Acts Project
the movement continues....
The
Short-Term Mission FAQs
I’m a definite for one of the opportunities on this site – what should I do?
First, contact the person listed to express your interest or register here.
Second, an initial deposit is required for these trips, you will want to make that deposit as quickly as possible as this is the only way we can hold your spot.
Third, you will want to make sure you have a valid U.S. passport or valid passport from your country of birth.
Are there deposit deadlines for the trips?
Yes, and those deadlines depend on the individual trip. Once you express interest, specific information can be relayed to you on deposit deadlines.
I’m interested in one of the international trips, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to actually go – what should I do in the meantime?
First, and most importantly, pray. Pray that God will reveal to you whether you should invest in this kind of experience at this point in your life. While life-changing experiences, these trips are not vacations, but strenuous times to put your spiritual faith in settings and activities that will serve the global kingdom and, often, the poorest of the poor.
Second, you will want to express your interest by logging on to the main “Acts Project” site on the web at www.westsidechurch.info. However, you will need to know that your place on a trip cannot be secured by simply stating your interest. A firm commitment, evidenced by the required financial deposits toward the trip’s cost by the dates they are due, is needed to hold a spot.
Third, if you haven’t already, make sure you have a valid U.S. passport or valid passport from your country of birth. This often takes several weeks to process, and this will position you to be able to travel if you feel so led.
How do I get a passport?
Every international experience will require a valid U.S. Passport or valid passport from your country of birth. To secure a passport, visit the U.S. State Department website.
Are we allowed to raise financial support needed for the trips?
We are asking all participants to be self-supportive financially for these mission opportunities. Small groups or families are encouraged to pool their resources if it is a project they commit to jointly; individuals are expected to cover their own expenses or costs of the mission.
I’m interested in a missions trip, but I don’t have the financial resources to cover the cost of the trip – what should I do?
First, pray. Ask God directly to supply your needs.
Second, we encourage individuals to sacrificially support themselves for the mission experiences. Saving a little extra money each month and doing without some of the regular conveniences we are accustomed to is a great means of spiritually preparing oneself for the experience.
Third, we also encourage individuals to raise support by writing letters to family and friends, informing them of your need. Additional guidelines for support letters are available through the missions office. If a donor desires a tax deductible receipt, please note the following requirements: 1) the checks must be made out to West Side Baptist Church, not the individual person going on the trip. The particular person being supported may be noted on the memo line of the check. 2) The church will maintain complete control and administration of these donations. 3) No donations will be returned, but instead used where needed most (i.e., another missions project) if the identified project or person is already fully funded. 4) Please do not place these donations into the offering plate. Mail or bring them into the office to the attention of Donna Devine, Bookkeeper.
Any questions regarding the tax deductibility of outside support gifts toward Acts Project trips, please contact Donna Devine.
Does West Side offer scholarships monies for mission trips?
Yes, West Side does offer scholarship assistance for certain mission experiences. While it is doubtful we will ever be able to underwrite all of the mission opportunities for many of West Side attenders, we hope to serve those in our community of faith who truly do not have the means to participate.
If I pay for my mission trip, does that count as part of my “tithe” to the church? Or is it something else?
Tithes are to go directly to the local church of which we are a part. An “offering” is something given above and beyond a tithe. In the New Testament, it was through “offerings,” not “tithes,” that external mission enterprises were funded. When you support someone for a mission trip, or support yourself, you are giving an offering to the Lord that is to be above and beyond your tithe.
I have young children, but would like to go as a family. Is that allowed?
This depends on the mission trip itself. Contact the person who is facilitating the particular trip you are interested.
Will I need special immunizations for the international experiences?
Yes. Specific immunization needs will be given to you once you are fully registered and accepted for your mission. However, you can safely plan on at least an up-to-date Tetanus and, for many, Hepatitis “A”.
If I’m taking a trip, what should I plan on bringing?
This will depend on the trip itself. Details will be given to you once you are fully registered and accepted for the trip.
What skills do I need to have to be able to participate?
There are no specific skills needed to be able to participate in any of these trips.
What are the potential risks of going overseas?
We have selected destinations where there are no inherent risks in travel other than those normally associated with any trip.
Who makes the travel arrangements for the trips?
This will depend on the trip itself, but in most cases, you will not need to make them yourself. Travel, on-site transportation, food and lodging will be cared for. Details will be given to you once you are fully registered and accepted for the trip.
Will other trips be added for this year?
There is a good possibility that other mission opportunities may be added for this fall, or spring 2011. We will make these opportunities known to the wider West Side community as soon as they are available.
Will these same trips be available next year?
We are continuing to explore new and varied opportunities, and will engage in a continual process of pruning and cultivating so that each year we are putting forward the best short-term experiences possible.
