During a World Race Relief experiences, participants may work in ministries that include calculated risks. While the World Race Relief program seeks to manage what risks are taken, the program also seeks to reach out to those who are trapped in less than ideal situations. This document explains policies and procedures for ministering in these areas.
Prior to Beginning Ministry
Before a squad or team(s) enter into an area, they will participate in a briefing conducted by the squad leader(s), local ministry contacts, and/or World Race staff. Participants are required to attend this briefing and adhere to any and all advice given during this time. Participants should clearly understand the locations to visit and not to visit, any language to use or not use, what types of clothing to wear and avoid, how to recognize when a situation should be avoided, and what to do should an emergency arise.
During this briefing participants should again read the following information.
During Ministry
Groups should remember to always begin ministry with prayer. Ministry should always be conducted in groups of never less than 3. As often as possible, that group should include a strong male presence, except when working in areas of prostitution. The groups of 3 or more should never be separated by more than 5 feet at any given moment or for any reason. The group members must agree to strictly hold each other accountable to all guidelines given during the ministry briefing. If at any point any member of the group has any feeling that a situation is becoming unsafe, all group members must leave together. Participants must understand that their personal safety comes before a ministry opportunity. Each group member should understand what to do and where to go for safety.
In Case of Emergency
If an unsafe situation arises, the first priority is to get to safety. Groups should take whatever means necessary to insure that all group members remain safe. Safety is not the responsibility of one person, but of the group as a whole at all times.
Once the group arrives at a safe point, the second priority is communication. One member of the group should contact the local ministry contact, other team members, and the squad leader to inform them of the situation and present circumstances. The squad leader should then communicate with the local ministry contact, , and World Race staff concerning the situation and plan of action.
The third priority is to debrief the situation. Team members, no matter how close to the event, need time and an environment to process. The squad leader(s), team leaders, and should work together to accomplish this.
Debriefing all risk-taking ministry is important whether an emergency arises or not. Even in the midst of “successful” ministry, a participant may have emotions related to past hurts or current wounds. Squad and Team leader(s) should be prepared to debrief teams often.
When participating in risk-taking ministry, participants often want to share their stories via emails and blogs. However, friends, family, and unacquainted blog readers may misread blogs and emails and draw wrong conclusions. Therefore, when writing a blog concerning any risk-taking ministry or emergency situation, participants must first submit the blog to their leader for approval. World Race does not seek to censor what goes on a participant’s blog, but to help participants communicate events in a healthy way. World Race also seeks to protect the participant from internet users who may inappropriately use the pictures or stories a participant posts.
