(Applies to all long-term staff, volunteers, and short-term workers such as student missionaries)

Desert Tree Ministry exists to support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church through publishing, training, and practical service.

As a volunteer in an Outpost Centers International (OCI) ministry and a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, each staff member is expected to live in harmony with:

• The Bible
• The Spirit of Prophecy
• The principles of Christian service
• The mission and strategic objectives of your project (see Sites (Printshop Locations)

Spiritual life is the foundation of all work. Without daily communion with God, ministry becomes ineffective.

Healthy teamwork requires honesty and transparency.

Staff are expected to:

• Communicate needs and concerns promptly
• Resolve misunderstandings quickly and respectfully
• Inform leaders of problems before they grow
• Ask questions when unsure

We prefer early conversation over late correction.

• Personal time with God is the first priority.
• Family worship and family time are strongly encouraged.
• Please be respectful and minimize interruptions of family time.

General guideline (unless otherwise specified by department):

• Start time:
• Midday rest and meal
• End time:
• Friday: Work ends at 12:00 to allow Sabbath preparation

Staff should remain cooperative and flexible. Mission work sometimes requires:

• Occasional schedule adjustments
• Sometimes working late to finish an urgent project

DTM is also flexible and can adjust your work schedule to accommodate other activities as necessary. Consult with your supervisor for any necessary adjustments. See Absence policy below.

Absence is permitted for:

• Illness or medical care
• Family emergency
• Approved ministry activity
• Approved leave or rest
• Official appointments

Staff must:

1. Inform their supervisor as early as possible
2. Give reason and expected return time
3. Obtain approval for planned absences

Unexplained or repeated absences may result in corrective action.

Work hours are dedicated to ministry responsibilities.

Expected

• Assigned tasks
• Department projects on the plan of action
• Training
• Maintenance and cleaning
• Ministry-related study or preparation

Not Permitted

• Personal business unrelated to ministry
• Excessive phone or internet use
• Private commercial activities
• Non-approved side projects

Short personal needs are acceptable if reasonable and do not affect productivity.

Staff are expected to:

• Take initiative
• Observe needs and act without waiting
• Care for tools and property
• Clean up after themselves daily
• Lock containers and buildings
• Return borrowed items promptly

Principle:

• If you break it, fix it.
• If you lose it, replace it.

All equipment belongs to the ministry and is reserved for mission work only.

Not everything may be borrowed. Before borrowing any ministry property:

• Obtain permission from the DTM materials manager
• Record the loan when required
• Use the equipment carefully and responsibly
• Return promptly and in good condition
• Report any damage immediately
• Respect any written policies in place

• Tools
• Keys
• Motos and vehicles
• Electronics
• Printshop equipment
• Ministry supplies

For motos or vehicles, follow the separate Moto Handbook.

Failure to respect equipment policies may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

DTM operates as a coordinated team, not as independent workers.

Each department follows:

• Defined responsibilities
• Clear leadership
• Documented procedures (see DTM Wiki)
• Monthly reports and accountability
• The DTM Strategic Objectives for principles of organization and teamwork

Staff are expected to:

• Respect leadership decisions
• Follow established procedures
• Maintain order and cleanliness
• Work cooperatively with others
• Contribute to unity and a positive spirit

Disorder, negligence, or persistent non-cooperation harms the mission and will be addressed.

To maintain clear minds and healthy bodies so that we may give the Lord our best service, staff are encouraged to practice simple, wholesome health habits.

• Vegetarian, whole-food diet
• Good breakfast and lunch
• Light evening meal when necessary
• Regular exercise and adequate rest

DTM provides one simple vegetarian meal each workday in the afternoon, along with:

• Charcoal and propane
• Stove and kitchen space
• Basic vegetarian food supplies

Staff share meal preparation responsibilities.

The staff kitchen is vegetarian only.

• No meat or animal flesh products may be prepared, cooked, or served
• Clean the kitchen and utensils after each use

We aim to be like a city on a hill whose light cannot be hidden.

Staff are expected to maintain Biblical standards in:

• Modesty
• Recreation
• Entertainment
• Diet
• Relationships
• Speech and conduct

Our lives should reflect Christ both inside and outside the workplace.

While godly music is good, playing music is not allowed in the work areas during work hours. Here are several reasons:

• Be respectful; not everyone has identical music standards.
• Much so-called Christian music has worldly standards mixed in.
• Sound carries throughout the building. Music can be distracting to yourself and to those around you. Distractions lead to reduced productivity and increased errors.

In your leisure time, based on Philippians 4:8, choose media that is true, noble, pure, and uplifting.

Encouraged

• Scripture
• Spirit of Prophecy
• Educational materials relating to the ministry
• Sermons and Christian instruction

Not Permitted

• Fiction or novels
• Movies or worldly entertainment
• Media inconsistent with Christian values

• No jewelry
• Shirt and long pants in public
• Modest, practical work clothing

• No jewelry
• Modest, loose clothing
• Skirts or dresses that cover the knees when sitting
• Practical and respectful attire for work activities

Clothing should reflect simplicity, modesty, and respect for the local culture.

To protect both personal reputation and the witness of the ministry:

• Avoid being alone with the opposite sex after dark unless you are the spouse
• Maintain modest and respectful conduct

All interactions should be Christlike and above reproach.

Malaria is a potentially serious disease that requires prompt attention.

If you experience a fever for more than 12 hours:

• Inform leadership immediately
• Follow medical advice without delay
• Begin treatment as recommended

See the separate Malaria Prevention document for full protocol.

Unplanned giving may unintentionally create dependency or difficulties.

Before:

• Giving money
• Paying medical bills
• Offering financial assistance
• Promising help

Consult the humanitarian director.

All aid should be coordinated through the ministry.

When expectations are not met, the goal is restoration and growth, not punishment.

Steps normally follow this order:

1. Verbal reminder
2. Second verbal reminder
3. Written warning
4. Second written warning
5. Possible dismissal

Repeated or serious violations may accelerate this process.

We seek to address problems early, fairly, and redemptively.