A Note regarding Safety and Security from the Mariners Outreach Team
Mariners Church desires you to have accurate information when considering your involvement in Casa de Baja. While a service trip to Mexico implies that we are stepping out of our comfortable lives, we want you to consider what is appropriate for you and your family. Mexico has been receiving a lot of press attention in recent months mostly centered around the ‘Travel Alert' issued by the U.S. Department of State in response to narcotics trade violence along the U.S.-Mexico border.
While these incidents primarily involve those engaged in criminal activity, we desire you to be aware of the steps we are taking to remain safely involved in the purpose of our faith adventures:
• We have longstanding relationships with each of our partners and they are highly trusted
• All Mariners' Teams travel in groups on major highways and in daylight hours
• Each Team drives directly to the partner's location; avoiding any unwarranted stops
• Each Team carries a church-issued cell phone with them that is capable of making international calls
• Each Team will be briefed on security and emergency procedures
• It is our prayer and hope that as we engage and take steps outside of what is comfortable we can allow God to peel away the layers that can keep us from connecting with the heart of God for ALL people - including ourselves.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact lporter@marinerschurch.org
A Note regarding “Swine Flu”
The Mariners Church High School Ministry is actively staying informed about the current “swine flu outbreak”. We are getting information from the Mariners Outreach team, as well as monitoring updates from the CDC, Homeland Security, and the State Dept.
As of April 28, 2009 Mariners Outreach is currently going forward with trips to Mexico. Our ministry areas are places that have not been affected by this flu. However, we will continue stay up to date and keep you informed.
Additional questions about this topic can be sent to lporter@marinerschurch.org