PASSPORT

If you don’t already have a passport, allow processing time. We have another list, “Application Forms” where you can get information regarding passports. Your local post office can direct you to the nearest passport agency. Make photocopies of the picture page of your passport to tuck in your luggage and to leave with your family along with a copy of your travel itinerary. A belt-bag or fanny-pack keeps important documents more secure as you travel.

VISA

LHM Mission Director will make appropriate arrangement for VISA processing where necessary. The cost varies.

AIRLINE/HOTEL ACCOMODATION

LHM Travel Department has put together a viable cost effective package that will cover your airline ticket, hotel accommodation and in-country travel for a 14 days trip at $3,300.00. Cost may go up or down depending on the economy.

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Presently LHM missions focus in rural communities of Nigeria. Our mission will begin from Isuikwuato, a local government area in Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. It has an estimated population of over 100,000 people. It is known as the people of strength.

Isuikwuato is approximately 8 miles from Abia State University.
The mission then moves to other neighboring villages in and out of the state.

APART FROM MEDICAL MISSIONS, DO WE PROVIDE OTHER SERVICES?

• We organize and implement a Pastor Conference.
• We encourage Adopt-A-child opportunities to sponsor a child to meet school and health needs.
• We plan to build schools to educate young people.
• We plan to build a medical clinic to provide ongoing medical help.

EDUCATION

LHM will provide an orientation class on the mission trip and country of visit. Your local libraries have information and perhaps travel videos about your destination. LHM will also post additional information on the website for references. To learn more about the Nigeria demographic you can visit the CIA fact book website.

WHAT TO BRING

Begin a list of necessities. Spare eyeglasses, hat, routine prescriptions, mosquito repellent, extra towel, sheets, sun block, hand sanitizers, swimsuit. . .

Dark, easily washable clothing is best. No flashy jewelry. Travel in comfortable shoes. Perfumed toiletries attract insects. Toiletries will be expensive locally. Zip-lock bags keep things from leaking onto each other.

LUGGAGE

Plan to pack in one suitcase and the second bags are usually LHM surgery and clinic supplies, equipment and non-expired medicines to be carried by participants to support the mission. Second bag may be left behind, if possible, for storage after the mission.

Your carry-on bag should include essentials in case your luggage does not arrive with you.

SHOULD I BRING GIFTS?

You may want to give a little gift to your translator, the OR nurse, the bus driver, etc. Gather small ‘thank you’ gifts like toothpaste, pens, key chains, stickers, crayons, small shampoos, baseball caps, etc. You’ll be glad you did.

Clothes, sheets, shoes, and left over toiletries can be donated through local churches at the end of the trip, leaving suitcase space for some of those souvenirs. Your LHM Mission Director welcomes extra batteries or other hard-to-get items. Remember: medicines and necessities take priority over toys when packing.

MEDICINES

About 70% of LHM medicines are donated by pharmaceutical companies, regional hospitals etc., which are normally pre-shipped prior to the travel date. WE CANNOT USE EXPIRED MEDICINES.

WHAT TYPE OF SURGICAL SUPPLIES NEEDED

Caps, boots, scrubs, masks, gowns and sterile gloves… Drapes, sponges, prep sets, disposables, tape…

We can re-sterilize suture packets and procedure trays. We always need manually operated lab equipment & lab supplies.

HOW DO I STAY HEALTHY DURING MISSION TRIP?

LHM Mission Director will make appropriate arrangement for food and water. The food and water we provide will be clean and safe. Wash your hands with soap often. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you.

Review your immunizations and check with your physician about what is needed where you will be serving. Hepatitis B, for example, has to be given over several months. Avoid having injections the day before carrying suitcases through the airport.

BECOME A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

Seasoned LHM Missionaries routinely collect toothbrushes, over-the-counter pain meds, adult and children’s vitamins, ointments, and more, through churches, pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. If you know of any companies or organization that would like to contribute towards the mission through in-kind or financial donation, contact LHM Mission Director for appropriate support in organizing any fund-raising effort.