Mission Trips FAQ What will we be doing?
Most likely we will be doing some type of construction project with concrete and cement blocks during the day, and participating in a vacation bible school at night. The number one rule of mission work is to BE FLEXIBLE. Not everyone who goes on the trips will need to do heavy labor, talk to anyone who has gone on a previous trip to learn more. Remember, plans can and often do change on mission trips.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the insurance form and prospective team application, and turn into Pastor Weatherly.
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/mission-teams-umvim/insurance-application-form/
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18. If accompanied by parents, someone younger may be able to travel on a case-by-case basis.
What type of training do I need?
There will be a short-term missions study that will be started prior to the trip. Previous trips have been to Guatemala and Venezuela, and future trips may also be to Spanish speaking countries. If this is the case, it is recommended that you learn some Spanish.
What if I don't speak the language?
While speaking Spanish is helpful, it is not necessary. Many past short-term missionaries have had successful trips without knowing much of the language.
What is the cost for this trip?
TBD. Previous trips have cost between $1500-$2500 prior to fund-raising.
When is the money needed?
90 Days prior to departure the cost of the plane tickets is needed. The remaining money is needed no later than 45 days before departure.
Is fund-raising available?
We hold a few fund-raisers throughout the year and ask for good-will offerings to lower the trip cost.
What does this cost cover?
Airfare, food, lodging, and project costs.
Why go at all? Why not just send money?
1. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus gave the great commission: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
2. The witness of someone who has left their home and shows up in person for the sake of someone else can make a huge impact on others, both those people who we go to support, and also our family and friends at home. Think about this in terms of a fire:
Once a fire is started, it gives off light, heat, and flame. As it burns, any number of things could happen. What starts as a tiny flicker could quickly extend for miles, consuming and setting ablaze everything in its path. This type of wildfire has the potential to literally change the
landscape of a given area.
On occasion wildfires are started through a lightning strike without the help of man at all. God can do the same thing in the spiritual realm.
God does not need man to accomplish His purposes. However, in His sovereign grace, God has chosen to use people to make His name famous. He uses His children in all aspects of a fire.
There are four important aspects in a growing fire. In the beginning the kindling is arranged (i.e. indigenous national leaders, long-term missionaries), a match is struck (a church is started and/or sustained), fuel is added to the fire (motivation/inspiration from others including short-term missionaries), and the flame is fanned (continued support through prayer, motivated indigenous church members, etc). As you can see, short-term missionaries can be used as part of the fire.
What happens if I get sick?
Most of the minor discomforts and illnesses that occur during international travel can be taken care of with over-the-counter medicines, which we take with us. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for medicines to help you adjust to potential health issues. Also, emergency medical insurance is provided for every team member.
I can't go, how can I help from at home?
There are several ways you can help the missions team. The most important way is through prayer for the team and area we are going. If you would like to financially support the missions team, that can be done through giving to the church. Be sure to write "adult missions fund" on the memo line. There will be other requests made by the team, in the past we have collected suitcases, tshirts, yarn, and baseball equipment to bring to different communities based on their need.