Dear Prospective Applicant,

            Thank you for your interest in medical mission trips sponsored by Rock’s Medical Outreach.  I am sure you will agree that helping to improve someone’s quality of life physically, mentally and spiritually is one of the most rewarding endeavors that a human being can experience!

            Even though I have traveled outside of the United States for over 16 years, each trip blesses me when I come in contact with people who need to know Jesus loves them.  My hope is as an ambassador for Christ; their life is forever changed for the better.  I hope you will prayerfully read over the following materials and consider whether God is calling you to join RMO on a short-term medical mission. 

            The following information is designed to help prepare you and the team for a mission trip with RMO.

In this packet you will find:

·        Cover letter

·        Vision and Statement of Belief

·        Guidelines and Preparations

·        Application

Please feel free to contact me concerning questions or thoughts you might have.

Answering the call to take Jesus to the Nations,

 Joseph W. Nawrocki, M.D.

Vision and Statement of Belief

Rock’s Medical Outreach is a 501 c(3) corporation with a vision to change lives with the Word of God and the deed of delivering quality medicine.

 The following are brief statements of belief held by RMO that are regularly reflected in our medical mission trips:

The Bible, the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, and complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.

God--There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three Manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ--Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.

The Holy Spirit--The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.

Man--Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.

Salvation--The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.

The Return of Jesus Christ--The personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.

Future Events--There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.

The Church--The true Church is composed of all such persons, who through saving faith in Jesus Christ, has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and is united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head.

Baptism and Communion--Water baptism by immersion soon after accepting Christ as personal Savior, is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life and the Lord's Supper is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers and only believers should share in it. 

 Guidelines and Preparations

The key to a healthy and successful trip lies in prayer and preparation.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need help in getting the necessary paperwork and preparations together. The following are imperative areas for you read over and consider with regard to your potential trip with Rock’s Medical Outreach.

·        Do you have a current passport?  This is top priority in preparations.  It can take up to 6 weeks to receive your passport so don't delay getting the ball rolling on this process.  Your local post office will usually have a passport office where you can fill out forms and pay the necessary fees. Some trips will also require a visa.  As soon as you have received confirmation on your application and decided on your trip, RMO will let you know if a visa is required for the trip.

·        Do you have the funds for this trip?  Upon acceptance of your application, an initial non-refundable $200 deposit will be required to hold your spot.  You will have an opportunity to choose to pay for your trip all at once or in installments.  Airplane tickets are not the only costs involved in this trip.  Room and board will be included in the price that RMO gives you for your selected trip. Passport fees, exit fees, and souvenirs are just some of the costs involved in a trip. .  All these areas and more can add up to a frightening total.  However, RMO has some options that can help you to raise funds.  One example of fund raising would be to send letters to friends and family asking them to consider giving towards your trip.  RMO would be happy to provide sample letters to help you in this endeavor

·        Are you healthy? RMO also recommends that you have current shots and consider whether other medical preparations are needed.  For example, malaria pills are often recommended.  Most of the trips will involve lots of walking.  If you have a physical limitation that would keep you from walking, this would be a concern to RMO. Alcohol and Tobacco products are strictly forbidden on the entire trip.

·        Do you have the time?  Sometimes people want to join RMO on a trip but in the end family commitments, job and other responsibilities prevent them from being able to make this a reality.  When RMO makes plans, they take into consideration group costs.  When someone unexpectedly withdraws, it puts a heavier burden on RMO and the team.  RMO will provide you with dates and places of available trips.  Upon approval of your application, RMO will expect to hear from you within 14 days about your decision on what trip you are interested in attending.  This is a good time to check your family schedule and work schedule before committing.

·        Do you have the support of your spouse/family? Your pastor? If your spouse and/or family are opposed to your trip, consider spending some time finding out why they have concerns or objections.  RMO is looking for individuals that are healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.  The application process includes providing contact information for references (including your pastor) for RMO to follow up with.  Upon receiving your application, RMO will make every effort to follow up with your references in a timely manner.  The goal is to let you know within a week of receiving your application what trips are available to you so that you can begin making financial and time arrangements.

·        Can you willingly submit? Even the best laid plans can have glitches. Being flexible on a trip is key. These “glitches” may necessitate the team making changes that were not originally on the itinerary.  As a member of the team, you will be expected to support the RMO leadership when these changes have to be made.  You are welcome to give input when changes are up for discussion but will be required to joyfully accept the decision that is ultimately made.  The leadership is there to cover and protect you.  It is their job to make decisions that will benefit the team as a whole.  Their knowledge of the culture affords them the ability to make wise decisions.  A trip can quickly become a drag when one person refuses to submit.  RMO’s policy in this situation is to send that person back to the USA with expenses paid by that individual.

·        Are you a team player? All individuals are expected to reflect the beliefs held by RMO. (See Vision and Beliefs page) Present any concerns early, allowing a quick resolution rather than bitterness to grow and ruin a good trip.  This is your trip to enjoy with the group.  Do not eat or drink anything offered by a native unless asking RMO leadership first! A good rule of thumb is to ask first and then act.  RMO will provide a detailed list of suggested items to pack, cultural considerations, and information about the country.

·        Who are your Barnabas’s?  Barnabas is described in the Bible as one who encouraged and consoled (Acts 4:36) as well as one who was full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24).  Baranbas encouraged Paul when he was a new believer on their first missionary journey together.  Today is no different for those who go out and serve on a short-term mission.  We need a Barnabas to pray for us in the preparation, on the field, and when we come back to adjust to life and home on our return.  RMO recommends each team member have at least 5 people (family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc.) who will be praying for you as you venture out to touch the nations for Jesus.

·        Plan ahead.  RMO seeks to make the cost of your trip as affordable as possible.  Buying plane tickets early can help save considerable money.  Please take the time to fill out your application and get it in the mail as soon as possible.  A rough itinerary of trips planned for this year is available online at www.rmo.org.  We welcome phone calls and emails of inquiry as well.  If RMO knows who will be on the team in advance, team meetings can be planned giving individuals opportunities to get connected before the actual trip.

 RMO Application

Complete Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Present Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Permanent Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

Passport Number: _______________________ Expiration Date:_______________________________________

Sex: ____Male ____Female                   Marital Status-Circle one:   Single   Married   Separated   Divorced   Widowed

Birth date: _________________________________    Age: _______ 

Name of Spouse or Parents: __________________________________

Children: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you Accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savoir? _______________Date: _______________________

Have you been baptized in water? __________________________________________ Date:_______________________

Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?  ____________________________Date: _______________________

Education: High School attended: __________________________________________Graduation year_______________

                 College attended: ______________________________________________Graduation year: ______________

                 Bible College attended: _________________________________________Graduation year: ______________

                 Graduate School: ______________________________________________Graduation year: ______________

Church Name: _________________________________________ Are you a member? ____ Do you attend regularly ____

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor’s Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Do you speak another language:  ___________________ Fluently: ____ Some: ____ A little: ____ None: ____

Going on a short-term mission is both a privilege and a responsibility.  The following questions will help us get to know you better.  On a separate piece of paper, please type or neatly write your responses to the following questions.

Application (Page 2)

References: 

Please provide 2 references of people or employers who can share about your character and strengths.  In addition, please provide your pastor’s contact information.

1. ___________________________________                                  Home/Cell#:____________________

2. ___________________________________                                  Home/Cell#: ____________________

Pastor’s reference:

Church ________________________   Pastor’s name: ________________Contact number: _____________

Emergency and Consent Form

CONSENT

 I waive, release, and indemnify  Rock’s Medical Outreach and, its agents, directors, officers, employees, and volunteers from all demands, claims, or liabilities, in law or in equity, which have arisen or may arise from any Rock’s Medical Outreach activity and which involves any damage, loss, or injury to me, my family named on this form, or our property.  In the event that Emergency contact cannot be reached in an emergency , I hereby give my permission to the physician or dentist selected by the RMO leadership to secure proper medical treatment  as deemed necessary, at no expense to  Rock’s Medical Outreach.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  __________Initial

I have read and understand the expectations listed on Guidelines and Prerequisites concerning my roles, responsibilities and actions while on a Rock’s Medical Outreach. I am financially able and capable of participating in this trip without putting my family through financial hardship or duress.   I understand that by turning in this application, I am physically, mentally and spiritually able to participate in an RMO mission endeavor based on the guidelines and prerequisites listed in the information packet.  I further understand if my application is accepted by Rock’s Medical Outreach, I will respond within 14 days concerning the specific trip I would like to participate in followed by my initial deposit within 30 days to hold my spot.

____________________________________________                                ___________________________