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Do's & Don'ts
Your time in Suriname can have a life-changing effect on you and the people you will serve here. It is important, however, that you are sensitive to cultural differences and "ways of doing things." Here are a few tips for a successful mission trip.

DO'S

• Expect God to do great things. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory…" (Eph. 3:20)
   

• Come prepared to be a learner. Aukaners have a more simple society than American society, but that does not make them primitive or unable to teach us many things. Whether you are coming to do construction, do prayer walks, provide medical/dental care, etc. you will want to have an attitude of a servant learner.
   

• Remember that a spiritual battle will be raging the entire time you are on mission with God. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12) Satan's power is alive and well among the Aukaners, and they are in bondage to fear. Expect a battle!
   

• Be prepared to be flexible! No matter how well you plan and we plan for your time in Suriname, something's going to go wrong! It's the nature of life in a third world country. So come prepared to "go with the flow" and you'll have a much happier stay!

DON'TS

• Don't give to everybody who asks for something. In the view of the average Aukaner, you are very rich because you are American. You will be asked for many things from money to a trip to the States. Culturally speaking, it is not appropriate to give a distinct "NO!". However, you can refuse gently with a "I don't think I can do that" or "We'll have to see about that", etc. While these sound vague to us, Aukaners understand this to mean "no" and are comfortable with your expression in that manner.
   

• Don't be embarrassed if you get laughed at or you don't know what's going on. Let's face it - your ways are funny to Aukaners, and they're going to laugh some times. They don't mean any harm, and you probably do look pretty funny!
   

• Don't belittle or laugh at Aukaners. You're going to see some funny sights yourself. Save your laughs to when it's appropriate.
   

• Don't make any promises. It may be that you develop a special relationship with one or more individuals here in Suriname. You may want to send them something from America, etc. as a gesture of friendship. That's great, BUT don't tell them about it ahead of time. That way if you get back to America and get busy (like you know you will!) and put off sending what you were planning, the person here in Suriname won't be disappointed. (And they won't keep asking the missionaries when it's coming!)