“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore
be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.”
(Matthew 10:16)
There
is a story about a young FBI Special Agent reporting for duty in New York City.
His supervisor asked what New Yorkers call people who get out of taxis
saying, “Gee, what tall buildings!” “Tourists?” he answered. “No,”
replied the supervisor, “We call them victims.” Now, I don’t wish to frighten
anyone from going on mission trips, but in this day and age the world can be a
dangerous place. So, I would like to offer some simple tips that
may help you stay safe and still enjoy the mission experience.
Now, what makes me qualified to offer these suggestions? Well,
before I answered God’s call into the ministry, I spent 4 years in the military
and an additional seven years in Asset and Personal Protection. And
after that, 11 years as Founder and Executive Director of Asia International
Mission serving the people of South Asia, and another 2 years in Haiti.
Frequently, the short-term missionary traveling to a third world
country, and in many countries, must go as tourists and they have their mind on more
than just ministry. Often it’s a new and exciting adventure with so
many unusual sights, sounds, and smells, and they pay little attention to
potential threats. They think in terms of the experience and meeting new
people, and think robberies and kidnappings happen only to others. What
they often learn the hard way is that they are “attacks waiting to happen.”
Criminals assume four things about tourists. First, you have
money. Second, you likely don’t speak the language or know how to call
the police. Third, you have no intention of staying long enough to
testify against them in court if they’re caught. And fourth, you are
worth a nice ransom to your organization. Can you imagine a more inviting
target? Practicing some basic security behaviors can make your trip more
productive and safe.
Let’s start with a behavior known as Situational Awareness.
Throughout your short-term mission outreach, whether the country you
travel to is one you consider safe or one of the world’s more dangerous
locales, practice situational awareness. Situational awareness is
simply being alert to your surroundings, having a heightened awareness of what
is happening around you, and formulating a plan should you find yourself
confronted with a threat.
Research shows that to determine their personal risk of being
caught or injured, criminals evaluate potential victims. Much like a
predator in the wild attacks the prey that has strayed from the safety of the
flock, that is careless about possible danger, or that appears weak, human
predators will evaluate you as a potential victim.
So, present yourself as a “tough target” by:
1) Maintaining focused attention on your surroundings
2) Know the location of “safe havens” such as police or fire
stations, open stores, or restaurants.
3) Be alert to people who appear to be following or paying undue
attention to you.
4) Listening to, and learn to trust, your inner “little voice” that
is signaling fear, apprehension, or suspicion. While paying attention to
your surroundings, mentally form a plan of action. A simple “If he does
that, I’ll do this” will help you react faster should the worst happen. If
you’re approached by a suspicious person, or sense a person or vehicle
following you, cross the street or change direction. This is not paranoia, but
good judgment in an unfamiliar environment.
Now, successfully practicing situational awareness must be coupled
with sound Security Behaviors. You should always do pre-trip research
into crime risks and the geopolitical climate. Also, read any travel advisories
about countries you intend to visit, and ask your host, “What should I be
careful not to do?”
No matter where your mission trip takes you, you’ll find yourself
in public places at least some of the time, airports, markets, or other
populated areas. Displaying discreet, but confident behavior helps
diminish the possibility of being seen as a potential victim. There is
truth in the saying “safety in numbers,” and whenever possible you should
travel in groups of three or four. Criminals are less likely to attack a group
than a person walking alone.
You must understand how you are viewed as an American in a foreign
land. For all of your noble intentions to help others, your American
citizenship, in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, could bring
unwanted attention from those who consider your country an oppressor or
worse.
Take responsibility for your own security by practicing some
general security guidelines:
1) Show your passport only when necessary, such as to customs or
police.
2) Keep copies of the passport photo page separate from your
passport, and keep it hidden the rest of the time.
3) I strongly suggest you do not wear clothing displaying the American
flag, U.S. sports teams, or in some countries, religious symbols.
4) Never leave your baggage unattended (that means absolutely
NEVER).
5) Always attempt to maintain a low profile, avoiding visiting remote
or isolated areas of cities and locations known for high crime.
6) If you stay in a hotel, leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door
while you’re out.
7) Avoid providing more information about yourself than necessary to
anyone other than valid authorities.
8) Do not provide itinerary details, even to people you feel you
can trust.
9) Vary travel routes to and from shopping, and other venues to
prevent anyone from planning where and when to attack you—it makes you a
tougher target.
10) Do not stand on a street corner reading your map. You have
just told every potential attacker that you wouldn’t know where to run for
help. It’s better to study a map or plan your route in your room or
another private place to avoid sending the wrong message to potential
criminals.
11) Never count or display money in public. If you must use an
ATM, find one inside a bank or other secure location, and be especially alert
to anyone watching you. Even if you don’t consider yourself rich, remember
that in most of the world you are considered another Bill Gates. Which
brings me to another point, never go around wearing flashy jewelry and shiny watches.
Otherwise, you might as well be wearing a flashing billboard
announcing, “Hey, I’ve got money, come and take it!”
Traveling overseas on a short-term mission trip, is not necessarily
more or less dangerous than visiting any large U.S. city. The following
tendencies can have disastrous results: focusing your attention solely on the
mission at hand while ignoring potential threats, behaving as if you were
“home” in familiar surroundings, forgetting to practice simple security
precautions, and not recognizing how potential predators may view you.
Remember!
Staying alert, attentive, and security conscious will help bring you home
safely.
