Questions and Answers
Posted on Dec 23, 2008 by
Sherry LucasHow does the team get to South Dakota? Comfortable vans are rented and we drive there. We leave early one
morning, spend the night at a motel and arrive on the mission field the
afternoon of the second day. We do not fly there because the airfare
is high, the closest airport is 100 miles from where we stay, and we
need vans to travel around the Reservation.
How much spending money do I need?Everyone is different, of course, but $50 to $100 should be enough.
You will probably want a few souvenirs and you'll need money to eat on
the road trip to and from the Reservation and the team's day off in the
middle of the week.
What does Rosebud Reservation look like?You would probably not realize you entered the Reservation unless you
saw the sign with the name. It is not a fenced or walled off area and
tipi sightings are rare. Rosebud Reservation is a collection of many
small towns connected by good highways stretching across rolling,
grassy plains. Trees are not abundant except in the towns and along
streams and rivers.
Who pays for the trip?During mission team training, NAIM discusses friendraising
(fundraising) through individual and group efforts. A $100 non
refundable deposit is required along with the application, covenant and
consent (where needed). This is your expression of commitment to the
team and the trip. We don't expect team members or their families to
write a check for the total amount requested. However, we do expect
team members to take an active role in raising individual and group
funds.
Who is eligible to go on the mission trips?Youth (middle school and high school) and adults are eligible. You do
not have to belong to any particular denomination. You are also
eligible if you don't attend any church. We just ask that you have an
interest and a heart to serve others. We do enjoy what we do while on
the mission field but a mission trip is not a vacation. You will be
expected to go through training, comply with the rules, and help with
fundraising for yourself and the team.
How can I help without going on a mission trip?Besides being a mission team member, there are many ways to be involved
in NAIM's ministry to the Lakota. Monetary contributions are always
welcome. We are a 501c3 public charity and your contribution is 100%
tax deductible. Board members are non salaried and your
contribution directly funds ministry projects and other outreach efforts.
Prior to trips we publish a wish list, requesting items and
listing amounts needed for particular things. We do this as some prefer
to contribute goods or specify how their contribution is used.
We also always welcome ideas on how you think you may be able to help us. Just contact us.
What if I can't raise the expected amount of money required?No one is denied the opportunity to go on the mission trip for lack of
funds unless they have not actively tried to raise the amount needed.
Only two people know how much money is donated for each team member;
the board president and the treasurer. Some raise a lot more than
required helping subsidize those who fall short.
What if I don't work well with children?As many of our mission tasks involve children, you should seriously
consider if you really should join this particular mission team.
However, depending on the projects scheduled during the trip, there may
be tasks for you that interaction with children is at a minimum.
Contact NAIM about this.
Will I be expected to evangelize or witness to anyone?This is a frequently asked question as many feel they cannot verbally
share their faith and God's word with others. Being able to do that is
not necessary. Your actions will speak louder than words. You may be
the only Bible a person ever reads so we ask that your actions be such
that you set a good example.