Financial Arrangements for Short-Term Missionaries

Below is a table which describes what a Short-Term missionary should anticipate while planning and preparing to come to the field. We very much appreciate your careful consideration of all the elements of this table. Of course, not every issue applies to each individual. During the process of planning, we will work together to resolve any issue which may block your coming -- or, we may need to agree that your coming is not in the Lord's plan right now.

If you would prefer this table in a written form, you may be able to print this out (I have not tried it yet), or email me for a printed copy at crgm@faithguam.com. Further below is a sample table filled out for your guidance. Click Here

Missionary ____________________________________ Position to be filled: _____________________ Beginning date: ________ Ending date: _______

Duration: ____________________ Location: _____________________ Partnering Ministry: ________________________________________________

Notes:

1. As much as possible can be filled in by each participant (the columns) while the field will fill in the first column: "Total Budget Needed".

2. Costs should be entered as totals for the duration of the experience which can be from 2 weeks to 2 years and as totals for the number of persons in the family.

3. International travel amount is based on experience and is an average. Summers and holidays usually cost about 25% more than the off-seasons. Many short-termers go home for Christmas vacation, but that cost is not included in this matrix.

4. Local travel almost always will consist of the rental of a car at either $200.00 per month (older model) or $300 per month (newer, larger model). CRWM pays for the repairs while the missionary pays for the gasoline and oil changes. Missionaries are encouraged to buy their own cars.

5. Housing is usually an approximation of market value for that location and the level of quality.Guam rentals run from $300 for a studio apartment to $500 for an average two bedroom apartment to $1,200 and up for a free-standing house. Most enterprises we work with on the outer islands will provide housing at no apparent expense in their own buildings which we take as their provision for this expense.

6. Utilities vary greatly from location to location. Guam is usually quite expensive for electricity (average is $110 for an apartment). Utilities also includes long distance charges and local internet service provider, if desired (highly recommended). Usually telephone line charges, water, sewer and waste removal are included in the rent.

7. Food will almost always be the personal expense of the missionary, but an average and generalized cost will be given to enable the missionary to raise funds.

8. Clothing is only a need for those coming longer than 6 months. Others will most likely want to buy local clothes as souvenirs or gifts. Only light summer clothes are necessary. Most people wear informal dress, even for church.

9. This includes premiums for health insurance. Medical/Dental are usually covered by insurance which may be provided by any of the participants. Medical includes evacuation expenses to hospitals in Hawaii or the Philippines. This also includes costs incurred should someone die on the field. If a figure is not given in one of the cells, one of the participants will need to accept the risk. For example, the missionary will get in writing signed by an officer of the consistory, that So-and-So CRC is accepting the financial liability should a medical emergency arise including death on behalf of CRWM.

10. Recreation includes reading material, local outings and sightseeing, shopping, etc. Travel to further Asian vacation destinations such as Bali, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Japan are not included in this description but are readily available.

11. Ministry to CRCNA includes mailing, emailing, long distance, printing and other expenses for maintaining contact with supporters in North America. This web site can also be used for promotion and communication with supporters to encourage prayer, financial contributions and possibly participation by visiting or volunteering.

12. Work expenses are usually borne by the hosting enterprise. We are concerned to include it so that everyone understands who pays what. For construction crews, it may be expected that the short-termers will bring some or all of their own tools and maybe even materials within normal baggage allowances.

13. Conference is the expense for the occasional spiritual retreat. The budgeted amount will reflect the actual cost. Usually CRWM bears this cost, at least a large percent but the short-termers are asked to raise this amount from their support base.

14. Orientation is usually held in the summer in Grand Rapids and conducted by the home office. Not everyone is able to attend this, so other accomodations will be made on a case-by-case basis. Orientation is important to anticipate problems and come to a good understanding concerning the mission's goals and the part the short-termer plays in this.

15. Christian School tuition will be a factor for those with school-age children. Those who teach in the Christian schools will usually receive free or lowered education costs for their children.

16. Continuing education might be correspondence courses or attending classes at the University of Guam or Guam Community College. Quite a bit is available.

17. Miscellaneous is a catch-all for expenses we could not anticipate.

Here is a sample matrix filled out:

Missionary __Mr. & Mrs. John Van Doe_____ Position to be filled: __Teachers__ Beginning date: _August 15, 2002__ Ending date: _May 25, 2003___

Duration: __9 months______ Location: ___Barrigada, Guam_____ Partnering Ministry: ____Pacific Christian Academy_____

(The following amounts assume a couple working in a local Christian school for one school year.)

Notes:

1. Evacuation coverage for all CRCNA personnel.
2. Most older people already have health and/or dental coverage which will apply to Guam.
3. Assuming that an older, retired couple has their own financial resources for travel.
4. This is part of the funds raised by the short-termer and used by the home or field office for these expenses.

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