Relationship and Dating Covenant
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As host ministry, The Strategy of Transformation/Estrategia de Transformación, urges you to consider the following statements, and make a commitment to God to be wise and careful in the relationships that you will develop during your time as an intern. We understand and don’t express disapproval of the cross-cultural relationships, but we want to be sensitive and honest about God´s timing, purpose and personal aspects around your time with us.
- I understand that I am representing Jesus
Christ, and I want to model Jesus in my behavior and attitude.
- I want to actively seek to develop healthy relationships with both genders.
- I will be respectful the culture of the country and my host ministry and family in every aspect, including the relationships between genders. I am willing to see it as an experience where I can learn from others. I will be proactive in finding out what I should or shouldn’t do when I work with the opposite sex, and will be open to suggestions and comments that will help me during my ministry.
- I want to remain focused on the purpose of my internship, and I understand that starting a new dating relationship might disrupt my goals, and keep me from focusing on God as I am in service to others.
- I commit to evaluate my heart often, and understand the different feelings that I might be dealing with during my time overseas. That will help me understand my needs and desires before pursuing a dating relationship.
- I won’t put myself in
situations with the opposite sex that might harm my relationship with God and
with others, and that might be an open door to temptation, gossip and bad
testimony.
- I will become accountable
with at least one of my leaders regarding my heart affairs and the changes that
might occur during my internship.
- If I come with a formal
relationship beforehand, we are in a common agreement of the purpose behind my
time overseas, and I understand that the distance shouldn’t be a determining
factor in either continuing or terminating our relationship as we have mutually
understood it to be.
- If there are situations in
my heart and my relationship back at home that need to be addressed, I will
take time apart in prayer to consider the decisions that I will have to make
once I get back.
- In the case that I still
want to pursue a new dating relationship during my time in the country, I
commit to talk openly and honestly to a mentor, my leaders and the EdT Staff
assigned to that matter BEFORE making any decision.
- I won’t make decisions
unless my parents, US leaders and host leaders are aware of the situation, and
after I have heard and prayed over their input.
- In the case of having a relationship while in Guatemala, I will actively and honestly pursue regular accountability. I understand that I have to be accountable on:
1) Balanced amount of time spent together.
2) Purity in the relationship.
3) Cross-cultural elements.
4) Effect of the relationship on my ministry.
5) Goals and boundaries for my relationship.
6) Time and Distance factors
after my departure.
- I will refrain from any activity that could be construed or mislead as a romantic interest while on the mission trip, unless I am officially on a dating relationship.
- I have a clear understanding of the goals that I want to pursue with a dating relationship, prioritizing God´s will for our lives as individuals and as couple.
Name __________________________________________________________ Date_____________________
