Pictures and video will play a very important part in your mission trip. It will be the main way you'll
remember your trip and report back to your church about all you have done. However, this important
tool, if not handled wisely, can harm your work and the people who you'll be serving. Following are some
guidelines that will help you use this important vehicle in a healthy manner:
1. The first two days of ministry, we ask you not to take your cameras with you. If pictures are taken
during the first few days, the people of Mexico will interpret it as exploitation of their poverty. They'll feel
like you came just to see how "bad" they have it and want to just "see" their poverty. To them they'll feel
like they're a "show" you've come to see. However, after relationships have been developed, it will be
interpreted just the opposite. They will be honored and delighted that you want to take a photo of "them."
There is an exception to this guideline which is during the VBS playtime. You can take photos and then
show them to the children on your cameras. They love to see themselves and the setting is more of a
fun time. However, during formal ministry times, we ask you to follow the above mentioned guideline.
2. The first few days a designated media person can be appointed (as long as they exercise discretion),
who can take photos and video for your presentation to the church, or copies for group members. We
would ask however, that the media person, take photos and video in such a way as no one would take
notice.
3. When you are out and about as a tourist would be, and not in a ministry related activity, you can take
pictures and you please.
We realize this places a burden on you as everyone will be excited to take photos. However, for the
good of those you'll be serving, and so you'll have maximum ministry impact, we have established these
guidelines. In some more severe cases, ministry opportunities have been closed because photos have
gotten into the hands of some activist in the states and have caused problems. Some Mexican
organizations, therefore, don't want to run the risk of being exposed and in some cases are leery about
allowing Americans to enter certain areas to minister. However, our ministry has a good reputation and
with your help we can protect it.
We thank you in advance for your sensitivity to this important area. If you have any questions please
feel free to ask us.