CUMC Youth Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip Information

Contents
Rice & Beans Ministries.......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Typical Week at Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip ......................................................................................................... 1
Past Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trips .......................................................................................................................... 2
CUMC Youth International Mission Trip Team Member Guidelines .................................................................................... 3
All team member of the CUMC Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip must acknowledge the following. ........................ 4
Guidelines for dropping out of the Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip........................................................................... 6
What to bring and not to bring on the Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip ..................................................................... 7

Rice & Beans Ministries

Rice & Beans Ministries (RABMIN) began in 2007 in Costa Rica. Fred Curry, founder of RABMIN and two friends
were traveling in the mountains to tell the people about a medical clinic in the village. During these travels the
three carried rice and beans to the homes because of the great need for food. Rice and beans are a staple for
the diet in most of the world. This simple combination of food was used as an opportunity to open a door to
evangelism. These three friends had the opportunity to share the gospel with many families and with seven
families that had never heard the good news. RABMIN is comprised of thousands of local and international
volunteers that believe that you can make the difference not just by building buildings but by building
relationships.

Rice & Beans mission trip will consist of:

• Construction project
• Vacation Bible School at local schools
• Distributing food to the local community while sharing the Good News.

Typical Week at Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip

(subject to change)
• Sunday
o Attend Church Service
o Site seeing
• Monday – Thursday
o Breakfast
o Team splits into two groups
 VBS group
 Construction group
o Lunch
o Pack Food Bags
o Deliver food bags the homes and pray with the family.
• Friday - Tourist day

All activities are attended by the staff of the Rice & Beans Mission.
Past Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trips
• 2013 the team consisted of twenty-five youth, parents and adults. On this trip we spent four days
working on an addition at a Methodist church. We visited four schools sharing God’s word
through skits and activities to 100-300 students per school. With the help of the CUMC members,
CUMC Youth Department and the CUMC Mission Committee we were able to purchase, filled and
assembled 450 bags of food that totaled 4,500 pounds. Each food bag contains powdered milk,
corn meal, rice and beans; enough food for a family of four for one week. The CUMC mission
team delivered 450 food bags door to door in the poorest most undeveloped area we have ever
seen in our lives. We also talked and prayed with each family as we delivered the food bags

• 2015 the team consisted of forty-one youth, parents and adults. On this trip we spent four days
digging through solid rock to help construct the foundation for a Sunday school building. We
visited four schools sharing God’s word through skits and activities to 100-300 students per
school. With the help of the CUMC members, CUMC Youth Department and the CUMC Mission
Committee we were able to purchase, filled and assembled 850 bags of food that totaled 8,500
pounds. Each food bag contains powdered milk, corn meal, rice and beans; enough food for a
family of four for one week. The CUMC mission team delivered 850 food bags door to door in the
poorest most undeveloped area we have ever seen in our lives. We carried and handed out one
ton of food per day. We also talked and prayed with each family as we delivered the food bags. It
is estimated that we reached 5,000 people though VBS at the schools and the families we
reached with the food bags.

• 2017 team consisted of 29 youth, parents and adults. On this trip we spent four days mixing
concrete and using wheel barrels we poured the foundation for the future dorms for the Rice &
Beans Ministries. We mixed over 90 bags of concrete. These dorms will be the sleeping quarters
for future missionaries volunteering with the Rice & Beans Ministries. VBS teams visited five
school sharing God’s word through skits and activities to 100-300 students per school. With the
help of the CUMC members, CUMC Youth Department and the CUMC Mission Committee we
were able to purchase, filled and assembled 870 of food that totaled 8,700 pounds. Each food
bag contains powdered milk, corn meal, rice and beans and spaghetti; enough food for a family of
four for one week. The CUMC mission team delivered 870 food bags door to door in the poorest
most undeveloped area we have ever seen in our lives. We carried and handed out one ton of
food per day. We also talked and prayed with each family as we delivered the food bags. It is
estimated that we reached over 5,000 people though VBS at the schools and the families we
reached with the food bags.
CUMC Youth International Mission Trip Team Member Guidelines
CUMC Youth International Mission Trips are intended for students in grades 10th - 12th at the time of
the mission trip, parents of youth team members, adults, college students and non-CUMC members.

A younger sibling may attend if all of the following conditions are met:

• The older sibling attending the planned/scheduled CUMC Youth International Mission trip is in
grades 10th – 12th.

• The older sibling attending the planned/scheduled CUMC Youth International Mission trip has
gone on a previous CUMC Youth International Mission trip.

• At least one parent/legal guardian has gone on a previous CUMC Youth International Mission
trip.

• The parent/legal guardian which has attend a previous CUMC Youth International Mission trip
will be attending the planned/scheduled CUMC Youth International Mission trip.
`
• The younger sibling desiring to attend the planned/scheduled CUMC Youth International
Mission trip is in at least the 8th grade or 14 years old or older.

• The CUMC Youth Staff and CUMC Youth International Team Leaders will determine if the
younger sibling can physically perform the all the activities which are going to be performed on
the CUMC Youth International Mission trip.

• The CUMC Youth Staff and CUMC Youth International Team Leaders will determine if the
younger sibling is spiritually ready to go on the CUMC Youth International Mission trip.

• The parent/legal guardian attending the planned/scheduled CUMC Youth International Mission
trip accepts all aspects of the CUMC Youth International Mission Team Covenant.

• The younger sibling desiring to attend the planned/scheduled CUMC Youth International
Mission trip accepts all aspects of the CUMC Youth International Mission Team Covenant.

• Team member does not have to be a CUMC member but must adhere to the CUMC rules.
All team member of the CUMC Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip must
acknowledge the following.
Mission Statement:
As team members of the CUMC International Volunteer in Mission (VIM) team we will strive to be
God’s hands and feet by showing love and grace to the people of Costa Rica through our prayers,
service and talents.

As team member of the ________ Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission trip, understand and
acknowledge that:

• We, as a team, will be guests of Costa Rica and promise to be respectful of residents, their
lifestyles and customs.

• We will be servants for Rice and Beans Ministries for one week and are expected to abide by the
organization’s rules, guidelines and leadership during our stay.

• Rice and Beans’ director and staff will be in charge of the “Small Group” formation. Each
individual member of the mission team will have his/her own assignment which means that family
members may be separated. This small group will remain intact throughout the week while
traveling within Costa Rica and while delivering food bags to local village homes.

• Plans and schedules may change so flexibility is a must. We are on “God’s time” while working
together.

• Days may be very long, but nightly prayer and sharing are important aspects of the service week.

• I am physically able to participate in afternoon food bag deliveries to homes located in all kinds of
villages and on all kinds of terrain. This will include loading and carrying multiple 10 lb food bags
throughout the week.

• Construction work (on a church, house, or community building) will also be a part of the week in
Costa Rica and at times may be physically demanding, hot and dirty.

• I will have a choice each morning to work either in construction or VBS activities and will actively
participate in the one I choose.

• Attendance at team meetings is essential not only to gather trip details but to develop
relationships amongst team members. Full participation includes fundraising, preparation and
planning activities prior to travel and while on site in Costa Rica.
• CUMC VIM Team Leaders are responsible for the entire group. All decisions made by the team
leaders are based on the well-being, safety, and scheduling for the entire mission team in
consultation with Rice and Beans staff.

• I will read and respond in a timely manner to communication by text or email from Mission team
leadership and CUMC Youth Staff.
• ALL Mission team expenses will be due and payable by the end of 2016. The exact amount due
after activity credit will be determined by the CUMC staff. Available payment plans will be
managed by CUMC Youth Director/Asst Director.

• I am responsible for full payment of the airline tickets once the tickets have been booked even if
circumstances prevent my participation.

• CUMC VIM team will travel as a single group to Costa Rica. Personal frequent flyer miles may or
may not be used depending upon the air carrier chosen. Seat selections will be pre-assigned by
the carrier and not team leadership.

• I will be considerate of others by keeping my sleeping quarters clean, being attentive to good
hygiene, and knowing in advance that sleeping and living conditions may not mirror those in my
own home.
 Mission
Guidelines for dropping out of the Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip

Airline Ticket Requirements

• The airline contract requirements and restrictions must be met.
• Last date to drop from the team and receive your deposit is November 1st.
• After November 1st, your deposit will not be refunded.
o You may find someone to replace you on the team.
o Your replacement will need to repay you all funds you have paid CUMC to date. CUMC
may not be in position to refund your money.
o Your replacement must pay all remaining funds by December 21st to CUMC.
• After January 1st you are responsible for the entire cost of the airlines ticket.
o Your name is on the Airline ticket and no one can be substituted in your place.

Rice & Beans Requirements:

• Deposit is non-refundable
• Last date to drop from the team and not be responsible for the entire Rice & Beans charges
is December 15th.
• Dropping after December 15th, you are responsible for all Rice & Beans fees.

Team fees:
• Dropping after October 1st, the team member must pay their portion of the ‘Group Fees’.
• If team t-shirts have been ordered, they must pay for their team t-shirt.
What to bring and not to bring on the Costa Rica Rice & Beans Mission Trip
(subject to change)

Items NOT to Wear or NOT to Do or Not to Bring

• Do not bring your Cell Phone. We are here to serve, not to be on phone.
• Do not bring electronics (tablets, laptops, etc)
• Shorts which are higher than 4 inches above Knee (R&B requirements)
o Nike shorts need to be checked.
• No spandex
• No yoga pants
• No short shorts
• No cut off shorts
• No cut off shirts
• No short shorts
• No shirts that show bras
• No spaghetti strap shirts
• No halter tops
• No tank tops or sleeveless shirts
• No ripped cloths
• No shirts with improper slogans, American symbols such as flags or with peace sign
• Do not use the "Peace Sign" in Cost Rica, the church considers this as offensive
• No smoking, this is considered a sin in the churches and strictly prohibited by the members
• No alcohol
• No illegal drugs
• Do not make promises to the children that you will send them things or take them to the USA.
• Do not enter into a romantic relationship with the locals
• Do not offer to take people to the USA
• Cash larger than $20 bill, best if $1, $5 or $10.
• Debit cards (recommend to leave at home)

Musts
• Shorts must be 4 inches above the knees (Rice & Beans rule)
• Close toe shoes must be worn at worksite and at VBS.
• Liquids must be 3-ounce size max.
• Liquids must be in quart size zip lock bags in your carry on.

Items which you can leave with R&B at the end of the week for their use
• Pillow • Shoes
• Twin Sheets • Cloths
• Blanket • Toiletry items
• Towels • Work gloves

Comments
• Shorts and work cloths may be worn more than one day.
Each missionary should bring
Passport Personal Items
• Leave a copy at home with someone. • Your daily bible study
• You will not be allowed to get on bus until we see the • Bag to carry toiletries to bath room
passport. • Personal hygiene items
Church Clothes • Toiletries, must be in zip lock bags
• Women: sundress or long skirt or dress to at least your • Soap/Shampoo
knees • Shower Shoes
• Men: khakis, slacks with Polo or button down shirt • Towels, at least two
• Shoes • Light Jacket, may experience rain or mist
Work Clothes • Blanket
• Long pants and/or shorts • Sweat Shirt
• T-Shirts or Long Sleeve shirt • Warm pants
• Closed toe shoes or boots • Hat
• Work gloves • Water Bottle
Food Delivery Clothes • Sun Screen
• Shorts or Long Pants • Bug Spray
• T-Shirts • Hand Sanitizer, travel size
• Closed toe walking shoes • PJs, nothing revealing
VBS Clothes • Underwear
• Shorts or long pants • Socks
• T-Shirts • Camera
• Closed toe shoes • Gatorade packets (optional)
Off Hour Cloths (non-work/non-VBS/not food Delivery) • Journal to document
• Shorts – Bermuda length, cargo, or long gym short trip/memories/experiences (optional)
length. • Twin Sheets (fitted and top set)
• Shirts • Pillow
• Shoes • Anti-diarrhea medicine (Imodium A-D)
Spending Money Carry-on Luggage (backpack)
• Minimum $100. Maximum $140 • Complete set of a change of clothes.
• Clean, not marked, torn or heavily wrinkled • All liquids 3-ounce size.
• Bring mostly $1, $5 and $10 so do not end up with a lot • Medication in original containers, in clear
of Costa Rica change. zip lock bag.
• Do not bring bills larger than a $20 bill • Book or something to do on airplane.
• Visa or MasterCard’s accepted in most places • You can use this backpack to carry personal
o Notify your credit card company that you will items during the day if desired.
be traveling. • Snacks, in original package or may want to
• To be used for: purchase in airport.
o Food in Airport going to Costa Rica
o Food on the Friday night before departing Checked Luggage
o Food in Airport going home • Each person can only have one check one
o Souvenirs piece of luggage
o Misc. spending money (ice cream, snacks, etc.) • Checked luggage can weigh no more than
• If you wish to put cash in an envelope for the trip 50 lbs
home, we will put it into the safe with the passports. • Some people will be asked to check in a
• Not recommended to bring your Debit Card. second piece of luggage with team items.