Safety should always be on the minds of those leading international ministry teams. In our recent newsletter, we gave three broad suggestions for keeping your team safe. Today, we share some additional ideas to further safeguard your group.
Be Alert
International travelers often get in trouble when they do not pay attention to their surroundings. It is a common ploy for thieves and others to use distractions in victimizing people. Pay careful attention to those around you, especially when in marketplaces, tourist areas or while using public transportation.
One common trick is for two thieves to work together—one to distract you and the other to steal from you. Sometimes the thieves are actually quite young! In Israel, for example, two boys about nine years old acted like they were rivals trying to sell postcards to tourists. When one got the traveler’s attention, the other boy would steal items from the tourist’s purse, bag or pocket. This kind of scenario is quite common all over the world.
If something doesn’t feel right or look right, remove yourself from the situation. If you see someone acting suspicious, or there is an unattended package in a public place, don’t stick around.
Don’t Be a Target
Keep valuables out of site and never flash money in public places. One suggestion is to keep money in separate places—maybe a little in a wallet and more in a pocket. This way you pull out just what you need at the time. Consider using an under-the-clothes waist or neck safe, as well as belts with zipper compartments, to keep your cash, passports and other valuables out of sight.
Leave expensive rings at home. If you’re married, consider getting a cheap gold band before you leave home and wearing it instead of your wedding ring.
Maintain a low profile when walking around—don’t be loud and boisterous or do things that will draw attention to you.
No Food or Water from Strangers
Do not accept food or water from strangers, no matter how friendly they might seem. Several U.S. embassies, especially in African nations, report numerous incidents of foreign travelers being drugged by “friendly” nationals who gave them seemingly harmless food or water.
Transportation
Use only licensed taxis and discuss the fare before you get in. Do not ride deserted trains or buses and avoid night travel by car if possible. If you have to ride a bus at night, try to sit near the driver.
Hotels
It is best to avoid the first floor and the top floor of a hotel as this minimizes the chance of outside access. Also, some parts of the world have hotels that are taller than the equipment available to local fire departments, so consider lower floors if possible. Don’t leave valuables in the room and keep miscellaneous items locked in suitcases.
A little attention and awareness may mean the difference between a bad experience and a good one when traveling abroad. Be sure to remind your team of tips like these both in your pre-trip training and also in your orientation once you reach your destination.