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............................................................................................................... 30
Why are you going?............................................................................................................................ 30
Have you been invited?...................................................................................................................... 31
Joint agreements................................................................................................................................ 31
Don’t overburden your companion.................................................................................................. 31
Choosing participants........................................................................................................................ 32
Commissioning the delegation........................................................................................................ 32
Sample planning timeline.................................................................................................................. 32
Orientations ensure a smooth, positive experience...................................................................... 33
Assemble an important document file............................................................................................. 34
Welcome Forward book and Web site help delegations prepare for international travel....... 34
Words from a fan of Welcome Forward............................................................................................ 34
Orientation One: Initial Information Session................................................................................... 36
Orientation Two: First Cross-cultural Session................................................................................ 40
Orientation Three: Second Cross-cultural Session....................................................................... 43
Orientation Four: Companion Church Session.............................................................................. 48
Orientation Five: Pre-trip Planning Session.................................................................................... 50
Daily reflections on the journey.......................................................................................................... 54
Debriefing your journey........................................................................................................................ 54
Appendices
Appendix 5: Sample application......................................................................................................... 74
Appendix 6: Sample trip evaluation.................................................................................................... 79
Orientation Handouts
(PART I) Accompaniment basics......................................................................................................... 5
Handout E: A Code of Ethics for Tourists.......................................................................................... 90
Handout F: Team Member Roles........................................................................................................ 91
Handout G: Journaling Worksheet...................................................................................................... 92
Handout H: Receiving International Visitors...................................................................................... 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 |