Resources for Missionary Recruits Online by Marty Andry, Doug Lucas, and Chris Bushnell

Predeparture Checklist

• Has a sending church been chosen?
• Does the sending church have a clear picture of its role?
• Does the sending church have clear picture of the missionary's role?
• Are there "common funds" or team project funds, to which the prospective field worker might be expected to contribute? What are the maximum amounts per month that would be asked or expected?
• Has the worker set up an emergency fund (to leave immediately in case of a crisis on the field or within the family)?
• Projected budget in place for first year of ministry (please attach).
• Prayer support in place
• Forwarding agent appointed and trained (see chapter on fund raising
• does the forwarding agent have a clear picture of his/her role? Is a meeting with the forwarding agent necessary?
• Clear understanding of how accounts function?
• accounts set up and operating
• Decision made regarding opting out of social security
• Health insurance coverage (Note: Please do not neglect to have medical insurance coverage)
• Life insurance coverage (Note: It is suggested that all missionaries carry minimal life insurance for each member of the family)
• Retirement plan and/or disability coverage (Note: It is suggested that all missionaries have some form of retirement plan)
• Is support in place that will allow the prospective field worker to meet his/her budget?
• Has the reporting process begun?
• All financial reports up-to-date as of the present?
• Is there a clear understanding of the role of the sending church?
• If the field worker is to work in a restricted access country has the missionary taken steps to advise his/her friends and supporters regarding letter writing guidelines?
• If applicable, are field personnel advised of arrival details?
• Is there a clear expectation of when the first communication with supporters and the sending church will occur, once the prospective worker has arrived on the field? (Especially significant for major supporting churches and individuals).
• Do supporters have a clear picture of the prospective field worker's role in the field.
• Are (tentative) dates set for the first furlough?
• Does the field worker have a clear picture of how the field team has been functioning (if applicable)? For example, are there weekly team meetings? Are decisions made by vote or consensus? Are wives involved in normal missionary business meetings?
• Should the prospective field worker obtain an International Drivers License (e. g. , at AAA, with passport, pictures, and current driver's license for approximate $10).
• Has the prospective field worker inquired as to what should be taken or shipped?
• Are there visa/resident status steps that the prospective field worker needs to take prior to departure from the states? For example, should s/he obtain a police record of good conduct for the last five years? A letter of reference from a bank? Others?
• Has a person or persons been left with power of attorney?
• Is the prospective field worker already a CompuServe or other electronic mail user?

Go to the  Appendix C of Resources for Missionary Recruits Online

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