth, yourself, and our faith. We expect that you will
attempt to make every decision with wisdom and respond to every difficulty with an adaptable and humble
spirit. If you do so, the trip will be much more satisfying for you and enjoyable for the entire team. You
can make the difference!

15
Personal Logistics
Packing Guidelines
Only one suitcase and one carry-on are allowed for personal items. We would like to give you a second
piece of luggage of medications and supplies for the outreach. Whatever you carry on must meet airline
protocol. We recommend that you pack no more than you can comfortably carry. You bring it, you
carry it. We also suggest bringing a backpack for your carry-on. Pack your valuables, your identification,
an extra change of clothes, and any personal medications in your carry-on. You can then take the
backpack on day trips as needed.

• Luggage cannot weight over 22kg or 50lbs.

• Make sure your luggage is properly identified. Put a 3” x 5” index card with your contact
information inside your luggage.
• A Certificate of Donation and a formulary need to be in every suitcase containing medicine.
• ALL donated items MUST be logged on the formulary. Please do not add medicines or supplies
to your luggage once the Procurement officer has completed the formulary.
• Bring an empty moderate sized suitcase to the third team meeting for medications and supplies to
be packed for the outreach.
o If you are not from the Kansas City metro area and you are coming to Kansas City
International Airport to meet the team, we can pack you a box of medicines for your
second checked luggage.
o If you are not from the Kansas City metro area and are not coming to Kansas City
International Airport and would like to bring medicines for the team, then a complete list
of all medicines/supplies must be submitted to the Procurement Officer no less than 1
month prior to departure. The Procurement Officer will send you a formulary and a
certificate of donation to include in your luggage.
• You are responsible for your luggage.

Suggested Personal Packing List:

•Stethoscope •Snacks
•BP cuff •Your meds
•Otoscope •Bible
•Thermometer •Journal
•Diaper wipes •Duct tape
•Your basic essentials •Camera/Film
•Clothing for 5+ days
(laundry is provided in Kenya)
•Towel Packing your carry-on:
•Water bottle •One change of clothes
•Passport pack •Toiletries
•Offering for church •Under clothes money belt
•Deodorant •Passport
•Toothpaste/toothbrush •Travel documents
•Toilet paper •Personal Spending money
•Soap/Shampoo •Snacks
•Laundry soap •Water bottle
•Spending money (small bills no more than 5 •Journal
years old) – suggested souvenir money of $50+
•Aspirin

16
Traveling
Here are a few thoughts to help you prepare to travel:

• Remember, the cost of the trip includes only traveling to and from Kansas City. Please plan
to depart and return to Kansas City, or speak with our Field Director to make other
arrangements.
• If possible, car pool to the airport to save on gas and parking expense.
• Make sure your family has a copy of your itinerary and emergency contact numbers
• Arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance.
• Make sure you know who is picking you up when you return.

International-Country Team Logistics

Clinic Setting:
This is a list of the roles team members may be asked to fill in the clinic. Although some roles will be
determined by one’s level of expertise, please be prepared to pitch in and work any role!
• Providers
• Pharmacy
• Registration
• VS-wound care-teaching
• Evangelism
• Crowd control
• Data Collection

Clinic Cards
Each patient must have a clinic card completed by the attending provider. Fill it out! This important
data collection will help us prepare to serve the people better in future visits and it provides important
follow-up information for our hosts in that country. Clinic cards are also valuable for research and
statistics. The team leader will collect these cards at the end of each day.

Let’s Talk Money

Cash only – bills less than 5 years old, no marks or tears, 20’s or less. Otherwise, they may not
exchange it.
• No ATM card – rarely available
• No Traveler’s checks – no banks to cash them
• No credit cards
• Your hosts will gladly aid in exchanging currency upon arrival unless otherwise designated
• We will keep you informed of money exchange times
• Let your team leader know if you need money exchanged
• Change only what you will spend
• We recommend you use a passport carrier pouch and keep your passport with you at all
times.
• Around $50+ for souvenirs is recommended (some have spent $300 on authentic Kenyan
gifts).

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Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact information will be given to you by your team leader during the final team
meeting, or will be mailed/emailed to you two weeks prior to departure. Leave this information with
your family, but note that they should not attempt to contact you unless it is an extreme emergency. If
a situation occurs in which you feel you must return home early, you will be responsible for all costs
associated with the return.

Team Reunion
Your team leader will plan a team reunion approximately three weeks after your return. This is
always a great time to share photos and memories with your teammates. Please plan to be at this
exciting reunion.

Questions?
Your team leader is available to answer any questions you have. If you have any financial questions
about your trip, feel free to contact Mark Seeley. Contact information is listed at the back of this
manual.

Mercy & Truth Contact information:

Oct. ’09 Kenya Team Leader: Mark Seeley

Email: mark@mercyandtruth.com

Phone: (913) 621 - 0074 ext. 4016

Cell: (816) 547- 5512

Mercy & Truth Medical Missions

721 N. 31st Street
Kansas City, KS 66102
Phone: (913) 621-0074
Fax: (913) 621-1996

Mark Seeley
International Department
Mercy & Truth Medical Missions
Phone: (913) 621-0074 x 4016
mark@mercyandtruth.com
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Daily Reflections Resource

During the course of this trip, we want to challenge you to read 3 times through the New Testament
book of Philippians. This works out to about 1 chapter a day, depending on the length of your trip.
Included below are questions to stir your thoughts over the material you are reading. There is space
for you to write your answers, but we encourage you to use your journal for this. Let’s begin!

Reflection #1
Philippians 1:3-6
• Paul’s prayers are full of joy. What is the condition of your prayer life? Is it full of joy?
• What could you do to change the condition of your prayer life?
• Who are you praying for during this trip and who can you add to this list?
• Paul is confident in the continuing work of God in the lives of his readers. In what ways are
you confident in God? What areas of your life would you like your confidence in God to
increase?
• Ask God to increase your confidence in Him during this trip.
• Choose a verse from this book to memorize during this trip. Ask someone on the team to
keep you accountable to learning your verse.

Reflection #2
Philippians 2:1-4
• Paul asks his readers to make his joy complete by being like-minded. What are the three
ways he suggests to be like-minded?
• How can you add to the like-mindedness of the team this trip?
• Paul also tells his readers to consider others as better than themselves. How do you feel
about this command?
• Paul also suggests that we look out for the interests of others. How can you put this into
practice during this trip?

Reflection #3
Philippians 3:4-10
• Paul uses his testimony to share with his readers the value of knowing Christ as Lord of his
life. Are you prepared to share your testimony with someone you meet today?
• Take a moment and jot down your testimony, including; what life was like before Jesus, how
you came to know Jesus, and what impact He has had on your life. If Jesus is not Lord of
your life, what is keeping you from Him?
• What kind of language does Paul use here to describe other things people might view as
profitable?
• What things do you value?
• How will God adjust your values and priorities in light of what you are learning on this trip?

Reflection #4
Philippians 4:4-5
• Rejoicing is easier for some than for others. Examine yourself. Where is the invisible line in
your life where you cross over from rejoicing to worrying or complaining?
• What can you do to expand the rejoicing in your life? Are there issues you need to deal with?
• Paul says “let your gentleness be evident to all.” Is gentleness evident to others who observe
your life?
• Seek to rejoice in God through every situation of the day.
• Encourage someone today who is displaying gentleness or an attitude of rejoicing.

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Reflection #5
Philippians 1:9-11
• Paul is praying that his readers love will be increased with knowledge and depth of insight.
What are the reasons he gives for this prayer?
• Do you feel that the knowledge and insight you now have helps you live “pure and blameless
until the day of Christ”?
• In what areas do you need to increase your knowledge and insight in spiritual matters? What
steps can you take to increase your insight?
• Ask the Father to increase your spiritual insight and to give you wisdom and knowledge of
Him today.

Reflection # 6
Philippians 2:5-11
• Paul says that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ. How does the text describe
Christ’s attitude?
• In what ways should you adjust your attitude to be like Christ’s?
• In this poem, Paul shares some deep theological truths. What are the implications of verses
9-11 for the cause of missions?
• Read Matthew 24:14. In your opinion, how does this verse relate to these verses in
Philippians?
• Ask God to increase your desire to see all the peoples of the earth worship Jesus, to the
glory of God the Father.
• Challenge yourself to pray daily for the salvation of someone you know does not know Jesus.

Reflection #7
Philippians 3:12-14
• How would you describe Paul’s attitude in these verses?
• Paul’s pursuit of Christ is not passive, it’s passionate and intentional. How would you
describe your own personal pursuit of Christ?
• Are there things that need to change in your life so that you can more passionately and
intentionally seek after Christ? What are those things?
• Paul says he is “forgetting what is behind,” are there things in your past that you need to
forget so that you can pursue Christ more fully?
• Are there people you need to forgive before you can move on spiritually? Or do you need to
ask forgiveness of someone?
• Ask God to help make those important spiritual steps today.

Reflection #8
Philippians 4:6-7
• What are some of the things in your life that cause you anxiety? What are the things on this
trip that have caused you anxiety?
• Paul’s command in this text is to not be anxious, but to present your requests to God. There
is a promise attached to this command in verse 7. What is that promise? Do you believe it?
• Have you ever experienced God’s peace guarding your heart and mind as a result of your
prayers? What was it like?
• Test this truth. Pray specifically about any areas of anxiety you have, whether they are
issues at home or due to this trip, and ask God to give you His peace. Be mindful to pray
whenever you feel the concern or anxiety coming. Give it up to the Father.
• You may want to consider committing these two verses to memory.

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Reflection #9
Philippians 1:12-14
• Persecution is a common experience for Christians all over the world. What sort of
persecution is Paul experiencing in this passage?
• How would you describe Paul’s attitude about his persecution?
• How do you think you might respond if you were in Paul’s place?
• Do you think persecution is a positive or negative thing for Christians?
• List some of the positive aspects of Paul’s experience with persecution in this passage.
• What should be our response to the suffering of Christians around the world?
• Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are experiencing
persecution today.

Reflection #10
Philippians 2:19-30
• In this passage, Paul is sharing with his readers about two men, Timothy and
Epaphroditus. Scripture gives us a glimpse into the lives and character of these two
men. In the space provided, list the positive character traits you see in Timothy.
• Now list the positive qualities you see in Epaphroditus.
• When others are speaking about you, what do you think they say?
• How do you talk about others when they are absent?
• Take a moment and reflect on your life. What sort of impact do you want to have on your
family, on your place of work, on your church and on the world?
• What adjustments do you need to make to have that sort of impact?

Reflection #11
Philippians 4:10-13
• Over the course of this trip, you have probably had to do without some comfort you are
normally accustomed to. Maybe you have been asked to eat something that didn’t appeal to
you! Or perhaps you had an expectation that was not met and it caused you discomfort.
How did you respond to these situations? What was your emotional state?
• Paul shares that he has learned the secret to being content in any and every situation. What
is his secret?
• Are you content with the things you have or are you driven to acquire more—newer cars, a
bigger house, a larger salary, a better retirement plan?
• Describe how it is possible to desire something, yet still be content with what you have.
• Would you be content to live here among these people and live a more simple life if God led
you?
• Consider ways you can gain greater contentment in your life. Look for ways to simplify your
desires or expectations so that you can be content with whatever God brings into your life.

Reflection #12
Philippians 3:20-4:1
• In this Passage, Paul points to heaven as a source of inspiration and motivation to help us
stand firm in our faith. Does the thought of eternity inspire you to live faithfully on earth?
• What are some of the motivations in your life that help you stand firm in your beliefs?
• What “earthly” or temporal things to you feel have a strong negative impact on the way you
live? What will you do about those things?
• What things would you change if you knew your life on earth would end this year? Or this
week?
• How can you “live with the end in mind” for the rest of this trip?

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