It was great talking to you all the other night. Getting to know you in this way is one of the fun parts of my job! After opening in prayer, we had a Q&A and I thought I would pass it along for those of you who were unable to join us.
Q: I sent ______ to Alissa [or Talia] and I have not heard anything back.
A: Talia and Alissa are both participating in the current World Race! Please resend things to [email protected] or [email protected]
Q: When sending support letters, do you suggest a difference between Christian v. Non–Christian?
A: Don’t water down the truth – be bold! God may use your words as a seed in their hearts. Use your judgment so as not to offend, but don’t be afraid to state what you are doing and why. God can use even non-Christians to support you!
Q: How much money must we raise before the start of the race?
A: You must have $6500 in cash in your AIM account and $6500 in pledges. Specific support raising goals will be posted on the blog soon. If you are struggling with support raising, ask for help!
Q: Is there a specific order to the books for reading and do we need to finish them before training?
A: We will do
The Art of Listening Prayer as a group before training camp. The
Warrior’s Journal will be done as a group after training camp. The others you may read on your own.
Q: What if I am unable to attend the entire training camp?
A: Plan to attend as much as you can – the training will be awesome – if you can only come for part of it, come for the first part, Wednesday thru Sunday if possible.
Q: How are leaders chosen?
A: Potential leaders are identified during the application process. They are then invited to attend additional leader training. After training camp, leaders are appointed.
Q: What is the purpose of the Myers Briggs test?
A: The Myers Briggs [and Leading from Your Strengths and the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis] are used to help us get to know you better. The tests give us an idea of personality styles and how to fit teams together. Using the results of these tests enables us to put people in balanced groups.
Q: When and where should we get immunizations?
A: We recommend the local Health Department’s Travel Clinic – several of the immunizations are a series, so you should begin ASAP.
Q: Can you advise us how to choose insurance?
A: We are unable to give specific medical or insurance advise, but you want to look for a policy that covers medical emergencies and emergency medical evacuation. Typical cost is $400-500 for the year.
Q: Can I keep my current health insurance plan?
A: Call and check if they will cover you out of the country and if you can add Emergency Medical Evacuation.
Q: What are the exact dates of the trip?
A: June 5th, 2007 through April 19th, 2008
Q: What do we need to bring to training?
A: Sleeping bag, tents, comfortable clothes – we’ll post a complete list before camp.
Q: Can the cost of insurance be reimbursed?
A: Yes, but only after you have raised above the $13,000 goal. Reimbursements are done after the trip.
Q: Do we need to buy plane tickets to Africa?
A: No, just to Atlanta. AIM will purchase group tickets to Africa.
Q: Do I need to raise support if I have my own funds?
A: Yes! We want you to raise support – it is an opportunity for you to depend on God more fully and for your church and friends and family to participate in ministry with you. Your experience will be much richer with a strong support base. After you see how much you are able to raise, you may pay the balance with your own funds.
Q: Will people be able to send us care packages?
A: No, mail is not secure enough in most locations. Prescriptions meds and letters
only may be sent to the AIM office for our staff to bring to you when they meet you in the field for debriefs. You will get a schedule of what those dates will be.
Q: Should we personalize our support letters?
A: You may wish to do so, but the most important thing is follow up. You should phone people to talk about your trip and meet with them in person if possible. Don’t be afraid to ask people to pray about supporting you and then follow up with them again to ask how God is leading them. Be bold and ASK!
Q: Where should we get extra pages for our passport?
A: Check the website http://www.travel.state.gov/ for specific instructions and send your passport in NOW for extra pages so you will have it back in time to apply for VISAs.
