Visiting your companions
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now."
-St. Paul, Philippians 1:3-5
Paul's partnership with the Philippian Christians could be considered an early companion church relationship. Putting faces and people in personal relationships can help nurture this kind of prayerful, joyful relationship - depending on what kind of trip you plan.
To plan a visit to your international companion, download the Companion Synod Handbook 
and review the following sections:
PART IV: Planning Trips.................................................................................................... 33
Appendices
Appendix 4: Sample application....................................................................................... 75
Appendix 5: Sample trip evaluation.................................................................................. 80
Orientation Handouts
Handout A: Vocabulary Worksheet.................................................................................. 88
Handout B: Accompaniment Kyrie................................................................................... 89
Handout C: Cross-cultural Relationships.......................................................................90
Handout D: Cultural Norms Worksheet...........................................................................91
Handout E: A Code of Ethics for Tourists.........................................................................92
Handout F: Team Member Roles.......................................................................................93
Handout G: Journaling Worksheet.................................................................................... 94
More resources for traveling faithfully:
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Sojourning: A Leader's Guide for Short-Term Mission Travel.
For trip organizers and leaders seeking to facilitate successful mission travel experiences. Order from globalmissioninfo@elca.org or call Mia Cortez at 800 638 3522. |
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Welcome Forward: A Field Guide for Global Travelers
For individual travelers seeking to prepare for faithful global travel. Includes individual/group processes before, during, after. Order one copy free from globalmissioninfo@elca.org or call Mia Cortez at 800 638 3522. Additional copies are $8 each. |
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Visiting the Holy Land and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land Plan a fair, balanced trip that explores life for both Israelis and Palestinians, in addition to well-loved biblical sites. Download from www.elca.org/peacenotwalls/travel |