Suggested Clothes to Bring
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Please be aware that the people in Mexico are much more conservative and tradition than in the U.S.A.
Therefore, please don’t let your group wear exotic type clothes, or dress in a way that would cause undue
attention to them. (Earrings for guys, dyed hair and etc.) To be effective in ministry, we must respect our
Mexican brothers and sisters while in their country. The first and most important mission principle to
understand about missions is that, 'We must set aside our dress and customs and adopt those of the
country in which we are serving.
Keep in mind that you will be involved in a variety of activities: church, work, travel, and etc. The weather
can be somewhat warm during the day and cooler at night. During the construction times don’t wear open-
toed shoes. However, it can be helpful to have a pair of sandals, or slip-ons for going to the showers or
night trips to the bathroom.
We ask that while here in Mexico, and on our ministry base, that all honor our dress code below as we
have many pastors and Mexicans who show up at our ministry base. The exception to this would be ladies
wearing skirts, and guys wearing shorts while on the base. However, while at churches for ministry times,
all rules need to be followed.
Here are some helpful guidelines to make your ministry most effective:
FOR EVERYONE
* Avoid a sloppy appearance.
* Be governed by a sense of modesty.
* No wild clothing. (It is very offensive to Mexican people)
* No body piercing jewelry
* No wild T-shirts or hats
* No "punk-type" temporary or permanent hair color allowed.
FEMALES
* No suggestive clothing (i.e. tight or form fitting shirts blouses or dresses, short shorts, half-shirts or
anything that shows the tummy).
* A dress or skirt/blouse is a must for church (no sleeveless tops).
* Jeans may be worn during work projects.
* No shorts may be worn to any outreach.
* No excessive jewelry.
* Sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended for the cool evenings.
* No low cut necklines on dresses or shirt.
* No strap-type shirt allowed.
MALES
* No excessively baggy clothing.
* Jeans may be worn to church (unless you will be preaching).
* A tie is required for speaking
* Jeans may be worn during work projects and VBS's.
* If your ears are pierced, leave the earring(s) at home.
* A sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended for the cool evenings.
* No tank top T-shirts are allowed.
Please understand that we don't ask these things to be legalistic or to deprive you of your individuality.
It's just that particular appearances don't say the same thing in Mexico as they do in the U.S. The people
we are serving are looking at us from their cultural lens and point of view. We must not damage our
impact by allowing material things to get in the way.
Suggested Clothes to Bring:
Work Clothes for Both Men and Women
•Old Jeans
•Old shirts
•Work gloves
•Work shoes
•Hat
V.B.S. Clothes
•Men – Unless your work clothes are extremely dirty they can be worn to V.B.S. You will be playing and
interacting with children in a fairly dusty environment so changing is not really necessary.
•Women – You will need to bring a skirt or dress for VBS's. Keep in mind V.B.S time is outdoors and
somewhat dirty. Don’t wear your best stuff. It’s also a good idea not to wear your jewelry to V.B.S. as the
children will want you to give it to them or be distracted by it.
Church Clothes
•Men – Nice jeans and casual shirts
•Women – Dress or skirt that goes below the knees.
Note for the ladies - Please do not wear open sleeve tops to any events that involves being around
your Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ. They dress much more modestly that those in the states.
It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle with you and carry it with you at all times.