Short-Term Missions - FAQs

1. Am I qualified to go on a mission trip?
   In order to be qualified for this trip, you must be willing to be an "ambassador of Christ" in your motivation and conduct, and a team player with a humble and seeking heart.
2. Who pays for the trip? How do I fund-raise?
   You must fundraise at least half your cost by the date of departure by sending out support letters. Your checks will be received and tallied by Redeemer. Whatever you don't raise may be made up by your teammates' surpluses, financial aid from Redeemer, or out of pocket.
3. How long are the trips? How many people are going?
   The trips usually last 7-14 days. Teams from Redeemer can vary from 2-12 people.
4. How long is training and what does it cover?
   Team selection and training takes place over eight weekly meetings leading up to the trip. We will cover topics such as support raising, sharing our testimony, and cross-cultural training. A maximum of two meetings may be missed, although perfect attendance is recommended. The team must also take part in a group service project through Hope for New York before departure.
5. What skills are you looking for?
   Helpful (NOT required) skills for missions include language skills; leadership experience (especially pastoral care or missions); cross cultural skills; and depending on the project, specific skills such as medical, artistic, working with children, music, sports, crafts, etc. Team members may also split up duties ranging from leading devotionals to managing finances. However, there are many trips for which no particular experience or knowledge is required.
6. How are team leaders selected?
   We will review applications and references and conduct interviews to look for a candidate with leadership and/or missions experience. The team leader will be selected before the training begins.
7. What immunizations will I need?
   See your doctor, or cdc.gov, for details on the country you are traveling to. The cost of necessary immunizations only will be covered by fundraising.
8. Who do I send my support letter to? (Christians or non-Christians, or both?)
   This is a personal decision depending on who you are comfortable sharing this with. Presumably your support letter and follow-up letter will be fairly personal, and for that reason can provide a great opportunity to share about your faith. Two separate letters may be drafted for believers and nonbelievers.
9. What if I can't make all the team meetings and/or commit to the timeframe of the trip?
   Only a small minority of Redeemer members and attendees are able to go on missions each year. The nature of the work makes it a huge privilege to participate in. If you cannot make the commitment to make the trip your top priority, we ask that you apply again another year.
10. Do I need to be a member or regular attender of Redeemer?
    No, but we may give preference to members. For non-members, we will rely on your references, so you must be part of a small group or community that can provide them.
11. Is it safe to travel abroad/to a developing country?
    Each team has its own safety procedures. In most cases you will be chaperoned by our host missionaries at all times. If you are careful with not displaying money or valuables, and follow guidelines about personal conduct and health, you should be fine. However you should also be prepared for a lower comfort and safety level than we have in the US.