FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSgospelappbutton

Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions and answers for Hope Missions' Trips.  If your question is not listed below, feel free to call the Hope Missions Office – 256.620.1788.


GENERAL INFO FOR INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

When, Where, and How do I register for a Hope Missions International Trip?
NOW is the time to register your group for a 2020 International Trip!  Registering for a Hope Missions Trip is very easy.  You can register Online by clicking the "Online Registration" tab and filling out the form.  A Non-Refundable deposit is due after sign up to finalize your registration.  SUGGESTED payment plans are listed for each project.  Contact Hope Missions if you need to set up a different plan than what is offered.  

Who can participate in a Hope Missions International Trip?
Adults (18 years and older) can participate in any of the Hope Missions International Trips.  Students (finished 6th grade and older) can participate in international trips when participating in a group with chaperones.  Students under 18 years old that are not part of a group must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

How many Adults should come with Student Groups?
Each church group is required to bring one adult sponsor for every six youth participants of the same gender. Sponsors must be 21 years of age or older.

What are Travel details for International Trips?
Hope Missions International Trips will coordinate roundtrip airfare from your closest international airport (when possible).  Hope Missions books all airfare and will provide flight itineraries and check-in information to participants.  Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the airport and all extra expenses incurred with international travel (baggage fees, food at airport/plane, parking fees, etc.).

What are the Specific Details for each International Trip?
A General International Missions Manual is available for download to help with general information about International Trips (passport, fundraising, etc.).  A Specific Missions Manual will be provided to all participants 1-2 months prior to every International Trip (ex. June Nicaragua Missions Manual).  These manuals contain all of the specific information (flight itinerary, emergency contact info, packing list, schedule, etc.) you will need to make final preparations for the trip.

What will Accommodations be like?
Hope Missions has strategic partnerships with local ministries in all international locations.  These International Partners provide Hope Missions' teams with housing, food, transportation, and translators.  Hope Missions provides on-site leadership and project planning on all International trips.  Housing typically takes place at a Mission House with dorm-style lodging.  Where a mission house is not available, lodging takes place in local hotels.  Food is typically a mix of local and American-style meals.  Transportation is typically via van or bus.  Specific information for each location will be in the Missions Manual that participants receive 1-2 months prior to the trip.

What type of Projects will we work on?
Every International Trip is unique and has multiple opportunities for groups to serve.  Hope Missions goal is to partner with local churches and ministries.  Projects rooted in local ministries will have a longer lasting impact.  Evangelism is the primary objective on all Hope Missions' Trips.  Every International Trip also has opportunities to work with children.  Children's Ministry (Bible Clubs) are great projects for any participant.  Additional projects are possible depending on the gifts and talents of participants going on each trip.  For example, Medical Missions is a very viable option at most Hope Missions locations provided that there are participants who can conduct the Medical Missions.  The same is true for Leadership Training, Construction, Women's Ministry, etc.  Hope Missions seeks to maximize the gifts, talents, and desires of groups/individuals who participate in International Trips.  Hope Missions will work closely with participating groups/individuals and in-country churches/ministries to plan a ministry schedule that maximizes the efforts of everyone involved.  Feel free to call the Hope Missions Office (256.620.1788) to discuss potential opportunities.

How can I get more information?
Hope Missions has a International Missions Manual (CLICK HERE) with a lot more details about International Trips including: Obtaining a Passport, Fundraising, etc.  Feel free to call the Hope Missions Office (256.620.1788) with any questions.



FINANCIAL INFO FOR INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

What is the Cost and what does it cover?
Cost for International Trips varies depending on location.  Registration fees cover: On-Site Project Coordination from Hope Missions' Staff, Meals, Lodging, Evangelism Supplies, T-Shirt, & Water Bottle.  Airfare and Visas are an additional cost on International Trips.  A NON-Refundable Deposit is due after sign up to secure your registration.  Payment Plans are given for every International Trip.

Can I get a refund?
All International deposits are NON-Refundable.  Due to the logistics of each trip, refund/transfer of additional payments may or may not be possible.  Contact the Hope Missions Office (256.620.1788) for financial policies of a specific trip.

How do we raise the money?
Hope Missions offers very practical advice on raising funds necessary for your International Trip.  See the “Fundraising” section of our website - CLICK HERE.



GENERAL INFO FOR NATIONAL TRIPS

When, Where, and How do I register for a Hope Missions National Trip?
NOW is the time to register your group for a 2020 National Trip!  Registering for a Hope Missions National Trip is very easy.  You can register Online TODAY by clicking the "Online Registration" tab and filling out the form.  A $50 per person Non-Refundable deposit is due no later than January 1, 2020 to finalize your registration.  Space is limited (average 200 per project) at each project site.  Register today to secure your spot!

Who can participate in a Hope Missions National Trip?
Anyone can participate in Hope Missions National Trips.  However, 7-Day trips are better for Student Groups.  Our 5-Day trips are more family-friendly for groups with small children.  Students participating with their group must have finished the 6th grade.  Students younger must be accompanied by a parent.  It is recommended that children younger than school-age not participate because of the nature of the projects conducted.  Feel free to contact the Hope Missions Office with questions and special requests.

How many adults should come with Student Groups?
Each church group is required to bring one adult sponsor for every six youth participants of the same gender. Sponsors must be 21 years of age or older and must reside in the same room as their youth, assist with activities, and work alongside youth on a work crew.  No private sleeping arrangements or other arrangements are available for sponsors with children or for couples.

What is the best way to travel to the Hope Missions National Trip?
Hope Missions will work with any transportation you use to bring your group to a project.  However, keep in mind that ALL transportation will be used throughout the week to transport Teams to work sites.  Church vans are ideal because Team sizes are generally 10-12 participants.  Large vehicles (like buses) will most likely transport multiple teams to multiple locations.  Participating Church Groups are responsible for providing gas and drivers for travel throughout the project week.

What Rules should I convey to my Group?
It is a good idea to make sure every participant receives a copy of the National Missions Manual.  There are many details in this manual that will help them prepare for the upcoming trip.

What will accommodations be like?
At most of our National Projects, participants will be staying at a Host Church.  We will worship in the sanctuary, eat in the fellowship hall, sleep in the educational space, and shower in shower trailers.  To maximize space, we ask that all participants bring TWIN SIZE air mattresses to sleep on.

Will my group work together during the week?
Not typically.  Hope Mission has found that the ideal atmosphere for National Mission Projects is to mix groups.  Hope Missions will ensure that Students will have at least one other person from their church on their Team.  Adults are not guaranteed to be on a team with someone from their church due to the need of chaperones on each Team.  Hope Missions will keep your group together upon request.  However, we have found that your group will get the most from their experience if they are with participants from other churches.

Do you have a list of important dates I need to keep in mind?
August 15, 2019
 – Registration for 2020 projects opens!  Group Information Forms are due at time of Registration.

January 1, 2020
 – A $50 per person Non-Refundable deposit is due for all National Projects.

May 1, 2020
 – Balances are due for all National Projects.  Participant List and Team Leader Applications are due with balances.

How can I get more information?
Hope Missions has a National Missions Manual (CLICK HERE) with a lot more details about National Trips including: Schedule, What to Bring, etc.  Feel free to call the Hope Missions Office (256.620.1788) with any questions.



FINANCIAL INFO FOR NATIONAL TRIPS

What is the cost to register?
Hope Missions registration fees are exceptionally affordable compared to other organizations providing comparable trips.  The registration fee for 7-Day Projects is $239 per person.  The cost for 5-Day Projects is $209 per person.  The cost for 6-Day Projects is $225 per person.  Mission Macon is $269 per person.

What does the registration fee cover?
Registration fees cover: Project Coordination, Meals, Lodging, Mission Supplies, T-Shirt, & Water Bottle.  Registration does not include transportation.

What do I need to know about deposits?
Deposits are due no later than January 1, 2020.  All deposits are Non-Refundable.  However, deposits are TRANSFERABLE to your balance until May 1, 2020.

When is my final balance due?
All outstanding balances are due no later than May 1, 2020.

Can I get a refund?
Balance payments (minus deposits) are refundable up to 30 Days before the project begins.  There will be NO refunds within 30 days of project start dates.

How do we raise the money?
Hope Missions offers very practical advice on raising funds necessary for your National Trip.  See the “Fundraising” section of our website - CLICK HERE.