General Information for Mission Trips

Motivation

The love of Jesus Christ and the desire to share that love through Belize Christian Academy, conducting dental clinics, and other outreach activities are the reasons this mission organization exists and should be the motivation behind any group or individual planning to work with us. Previous team members who have been most blessed by their mission experience were those who came with a servant's heart.

Team Size

Based on our experience, we suggest teams of 10-12 people with a maximum of 15 people including sponsors. This enables team members to develop deeper relationships with people they meet in Belize and with other members of their team to share with them what the Lord is doing in their lives. Also, many of the villages and churches in which we work are small and are easily overwhelmed by large mission groups. If you have more than 15 people who are interested in coming, please consider dividing into two or more groups.

Passports

All visitors to Belize need a valid passport. Tourist visas are issued at point of entry upon arrival to Belize.

Dental Clinics

Notarized photocopies of current license and the first page of passport (page with photo) must be submitted for each dental professional who will be providing services in clinics. These papers must be in the USA office of CMI/BCM no later than five weeks prior to departure in order to obtain temporary licenses from the Belize Ministry of Health. A complete list of dental supplies and equipment that the team will be taking must be in the CMI/BCM office no later than one week prior to departure. point of entry upon arrival to Belize.

Vaccinations

Check with your personal physician--he may want to consult the current Medical Guide for International Travelers. Some doctors recommend chloroquine for malaria prevention, and some do not. Ask about vaccination for hepatitus. Be sure your tetanas shot is current.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications for personal use should be brought in the original containers clearly indicating that the medication is for the bearer.

Bugs

Yep. We do have some bugs--mosquitoes, spiders, and a few others that are a bit annoying. Repellants are very effective. You might want to bring a "sting stick" or similar medication in case you get a few bites.

Weather

Warm to hot year-round. Rainy season is generally July through January. Rain showers can be scattered throughout the year.

Clothes

Bring comfortable clothes that you would not mind getting wet and dirty. Modest walking shorts are acceptable. Neat attire for Sunday -- no need for coats or ties, or hats for the ladies. Bring raincoats, parka, rubber boots, umbrellas, etc. during the rainy season. It is nice to have a light jacket or long sleeves during the winter evenings (November through February). Please do not bring expensive or flashy jewelry -- it would just make you feel uncomfortable alongside people who can hardly afford shoes -- and also might attract thieves!

Food and Water

You might want to bring your favorite snack foods. We will make sure that locally provided food and water are safe.

Alcohol/Tobacco

Use of alcohol or tobacco products is not permitted while serving with CMI/BCM.

Sunscreen

Some of the work may be outdoors and a good sunscreen or sunblock is recommended. Also, consider bringing a hat or cap and long sleeves if you sunburn easily

Toiletries

Personal items (like your favorite brand of shaving cream, shampoo, etc.) may not be available in Belize, and if they are, they will probably be very expensive.

Music

While bringing tape players, Walkman, etc. are not encouraged, all music played must be either Christian or Classical.

Guests

Remember -- we are guests of the people of Belize. There are many differences between the USA and Belize, but remember to show Christian love and respect to the people of Belize and to their culture.

Application

Completed Volunteer Application Forms and written testimony must be received by the USA office of CMI/BCM before airline or other reservations will be made.

Costs

The trip cost will depend on the type and location of the projects, number of team members, amount of local transportation, and other factors. If you would like to consider organizing a team trip, please contact us for cost estimates before making any commitments. We will determine specific payment amounts and dates for deposits and final payments for your team.

Prayer

The most essential ingredient. Each person considering being a member of a CMI/BCM mission team should ask the Lord and should only join the team if he is confident that this is His will. Each team member should ask the Lord to show him how He intends to use this mission trip to further develop His character in him. The team as a group should meet several times to lift up each other in prayer, to encourage ech other, and to pray for the Lord to bless people in Belize through this team.