Finances
**Team Application and Deposit - Each team is asked to submit a
completed application (via e-mail or regular mail) along with a $500 non-refundable
team deposit no later than 180 days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
Trip dates will not be considered to be confirmed until receipt of this
deposit. A unique team account number will be provided by the team
coordinator upon initial confirmation of trip dates. (Note: This deposit
is fully applicable toward the team's in-country expense fund deposit upon
arrival.)
In-Country Expense Funds - Each team is asked to bring
$34 per day per person. These funds will cover all daily expenses including
lodging, food, transportation, orientation materials, ministry set-up, some
meals in restaurants and some sightseeing. If teams request special side
trips, an extended period of R&R or additional meals in restaurants there
will be an additional expense. The $25 per person airport exit tax is not
included. In addition, teams may wish to bring snacks or grocery items not
available in Ecuador. The team coordinator will use these funds to cover
all of the in-country expenses, which the team incurs during their stay.
Project Material Funds - The majority of the projects
aided by HCJB teams could not be accomplished without the financial help
of the team. Therefore, most HCJB ministries with projects available ask
that each team donate funds to help with the cost of materials. The recommended
donation amount may vary based on the actual project the team will be undertaking,
but most ministries request $300 per person. These funds will be spent by
the team coordinator to purchase the construction materials and supplies
the team will be using during their stay and to continue the completion
of the work after the team departs.
For non-construction ministry teams, the team coordinator will develop a
list of materials, if needed, and a donation amount to cover these costs
will be established with the team leader.
**All funds must be submitted to the team coordinator upon arrival of
the team in Ecuador. Please provide one check for in-country expense funds
(less the initial $500 deposit) and one check for project material funds.
Both checks should be made payable to HCJB Global. Thank you.
Personal Spending Money - The official currency of Ecuador
is now the US dollar. We recommend bringing denominations of mostly 5, 10
and 20-dollar bills. We also recommend bringing about 10 - 15 one-dollar
bills for small purchases. Credit cards are accepted in most stores in Ecuador,
but it is very difficult to make ATM cash withdrawals with credit cards.
Please - NO Traveler's Checks!
**Team members only need to bring spending money for personal expenses
not covered by the team's in-country expense funds such as the $25 per person
airport exit tax, souvenirs, etc.
Daily Schedule
The team coordinator, in conjunction with your host missionary, will develop
a tentative schedule for your time in Ecuador. The schedule will be sent
to you for your input approximately 3-4 months prior to your arrival. As
is always the case in Latin America, all schedules are tentative until they
happen. Therefore, flexibility is the key to accomplishing everything we
have planned!
Cooking
We ask each team to plan to bring a cook or combination of cooks
to plan your menus and cook for your team while in Ecuador. Cooking
for the team is a vital ministry as the team moral is often affected by
the quality of the meals as well as the attitude of the kitchen crew. We
will send you information to help your cook plan your menus, upon request.
Your team coordinator will also be available to help in your meal planning.
Generally, we purchase the grocery items requested by your cook for the
first day or two of your time in Ecuador in advance. So we'll need you to
provide a shopping list prior to your arrival. After your arrival, your
team coordinator will take the cooks grocery shopping periodically in order
to purchase the groceries.
Transportation
Each team must make your own arrangements for international air travel.
Please ensure that all your team members arrive and depart on the same flight.
This will avoid logistical problems and will make your job as team leader
and our job as team coordinators much easier. Furthermore, it will enhance
the team dynamics if the whole group travels together as a team.
Many past teams have used the following agencies that specializes in mission
group travel: Golden Rule Travel (Lorene Petersheim) E-Mail
lorene@goldrule.net Voice 800 318 3262 (Main office 800-950-3273) Fax 540-788-3505.
Raptim International Travel, 145 N. 4th Street, P.O. Box
444, Lewiston, NY 14092 (888) 2RAPTIM E-Mail raptim@raptimusa.com
All travel in Ecuador will be arranged by your team coordinator. Generally,
this travel is provided by chartered bus or mission vehicles to provide
the safest available means of transportation.
Lodging
Your team coordinator will arrange for the team's lodging. When possible,
you will be lodged in an HCJB facility where you will be asked to provide
your own cook. HCJB facilities generally have dorm style rooms with bunk
beds and a well-equipped kitchen, as well as an area for holding team meetings.
In the event that HCJB lodging is not available, your team coordinator will
arrange alternative lodging. In either situation, the lodging arrangements
will be explained and discussed with the team leader in advance.
Insurance
Most U.S. health insurance companies will reimburse their policyholders
for emergency medical treatment received overseas. Travelers' policies are
available if you choose to have your team members purchase them.
Some providers are Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. Special
Market Division, P.O. Box 1525, 6400 Brotherhood Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-1525.
International Benefit Association P.O. 792347, 16414 San
Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78279-2347, 1-800-422-4313. Insurance Consultants
International, 308 Epps Street, Tomball, TX 77375, 1-800-576-2674
(Linda Robinson).
**Each team is responsible to provide its own health and/or accident
insurance coverage.
