ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT* I agree to the Assumption of Risk, Release and Indemnity policy.
IN CONSIDERATION of my acceptance as a volunteer on this missionary trip in cooperation with MIRA Missions, and other considerations the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, I represent and agree that:
1. Status. I am a volunteer and/or self-employed worker and acknowledge that I am not traveling as an employee of MIRA Missions.
I attest and certify that I am physically fit and have no medical conditions that would prevent me from participating in the above-referenced activity.
I hereby represent that: (i) I am in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in the Activity; and (ii) I am not under the influence of any prescription drugs which would in any way impair my ability to safely participate in the Activity. I agree that it is my sole responsibility to determine whether I am sufficiently fit and healthy enough to participate in the Activity.
2. Risks of international travel; U.S. State Department and CDC warnings. I am aware of the hazards and risks to my person and property associated with serving in a missions capacity, such hazards and risks including but not being limited to injury; increased stress; accident; disease; inadequate medical services and supplies; death; criminal acts (including terrorism); natural disasters; weather conditions; government action; risks of traveling to or from international destinations; and foreign political, legal, medical, social, and economic conditions. The country or countries to which I will travel may have health and safety standards that differ from those enjoyed in the United States, and I recognize that I may be subjected to potential risks, illnesses, injuries, and even death. I have made my own investigation of these risks, understand these risks, and assume them knowingly and willingly. I further recognize that such risks have always been associated with missionary service. (2 Corinthians 11:23- 28)
I also acknowledge that in working, living and traveling in cities abroad, I may experience problems associated with urban living, including increased crime, pollution, high population density or standards of living and health standards that are different from those to which I am accustomed in the United States. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to take every precaution to safeguard my health and to protect my personal belongings from damage or theft. I acknowledge that MIRA Missions recommends that I never travel alone, particularly at night. Being alone, especially at night, may present additional danger to my safety and well-being.
I have read and understood all information on the U.S. State Department website (http://travel.state.gov) about the country or countries to which I am traveling, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet and the State Department Warning (if applicable). I also have reviewed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control health advisory information relating to travel abroad found at http://www.cdc.gov/travel, and any additional information available from the World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/) and Travel.State.Gov.
I understand and agree that if, during my participation in the above-described activities, the travel leader learns that I am experiencing serious health problems, have suffered an injury, or am otherwise in a situation that raises significant health and safety concerns, then the travel leader may contact the person whose name I have provided as my "emergency contact." I understand that the travel leader ordinarily will not initiate such contact without first having a discussion with me.
3. GENERAL RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
KNOWING THE RISKS DESCRIBED ABOVE, I AGREE, ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY, HEIRS, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, TO ASSUME ALL THE RISKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES SURROUNDING MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED ACTIVITIES, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, I RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY MIRA MISSIONS, AND IT’S AFFILIATED MINISTRIES, AND ANY CHURCH AND THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS, FROM AND AGAINST ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE CLAIMS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS AND EXPENSES FOR INJURY TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, OR FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGE, WHICH I MAY SUFFER, OR FOR WHICH I MAY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PERSON, RELATED TO MY PARTICIPATING IN SAID ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING PERIODS IN TRANSIT TO OR FROM MY DESTINATIONS), RESULTING FROM ANY CAUSE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE ON MY PART OR ON THE PART OF ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES; PROVIDED THAT THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL OR WANTON MISCONDUCT.
4. Insurance Election - I am aware of the hazards and risks to myself associated with serving in a mission’s capacity. I further understand that MIRA Missions currently requires the insurance coverage provided by Talent Trust, that the cost of the insurance is included with the trip, and that I am responsible for obtaining any additional insurance coverages that I consider necessary.
5. Minor children. In the event that I have minor children who will accompany me on my assignment, I take full responsibility for their supervision and conduct at all times, and I, acting both on my own behalf and on their behalf as their parent and legal guardian, do hereby assume all risks of death, illness, or injury that they may suffer as a result of said assignment, from those causes described above.
6. Ransom policy. I understand and accept the following policy regarding ransom payments:
The Board of Directors of MIRA Missions has determined that MIRA Missions will not pay ransom or yield to the demands of anyone who takes one of our missionary family or staff hostage. MIRA Missions pledges itself to every effort in prayer and will take all reasonable steps to secure the release of any member held hostage and/or detained. The Board strongly opposes the payment of any extorted commodities or service and will not pay expenses incurred by captors. MIRA Missions will not permanently concede land or remove missionaries from ministry locations as a part of any negotiated settlement with hostage takers. MIRA Missions believes that this approach helps reduce the risk of MIRA Missions personnel being targeted for kidnapping and was made after sufficient study of the policies of other evangelical missionary agencies and after considering the advice of the United States State Department.
7. I expressly waive any defense to the enforcement of any provision of this commitment arising from a claim of lack of consideration and warrant that this commitment constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation upon me enforceable against me in accordance with its terms.
8. I expressly agree that this assumption of risk, release, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law. I further state that I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS, AND I VOLUNTARILY SIGN THIS AGREEMENT AS MY OWN FREE ACT.
I certify that I am the age of 18 or older. I understand and agree that no oral or written representations can or will alter the contents of this document. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, excluding its choice of law rules, and all claims relating to or arising out of this Agreement, including claims for injuries or wrongful death in any way related to the above-described activities, shall likewise be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding its choice of law rules.