NOVEMBER 13-20, 2010: Petit-Goave, Haiti
Focus: Construction, rebuilding, children’s activities
All skill levels needed (non-skilled to professionals), limit of 12 persons, approximate space left = 6 persons

Grace and Fort Clarke and Passage Family Church Mission Contacts

Paul Emery, Grace’s Missions Outfitter
pemery@gracefl.org, (352) 332-8770, *819
 
Pastor Johnny Boswell, Jr., Passage’s Associate Pastor of Global Missions & Evangelism
BoswellJ@passageministries.org, (352) 336-8686
 
Emily Powlen, Grace’s Missions Assistant
eyates@gracefl.org, (352) 332-8770, *819
 
 
Typical Timeline for a Mission Trip – Gearing Up
 

  Time before Departure:   You will need to:   
  2 months prior   - Obtain/update Passport - Get vaccinated   
  6 weeks prior   - Team selected and notified - Application forms and $100 deposit due - Weekly Team Meetings begin (required)   
  One month prior   - Deposit due to secure Airline Ticket (usually about $400) - Copy of Passport and vaccination certificates due   
  10 days prior   - Full amount of the trip must be paid   
  One week prior   - Packing Party – the team gets together and packs extra suitcases with supplies   
  Day of departure   - Meet Team to carpool to Airport  

 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Q:            How do I get or update a passport? And how long will this take?
A:            Obtaining or updating a passport requires you to fill out an application or other paperwork, usually requires a photograph (can go to CVS, Walgreens, etc.), and will take approximately 6 weeks. The cost varies depending on the type of service you need (update vs. new; expedited delivery, etc.).  Go to the US Department of State’s website to learn more about the process and fees: http://travel.state.gov/passport
 
Q:            What kind of vaccines do I need? And where do I go to get them?
A:            The CDC will have a long list of recommended vaccines to get before you travel abroad, but there are a few that are required.  The required vaccine list differs depending on the location you are traveling to.  For the most current recommended and required vaccines list, go to www.cdc.gov/travel.  Your regular physician or the County Health Department can provide you more information and the vaccines you need.  Some may be in shot form, others in pill form.  Some require multiple doses so it is important to plan early.
 
Q:            How do I sign up?
A:            Contact the designated Missions person at either Grace or Passage and let them know which trip you are interested in joining. They will confirm that you are on the list for the trip. As the date nears, you will be contacted by the Missions team, or the Team Leader for the group, once the team members have been finalized.
 
Q:            How much will it cost, and what does that include?
A:            The cost of each trip will vary depending on the cost of airline tickets, the duration of the trip, and the location of the trip.  A typical 7-day trip to Haiti can range from $700 to $1000, for example.  The cost of your trip will be a set fee and will include your transportation to/from the airport, airline ticket, transportation throughout the week, lodging, and meals.  
 
Q:            How much money should I take with me?
A:            As a general rule, you should not need much money, enough for incidental expenses should be all you need.
 
Q:            I feel called to go, but don’t have enough money – are there fund raising options or help?
A:            Absolutely! We have a team of folks who have some great fund raising ideas and will be happy to assist you.  You can also apply for a grant/scholarship to help with the costs. Contact the Missions Office at Grace for more information and to get connected.  
 
 
Sample Support Letter

Many folks have asked for a sample support letter to send to friends, family, and co-workers to help solicit prayer and financial support for their mission trip.  This sample letter was developed by Missionary Ventures and can be modified to fit your needs.  Please visit their website for additional tools and resources: www.missionaryventures.org.  They suggest that your support letter should have four stages:
1. Acknowledge – acknowledge your relationship with the reader
2. Educate – educate the reader on your mission trip opportunity and cast a vision for them of the purpose of the trip
3. Involve – ask for a specific action on their part based on the need you shared above
4. Acknowledge – acknowledge your relation again, focusing on thanks, appreciation, partnership, and commitment – this ties your opening to your request.            
(This has been adapted from Missionary Ventures USA’s “Short-Term Team Member Handbook” Appendix)
 
[Today’s Date]

Dear Uncle Max,
 
Praise be unto God who always gives us the victory through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I thank God for the work that He has done in my life. It’s easy to get caught up in our lives and forget that there are people all over the world who are hurting and need help.
 
This summer I have been given the opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip with a group from my church. This will be the first year that I have gone on a mission trip. I am excited about the opportunity to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ while helping others of different cultures.
 
I am going to Haiti on September 18, 2010 for one week to help rebuild a schoolhouse and community room in a village outside Petit-Goave. I will be with a group of individuals from all walks of life. While in Haiti, I will also be ministering in orphanages and tent cities, feeding the homeless, as well as ministering in many churches.
 
The cost of this trip is $1200, and it is due on August 1, 2010. I would like you to pray about getting involved in supporting this special time of my life. Any financial help you give will be greatly appreciated. And if you are unable to assist me financially, I need your thoughts and prayers. Please know that any gift is tax deductible. If you are able to help, please make your check payable to [name of the church] and return your gift to me at [your full mailing address]. Please note on the check my name.
 
As you sow into my mission trip, I will be praying God’s work for you, that as you have given, it will be given back to you – the way you give to others, God will give to you (Luke 6:38).
 
I am looking forward to this opportunity to make a difference other people’s lives as God has in mine.
 
May God continue to bless you abundantly.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
 
[your signature]