Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Safety Tips for Your Mission Trips



“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.




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