SHORT TERM MISSIONS FAQs
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WILL KEEP ME
I WANT TO GO BUT I CAN’T COMMIT
FROM GOING?
TIME FOR PREPARATION. WHAT DO I DO?
If you have a major health problem, you should consult your
If your schedule won’t permit you to be a part of a majority
doctor before filling out the GO Form. Other than that, no!
of the preparation, you should not travel this year and wait
Anyone willing to be a servant to God and work with a team
until you can make room in your schedule for it. However,
should consider going.
that doesn’t mean you have to be left out! The most successful
teams include both travelers and non-travelers; the non-
traveling team members pray, give and mobilize others to
DO I HAVE TO RAISE SUPPORT? CAN’T I
complete the mission. Commit to praying for a specific team
JUST PAY FOR THE TRIP MYSELF?
or leader, designate funds toward an individual or team,
prayerfully encourage a friend who may need a gentle nudge,
While you can just pay yourself, we encourage everyone to
or do all three!
raise support because we don’t want you or others to miss
out on an opportunity to grow! God is concerned about
people being involved in His mission. This is an opportunity
MAY I DRINK ALCOHOL OR SMOKE ON
for you to grow in your trust of God and His provision, and
THE TRIP?
an opportunity for others to be a part of what God is doing
through your team. Your team leader will provide Biblical
No. Most cultures do not expect Christians, let alone
teaching, practical training and useful examples to help you
missionaries, to drink alcohol or smoke. Therefore, in an
through the support-raising process.
effort to avoid distracting those we are serving from our
purpose for being there, we ask all team members to refrain
from drinking and smoking while on the mission field.
IT SEEMS LIKE A BIG TIME COMMITMENT.
CAN I JUST SHOW UP AT THE AIRPORT?
IN A POST-9/11 WORLD, HOW DO YOU
There is a time commitment involved because you’re joining
ENSURE THE SAFETY OF AMERICANS
a team, not a trip. Your team will meet approximately six to
OVERSEAS?
eight times prior to departure to get to know each other and
prepare for your time on mission together, and at least once
after you return. You will study a manual together to better
Bay Area works closely with our local hosts, and we do
understand yourself, the culture into which you are traveling,
everything in our power to ensure safety in health, food and
and the specifics of your mission. Often, lasting friendships
travel. In almost all instances, we are assured of safety when
form out of short term mission teams as you practice the UP-
following the direction of the local hosts. Ultimately, our
IN-OUT rhythm of Missional Communities together.
security is in the hands of the Lord.