BURIAL STATEMENT
We at Youth With A Mission Nicoya, Guanacaste encourage each YWAM student and volunteer to seriously consider some possible consequences of missions work and training. Although death is extremely rare in service with Youth With A Mission internationally, it is nevertheless an experience that awaits each one of us eventually. It is important that we all prepare for such possibilities and have a clear plan of action if such instances arise during our time of study or service within Youth With A Mission.
In extensive travel in less developed countries, diseases are more prevalent, fatal accidents, sickness and mishaps can occur. YWAM Nicoya, Guanacaste does everything possible to protect staff and students while on the field, but death is something that can occur. In these countries, burial is often a real problem.
We endeavor to maintain a Christian view of death, it is not the final step, but just a passage; the person is not in the coffin, just his/her earthly shell. Therefore the priority for limited resources on outreach must be for the living.
In case of death, YWAM Nicoya, Guanacaste cannot commit to cover the expenses of burial or transport home from the country of death (developed or non-developed countries alike). We would strongly encourage burial on the field, as decay can start very quickly. Shipping a body home could cost several thousand dollars and often a special expensive coffin is required by law in some countries as well as having someone accompany the coffin on the return journey. If the family desires to see a body transported back home, the family must incur the entire cost. Any burial costs incurred while on outreach (in the country that the death and burial occurs) are the responsibility of the deceased’s family as well. Note: It is the responsibility of every individual or family (staff or volunteer) to have the Field Burial or Death Related Remains Transport Insurance, not YWAM Nicoya, Guanacaste.