Each ministry has guidelines on phone and internet use. Sometimes you will be able to communicate with the people at home through phone or internet. Check with your phone carrier about international calling options. Usually your loved ones will be informed of your safe arrival through the ministry personnel or your team leader.

You may be able to shop while on the trip. Your purchases will be personal items, i.e. food in airports; gifts and souvenirs; etc. so generally $50-100 is sufficient. It is wise to exchange money prior to leaving the U.S. Check with your bank about money exchange. 5/3 Bank will exchange money for the currency where you are going, though you need to give them 3-5 days notice of the amount and country where you are going.

Yes, in most cases we will attend local congregations. Your team leader will suggest appropriate clothing for church; generally dresses or skirts and blouses for ladies, and khakis and polos for men though, in Haiti, men who are preaching will need to wear ties. Services in foreign countries may last much longer than US church services. You will experience various languages in the service and may not always recognize the music sung and played.

You are representing God, Southland Christian Church, and local mission partners. Modesty is the key to all clothing you decide to bring with you. In humility please follow the dress code of the mission organization. If you are questioning whether or not you should bring it, then leave it at home. You will be given a packing list that is applicable to your ministry location. Depending on the location and cultural norms, you may need to adjust your dress code. Pack far less than you think you need, and in some cases there will be laundry facilities available. Check for the weather in the country where you are headed here: World Weather

Depending on where you’re going on your ministry trip, vaccinations and medications may be recommended by your doctor; this is especially true in Haiti. You can also search online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel to see what is recommended.

Yes, if you are traveling outside the USA you need a passport. If you need a passport go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html to apply. If you have a passport please make sure you have at least 6 months remaining before expiration as you complete your trip, otherwise you need to renew your passport.

Visa - if a visa is needed, Global Impact will provide a link to the appropriate consulate. If needed, complete the visa application and bring it to the Global Impact office, along with your passport, and two 2”x2” passport acceptable photographs.

You will probably take your phone, but be prepared to surrender it to the ministry office in some instances. Only if you are asked to present (teach or preach) should you take other electronic equipment. Haiti uses the same plugs as the US, but Austria uses a different plug. If you are taking electronic equipment, you are wise to purchase a universal converter so you will have the right plugs for anywhere in the world. Taking expensive cameras is not always wise, but your team leader will help you know if these cameras are appropriate.

Each ministry trip has it’s own schedule, but generally you will begin the day between 7:00-7:30 am and engage in work often until after the evening meal, served usually about 6:00pm. Generally, there are break times built into the day. Evenings will allow for team devotions and reflections on the day. Some of the places we visit generate their own power, and they will turn the generators off at 8pm.

Great question. The answer is, it depends! Each partner sets their minimum age requirement for a trip, but sometimes even those will vary by the trip. As a general rule, anyone 14 and over can go to Haiti and if you are under the age of 18 you will need to travel with a parent / legal guardian.

Exceptions:

Student Trips - decided on by the staff leader

TCM - you must be 21 to travel alone