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Step-by-Step Process
- Identify a country or available project you are interested in.
- Select a team coordinator (see section on Team Coordinator Responsibilities) and have them contact Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM).
- The LHM International Volunteer Services representative discusses the trip with the team coordinator and confirms that the project is feasible (that the team has the required skills, suitable timeframe, funding, etc.).
- LHM sends the team coordinator a Team Coordinator Manual and promotional materials.
- The team coordinator recruits suitable team (or formalizes team).
- When the approximate team size has been established the team coordinator notifies LHM and will receive the appropriate number of Volunteer Team Training Manuals, a Volunteer Team Training Facilitator Guide (with DVD), Country Information sheets, LHM Ministry Fact Sheets, and required forms for potential team members.
- All team members submit:
- An Individual Application Form
- A personal reference from a pastor, school principal, or a respected community member. You can use the Pastor or Leader Recommendation Form
- A signed and notarized Adult Liability Release Form
- A signed and notarized Medical Release Form (TC must take this form with them on the trip)
- A signed and notarized Notification of Death Form
- A signed Mission Policy Agreement Form
- A signed Minor Liability Release Form (if applicable)
- A signed Chaperone Agreement Form (if applicable)
- Team starts the Volunteer Team Training – 6 modules must be completed before your departure and one module must be completed on your return. You will need a training facilitator from your team to lead this.
- Exact dates for trip are finalized with team. This usually coincides with flight reservations.
- LHM provides the team coordinator with provisional project details, budget, and itinerary based on dates.
- Team reserves and makes initial payment for flights. This must be done at least 12 weeks prior to departure date if possible. All teams reserve and pay for their own flights – LHM is not responsible for this. All team members must arrive and depart the host country at the same time.
- Final project detail, budget, and itinerary are provided to team coordinator (if necessary).
- Team members continue to hold meetings to discuss visas, itinerary, project details, payment schedules for funding projects, and Volunteer Team Training.
- Team members proceed with getting all required inoculations, medications, etc.
- Project costs should be sent to Lutheran Hour Ministries at least 4-6 weeks before you departure date. Please contact LHM International Volunteer Services before sending these funds. The team should send all checks associated with Project Costs at one time.
- 2-3 weeks before the team leaves, the team sends a check for Travel/Medical Insurance ($2.75 per person, per day traveling) and their lodging and accommodation costs (and any other money they wish to have exchanged for local currency). This is wired to the host ministry center so they can pay for these costs before the team arrives. Checks must be made out to Lutheran Hour Ministries and are non-refundable.
- Team receives medical insurance cards.
- The church associated with the team holds a dedication service for the team members.
- Departure and arrival!
- Begin orientation and start project. The team will have daily devotions and debriefing. They will also complete the tasks assigned to them.
- Team returns from the trip, submits email evaluations to LHM (we will email these to you on your return), and tells their story to their local congregations.
- Team members receive an LHM follow-up call and e-mail updates regarding other volunteer opportunities.
- Check out the latest information on the LHM ministry in the country you have visited by going to: www.lhmint.org/’country-name’
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