Make sure your passport is up to date. Up-to-date means that the passport expiration date is at least 6 months after the trip concludes.
Attend mandatory pre-trip meetings held by the professor.
Complete pre-trip syllabus requirements.
These requirements could include required reading, papers, or lectures.
Prepare 1-2 prayer requests for the upcoming mission trip.
Pray for the Lord to open the hearts and minds of the people you will attempt to reach with the Gospel.
Prepare spiritually and physically.
Complete Trip orientation and documentation.
Some locations require visas, immunizations, and more. You will be informed of these requirements once you apply for a trip. Make sure your passport is up to date before applying.
Pack well. The trip leader/professor will provide a packing guide.
Promote your trip to others and invite them to join you in praying for you, your team, and those to whom you will minister on the trip.
A fund-raising template can be provided upon request to help raise funds for your trip.
For international trips: If you are not cleared through the IMB’s GO Method, the following apply:
The student will not be able to go on the trip.
The student will not be refunded their deposit or any payments made towards the trip. In addition, the student will be responsible for any pre-trip expenses that have been incurred on their behalf – such as non-refundable plane tickets and pre-paid ground expenses.
The student will fail the course if they do not withdraw from registration.
If you are unable to go for other unforeseen reasons (e.g., too sick to travel, death in the family, etc.), you will be responsible for expenses already incurred and should withdraw from the course. Be sure to inform the CGCS about your circumstances and discuss the next steps towards a future trip.
During the Trip
Have quiet time every morning before going out to do ministry.
Keep a daily journal. In most cases, this is required as part of the syllabus.
The journal will include a witnessing log, noteworthy events, insights, and praises.
Journaling is to be a practice of expectation, thanksgiving, and prayer in your lives.
You will submit the journal in CampusNet after the trip is complete.
Write a donor letter to thank those who made going more affordable for SEBTS students.
Fully participate in all activities.
Be humble, kind, compassionate, and tender-hearted.
Do not give handouts to locals. This giving could end up hurting the people more than it helps. Ask local workers/pastors about the best way to aid those in need.
Maintain security if in a secure location.
Partner well with local workers and nationals in ministry.
If instructed, take photos and videos to send to the CGCS Communication Specialist.
Do not be a cause of conflict but seek cooperation and love with all you interact with.
You are on a trip representing SEBTS and the CGCS. Do not hurt the reputation of the school while on the field.
Abide by all the policies in the student handbook. These are not removed while on a mission trip with the school.
In the unlikely event that you are physically unable to travel back home with the team (e.g., too sick, detained by authorities, etc.), the faculty member or team leader is responsible for the entire team and may have to leave you on location with the field personnel until you can travel back by yourself.
Post-Trip
Write a reflection paper as outlined in your syllabus.
Turn in all the other assignments that are due as required in the syllabus.
Praise the Lord for what He did during your time on the mission trip.
Share stories with others to encourage them!
Remember that mission trips are courses/classes for which you will be registered. They are Pass/Fail. A Pass will not necessarily improve your GPA, but a Fail will negatively impact it.