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Monterrey, Mexico Mission Trip
July 14 to July 21, 2007
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| Ministry Detail |
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Project Overview:
 Monterrey is heralded as one of the wealthiest and most industrialized cities in Mexico, but there are many physical and spiritual needs, too. The money that is revered by so many in this region has created drug problems, and now gangs are more prevalent.
Bling, drugs and a life of sin cannot satisfy the soul. What we have to offer has greater value than cars with chrome rims, gold chains and easy cash could possibly provide.
We go to Monterrey to tell of God’s power to break the chains of bondage to the deceitfulness of money, power and sin. There are not enough evangelical churches to minister to those in need. The pastors of Monterrey are excited about partnering with AIM and working alongside the groups we represent.
We hope you’ll share our excitement about traveling to this city, which is an easy 3 1/2-hour drive from Reynosa, Mexico.
Ministry Description:
The churches greatest spiritual needs are for evangelism, discipleship and teaching. There are also abundant opportunities for youth ministry of all kinds, evening outreaches and feeding programs. Mime, clowning, puppetry, and drama presentations have a great impact. There are also opportunities to set up medical and dental clinics. Many churches also have physical needs for repairs or significant construction projects.
Our goal, as always, is to build up local churches and ministries, working alongside our Mexican brothers and sisters so that Monterrey will be impacted for Christ.
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| Trip Requirements |
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Participants must:
1. have accepted Jesus as Savior and have a living, personal relationship with Him.
2. be willing, experienced, and comfortable with sharing their testimonies and a Gospel message.
3. be willing to submit to authority.
4. demonstrate a servant's heart.
5. profess Jesus as Lord.
6. have prior ministry experience.
7. accept more difficult ministry and living conditions.
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| Food & Lodging |
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In this location you will be housed at a Baptist camp where bunk beds and full bathroom facilities are provided. Food is prepared on site, and safe drinking water is provided.
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| Dress Code & What to Bring
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Dress Code:
FEMALES
• Ministry Dress (evangelism, church services, school devotions or assemblies)- Wear skirts that reach below the bottom of the knee or longer, or khaki slacks, and shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders. You can wear short sleeves, but they must cover the shoulders and upper arms. No cap sleeves or sleeveless shirts of any kind. Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks.
• Construction/Sports Dress/VBS-Jeans, capris or knee length shorts. Work shirt or t-shirt, (no tank tops, cap or sleeveless tops). Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks. Boots, strong shoes or tennis shoes.
MALES
• Ministry Dress (evangelism, church services, school devotions or assemblies) -Nice pants (slacks, khaki slacks), nice shirt with a collar, nice shoes or tennis shoes.
• Construction/Sports Dress/VBS-Jeans, pants or shorts to the knee. Work shirt (no tank tops or sleeveless), boots, strong shoes or tennis shoes
No flashy clothes or jewelry. Do not bring clothes with American logos and advertisements. Something simple like Old Navy is ok, but remember what you wear is a physical representation of who you are. Both guys and girls do not bring clothing that is tight, too small, or form-fitting in any way. Do not bring pants that are low-cut. If you can bend over and touch your toes without showing any skin in the back, then your shirt and pants are ok. If you can raise your hands all the way above your head and not show your stomach, then your shirt is ok. For either men or women, no open-toed shoes or sandals of any kind in the colonias.
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| Travel Information |
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Airport & Transportation:
Groups may drive directly to Monterrey or fly to one of the boarder Texas locations and drive from there. AIM staff will meet groups that drive or fly, and assist with crossing the border. You'll spend the first night at a hotel across the border, and then travel the next day to Monterrey.
NOTE: If you rent vans at the airport, you must tell the rental agency in advance that you intend to take the vehicle to the interior of Mexico and that you will need the necessary paperwork granting permission. Most agencies require additional Mexico insurance, approximately $21 per vehicle per day. You’ll need a copy of the vehicle title, and a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
The permit to get the vehicle will cost around $29.90.
If you provide your own transportation, you will still need written permission to drive to the interior. If the van is owned by a church, the letter must be signed by a church leader. If the van is owned by an individual, the owner must sign the letter. Bring the title in the church's or owner's name.
Please be aware that gas costs more in the interior.
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Visa & Passport:
A valid passport is required. A tourist visa for the interior of Mexico will cost $22 per person. Students under 18 years of age must also have written permission from both parents to travel into the interior.
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Tolls & Exit Tax:
Tolls for vehicles could total $150 each roundtrip. Tolls, tourist visas, and vehicle registration fees are the responsibility of the group.
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Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommended for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is recommended.
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Suggested Travel Agency:
- Donna Booth, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email donnab@mtstravel.com
- Karol Fleming, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email karolf@mtstravel.com
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Suggested Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend all program participants have health insurance coverage for international trips. It is important to know that most regular health insurance plans do not cover you overseas. Health coverage is not a requirement for domestic trips, but still recommended.
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| Location Information
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Location Description:
Monterrey Mexico is located about 150 miles from the U.S. border in Texas (see map). It is the capital city of the state of Nuevo Leon and Mexico's third largest city, with a population of about 1.2 million.
The city is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains at an elevation of 200 feet above sea level. The mountain view is spectacular. The mountain view is dominated by the distinctive Cerro de la Silla, a saddle-shaped peak, which has become a symbol of Monterrey.
Monterrey is Mexico's top industrial center. More goods are produced here than in any other Mexican city. It is estimated that the city accounts for about 25 percent of Mexico's total manufacturing base. It is also a very modern city, although many colonial buidings have been preserved.
Weather:
The climate is dry and hot, with mild winters, lots of sunshine, and rainfall of approximately 16 inches per year.
Area Attractions:
Gran Plaza - In the strikingly modern downtown area is located one of the largest plazas in the world, with 40 hectares of buildings, walkways, esplanades, fountains and gardens.
Mexican History Museum - Located in the center of the city, this excellent museum gives you an overview of the Mexican Colonial Period and Modern Mexico.
Garcia Caves - Located close to Monterrey are a series of spectacular and dramatic caves dating back more than 60 million years ago.
Bioparque Estrella - Not far from Monterrey is a 250-hectare wildlife park featuring a drive-through safari where visitors can drive 7 kms and view more than 600 animals from 40 different species that now live and procreate in the park.
Pastora Park - Located in one of the city's main green areas is a calm and beautifully maintained park in which the people of Monterrey go to relax and spend a pleasant day.
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| People, Culture and Religion
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The people of Monterrey are mainly westernized Mexicans. They are open and light-spirited, yet are beginning to experience the woes of materialism and humanism associated with affluence and congested urban life.
In Mexico, 89% of the population is nominally Roman Catholic, with 6% Protestant and 5% other religions. (www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/mxcia.htm, 8/1/02)
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| Government and Economy
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Mexico is a federal democratic republic divided into 31 states and the Federal District, which is the seat of government. The Constitution is the basic, supreme set of laws on which the country’s overall organization is based. It organically governs the people of Mexico, the holder of national sovereignty.
The executive branch of power is held by the President of the Republic, who is elected through universal, secret vote for a term of six years with no possibility of reelection.
The legislative branch of power is exercised by a general congress, known as the Congress of the Union, which consists of a Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Senators. Both Chambers are responsible for drafting, adopting and issuing laws, and for supervising public accounts
The government is divided into three main branches: the federal branch, which exercises power over the states, the state branch when state matters are involved, and the municipal branch, which oversees the political and administrative units that make up the states. The Constitution establishes the municipality as the basis of the territorial division and of the political and administrative organization of the states of the Republic.
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| Statistics
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Population:
1.0 million+ - Monterrey
(www.lansingsc.org/sc-info.cfm?citycode=4, 8/1/02)
104,959,594 (July 2004 est.)- Mexico
(http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html) |
Poverty Rate:
40% in Mexico live below the poverty line (2003 est.).
(http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html) |
Literacy Rate:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.2%
male: 94%
female: 90.5% (2003 est.).
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Average Annual Income:
(Mexico in general)
$5,000 U.S.
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