The Adventure Starts Now!

This is the introduction to the SOGI Trip Application. There are two sections. In the first section,
you will find the application form that is to be completed and returned to SOGI. The other forms
are informational and should be reviewed carefully. Also below are instructions from Bishop
John Aguilar.

The forms included are as follows:

Mission Application
Assumption of Risk Agreement
Reference Sheets
Mission Package

Other Information Sheets included:

Sample Fund Raising Information

Health and Safety
Packing and Luggage
Flight Information

A note from Bishop John Aguilar:

Dear Trip Participant,

Each of the forms listed above are very important to the success of your preparation
and trip. Please read ALL information sheets. The information sheets are to
be kept by you for the duration of the project.

Complete and sign the Application, including the Assumption of Risk Agreement Form.
The completed Application, along with a $300.00 deposit should be mailed to Shepherds
Of Grace International.

Checks should be made payable to Shepherds Of Grace International.

If SOGI is handling the International flight arrangements, we will send you

information on the airfare and deposit requirements. The airfare deposit (if required) is
additional to the SOGI deposit.
Mailing address for application:

Shepherds Of Grace International

Post Office Box 5336
Aiken, South Carolina

Other Contact Information:

Website www.shepherdsofgrace.org
Email: staff@shepherdsofgrace.org
Phone: (803) 617-9571

Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a trip information sheet with specific
information about your project. Also, SOGI / your Team Leader will provide important updates
via mail, email, and/or our website. We look forward to serving you as you labor for God in the
mission field.

Serving Christ, Together

Bishop John J. Aguilar

Shepherds Of Grace International

P.S. If you do not have a passport, complete and send with the application, a note that passport
has been applied for. Please forward passport info as soon as available.
 MISSIONS APPLICATION PLEASE ATTACH
************ YOUR
Shepherds Of Grace International PHOTOGRAPH
TO THIS PAGE

ReachingPeopleForChrist,Changing The World,Together

************
P.O. Box 5336, Aiken, South Carolina 29804, Phone: (803) 617-9571
E-mail: staff@shepherdsofgrace.org Web-site: www.shepherdsofgrace.org

Location:___________________________________ Trip Dates:________________

_____________________________________ _________________________ _______

Last Name First Name Initial

PLEASE: PRINT YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON PASSPORT! NO NICKNAMES.

(This information is used for ticketing & official documents.)

_________________________________________________ _____________________
Street Address (required) PO Box (optional)

_______________________________________ __________ ____________________

City State Zip Code

_____________________________________ _________________________________
Home phone (+area code) Work Phone (+area code)

_____________________________________ _________________________________
Cell phone Fax number (+area code)

________________________________________________________________________
Email address

Question: Do you prefer updates by ____Email, or by ____USPS mail?

_______________________________ ____________ ______/ __Male __Female

Social Security Number Date of Birth Age

_____________________________________ _________________________________
Passport Number Country Of Issue

____________________________________________________
Passport Expiration Date (Minimum 6 months prior to expiring)
_____________________________________ _________________________________
Country of Citizenship Marital Status

Question: Are you planning a name change (marriage, etc.) prior to trip? ________

Question: Are any family members traveling with you on this project? ____Yes ____No,
If you answered “yes” please list name/relationship:

_____________________________________ ____________________ ____________

Name of family member Relationship to you Age

_____________________________________ ____________________ ____________

Name of family member Relationship to you Age

_____________________________________ ____________________ ____________

Name of family member Relationship to you Age

Church Affiliation (Denomination):____________________________________

Church Name:_________________________________________________________

Your Profession: (check one)

____Doctor ____Dentist ____PA, NP, or Nurse ____Pharmacy

____Non-Medical ____Student ____Other

Your Occupation:______________________________________________________

Do you speak a second language? If so, what?_________________________

Notation: Please read and initial the following information provided, Your initials and signature certify
that you have read and accepted the conditions set forth in those pages.

Please locate and read the following forms, then initial here.

________ Trip application (return to office)

________ Assumption of Risk Agreement (return to office)
________ Reference Sheets (return to office)
________ Mission Package (do not return to office)

Notation: Make copy of Mission Application for your own records The information in the Mission Package
is for your trip preparation. Return only this application, with the Assumption of Risk Agreement .
Personal Health & Emergency Information:

Trip Location:___________________________ Trip Dates:______________

___________________________________ __________ _____ / Sex: ___M ___F

Name (last, first, initial) D.O.B. Age

Current Medical Conditions:_________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Current Medications:______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Significant Medical History:_________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Operations:______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Drug Allergies:___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Food or Other Allergies:____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Personal Physician:________________________________________________________

Physician’s Office Phone:___________________________________________________

Physician’s Email:________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Name:__________________________________________________

Emergency Phone Number:_________________________________________________

Photo Instructions:

Please include two passport photos with this application.

(For couples: Submit with application two individual passport photos and two family photos)
 The following is the
SOGI ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT:

I, ______________________________________________, in consideration of the

acceptance of this application for volunteer service on behalf of Shepherds Of Grace International, represent and
agree, as follows:

(A) I am aware of the hazards and risks to my person and property associated with the overseas medical
/ evangelism missionary activities for which I am applying and such hazards and risks including, but not
limited to, death or injury by accident, disease, terrorist acts, weather conditions and inadequate medical
supplies. I volunteer my services on behalf of Shepherds Of Grace International despite such hazards and
risks, and I assume the risks of death, injury, and/or damage associated with such risks.

(B) I attest and verify that I am physically fit and have no medical conditions that would prevent me
from performing the volunteer services for which I am applying.

(C) I waive any and all claims for incurred damages which I may have against Shepherds Of Grace
International, now or at any future time.

(D) I understand that travel and work will be in an underdeveloped nation; therefore it may be difficult
or impossible for SOGI or its Missionaries or Agents, to guarantee or meet special dietary
needs.

___________________________________________ __________________________
Signature of Volunteer Applicant Date

Notation: Complete and submit this application to SOGI, along with the $300.00 deposit
.
If you are under 18 years old, you also must submit the following signed forms:

*Parental Release of Travel for Minors

*Parental Consent for Medical Care

These forms are available from the SOGI office.

Shepherds Of Grace International

P.O. Box 5336
Aiken, South Carolina, 29804

(803) 617-9571

staff@shepherdsofgrace.org Web: www.shepherdsofgrace.org

 REFERENCE FOR: ____________________________

To the individual filling out the Reference sheet: Please take the time to reflect on the applicant and how
you know them. Please tell us how you met the applicant; what he or she is like - character, personality, work
habits, personal habits, etc. Also, please answer this question: “Do you recommend the applicant for
missionary service with your whole heart, and why?” as frankly as you can. Then, please mail the reference
directly to Shepherds Of Grace International, P.O. Box 5336, Aiken, South Carolina, 29804. Thank you.

PASTOR

Name: __________________________________________________ Length of Acquaintance ____________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________ Phone: _____/__________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use additional sheets if necessary, but limit the total to 3 pages, including this one.
 REFERENCE FOR: ____________________________

To the individual filling out the Reference sheet: Please take the time to reflect on the applicant and how
you know them. Please tell us how you met the applicant; what he or she is like - character, personality, work
habits, personal habits, etc. Also, please answer this question: “Do you recommend the applicant for
missionary service with your whole heart, and why?” as frankly as you can. Then, please mail the reference
directly to Shepherds Of Grace International, P.O. Box 5336, Aiken, South Carolina, 29804. Thank you.

CURRENT SPIRITUAL LEADER (SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER, BIBLE STUDY LEADER, ETC.)

Name: __________________________________________________ Length of Acquaintance _____________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________ Phone: _____/_______________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use additional sheets if necessary, but limit the total to 3 pages, including this one.
 REFERENCE FOR: ____________________________

To the individual filling out the Reference sheet: Please take the time to reflect on the applicant and how
you know them. Please tell us how you met the applicant; what he or she is like - character, personality, work
habits, personal habits, etc. Also, please answer this question: “Do you recommend the applicant for
missionary service with your whole heart, and why?” as frankly as you can. Then, please mail the reference
directly to Shepherds Of Grace International, P.O. Box 5336, Aiken, South Carolina, 29804. Thank you.

PEER OR FRIEND

Name:____________________________________________________ Length of Acquaintance ___________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________ Phone: _____/_____________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use additional sheets if necessary, but limit the total to 3 pages, including this one.
 To the Applicant:

Please give the 3 Reference sheets to the 3 individuals indicated. These must be people who are not relatives or
fiancees.

Also, they should have known you for more than one year.

They are to fill out the information completely

and mail it directly to Shepherds Of Grace International
(return address is on the form).

You, the applicant, are not to see what is written,

so do not accept any completed form from the 3 references.
 SAMPLE LETTER APPEAL
for Mission trip fund raising
(from Shepherds Of Grace International)
Change details to match details of your chosen trip.

Date
Name
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Grandma:

You know how you say you are always praying for me? Well, here is something specific I need
prayer about. I am planning to go on a short-term (type of trip - Medical Mission Trip) to
(location), with Shepherds Of Grace International in September of 2005.

To be able to go to (Location) and help the children has always been a dream of mine, I am
excited about going. So I need your help, the cost is (cost of trip) for airfare, lodging, food and
stuff. Help!

Any amount you can help with would certainly be appreciated and it is tax deductible. Checks
can be made out to Shepherds Of Grace International.

Thank you for your support.

Love you,

Your name
 SAMPLE LETTER APPEAL
for Mission trip fund raising
(from Shepherds Of Grace International)
Change details to match details of your chosen trip.

Date
Name
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Mr. and Mrs. ________,

This (spring/summer) I will be going on a Missions trip to (Brazil, Jamaica, etc) with Shepherds
Of Grace International.

Sometimes we get used to our comfortable standard of living and forget that the majority of
people in the world have such basic needs still unmet. I am sure that participating in this
short-term mission trip will have a long-term effect on me.

I am sending you this letter as a request for your financial support as a sponsor. I am responsible
for raising (Cost) to cover my portion of costs for air fare, lodging, food and supplies. For me to
participate in the mission trip I must have the support of others.

Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Checks can be made out to “Shepherds Of Grace
International” and mailed to (your address). All contributions tax deductible.

Please continue to pray for me during this trip and upon my return. Of course I will be eager to
share with you the events from the trip and how my life is affected by them.

Thanks for being part of my missionary dream!

With gratitude,

Your name
 SAMPLE LETTER APPEAL
for Mission trip fund raising
(from Shepherds Of Grace International)
Change details to match details of your chosen trip.

Date
Name
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear ______,

You will never believe this, but I am planning to go on the (Mission trip or Medical Mission
Trip) to (Location), with Shepherds Of Grace International, in (month and year)

That’s right, I am going to be a missionary. Now, before you faint or laugh or cry, I want you to
know that I’m serious about this. I realize I don’t really know what I am getting into, but it
sounds like the kind of thing just for me -- sun, adventure, intensity and a chance to serve.

So I need your help. Yes, I need some money to help me with the (cost) per person. But I also
need to you pray for me. They say that people are changed forever when they go on these trips. I
just want to make sure the right things are changed about me and not the wrong things.

So please help me in both of these areas. Send a huge check made out to “Shepherds Of Grace
International”, (it is tax deductible!) and start praying for me like you never have before!

I will introduce you to the new me when I get back and we can see who I have become in God.

Thanks for your help!

Your name
 SAMPLE LETTER APPEAL
for Mission trip fund raising
(from Shepherds Of Grace International)
Change details to match details of your chosen trip.

Dear [ name ]

I have an opportunity this summer, (date), to join others across the U.S. on a mission trip to
(location). On our trip we will be ministering to desolate adults and children of (location). What a
opportunity to be a blessing to the less fortunate!

I am excited about what God is going to do in my life and in other people' s lives through this
mission trip. I do, however, need your help. For me to participate on the trip I will need to raise
(cost) before (insert a date that would be three months before your trip). Anything you can do to
help will be greatly appreciated.

Please be a part of this awesome opportunity, for I know that you too will be blessed. Thank you
and God bless

In Christ,
 SAMPLE APPEAL BY PHONE
for Mission trip fund raising
(from Shepherds Of Grace International)
Change details to match details of your chosen trip.

Hello, is this Mrs. Fillman?

May I speak to her please?
Hi, Mrs. Fillman?

This is (your name). Did you receive my letter?

I am excited about what God is doing in my life. I am planning to go on this (Mission trip or
Medical Mission Trip) to (Location), with Shepherds Of Grace International, in (month and year)

The cost is (cost) and I am calling you to ask if you would be willing to help sponsor me, help
me go on this trip?

(ask for a certain amount such as $100 donation, or just say, “any donation you can make would
be appreciated”)

Thank you. Make the check payable to Shepherds Of Grace International and send it to my
address. It is tax deductible. I will be sure and keep you posted on what is happening on this end.

Can I count on you for prayer support as well?

Thank you and God bless.

Good Bye!.
 You Can Raise The Funds Needed For This Mission Trip

God is your provider, do your part and He will do His

First, you pray... then begin by writing a list of all the people you know by category:

- Family
- Friends
- Businesses
- Other Churches or Church people

Second, you pray then... send everyone a letter explaining your opportunity to participate on this
mission trip, along with the cost, and request for donation. (Sample letters included, but develop
your own letter)

Third, you pray... then after you have given time to receive your letter, follow up with a phone
call... example phone conversation is in this packet.

Realize this:

- 10 people giving $200 with 10 giving $100 and 4 giving $50 will pay for this trip
Or
- 32 people giving $100 each will pay for this trip
Or
- 22 people giving $100 with 20 giving $50 will pay for this trip

Also, schedule a time with your Pastor, to present your need before your own Church and take up
a love offering... this could result in raising the entire cost or a great part of your trip cost.
 Health and Safety

Health

SOGI recommends that you consult with your physician for guidance in preparing for this
project. We refer you to your own physician for information about immunizations and malaria
prophylaxis. The public health department, or your physician can administer the immunizations
and provide the prescription for malaria prevention. Many times the exact recommendations are
affected by your medical condition.

Passports

The passport is one of the most important items you will carry with you. It should be guarded at
all times. You should check now to see if six months time is remaining prior to the expiration
from the date of the trip. For more information about passports, visit this website at:
http://travel.state.gov/passportservices.html.

Safety Issues

There are a few things to be aware of when traveling to a foreign country. Area
customs and traditions can be different from ours. Here are a few guidelines for your safety.

1) Do not leave your group to go somewhere alone.

2) Always travel in groups of 4 or more.

3) All groups must include at least one male team member.

4) Be present for the local missionary's safety meeting upon your arrival.

5) Observe dress codes. No shorts or tight, revealing attire in public.

6) Always be aware of your surroundings and the location of your team members.

7) Consult your local missionary or team leader if you are asked to do something
away from your group. Do not leave with a stranger.

8) Do not bring or display expensive or flashy jewelry, cameras, techno gadgets, etc.

9) Eat or drink only items approved by the local missionary or team leader.
 10) Think about your actions and the message you convey to the locals. Conduct
yourself as a respectful visitor to their country at all times.

Common Sense is Always Good!

Use common sense in all your travels. Guard your possessions. Don't leave valuables out in your
hotel room. Be careful with your cameras, cd players, etc.

Don't wear a lot of expensive jewelry and never, ever flash a lot of cash. Stay with your group.
Please don't be independent and stray to shop or sightsee on your own.

Pedestrian accidents are the greatest safety threat to short term missionaries. Be careful! Drivers
in many nations don't yield to pedestrians. Look both ways at crossings. Remain alert and follow
the instructions of your leaders.

Don't let good manners get in the way of doing what you are asked to do by your leaders. Here
is an example. If your leader tells you to get into a certain taxi or bus, do it. Don't try to be nice
and give your seat to someone else. Your leaders know the "big" picture and they have a reason
for directing the group a certain way. Do practice good manners, but also do what the trained
leaders and local missionaries ask of you.

About the Personal Health & Emergency Information Section

Personal Health Information is a part of the Mission Application. It is important to complete this
information. This information will be used by the missionary and team leader in case you need
emergency medical care.

NOTE: This form is not submitted for review by a doctor or a determination on your condition
or fitness for International travel or a mission project. Those issues should be discussed by you
with your personal physician.

The form also provides important emergency contact information. PLEASE make sure it is
accurate.
 Information on Luggage and Packing

Each team member is allowed 1 check-on weighing 70 pounds or less, plus one small carry-on. If
the group incurs an excess baggage charge, those with more than the pieces mentioned here will
be responsible for payment of fees.
Please pack at least one full change of clothes and all necessary medicines in your carry-on bag.
Instead of putting your passport, money, etc. in your carry-on, we suggest you put those items in a
'fanny pack' or other belt type holder.

General Items to bring:

Travel alarm clock, disposable camera, small flashlight with extra batteries, portable
walkman or CD player. It is good to have handi-wipes, waterless hand-sanitizer, wash
cloths, easily accessible toilet paper and pocket size tissue. Unless your project is in the
jungle, Asia or Africa, it is fine to bring a hair dryer and iron. Bring pen and pencils, note
book for journaling, safety pins, Band-Aids, plastic zip lock bags, 1 large heavy-duty
plastic bag for dirty laundry. Also slide on shoes and flip-flops, small clothing repair kit,
snacks in zip lock bags that will not melt in extreme heat, small back pack, breath
fresheners and a sport type water bottle. Most importantly, bring your Bible.

Medical Providers

Bring your sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, ear curette, scissors, exam

flashlight and batteries, tongue blades.

Dental Providers

Dentists should bring a portable exam bag with necessary instruments. Also, basic
extraction tools and supplies, tongue blades.

Medical Team Participants

As a part of a medical project, team members are asked to be responsible for a case of
medicine or supplies. If you are asked to assist with a case or bag of medicine or supplies,
you will be asked to claim it as a part of your personal check-on luggage. When packing
your personal bags, be aware of this. Please limit yourself to ONE piece of luggage less
than 70 pounds as a check-on and one small carry-on. Large carry-on's will usually be
rejected and charged as an additional piece of check-on luggage for the International
flight. Women are allowed to carry a pocket book and a small carry-on. This arrangement
 allows SOGI to take equipment, medications, and supplies without having the added costs
and penalties for excess baggage.
Remember: If the group incurs an excess baggage charge, those with more than the items
discussed on this page, will be responsible for payment of fees.

Some Do's and Don'ts

DO:
1) Leave all checked bags unlocked in case TSA search of the bag is required. (If you put a
lock on your bag and security needs to search it, they will not look for you in the airport.
They will cut the lock off the bag.)
2) Use zip ties or cable ties instead of locking checked bags. Some (not all) airports
provide free tamper-evident seals.
3) Place personal items in clear plastic bags for easy identification.

4) Pack all sharp objects (scissors, etc.) in checked bags only.

DO NOT:

1) Do not pack food items in checked bags. (They can set off false alarms.)

2) Do not stack books in a 'pile.' (You should spread them out.)

3) Do not pack film in checked bags. (Explosives detector devices will damage film.)

For more information, visit the Transportation Security Administration's website. Here you will
find the latest travel guidelines and travel tips. www. tsa. gov/public
 Important Information about Flights

SOGI will coordinate all the International travel arrangements through our office or our current
travel agent. We search for a flight that is economical enough to keep the cost of the trip
affordable for all team members. A flight that best services the area to which the team is traveling.
Please remember that SOGI has the responsibility of meeting the needs of the team as a whole,
not the individual team member.

SOGI acknowledges that individuals are becoming more mission minded and are traveling
internationally more frequently than in past years. Many individuals are collecting 'frequent flyer
miles' as never before. SOGI however, does not allow team members to use their frequent flyer
miles on our mission projects. Frequent flyer miles must be used to purchase empty seating, which
means (especially through the summer) the individual generally would not be able to travel
Internationally on the same flight as the team. Thus, time of arrival will differ from the group. The
hosting missionary will not plan the mission project around multiple arrival and departure times.

Additionally, SOGI is not responsible for the timely arrival or departure of individuals who would
be traveling alone. Our goal is to develop a cohesive team whose main priority is to work together
in unity, committed to carrying out God's direction for the team during this one to three week
period. By beginning and ending the trip as a group, praying and traveling together, the team
bonds and is able to maintain it's much needed spiritual focus.

Another reason we do not accept frequent flyer miles is that SOGI is able to acquire contracts for
reasonable flights because of the teams flying in groups of ten or more. When the team traveling
together drops below ten, the cost of the flights increases for everyone in the group. The individual
saving by using frequent flyer miles may actually increase the cost of the group tickets by several
$100's.

Absolute deadline for International ticketing is 30 to 60 days prior to departure date, to obtain
reasonable costs and guaranteed seating for International and in-country flights. We must have
the entire cost of the International and in-country flights in the SOGI office by the specified
deadline. If payment is not received by the deadline, ticketing cannot occur. You risk losing your
airline seat and causing the contract for all the team members to be cancelled, which will result in
the team members having to purchase a ticket at "full-fare" price (several $100's more) to travel -
- if seats are available.

On your return domestic flight, allow a 2 to 3 hour layover between the International flight arriving
with the team, before scheduling the domestic flight home. Many flights from South America (for
example) do run late. Immigration and Customs can be a lengthy process at times upon re-entering
the United States. Under NO circumstance should you schedule less than 2 hours between flights
(unless advised by your travel agent or the airline that your connection time is considered a legal
connection.) If you need assistance in planning your domestic flight, contact our SOGI office and
we will be happy to help.

Airline tickets / E-ticket receipts are mailed to you when received from the airline. The Travel
Medical cards are sent to your Team Leader.