Questions to help prepare for furlough

MTD

• What is my MTD goal while stateside? How much do I hope to raise in (ex. recurring gifts?)
• Are there MTD supplies I need to order prior to my arrival in the US?
• What advance work can I do to set up appointments? Consider setting aside several evenings per week for the month prior to arrival for setting appointments. 
• See Guide for Returning to Full-Time MTD and Returning to Full-Time MTD Resources 

• Tips:

  • Begin thinking about MTD and your furlough about 6 months prior. Take those 6 months to "scrub" your Reliant donor data.
  • About 1-2 months prior begin planning and making contact to schedule appointments while stateside. 
  • Consider multiple communication tools, such as Skype, Facebook, Twitter, texting, email, etc. See Using Communications Media in MTD for more details.
  • Consider asking existing donors to increase their giving. 
  • Consider asking existing donors for help with transportation and housing. 

Personal

• What are my housing and transportation plans?
• Have I scheduled time for relaxation and refreshment? 
• Some retreat centers are free to missionaries if you reserve them in advance. See Free Retreat Centers for more details. This is a great opportunity for your family to get away and do something relaxing for free.
• Are there any specific areas I need to be praying through while on furlough?
• What are my expectations when I come back with family and friends?
• What is realistic?
• Consider reading these Re-Entry Resources

Reliant Office

• Consider visiting the Reliant office and schedule that visit prior to your furlough. Reliant Staff meetings are held virtually on Tuesdays at 9am and the team loves to hear from our missionaries in those meetingsEST. We love to have missionaries share during those meetings, and understand that might be more feasible when you are in a US time zone. Let the International Liaison know if you would like to share.
• Do I have specific questions for the Reliant office to bring up during my professional debrief? 
  • Insurance Questions. 
  • Support goal worksheet questions.
  • MTD questions. See Guide for Returning to Full-Time MTD
  • Policy questions
  • Reimbursement questions 

Sending Church

• Are there any areas of concern that I need to discuss with my sending pastor/church?
• What tools or support might I need from my sending church?
• Do I feel I have a good level of support and/or communication from my sending church? 
• What other support would I like to see?