China Mission Trip 2006:

Frequetly Asked Questions

Travel Q & A

What travel documents do I need to go to China ?

You will need a passport with at least 6 months before expiration left before you take the trip or get a visa. Additionally, a visa is necessary to visit the People's Republic of China .

How do I get these documents?

If you do not have a valid passport, the first step is to apply for one. Applications with instructions are available at the Passport Office in Collin County , several Post Offices or may be printed from the web. The application will require a photo as well as a check. The amount of the check will depend on how long you are willing to wait. I recommend that your passport be in hand by 4/15/06.

There are several types of visas available for China . At this time (2/28/06) you will need a tourist visa. There will also be pictures necessary for the visa application and an associated expense.

Can I fly direct to this city?

It has both domestic and international terminals; however, we will fly to a U.S. gateway city like Los Angeles or San Francisco and then fly to Seoul , Shanghai , Beijing or Hong Kong and connect with a domestic Chinese flight into the city.

Do I need to take any shots?

You should make sure that you have a current tetanus shot. Also, you might want to consider getting Hepatitis A & B immunizations. Some people take malaria pills while there. Consider taking bug repellant with you.

What kind of clothing do I need to take?

The weather will be rather humid like Houston and warm like Texas . You will want to have clothes that will dry quickly since you will perspire during performances. A small umbrella will be useful also.

Will there be any problem with taking my instruments into China ?

There should be no problems. If possible, plan to carry your instrument on board.

How soon do I need to decide if I am going?

If you are thinking about it, the sooner, the better. Begin praying now and commit by April 15th. Remember, tickets are much cheaper this way.

What if I get sick and unable to go after the ticket is purchased?

  We intend to purchase trip insurance since the trip is in the future.

Will I be able to visit any other cities while I am in China ?

Let us know if you have a desire to do so. It would probably be better planned at the end.

Expense Q & A

How much should I expect to raise for my personal expenses?

A ballpark number is about $2,000. Consider $30-$35 a day for personal expenses plus airfare, passport and visa. Additional monies will be needed for souvenirs or any side trips.

Will there be any assistance available?

We pray that some money will be available for scholarships or partial scholarships but don't know at this time. If God is calling you to go, He will make a way. You might want to send letters out asking for support.

Can I get any supplies or items I might need over there?

Be sure to bring your prescription drugs with you and anything you think you might need. Examples might be Immodium A-D or Pepto Bismol. If you have sinus trouble, bring what you need. The major city has a number of convenience stores. Also it has a French store called Carrefours (similar to Walmart), a German chain store called Metro and a chain store called Trustmart. There are many small shops and a mall. Consider taking what I would call emergency rations like protein bars, chocolate, snacks for travel.

Mission Q & A

Are there any risks that I must take in order to go?

Be a barbarian! Yes, you must risk leaving the known for the unknown. Your home for a short-term, different one. I would NOT call this extreme hardship. Possibly there may be times with no electricity or water. You won't be driving your own car. You will have to walk more than in the U.S.

Am I in danger of being arrested if I share Jesus?

Not particularly if you are a U.S. citizen. If you are a foreigner, the most that will happen is deportation. The people who decide to follow must count the cost to be a Christ follower.

Why are we considering going?

Currently, China is the most-populous country in the world with India nipping on its heels. The church grows rapidly in times of persecution and the window of opportunity is there for rapid growth. Teaching provides a venue to reach a number of people with the Good News in a short time span and help those believers already there jumpstart more rapid church planting. The key reason is that our Lord commanded us to go. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Where will we be working?

The plan is to teach about 5 hours a day on Mon.-Fri. for 2 weeks. The classes will be fairly small. It is likely that you will eat lunch at that location. You will probably want to include some field trips for sight-seeing with the students.

Are there topics that I should avoid while I'm there?

Yes, they are commonly referred to as the 7 “T's”. You might be familiar with 2 of them—the subject of Taiwan and the subject of Tibet .

Living Q & A

What are the most common health problems that I might encounter?

The most common problems encountered are colds and gastrointestinal problems. Know what you do for them in the U.S. and plan accordingly. It's not a bad idea to take an alcohol-based hand cleaner and antibacterial wipes. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching handrails and putting your hands up to your face. If your doctor concurs, take a round of broad-spectrum antibiotics with you and possibly some 25 mg phenergan tablets. Know what medications you are allergic to and take a fever-reducing agent with you. Any medications you carry, make sure to have in your carry-on baggage.

What type of food will I be able to eat?

Anything you eat in the U.S. is available usually. It may be prepared in other manners, so be willing to be a barbarian! The food may taste different from what you are accustomed to eating but is quite delicious. If that thought scares you, McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut are available. In the main city, there is also a Tex-Mex restaurant available. We will have a “point and shoot” menu in Chinese and English available for you to use in local restaurants.

Drink water only from bottles that are unopened when you get them or from water you have purified in your hotel room. Even the Chinese do not drink the tap water. Use ice only if you have been assured that it is OK from a reliable source. There's only one location that I can think of right now.

What is the area like?

It is a very large city. Some parts of it are very old and others are quite modern. There are beautiful parks.

What will I get to see?

Parks, a cultural show, the “ Old Town ”, some markets, some universities,

probably some pandas, how some of life is lived in that city…

Will I have any free time?

  Yes.

What activities will be available in my spare time?

Sightseeing, massages (full body and /or foot), toe painting, karaoke for the brave at heart, perhaps bicycling, shopping, building relationships… If you intend to have any clothing made while you are there, I need to know before we go so that it can be planned with the tailor.

Can people contact me there?

Yes.

Can I call home?

  Yes. Phone cards are available that can be used from your hotel.

What do I do if I have special food allergies?

Let's talk about whatever situation you might have and find out from someone who lives there.

Will I have email access?

  Not easily. I would plan not to have it.

Cultural Q & A

Do we have any relationships in the city?

  Yes.

Are there any Americans in the area?

  Absolutely.

Do the Chinese speak any English?

  They begin to study it in 1 st grade. They are better readers than speakers.

Do I need to know any Chinese? If so, how do I learn it?   

Not really, but you will have the chance to learn some key phrases. Getting both Chinese and English so that you can show them to a taxi driver.

Are there cultural differences that I need to know about?

  Yes.

Will there by any cultural training available before I go?

  Yes. We want to prevent problems before they occur.

For more information about the trip to China please contact:

Anne Newman at anne_newman@verizon.net