Suggestions from a Veteran

 

Suggestions and tips from us and from veteran missionary Ron Hill:

  1. Keep a journal of what you are seeing and feeling.  Ask God to help you see the people through his eyes and make clear to you what He is saying through this experience.
  2. West Africans highly value relationships.  Whether they profess to be Christian or Muslim, they are friendly and hospitable people and will welcome you warmly.  Don’t be afraid to interact with them on a personal level.  Pray that God will give you at least one person that you can build a redemptive relationship with.  At the same time be “wise as a serpent.”  Some will become overly friendly in order to get something out of you. 
  3. Seeing the poverty and physical needs for the first time will be overwhelming. The annual per capita income of most West Africans is less than $400.  You will be tempted to give money or gifts to alleviate the suffering you see. Handouts can be counterproductive. Please confer with your team leader who will likely confer with others before giving money or gifts.
  4. There are no churches among the Sokoto Fulbe.  Should you meet people from other churches you should know the church is still in the infancy stage with a few exceptions.  They will not have the resources that churches in the West have.  If there are churches, they most likely will be small fellowships of 30-50 believers with no building or a poorly constructed mud block structure.   Pastors will be bi-vocational and their families will be struggling financially. If you met folks from these churches you will want to give money to help.  Resist that temptation.  Creating dependency on outside resources weakens the African church.  There are better ways to help. 
  5. The highs will be around 90 degrees.  The lows will be in the 50’s.  You will need to pack comfortable lightweight cotton or cotton-polyester clothing for the heat, but have layers for the cool morning and evening.  Short sleeve shirts or blouses are good. Men or women should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts in public.  African women wear dresses.  They equate women who wear pants with women of the street so it is important for American women to wear dresses or skirts that reach below the knee.  We will wear in the vicinity of ankle length.  Bring sunscreen, flashlight, any prescribed medications you take, and snack items if you want them.  (individually wrapped snacks are best).
  6. Before you land in Niamey, Niger a flight attendant will give you a white card (Carte Internationale d’Embarquement/ Debarquement) to fill out.  In addition to your personal information, you will need to list an address in Niamey.  It is: 857 Rue des Ambassades, Niamey, Niger, phone: (227)72-20-33. 
  7. Travel SmartKeep money in 2 or 3 different places and keep it out of sight!  Pack at least one photocopy of your passport and international health card.  Do not at any time give your passport, return tickets, or health card to anyone other than the Immigration officer. 
  8. Staying healthy is a vital part of a productive missions experience.  Use common sense, abstain when in doubt, and take the following precautions: Take your malaria medication regularly as indicated, usually starting before arriving in West Africa, during your stay, and for a time after returning to the U.S. Drink only bottled or filtered and chlorinated water.  Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration. Do not eat fresh vegetables or fruit (except for things that can be peeled) unless you know they have been cleaned properly.  Enjoy any food that has been cooked and is still warm!  Always wear shoes outdoors. Be aware of the sun—wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, stay in the shade as much as possible, avoid the afternoon sun. Rest whenever possible—this climate will subtly zap your energy. Carry your passport with you at all times. Stay with at least one other person from your group.  Be aware of possible pickpockets and purse snatchers in crowded town market areas. Do not wear a lot of jewelry or an expensive watch.  Do not carry a lot of money with you. Do not discuss politics with new acquaintances.  Carry a flashlight with you at night.  Ask questions.