"Bringing Hope to the World,
One Child at a Time."
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Missionary Guide to Dangerous Encounters 


Although it is written that we have the power to tread over spiders, serpents, and scorpions, wisdom is still the principle thing; especially when it comes to handling wildlife.  The Ernesto Alvarez Foundation has provided for your convenience some useful tips on what to look out for while out on the mission field.

Snakes

 "Now  the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God made" (Genesis 3:1). 

6 Important Facts About Snakes

*The serpent is a creation of God that serves a purpose on earth.
*They eat mice and other animals that destroy crops.
*Ther skin can be used for food, shoes, belts, wallets, canes, ect.
*Their venom, although deadly, can be used for treatment for various diseases.
*Their meat is edible.
*Their blood is drinkable.
Snakes have the power to kill as well as to heal. God uses snakes as an example of what our character should be. "Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves" (Matthew 10:16). The Ernesto Alvarez Foundation is cautioning you to not go out looking for trouble by looking for them, however in the event that you encounter one, remember that they are more afraid of you than you are afraid of it. Another interesting point is that snakes only attack when they feel threatened. 
 
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide you with information on the possibilities of unexpected confrontations with the native reptiles, so that yuo don't kill them on site, but respect them for what they are. 

 Did you know?

A Cobra have enough venom to kill an elephant.  Cobras can grow up to 20 feet long and are found near water in Africa, India and Southeast Asia.  In water, cobras can swim up to 15 mph.  The Black Ringhal Cobra, which is found in southern Africa can spit up to 6 feet in the air.  Unlike other snakes, cobras chase their prey rather than ambush them. 


Spiders

Widow spiders can be brown, gray, red, or black, and are found on every continent, with the exception of  Antarctica, where temperatures reach the freezing point (30° F/ 0° C) during summer months.  The black widow  is one of the most feared of all spiders.  Although widow spiders, as well as other spiders rarely bite anyone,  a bite from a female can be dangerous and should be treated by a physician immediately.  Females are larger than males, and their bodies are about an inch long.  Black widows can be identified by their bright orange or red hourglass shaped spot on their backs as well as their abdomen. 

 

Other poisonous spiders include the Brown Recluse Spider, which can be found throughout North America.  Brown Recluse Spiders can be found in dark spots in your home, in bathrooms, bedrooms, garages, closets, attics, basements, vent and heating conducts, piles old clothing, and shoes.  For safety precautions, we recommend those living in or traveling to the south and southwestern part of the U.S. to shake your shoes prior to inserting your feet into them to avoid the potential dangers of being bit.