Our expectations are simple. It’s all about HONOR. During this trip preparation and the trip itself, you will be expected to:

• Honor God and His Word.If Jesus said don’t do it, then just don’t do it.

• Honor Your Parents.Don’t be embarrassing your family name while on missions.

• Honor Your Leaders. Definitely don’t embarrass your team leaders while on missions. We will Uber you to the airport - snacks not provided.

• Honor Your Team.The Gospel will be demonstrated through the way you love one another and our partner church in Panama. Love well.

• Honor Those We Serve. Jesus loves people, so we love people. It is never an inconvenience to love and respect others like Jesus, it is our sincere privilege.

• Honor Yourselves.Your speech, attitude, actions, emotions, attire/appearance, and thoughts should reflect the truth that you are an image-bearer of God. Don’t embarrass yourself.

HERE’S THE LEGAL STUFF…

EVERY PERSON WILL NEED TO COMPLETE A GENERAL CONSENT FORM. PEOPLE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, WILL ALSO NEED TO HAVE A TRAVEL CONSENT FORM SIGNED BY BOTH PARENTS.

• General Consent Form must be signed AND witnessed by 2 people. Each participant (or parent if participant is under 18 years old) MUST have a signed form prior to attending the missions trip.

• Travel Consent Form for Minors is MANDATORY for all participants under 18 years of age. The team leaders do not want to spend their trip being questioned about trafficking minors internationally. Therefore, your child WILL NOT board the plane with the team if this form is not signed AND notarized. BOTH PARENTS need to sign and notarize the form. If schedules do not allow you both to get the form notarized together, then you each will need to sign/notarize a separate copy.

• Notarized documents can be handled at the local UPS store or a currency exchange (if those still exist?).

• Originals of notarized travel consent forms MUST be given to Pastor Amber. You can email her (harvey@storehousechicago.org) a copy of the general consent form. You should keep a personal copy of every form you sign.

THIS IS ONE OF OUR LARGEST MISSION TEAMS!

5 TEAM LEADS (3 FEMALES, 2 MALES)

• PASTOR AMBER

• ALBERT

• HIRAM

• SHEILA

• IVETTE

17 YOUTH + YOUNG ADULTS (7 MALES, 10 FEMALES):

• JONATHAN, JUAN, JAYDEN, MARCUS, LEO, MATEO, ANGELO

• MIA, SOPHIA, EVA, ELIANA, DEYJAH, GABRIELA, JOCELYN, MARIAH, ELYZA, XARYANA

Leave Thursday, DECEMBER 26, 2024.

Return Sunday, JANUARY 5, 2025.

DEPART FROM O’HARE AIRPORT ON DECEMBER 26TH. FLIGHT #236 ON COPA AIRLINES. DIRECT FLIGHT TO PANAMA.

FLIGHT DEPARTS AT 6:54AM. YOU NEED TO BE AT THE AIRPORT AT 4:00AM. MEET INSIDE AT THE COPA AIRLINES TICKET COUNTER. DO NOT GO THROUGH SECURITY OR CHECK BAGGAGE WITHOUT YOUR TEAM LEADERS.

(YES, THIS ARRIVAL TIME IS ROOOOUGH, PERO WE CANNOT BE LATE TO THIS FLIGHT. IF YOU MISS THE FLIGHT, THEN YOU MISS THE MISSIONS TRIP).

EVEN THOUGH IT IS EARLY, DO NOT SHOW UP IN PAJAMAS AND BONNETS. PLEASE SHOWER, WASH YOUR FACE, BRUSH YOUR TEETH, COMB YOUR HAIR. DO NOT EMBARRASS YOUR TEAM LEADERS.

HAVE YOUR PASSPORT AND PHONE EASY TO ACCESS. DO NOT BURY THEM IN YOUR LUGGAGE.

FLIGHT IS ABOUT 5HRS AND 28MINS ONCE IN THE AIR. SO ESTIMATE ABOUT 6HRS ON THE PLANE.

We leave Panama on Sunday January 5, 2025.

COPA Airlines Flight #228. Non-stop. About 6 hours on the plane (5.5 hours in the air).

Departs from PTY Airport at 7:33am (Panama time) and arrives at O’Hare at 12:11pm (Chicago time).

We will need to go through immigration when we return at O’Hare. That can take an additional hour depending on the crowd.

We will not leave anyone in Panama on purpose. And we will wait at immigration and at the airport until everyone is cleared, allowed into the country, and picked up from the airport. (Now, if a missionary decides to smuggle fruit or weapons from Panama or starts cracking jokes with the immigration officers and gets detained at O’Hare, attorney fees will be charged accordingly).

We will be lodging at Hotel Residencial El Valle, a local two-story hotel that is owned by one of the members at the local church.

The hotel is on the one main road of El Valle and is a 10-minute walk from the local church we will be partnering with while there. The hotel and area is safe and clean.

Address: Hotel Residencial El Valle, C. Central. El Valle de Anton, Provincia de Cocle.

• Team members will have 1-2 roommates of the same gender.

• There is absolutely NO visiting the personal rooms of a team member of the opposite gender. Visiting rooms of teammates of the same gender can only be done with full permission. As a team member, you will respect boundaries….or you will be taking an Uber to the airport early.

• Random room inspections will be conducted by team leaders - so keep the space clean.

• Everyone will have their own bed. Siblings might share a king size bed (as some rooms are one king-sized bed only).

• You will receive your specific room assignments prior to departure so you can coordinate with your roommates about needed items.

• Rooms have personal bathrooms, WiFi, hot water, and a ceiling fan. There is also a TV in case you want to catch-up on your favorite Panamanian novela at night.

• Team leaders will not be in the individual rooms with the youth and YAs, but they will be placed strategically throughout the hotel and have the personal number of the hotel owner in case of emergency or issues. (Think of them like RAs on a college dorm floor).

When back in Panama City, we will have lodging for 2 nights. That information is coming.

With your flight, you will be allowed:

• a personal bag (purse, merse, backpack)

• carry-on maleta

• checked maleta (under 50lbs)

The personal bag + carry-on maleta will stay with you on the plane. Be sure to include these items.

• Bible (after all, it is a missions trip)

• Written or electronic copy of Panama info you will need for entering the country (team leaders will give you specifics)

• all medication

• phone + charger

• passport

• wallet

• personal entertainment device for plane

• headphones, earbuds

• laptop (if you’re bringing one)

• neck pillow (if needed)

• light jacket, sweatshirt, or mini blanket (plane gets cold)

• PACK YOUR PERSONAL BAG AND CARRY-ON AS IF YOUR CHECKED BAG WILL BE MISSING FOR 2 DAYS. (Have a change of clothes, deodorant, travel toothbrush/toothpaste/or mouthwash, personal hygiene products needed).

The checked maleta will carry the majority of your items. Certain things MUST be packed in here instead of in your carry-on.

• Any liquids over 3oz.

• Aerosols

• Lithium batteries

FULL DETAILS: https://www.copaair.com/en-us/travel-information/baggage-information/

Read details about the Panama climate on the FAQ page. This will help inform you as to the type of items you will need.

In general:

• Pack comfortable or athletic wear because you will be serving most of the time.

• Comfortable shoes that CAN be creased and CAN get dirty. You will be walking or running most of the time, so be comfortable. Sandals and closed shoes are good.

• Bring 2 dress outfits (go ahead and look cute on missions. It’s not prom, but find an outfit that is not a hoodie).

• For Sunday church, the dress code is the same as Storehouse.

• No tight, low-cut, short clothing items. Avoid showing your stomach, bra straps, or underwear. Or you will be wearing one of Pastor Amber’s oversized blazers all-day. Gentlemen, if you are wearing pants, please include a belt. Nobody needs to see your boxers/underwear.

• General rule: if you cannot run, bend over to pick up an orphan, or do a cartwheel in the outfit without exposing anything, reconsider the decision to pack that item.

• Bring an outfit for swimming or beach environment (in case we find some down-time). If you prefer not to swim, it is not a requirement.

• Hat will be helpful for those rough missions hair days and to block against the sun

• In addition to your usual toiletries and supplies, pack sunscreen, sunblock, insect repellent, hand sanitizer.

• Avoid perfumes and cologne that may attract insects.

• Avoid expensive or showy jewelry or accessories. The less attention you bring to yourself as a tourist, the better. Also, you will be visiting some humble homes. You don’t want to walk into a home that hasn’t had food in 2 days and you are wearing expensive name-brand accessories.

• We will be walking and hiking up and down mountains for part of the trip, so bringing shoes that have a good grip.

When on the missions trip, there will be designated times for cell phone usage. This is intentional so that missionaries focus on serving and ministry.

WiFi will be available in select areas, so an app such as What’sApp is a great tool to connect with family back in the USA without worrying about data usage. Check with your cell phone provider about international calls.

Team Leaders will have their phones and the ability to call the USA if needed. Parents and families can contact Team Leaders if there is an emergency and communication is crucial.

Once the mission trip begins, the “Panama Team” What’sApp chat will be revised to only include parents and family in the USA. This will be the main form of team leaders communicating updates from the field (photos, videos, voice notes, prayer requests, schedule changes, etc.).

Also, we encourage each team member and family member to follow us and interact on social media, because posts, stories, and some live videos will be done during the trip.

• INSTAGRAM @sh.nextgen is the SH Young Adult page.

• INSTAGRAM @verticalchicago is the SH High School Group page.

• INSTAGRAM @storehousechurch and FACEBOOK @mystorehouse are the main SH pages.

WE WILL BE FOCUSED IN 2 MAIN AREAS: PANAMA CITY AND EL VALLE DE ANTON (ABOUT 2-2.5 HOURS AWAY FROM THE CITY).

WE WILL WORK ALONGSIDE PASTORS NICK AND ZULMY GELLIS OF IGLESIA BEHOLD IN EL VALLE. EL VALLE IS IN THE MOUNTAINS (IT IS IN THE CRATER OF AN EXTINCT VOLCANO, SO THE VIEWS ARE MAJESTIC).

AVERAGE TEMP: 75 DEGREES

VERY HUMID (ABOUT 70-90%): START PRAYING FOR GRACE

LANGUAGE: SPANISH IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. THERE ARE MANY EXPATS (US CITIZENS THAT NOW LIVE IN OVERSEAS), SO ENGLISH IS ALSO SPOKEN IN THE AREA. EL VALLE IS A BILINGUAL CHURCH. WHEN WE GO INTO MORE MOUNTAIN AREAS OR INDIGENOUS AREAS, THEN SPANISH OR OTHER DIALECTS ARE SPOKEN.

FOOD: SINCE PANAMA IS CONSIDERED A CONNECTION FOR THE AMERICAS, THEY HAVE INFLUENCE FROM MULTIPLE CULTURES WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN THEIR FOOD OPTIONS. THE VARIETY EXTENDS FROM TRADITIONAL ARROZ CON POLLO WITH A SIDE OF PATACONES Y YUCA FRITA TO AMERICANIZED PIZZA. THE EL VALLE AREA IS FILLED WITH NATURAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

ONCE IN PANAMA, THE TEAM WILL SERVE IN MANY WAYS INCLUDING BRINGING FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED, DOING HOME VISITS FOR SHUT-INS, STREET EVANGELISM, COORDINATING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS (SPORTS, MUSIC, OUTDOOR GAMES, ETC.), BUILDING PROJECTS SUCH AS PAINTING / CONSTRUCTION / CLEANING, COMMUNITY OUTREACHES, ETC.

*ALL DONATIONS THAT ARE DESIGNATED "MISSIONS" WILL BE REVIEWED AND ATTRIBUTED TOWARD THE SPECIFIC PARTICIPANT. ALL DONATIONS AND GIVING DESIGNATED MISSIONS THAT ARE RECEIVED BY A PARTICIPANT OR HIS/HER PARENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY GO TOWARDS THE PARTICIPANT'S TRIP. YOU WILL RECEIVE PERIODIC UPDATES ON HOW MUCH HAS BEEN DONATED.

TO GIVE TO A SPECIFIC PARTICIPANT: https://storehouse.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/341/responses/new

OTHER GIVING METHODS (EXCERPT FROM DONATION LETTER):

• Online Donations: Go to www.storehousechicago.org/giving Please select the “missions” category when you make your donation. When you submit your donation, please let me know so I can alert my missions leader.

• Zelle to give@storehousechicago.org. Please put my name in the memo and let me know so I can alert my missions leader.

• Checks must include “Missions” and my name in the memo. Checks should be made out to: Storehouse Ministries. Please do not make it out to me, or you will not eligible for a tax deduction. Please send your contribution in the postage paid envelope to 5701 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL. 60634.

PANAMA IS A SAFE COUNTRY. WE WILL NEVER PLACE THE TEAM IN A POSITION OF DANGER. THE TEAM WILL BE AWAY FROM THE BORDER AREA AND OTHER HIGH VOLUME AND HIGH CRIME AREAS.

THE TEAM MUST HAVE THE SAME ATTENTIVENESS THEY WOULD WHEN THEY ARE AT HOME IN CHICAGO. UNDERSTAND SURROUNDINGS, STAY WITH THE GROUP, AVOID FLASHING MONEY OR EXPENSIVE JEWELRY, DON'T FOLLOW A MONKEY INTO THE JUNGLE TO TRY AND GET A NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE PIC, ETC.

THERE ARE SOME GROWN GROWN FOLKS GOING ON THE TRIP TO HELP BRING LEADERSHIP TO THE TEAM. EACH ONE IS A RESPONSIBLE FOLLOWER OF JESUS, HAS YEARS OF MINISTRY AND/OR MISSION EXPERIENCE, AND WILL BE FASTING AND PRAYING IN PREPARATION FOR THIS TRIP.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO GET TO KNOW THE TEAM LEADS & CHAPERONES. IF YOU WANT TO CONNECT WITH ANY OF THEM, FEEL FREE TO BUY THEM A CUP OF COFFEE AND HAVE A CONVERSATION. THEY ALL ENJOY A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE (EXCEPT FOR ONE, WHO ENJOYS HOT TEA AND CHOCOLATE CAKE INSTEAD).

ONCE ON THE GROUND IN PANAMA, WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH PASTORS NICK AND ZULMY GELLIS - TRUSTED MINISTRY FRIENDS. THEY WILL BE ADDITIONAL ADULT SUPPORT AND GUIDES DURING THE ENTIRE TRIP.

TEAM LEADS & CHAPERONES FROM STOREHOUSE CHURCH:

• PASTOR AMBER HARVEY (+1 630-430-7040)

• SHEILA POOLE

  (+1 517-599-0100)

• ALBERT MENDEZ

  (+1 773-578-8675)

• IVETTE VELAZQUEZ

  (+1 630-770-0053)

• HIRAM AGOSTO

  (+1 312-877-8065)

YOU WILL NEED A VALID PASSPORT - EXPIRATION DATE MUST BE AFTER APRIL 5, 2025.

NO VISAS NEEDED (IF YOU HAVE A USA PASSPORT).

NO VACCINES NEEDED (IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM USA).

IN DECEMBER, PANAMA WILL BE 1 HOUR AHEAD OF CHICAGO TIME. Panama does not follow Daylight Savings Time, so when we “fall back,” they stay the same.

Flexibility and patience is a trademark of mission trips. Each day will be different and is subject to change because things shift quickly on the field. We will intentionally not share every minute-by-minute details with the team to encourage the team to enjoy each moment and not stress about timed schedules.

However, the team leaders have a clear roadmap for the entire trip, have an efficient itinerary, and will send updates to parents about what is happening each day.

Some consistencies each day:

• Bible study

• Prayer

• Daily Declarations

• Breakfast (an entire meal or quick eat and go)

• On the field during the day and some evenings (will include water and nourishment of some kind)

• Debrief and prayer at home base

• USA check-in

• Bed

• DONATION LETTER FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. (YOU SHOULD PERSONALIZE YOUR LETTER BEFORE SENDING). CLICK HERE FOR PDF.

• DONATION LETTER FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. (YOU SHOULD PERSONALIZE YOUR LETTER BEFORE SENDING). CLICK HERE FOR WORD DOCUMENT.

During the trip preparation you have given personal information (legal name, DOB, passport details, medical conditions, etc.). All of your personal information will be used for the purposes of this missions trip.

Each Team Leader has the information in case it is needed during the trip. In addition, the Elder Board of Storehouse Church may obtain access to this information in case it is needed for legal purposes or if the Team Leaders need emergency assistance while abroad.

TRIP TOTAL IS $2,500 (USD) PER PERSON. WE WILL BE ACTIVELY FUNDRAISING AS A TEAM AND SUPPLYING RESOURCES FOR OBTAINING DONATIONS. THIS TOTAL INCLUDES AIRFARE AND ALL ON-THE-GROUND EXPENSES. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE PERSONAL PREFERENCES SUCH AS SOUVENIRS, PERSONAL SNACKS, ETC.

THERE IS A LOT OF PREPARATION THE TEAM IS DOING TO MAKE SURE THIS TRIP RUNS SMOOTHLY. THEREFORE, WE NEED TO STAY ON TRACK WITH PAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS (ESPECIALLY FOR AIRFARE AND LODGING). HERE ARE THE DEADLINES FOR EACH PARTICIPANT BASED ON THE $2,500 COST.

• 10% OF TOTAL ($250): SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

• 25% OF TOTAL ($625): SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

• 50% OF TOTAL ($1,250): OCTOBER 20, 2024

• 75% OF TOTAL ($1,875): NOVEMBER 17, 2024

• 90% OF TOTAL ($2,250): DECEMBER 1, 2024

• TOTAL DUE ($2,500): DECEMBER 15, 2024

ALL PAYMENTS AND DONATIONS FOR THIS TRIP ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. IN THE EVENT THAT YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP, YOU (AND ANY PERSONAL SPONSORS / DONORS) WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND.

EACH SUNDAY BEFORE AND AFTER STOREHOUSE SERVICES, THE CAFE WILL BE UTILIZED FOR FUNDRAISING. IF YOU COOK, BAKE, OR HAVE CONNECTIONS TO ANY ITEMS WE CAN SELL, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

THE GENERAL RULE IS PARTICIPANTS WHO ACTIVELY HELP WITH A GIVEN FUNDRAISER IN THE CAFE WILL RECEIVE A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THAT GIVEN DAY (HELP INCLUDES DONATING ITEMS, SETTING UP, SERVING, AND/OR CLEANING AFTERWARDS).

OTHER FUNDRAISING POTENTIALS INCLUDE: CANDY SALES, TAFFY APPLE SALES, CAR WASH, PROVIDING CHILDCARE FOR DATE NIGHTS, COORDINATING RAFFLES, RESTAURANT PARTNERSHIPS, ETC.

IF YOU HAVE A FUNDRAISING IDEA, LET US KNOW!

REMEMBER THE FOCUS. THIS TEAM IS OBEYING THE COMMAND JESUS GAVE US IN MATTHEW 28:18-20. AS A RESULT, WE FULLY BELIEVE IN GOD'S ABILITY TO BRING PROVISION FOR HIS MISSION. THIS IS A FAITH JOURNEY, SO BEGIN TO PRAY ABOUT THE FUNDING FOR THE TRIP, ABOUT WHO TO CONNECT WITH FOR DONATIONS, ABOUT FAVOR FOR OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS, ABOUT STREAMS OF INCOME, ETC.

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY! BE PATIENT AND ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED WILL BE SUPPLIED.