Mission of Hope (St. John)

Vision 

What is the Goal of the Trip? 

As an organization following Jesus Christ, Mission of Hope exists to bring life transformation to

every man, woman, and child. With over 20 years of experience coordinating international mission trips for churches, families, and individuals, Mission of Hope believes that sustainable transformation is possible by partnering with the local churches and indigenous leaders so that ongoing ministry continues long after you go home.

How Does The Trip Serve the Ministry Partner?

As they work with the local pastors and leaders in the Dominican Republic, they ask the question,

“What does your community need to be transformed?” Strategic Ministry Time (SMT) allows us to build and maintain meaningful relationships with the people of the Dominican Republic and gather significant demographic information about the homes they visit that will be used to better serve each community. Through this time, we can model Christ together in all they say and do to ensure that every member of the community has a chance to hear and respond to the gospel.

What Heart Posture is Needed for the Trip?

As team members are learning from and engaging with others, team members should have a heart posture of humility and remember that culture does not make people, people make the culture.You are part of the long-term team and are expected to participate in all their team-wide activities, events, fasts, meals, prayer meetings, work meetings, etc. Be ready to be flexible, as activities are often subject to change due to various factors (e.g. last minute invite to someone’s home).    

Other expectations include: 

• In light of our value to hear and obey the Holy Spirit, we expect all team members to spend individual time in the Word and prayer outside of group prayer meetings. This may sound far too obvious, but this can be a hard discipline to carry out, especially when on a village trip. We can’t emphasize enough the need to daily abide in the Lord!
• Come ready and eager to learn, as life and ministry here are most likely different from what you’re accustomed to.
• Be aware of your personal needs to maintain spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically health. If you need something, ask. 

What to Expect

What Does Time with the Ministry Partner Look Like? 

• Trip participants aren’t alone. When going out, the Austin Stone team is directed by the ministry partner’s team that lives in the Dominican Republic. When going out on outreach, trip participants often split into smaller teams made up of 2 to 4 people. 

What’s a Typical Day Look Like? 

• Saturday- Saturday
  
  • Saturday: Arrive, Settle in on campus, Orientation
  • Sunday: Church, Relax on campus, Visit the coffee shop/MOH market
  • Monday-Thursday: Strategic Ministry Time or Church Advancement Projects in the community
  • Friday: Excursion Day
  • Saturday: Depart to airport

What are Accommodations Like?

• The team will stay at the Mission of Hope Center in a dorm-like setting with bunks. They will need to bring their own bedding. There is AC. 

What’s the Location Like?

• Weather -  It is humid even in the spring
• City vs. rural - City
• AC - There will be AC at the Mission of Hope compound, but there may not be AC at the ministry sites.
• Public transportation/walking - They will drive in vans with the ministry partner and their trip leaders.
• Traveling there - They will fly together as a team and may have one layover. The Mission of Hope team will pick them up at the airport. 
• Food - All of the meals are prepared at the Mission of Hope campus and there is a cafeteria and coffee shop on site. If you have any food allergies you will need to bring supplemental food since they are not able to avoid cross-contamination. Due to kitchen limitations and lack of storage space, this food needs to remain with you and needs to be non-perishable (rice cakes, peanut butter packets, tuna packets, protein bars, etc.) For severe food or substance allergies, plan to carry two EpiPens. Mission of Hope uses peanut butter on the food buffets at every meal. 
• Lodging: They will stay at the Mission of Hope campus which has its own security and is gated. There is a medical room with a doctor on site. Guys and girls will stay in separate housing. 

What All is Covered in the Trip Cost? 

Everything you need for your trip is included in the trip cost. These costs include flights, lodging, food, transportation, ministry costs, health insurance, etc. These amounts are based on preparation costs and costs given to us by the ministry partner.

Trainings

Trainings are essential for preparing well for the ministry your team will be participating in. Therefore, trainings are mandatory and if you need to miss, you will work with your trip leaders and Mission Lead to make up the content. 

The Heart Behind Training

We desire you to pursue Jesus in your daily life and grow to be more like Him. We will provide trainings that walk through abiding and resting in Jesus (John 15), ministry overview and expectations, culture, and logistics. While we can’t perfectly prepare you for everything you might encounter, we do our best to train you with everything you’d need for your trip. 

What is Covered in Trainings?

• The vision and practicals of how to support raise. 
• The importance of gospel conversations and prayer coming from a place of overflow from your relationship with the Lord. 
• Gospel sharing tools. 
• Practice going out and engaging in spiritual conversations with strangers. 
• How to share the gospel in cross cultural 
• How to care for people through prayer. 
• How to engage in prayer walking.   
• What the culture of  location you are going to is like. 

Trip Leaders

What Are the Expectations of a Trip Leader? 

Being a short-term mission trip leader is a rewarding experience. It makes you a part of the Great Commission, letting you respond to God’s call to the nations in a sacrificial way while also shepherding a group of people. Check out the benefits and expectations here. If you are interested in being a trip leader, you apply through the application and complete the "Trip Leader" question section. 

What does Training for Trip Leaders Look Like? 

Once confirmed as a trip leader, the trip leaders will meet with the Mission Lead from their congregation and the For the Nations staff regularly for ongoing connection and support as well as equipping you on how to lead your team well!

Financial Notes

• Budget: The cost of the trip is based on traveling to and from Austin and includes all trip insurance, transportation, supplies, lodging, and meals for the duration of the event. 
• IRS Guidelines: Gifts to the For The Nations Fund are used to support the church's global mission initiatives. You may preference the use of your gift, and we will endeavor to use the funds as you desire, but in order for the contribution to be tax deductible, the church must have ultimate control/discretion as to how the money is spent. This means that any financial gifts towards trips are non refundable. 
• If a trip is canceled due to unforeseeable circumstances, refunds will not be issued in compliance with the IRS guidelines. In some cases, it may be determined to allow raised funds to be applied to future trips.