Mission trip to Matamoros, Mexico, September 22, 2010 to September 26, 2010

Project Overview:
Your project in Matamoros will take you just a few miles across the Texas-Mexico border where you will start at The Gateway, AIM�s center for outreach in Mexico. You don�t have to go any further to find a world of poverty and need. Your team will work in local neighborhoods and farming communities to help families who survive on very little. Your day will be divided between construction, evangelism, prayer, and children�s ministry. This is our most popular project.

Ministry Description:
AIM has worked in the poor areas of Matamoros for many years and we have a good reputation among the local Christian community. A team of AIM staff lives in the area to coordinate follow-up efforts on those who commit their lives to the Lord through our trips. Particpants should come prepared to do a little bit of everything.

All ministry will be done with the goal of building up the local church (or a local ministry) so that through the ministry of the local church, Matamoros will be changed for Christ. Much of the ministry is in serving the local church, it�s pastors and laity, working side by side with our Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ministry opportunities may include: children's ministry, door to-door evangelism, prayer ministry, discipleship visits, possible orphanage visit/service, sports evangelism (most likely soccer), evening outreaches, prison ministry, construction on churches or homes of the poor (All materials will be on site. Supervision or instruction will be provided).

Requirements for Level 1:

Participants must:
1. Have accepted Jesus as Savior and have a living, personal relationship with Him.
2. Be able to verbalize their testimonies and share a simple Gospel message.
3. Be willing to submit to authority.
4. Demonstrate a servant's heart.
5. Leave negative attitudes at home.
6. Have a desire to minister to people.

Requirements for Levels 2 and 3:

Participants must also:
7. Have prior ministry experience.
8. Accept more difficult ministry and living conditions.
9. Expect more intense relational ministry.

Participants will be housed at The Gateway, AIM's mission training center 12 miles outside Matamoros in Mexico. Housing will be dorm-like conditions. There is a separate bathhouse with showers. Participants need to be prepared for the heat in the summer in Matamoros. Air conditioning is provided in the dorms. Groups should provide their own bedding and towels.

Dress Code:
We do require all trip participants, leaders, and staff to adhere to a dress code on each of our EDGE mission projects. We do this to show respect for God, respect for ourselves, and respect for others. Please help us achieve this goal by teaching your group that our dress code isn�t because we�re extremists, but because we love God, we wish to honor His creation, and we don�t wish to cause others to stumble. You can find specific guidelines in your M101 manual or by contacting your EDGE representative.

What to Bring:
We can provide you with a more detailed packing list. In general when packing, consider the following:

1. Temperatures may fluctuate greatly between day and night.
2. Prepare for rain.
3. Don�t forget personal water bottles.
4. No skin-tight clothing and have guys watch the baggy pants.
5. Perfume, cologne, hair gel, etc. all attract bugs.
6. Cement work requires long paints and gloves.

What to pack:

1. 3-5 changes of work clothes:
2. 1 pair of sturdy work shoes (boots are highly recommended), 1 pair of sneakers or flats for skirts, shower shoes, no open toed shoes for work or ministry.
3. PJs, washcloth, and towel, toilet paper or Kleenex.
4. Work gloves, rain gear, fanny pack, sunscreen, water bottle, bandana, bug spray and sting relief, and hat.
5. Bible, student journal, and pens.
6. Flashlight and battery operated alarm clock, camera and film.
7. A lightweight jacket.
8. Sleeping bag and pillow (an air mattress is ok but you may not have access to electricity)
9. Identification, extra money.

Airport & Transportation:
The cost of your trip to Matamoros does include transportation in country. You may use your own transportation if you decide to do so. As you make your decision, you should realize that there is no discount for using your own transportation, you might need additional insurance to drive in Mexico, and you need to plan on a total round trip cost of about $5.00 per vehicle each time you go back and forth across the border.

Visa & Passport:
A passport will be required for US citizens beginning 2006. For non-US citizens, check with your local consulate or embassy.

Project Leader:

Richard Rogers, Gateway Director

Matamoros, Mexico Mission Trip