MERCY HOUSE GLOBAL
mercyhouseglobal.org
Visitor Application Form
At this time, we do not facilitate group trips to Kenya unless you are a part of our new Ambassador program or are invited. But if you are already visiting with another group, we can help arrange a visit to Rehema House. We do not have availability for guests to stay at the home. But we can put you in touch with local people that can help you with lodging, transportation, etc. Please understand we cannot be liable for risks that come with traveling to third world country.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Complete the Application Form.
2. Attach a recent photo to the application form along with a photo-quality copy of your passport
3. Submit your Application to info@mercyhouseglobal.org or mail to 8000 Research Forest Dr. Ste. 115-110 Spring, TX 77382.
4. Attach a payment of $30 to the Application Form for the background check (make checks payable Mercy House or submit payment via Paypal at email address above, with memo marked BACKGROUND CHECK).
PLEASE NOTE:
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A PHOTO AND DEPOSIT!
Once we have received and reviewed your application, we will contact you regarding your acceptance to visit.
VISITOR POLICY/GUIDELINES:
If you are already planning a trip to Kenya and would like to visit, your visit must be approved by our US office. Visits need to be approved and cleared with our Kenyan staff, as this is a Rescue Center and operates on a strict schedule. We have limited spots each month for visits.
If you are living or staying in Kenya, your visit must also be approved.
Rehema (*Swahili word for mercy) House is a home for abused girls and safe refuge for them to have their babies. Our girls have been through severe trauma and we want to protect and guard their hearts.
-All visitors must submit to a background check ($30 US dollars) and complete the attached application for approval.
-We do not allow drop in visits, all visits must be pre-approved by US staff prior to visit. Visits are allowed on case-by-case instances. We have designated visitation times each month.
-Please do not ask personal questions like “How did you get pregnant, tell me your story, etc” Our girls are recovering from trauma and many are not ready to talk about their pasts.
-Instead encourage them about their future, share Scripture, prayer, tell them they are beautiful, tell them they have beautiful babies, etc
-Do not (under any circumstances) ask if you can stay overnight at the maternity home. We have strict policies against this to protect our girls and our visitors. The Kenyan culture is extremely hospitable. If asked something of Kenyans, they will probably not turn you down, even if they know they should. Please don’t put our friends in this position.
-We love for visitors to have group prayer with our girls, but please honor the long, hard work of our leaders in Kenya and resist the urge to try and “get girls saved.” All the residents have different religious backgrounds and they are being introduced to Jesus daily in the home by words and example.
-Please feel free to shop our Fair Trade products. 100% of the money goes back into supporting our home.
-Please remember you are a guest in the home and act courteous at all times.
-Do not share pictures of our girls or babies on Facebook or any social media avenues.
-If you have specific requests, please ask Kristen or the US staff and do not put our Kenyan staff in a position where they have to make decisions on the spot (like asking for transportation, lodging, etc).
-If you see jewelry or products you love and want to buy, please direct your questions to Maureen (or her staff) and not to the artisans. Often, what you see them working on is an order and they can’t sell items to you. Also, they do not take custom orders, but you can email Mercy House your requests to see if one can be facilitated.
-Please do not offer our girls money or possessions. If you would like to give money or something they need, please speak to the staff about it.
-At this time, we do not have work teams because we desire to employ and empower local Kenyans
-Visits are limited to two hours. We hope during that time you get a glimpse of the ministry, meet our staff, girls and babies, enjoy tea, a song and prayer and the opportunity to shop.
-We reserve the right to cancel visits at our discretion due to unforeseen circumstances (if this happens your $30 will be refunded)
I have READ, UNDERSTAND, and AGREE to the visitor guidelines for Rehema House
Sign:______________________________________________ Date:________________
GENERAL INFORMATION: (Please print)
Name (as printed on birth certificate or passport) _______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
City__________________________State__________________
Zip Code__________________________
Home Phone_________________________ Cell Phone_______________________
Age_______Male or Female?_________ Nickname___________________________________
Citizen of what country?_______________________
Do you have a valid passport?___________________
Passport #____________________________
Expiration date of passport____________________________
Date of Birth__________________________
Marital Status______________________________________
Social Security Number (for background check use only) ______________________
Name/Contact Information of Organization you will be traveling with:
Dates of Travel:_________
Requested Date of Visit:__________
Number of people in group requesting to visit (please note a visitor application form must be completed by each individual):
Briefly tell us why you would like to visit Rehema House. What are your personal expectations for this visit?
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name_________________________________
Relationship to you______________________
Address________________________________________________________________
Phone #: _____________________________
Name_________________________________
Relationship to you______________________
Address_______________________________________________________________
Phone#:_______________________________
Rehema House Kenya requires strict compliance with visitor guidelines. Visitors come at their own risk, and Rehema House/Mercy House is not liable in the event of sickness, accident, death, or terrorist acts or for transportation and any other expense beyond normal involvement.
I have read and understand the above information. The information I have given Mercy House is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. My signature signifies my approval of all limitations listed above.
Signature of Applicant:__________________________________________Date:_________________
____
FOR MERCY HOUSE OFFICE USE ONLY
Date received_________________________________
Decision regarding the application: ( ) Accepted ( ) denied
Comment