Mission trip to Puerto Rico, Caribbean, June 23, 2007 to July 2, 2007

Ministry Description:
Culture and/or State Information
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is composed of one large, densely populated island and several small islands bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north, and the Caribbean Sea on the south. A self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States, it is located in the northeastern Caribbean, about 1,000 miles southeast of Florida. Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region, relying heavily on tourism and agriculture, such as pineapple and sugarcane. In reality, Puerto Rico has very few natural resources of economic value and its economy relies mainly on Federal Aid from the United States Government. Almost half of Puerto Rico's population live below the federal poverty line. Despite the advances the island has made through the years, unemployment hovers at a staggering 13 percent. This has led to a wave of emigration over the years to the mainland United States, in search of better economic conditions. The Puerto Rican community is now working to develop an ambitious new antipoverty program, the first funded entirely by the island government. This program is a effort to empower the locals to decide their own needs, like paving dirt roads and a more reliable water service.

Ministry Description:
As with most relational outreaches, it will be vital for your team to build strong relationships with the locals you meet. The Puerto Rican residents who are living in impoverished conditions need the hope and encouragement that can only be found in Christ. Your team will partner with local ministries and churches to participate in outreach opportunities such as children�s ministry, visiting locals orphans or nursing homes, door to door evangelism, and sports ministry.

Food & Lodging
Meals and bottled drinking water will be provided on site. Lodging will be provided at a local retreat center. An air mattress or sleeping bag, bedding and towels are recommended.

Recommended Prayer
- Pray that God will open up opportunities to share his love with the people of Puerto Rico.
- Pray that God will provide the Puerto Rican people with a sense of hope and encouragement, despite the poverty that surrounds them.
- Pray that God will go before you and soften the hearts of the Puerto Rican people who have rejected the gospel or might be resistant to your message of hope.