Dr. Anita McLaughlin -- A M Ministries, Inc.

I received an email from a young minister, and in answering the questions put to me, I found that my response might be useful if you feel you are called to International Ministry.

This is in part my response, I added some information to this post for clarification, which did not appear in my response previously:

Q: How Long do you stay to build a church?

A: The amount of time you stay is dependent upon how much time you have.  A mission trip is up to you.

The one thing I must caution you on is moving out too quickly.  Really, really, really  take your time, the expression new level-- new devil, is true.  The Spiritual side of things is the most important, once you have the spiritual doors open, the physical ones are no problem. 

Ecc. says when the hedge is broken, the serpent will bite.  When you set out to deliver "nations" which is what giving the Good News will do, know that the opposing spirits will attack you and that attack can manifest  anywhere in your life. 

You must be able to know that you know, that Greater... and the full revelation of that takes time. God will give you the scriptural revelation for each step you take, then and only then are you ready and equipped to make or take that step. Think of it as exercise, you can't run a marathon without training, the things you deal with on a day to day basis, are preparation for moving to the next step.

I don't want to discourage you but allow God the time he needs working with who you are, and what He has placed in your heart-- to mature. I had been ministering a very long time, before "God" opened international doors. When he opened them I went a little closer to home before he took me over seas. 

Design some missions trips to Mexico, or Canada. Start your preparation with things like getting your passport and things of that nature (all these things develop your skill set, and broaden your knowledge base to head your own trip).

See what it is like (if you don't already know) when you are not on US (or your countries) soil, and see how you are received. Walk among non-US citizens (or citizens of your country), because each country has its own spiritual issues. 

Learn spiritual mapping for your prayer life/team. Overcome in the Spirit first, prepare your trips in the Spirit first. There is a lot of foundational work before you make any kind of a physical move.

Leading and assisting are so different.  You need the answers in order to lead, so take your time in getting the answers, while you learn through assisting. You can't be faithful in that which is yours, until you can be faithful in that which is another's. 

I don't step out in anything quickly.  Like I said (in a previous email), the elimination period is so important, so that you do not cast your pearls before swine. Take your time, the Word says "wait, on the Lord".  That is the first lesson-- learning to wait.  

 What do you do while you wait? Study, pray, get things in order, we serve an orderly God. Confusion is not of God, so be about getting the confusion out of your life. 

(If you are covered by Apostolic leadership) Let your Apostle know what you are doing, want to do, and allow Him/Her to instruct you. If He/She is covering you, let them do so.

Don't run when you see something not going the way you wanted. The road we travel on has twists and turns, it may/will come back around. Remember that , everything we do is as the "Spirit" wills, it isn't about us.

Begin to let the creativity of the Spirit of God operate in you, and allow Him to show you the way.  There is no short cut.  Spiritual maturity is much like physical maturity.  There are stages in Christian Leadership, which I have seen for some to be tricky, moving out too quickly has caused some "great, great" harm, because the enemy knows that you don't know.  Time in the Lord equates well to time (age) in the natural. 

There are pitfalls the enemy sets up which you must learn to circumvent. The major one is pride, which is how the enemy lost his position in Heaven. I can't tell you how much I strongly recommend taking your time.

I cover a number of young Ministers, and a part of my Apostolic office is keeping them safe.  I write in detail because I am responsible and will stand before God for the gift and anointing he has placed in my life, so regardless to who covers you, when you come to me, I am mandated to tell you the truth-- BUT, go home to eat, let your Apostle know what you want to do, and follow that instruction-- or evaluate why that person is covering you (study covering and know exactly what it is designed to do), and look critically at that relationship. 

Be Blessed--

Apostle - Dr. Anita

Passport - If you have not done so, please apply for your Passport (a good place to get it is from the U.S. Post Office, they will have the applications needed for your passport, and you may make an appointment with their Passport Expert, to take all fees and required documents (birth certificate)  for delivery to the Immigration and Naturalization Dept.) Approximate Cost $175.00 (Check the post office as rates have changed recently).

    Tip!! Save Money by using your local drug store for Passport photos, you will need 4 photos, 2 for your Passport and 2 for your Visa
    (Photo costs approximately $.8.00)

Visa - Your Visa gives you permission to enter the distant country.  You must contact A M Ministries before requesting your visa, as you will need a letter of invitation from our host in Africa to accompany your application. Your Visa fee will be paid to the Embassy of the Foreign Country.  You may get your visa on your own, or it may be submitted with other team members Visas, you can expect approximately $99-150 for your Visa. (The difference in cost results if the Visa must be expedited due to lateness of application, this is just an estimated cost). 

Travel Inoculations - It is required that you get your travel inoculations prior to your visa, as you must send proof with your visa application.

    Tip!! Your County Health Department has a Travel Clinic, (make your appointment early, as there may be a long waiting list for appointments.  The Travel Clinic will be able to let you know what inoculations you will need for this part of the world. (The shots and oral medication can be expensive, however, it is needed for your safety, and some of the medications are good for a number of  years. In some instances you may only need a boosters.)

Your Passport and Visa are required in order to Board the Plane.

During the Season we are traveling the temperature will be much like "Houston, Texas in the summer" (High humidity, Hot)

Additional Needs:

You will need a power converter (International electricity is different from that in the US.  You will need a plug conversion kit as well as power conversion) the converter (at Walmart is $19.00 complete with universal plugs) is a box shaped piece of equipment with the ability to plug into the electric wall socket.  You will need a socket conversion, in which your appliance will plug into and then you can plug the appliance into the wall.

Your Luggage:  You may take 3 pieces of luggage, which may not be over 70 lbs each + Carry On: Camera and/or Computer Bag/Briefcase and Purse

Tip: Always Get to the airport (extremely) early, additional checks are required for International Travel

Tip: Do not put anything liquid in your carry on luggage, Make-up must be packed in your stored luggage, or placed with any Lotions, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, etc., which must be in a plastic bag if it is in your purse. You will be traveling over night, it is suggested that you have personal hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, face cloth) in your carry on (but it must be in a plastic bag). Please place your toiletries in travel size containers, (70 lbs is 70 lbs!).

Traveling Funds - There are NO CREDIT CARD PURCHASES, You need not travel with large sums of money, you can have a wire transfer from Western Union should you need additional money.  The Nira is the currency (there are no coins, all money is paper so ($N10) 10 Nira = 10 cents, $N1000 = $10.00, average cost for bag of water (they are packaged in plastic sealed bags  $N5 = 5 cents,  Souvenirs = $N500 = $5.00US (and up.)  $200 US = ($N20,000) You may decide what you feel is an adequate amount to travel with.   You will also have to make a declaration regarding money in Customs on your return.

Cell Phone:  Ask your service provider for the key (special code which enables access to your sim card/phone information, let them know you are traveling) you will have to purchase an international Sim Card for your phone, to call back to the US.  The sim card works just like "pay-as-you-go" phone service does in the US. Don't forget your phone charger (and universal converter).

• Ramen noodles
• Vienna sausage
• Peanut butter/jelly (combo jar)
• Juice boxes (avoid heavy soda cans)
• Powered drink mixes
• Canned meats 
• Tuna in packets/envelope type containers, they lay flat and don't weigh much
• Mints
• Crackers at least 2 boxes of  --they go fast. African bread is sweet bread (not like American) it is excellent for breakfast with fruit,
• Granola/breakfast bars
• Oatmeal (instant)
• Nuts,
• Raisins
• Instant Coffee/Tea bags
• Splenda/Equal type sweetener or
• Sugar packets, (small container or packets) Non-dairy creamer, etc.
   

Don't Forget

Flashlight, extra batteries, (travel candles) extra film,  MP3 /Ipod is great, Antacids, Aspirin, Allergy medications, Handkerchiefs, (small bottle) dish washing liquid or/ liquid detergent for washing garments if needed, toilet tissue, Paper towels, Dishes (Plastic reusable [or Paper] - Plate, bowl, cup/glass, fork, knife, spoon), hotpot or small travel coffee pot, for personal hot water), travel clock, travel umbrella, two twin flat sheets, 2 sets of bath towels, Bath tub stopper (the flat type that can cover any size drain) and dish cloth/towels, extra coat hangers, purse fan.

• Tip: Weight your bag on your bathroom scale, (just to be safe or you will be asked to remove items from your bag before they can be placed on the plane), you can make room for souvenirs on your way back (I use my mid size bag for food on the outgoing trip, and there is room to pack purchases on the way back.

• Tip: I suggest using reusable plastic ware for your trip, less weight, remember only 70 lbs per bag.

• Tip: Mosquitoes are attracted to perfume.
  
• Tip: With all your packing don't forget your bible!

• Tip: Water is not needed - (Purified water is readily available where we will be traveling)

• Tip:  Don't rely on your room mate, have what you need.
  
•  Tip: Pack your clothes on the hangers. (push hanger into the neck line of the garment, pack one outfit per hanger, ex: skirt with blouse and jacket on one hanger, pack several pair of slacks on one hanger)

• Tip: Use your towels and sheets to insulate your food or breakable travel goods.
  
• Tip: Buy Pop Tops, or you will need a can opener

•     Tip: Bring Extra Bibles For Give Aways,  they are the "best gifts you can give" (Paper back bibles are great!!!! and they don't weight much, check the $1.00 store) add some special gifts for special people you will meet (ladies are ladies and like what all ladies like), and something for the children (candy a.k.a "sweets")
  

Dress Code:  Ladies: Be prepared to cover your head during church services, with a hat, or traditional African type head wrap. Long dresses, afford more  air circulation, however just under the knee is appropriate, short sleeves or cap sleeves are fine, (NO no-sleeve blouses) please.  No pantyhose are required! ("Pointy-toe" shoes for services are fine) don't forget flats,  no pants or shorts at all, and no pants during travel.

Never Forget!
Traditionally, Americans have an international reputation of being rude, please remember we represent our Lord in all that we say and do. 

Acts 1:8 But Ye shall receive POWER after that the holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.