Ok so this is a bit big I know but I saw this and I thought why dont we Christians continually agree to this sort of contract in our daily life? This is a part of a convant and wavier I had to sign for an international mission trip but still looking through the requirements I wonder, how often I dont follow these "rules" in my daily life...
I recognize and accept the following conditions which will further the usefulness and safety
of the International Mission Outreach. As an accepted member of this Joni and Friends
Wheels for the World International Mission Outreach team, I make the following agreement:
1. I acknowledge that by engaging in the outreach, I am voluntarily subjecting
myself to potential risk, which may include (but is not limited to) such things as
health hazards due to poor food and water, disease, pests, and poor sanitation.
I understand there may be potential danger from political upheaval and lack of
control over local population, potential danger of personal injury while working,
and inadequate medical facilities. Therefore, I release and discharge Joni and
Friends, and any and all organizations and individuals which helped to make all
arrangements (including travel agencies, insurance companies and their agents,
employees, officers, and volunteers) from all claims, demands, actions,
judgments, or executions I have ever had, now have, or which my heirs,
executions have ever had, now have, or may have claim to have, against said
organizations, their agents, employees, officers, and volunteers and their
successors or assigns, for all personal injuries (known or unknown) and injuries
to property (real or personal) caused by, or arising out of the outreach. I intend to
be legally bound by this statement.
2. I will adopt the attitude I am on the outreach in part to understand and serve the
host culture and not to convince them of my own viewpoint or style. I go knowing
there are many different ways to accomplish the same objective, and I recognize
my way is not necessarily the only way.
3. I will abstain from making derogatory comments or arguments with regard to
people, politics, sports, religion, race, or traditions. I will refrain from meddling,
complaining, criticizing, using obscene or insensitive humor, or gossiping,
realizing others on the outreach will look to me as a living example of Christ.
I also agree not to treat that responsibility lightly. I understand travel, especially
to remote locations, can be difficult, and I promise to adopt a flexible attitude and
be supportive as plans may be changed. I will stay with the team and not roam
while in-country.
4. I will go as a servant-disciple of Jesus Christ and adopt that attitude when
dealing with fellow team members and all others remembering I am a Christian
from another part of the world and my actions, behaviors, and attitudes will be
watched closely. I will not take lightly my responsibility to be a good example.
-1-
5. I will submit to the leadership of the country liaison as well as the team leader
and promise to abide by his/her decisions as they concern the outreach.
6. I understand the team=s work is part of a bigger picture and the things I do
impact the long-term objectives of the in-country host. As giving gifts of any kind
(money, clothing, jewelry, books, etc), can generate long-term ramifications to
our host and may cause bitterness, rivalry, and jealousy in others, I will not offer
any gifts to the nationals. I understand this does not apply to Thank You gifts
previously settled upon. In addition, I promise not to be demanding, to do my
best not to offend or cause embarrassment for the local church, host, or Joni and
Friends and heed the country liaison/team leader’s advice regarding attire,
eating and drinking, local customs, and traditions, all which will help me
assimilate into the local community.
7. I understand that contact with the nationals after Joni and Friends Wheels for the
World has left a country is discouraged. By doing so, I may jeopardize future
relationships with our host and future outreaches to this country.
8. Regarding differing styles of worship, I promise, when given the opportunity, to
witness my faith without an attitude of superiority.
9. If traveling with a family member or loved one, I will interact with the whole team,
not just my family member. I promise not to initiate or seek romantic
relationships with team members or nationals. I will avoid any actions which
might be perceived as amorous by team members or indigenous people.
11. I will refrain from using tobacco, alcohol, or any illegal substance while in the
country. I will refrain from participating in any prohibited activity.
12. I understand every team member involved is expected to share freely their
particular gifting, blessings, talents, and skills. I agree to fully use the gifts God
has given me.
I am physically signing the sheet not just for the mission trip I am praying to work on but also a covenant for my life personally. Maybe I'll create my own covenant to hang in my room :)
