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Trip Information

Statement of Purpose for the Mission Trip

The purpose of our mission trip is:

1) To share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with the lost in Brazil

2) To build the kingdom of God in you, through Bible study, worship, fasting, prayer, and fellowship.

3) To support the ministry of RBM’s Christian mission in Brazil (Missão Daniel Soares Bomfim).

4) To return home as dynamic witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Question: What exactly will we be doing on the trip?

Answer: The trip activities and itinerary varies from trip to trip, but for most trips, you can expect to have:

- Several trips to various churches around Rio de Janeiro. Rick will preach and then the entire mission team will minister to the church members at the end of the service.

- Frequent Bible studies, praise & worship times, and prayer times at the mission.

- A day when your team leader takes you on a tour of Rio de Janeiro, visiting places such as the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, the famous mountain called “Sugar Loaf,” a magnificent Brazilian buffet-style restaurant, and/or a mall for shopping.

- Outreach projects such as distributing clothing to needy families who live in the poor areas near the mission, working on the mission facilities, or shopping for food for needy families.

2) Question: Will I need to get any shots or vaccinations in order to go on this trip?

Answer: No, you will not. However, please call our office to verify this for each trip.

3) Question: What exactly is included in the trip cost?

Answer: The trip cost includes all of your trip expenses, such as:

- Airfare from Atlanta, Georgia to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

- All meals from the time you get to Brazil until the time you leave Brazil (unless the team splits up for a meal—i.e. at the mall).

- All transportation costs in Brazil.

- All lodging costs in Brazil.

- All the expenses on your tour of Rio de Janeiro.

However, you are responsible for covering the following:

- All transportation costs to/from Atlanta, GA (i.e. airfare, car expenses, etc.).

- All airport meals in the US and Brazil.

- All personal shopping expenses.

- All offering contributions.

- Some miscellaneous expenses (i.e. meals at the mall).

4) Question: Why do we need to come to Atlanta first?

Answer: The primary answer is that it is important for our group to be formed and travel as a group. Another major reason is that part of our ministry in Brazil consists of clothing distribution to the poor, and we have enormous amounts of clothing to take to Brazil. Therefore, we have each mission team member take one suitcase of clothes for us. In the aftermath of 9-11, most airlines will not allow you to check-in other bags once you’ve already checked-in for the first time. Thus, for our trip, we purchase tickets for each person starting in Atlanta and proceeding on from there. Our official policy (effective April 2005) is for all team members to rendezvous at the airport in Atlanta.

5) Question: Because we have to rendezvous in Atlanta, how do you recommend that I get to Atlanta and get back?

Answer: If you live within 2 to 4 hours, we would recommend having someone drive you and pick you up. If you live more than 4 hours away by car, we recommend flying to Atlanta. You will need to purchase a connecting flight to Atlanta. That flight should arrive in Atlanta at least 3 hours before the flight to Brazil departs. Be aware that you likely will be charged a luggage fee for the domestic leg of your trip. Before you book your flight, please call the office to verify the dates and times of your connecting flight. If you would like us to, we can book your connecting flight to and from Atlanta for you. If you need us to help you with it, please do not hesitate to call us at 706-353-1546.

6) Question: How much money should I bring with me to Brazil?

Answer: You will need spending money if you plan to shop for souvenirs and other items.  You will also want to bring an offering for each of the churches we visit (usually 7 or 8 churches per trip).  We suggest $200 to $300.  If you know you want to do more shopping and giving, bring more.

7) Question: Should I bring my extra money in the form of traveler’s checks, cash, or using some other method?

Answer: PLEASE bring cash. These MUST be crisp, new, unmarked bills.  The money changer in Brazil will not accept old or marked bills. The team leader and/or trip administrator will cash your dollars for you once we get to Brazil. Please do not bring Traveler’s checks. When the team visits the mall, more cash can be obtained from the ATM (if the team leader takes your team to the mall). ATMs provide a very good exchange rate. Of course, you may use credit cards for shopping (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; Discover and American Express are accepted at some places). Credit cards also have excellent exchange rates. MAKE SURE YOU CALL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY AND TELL THEM YOU WILL BE IN BRAZIL OR YOUR CARD MAY BE DENIED.  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Question: How much should I bring for the trip’s love offering to the mission?

Answer: It is really your own prayerful decision. However, just to give you an idea, gifts tend to range from $50 to $500 and up.

9) Question: Will they take up any offerings at the churches we will be visiting in Brazil?

Answer: Yes, they will take up offerings at most every service. These offerings are, of course, optional, but we strongly encourage each person to contribute something. Team members typically give anything ranging from a few dollars to $50. You may give those offerings in the form of American dollars or Brazilian Reais.

10) Question: What should I wear while we are in Brazil?

Answer: First, determine if your trip takes place during the winter or the summer in Brazil.  Since Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, summer in Brazil is December – March.  Winter in Brazil is May – September.  In the summer, high temperatures reach 100 degrees F or above.  In the winter, daytime high temperatures are in the 70’s F. and nighttime low temperatures are in the 50’s F. If we travel to the mountains it can be even colder.  For winter, you definitely want long pants, a jacket or sweater, and clothing you can layer for warmth.

For Women:

When we go to the churches, we have a mandatory dress code. You may wear long dresses. Also, you can wear a nice, attractive top and a skirt. You may not wear a sleeveless top or one with spaghetti straps. Also, you must wear a loose skirt that is knee length or longer. In other words, it must be a skirt that stays at your knee or below when you sit. For shoes, you must wear dress shoes or dressy sandals. You may not wear tennis shoes or flip-flops to churches. In all instances, your church clothing must be modest and tasteful (in other words, please do not wear anything that is low-cut, sleeveless, or revealing). Please do not bring expensive jewelry. Jeans are not permissible for the church services.

At the mission, you may wear: shorts, capris, jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, etc. In other words, you may wear casual, comfortable clothing.  You should also bring some work clothing that you can get dirty.

When we go on an outing (i.e. shopping, touring), you may wear casual clothing that is modest. In other words, because we are representing the Lord and the mission, we must dress in a tasteful, non-revealing, non-offensive way. In terms of shoes, you may wear tennis shoes, but you may not wear flip flops when we go on outings.

For Men:

When we go to the churches, we have a mandatory dress code. You must wear a dress shirt and a tie. As long as they are not distasteful, your shirts and ties may be colorful. If you are coming to Brazil during the summer months (December to March), you may wear short-sleeved collared shirts (i.e. Polo shirts) instead of a shirt and tie—unless you are preaching (in which case you should wear a shirt and tie). For pants, you may wear either nice khaki pants or nice dress slacks (i.e. black, blue, or grey). Jeans are not permissible. Please wear dress shoes to each service (no tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops please).

At the mission, you may wear: shorts, jeans, T-shirts, flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, etc. In other words, you may wear casual, comfortable clothing. The same casual clothing is acceptable whenever we go on an outing (i.e. shopping, touring). You should also bring some work clothing that you can get dirty.

11) Question: Are laundry services available at or near the mission?

Answer: Yes, we have a washing machine at the mission.  Your team leader will show you how to use it and where you can hang your clothes to dry.  We do not have a dryer.

12) Question: Will I have access to an iron at the mission?

Answer: Yes, we have irons and ironing boards at the mission.

13) Question: Do I need to bring towels, washcloths, or bed linens along with me?

Answer: No, all of these will be provided for you at the mission.  However, new towels, washcloths and linens are always appreciated to replace old ones, if you would like to bring some as a gift.

14) Question: What are the showers and toilets like in Brazil?

Answer: The showers are different in Brazil, but they have hot water. We will explain how to use them once we get to Brazil. Likewise, the toilets are different in Brazil. Because the sewage system is not as powerful as ours in the US, you must dispose of your used toilet paper in a small trashcan next to the commode. In Brazil, toilet paper will not go down the sewage drains. The flushing mechanism is often a string you pull. Pull the flush string very gently until it flushes—otherwise, you will break the mechanism.

15) Question: Will I need a power converter to plug in my hairdryer, razor, etc.?

Answer: No. The electrical outlets at the mission use the same voltage as American outlets

(110V). However, you will need a non-polarized adapter if the prongs on your electrical device

are two different sizes. Brazilian outlets only accommodate same-sized prongs.

16) Question: When will we go through Customs?

Answer: You will go through Customs once we arrive in Rio de Janeiro. On our return flight, you will go through Customs once we arrive in Atlanta, GA.

17) Question: Will my passports and tickets be safe while we’re in Brazil?

Answer: Because this is so important, your team leader will collect all of your important travel materials (your passport, plane tickets, and immigration forms). They will be kept in a safe place (the safe) for the duration of the trip and then redistributed to you on the day of departure. This is to prevent them from being lost or stolen.

18) Question: Should I bring any medicine or other medical supplies?

Answer: Yes! Obviously, if you are taking prescription drugs, bring your medication. However, if you anticipate needing medicine for things such as: headaches, diarrhea, insect bites, etc., please bring it with you. In Brazil, it is often difficult to get even the most common American over-the-counter drug. Also, please read thoroughly the “permitted/prohibited items” section of this Delta Airlines web link, which will explain in detail how to pack medications, liquids, and aerosol products as carry-ons: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#content

19) Question: Will I be able to call home while we’re on the trip?

Answer: Yes – we have a computer at the mission with a Skype phone which you are welcome to use.  If you bring your own laptop computer and have a Skype account, you can call using your computer as well.  AT&T calling cards can also be used wherever there are public phones.

20) Question: Will I have Internet access while we’re on the trip?

Answer: Yes, there is wireless Internet access at the mission.  We usually have a computer for your use – and you are also welcome to use your own computer.

21) Question: How many bags should I pack for the trip?

Answer: Upon your arrival at the check-in counter in Atlanta, Rick will provide you with one large bag for you to check-in as one of your bags. This bag will be full of clothing that we will distribute to needy families in Brazil. Thus, you are allowed ONE personal check-in bag and ONE personal carry-on bag. Please be aware that if your check-in bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you may have to pay an Overweight Baggage fee that can be $150 or more!