Short Term Mission Trip Resources

Fundraising

INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING

Individual fundraising will be determined by each short term mission trip participant. Participants may choose to fully fund their own trips or some private fundraising may be necessary through letter/email/phone requests to friends and family.

Regardless of your fundraising method, we encourage you to share the purpose of the trip and your personal reasons for going with friends and family and to ask that they keep you and the trip in their prayers. We also encourage you to share updates during trip preparations and send a personal account when you return so that you can share your experience with others and celebrate God’s good work together.

TEAM FUNDRAISING

Any team fundraising will be determined by the leaders of the short term mission trip. Sometimes team fundraising can lower the overall cost for each participant or can expand the scope of projects and support intended for the trip. Occasionally, there will also be a need to collect specific items to take on the trip for those who will be served or for the mission partners with whom the team will be working. The trip leaders will communicate what additional support may be needed for each trip.

OTHER FUNDRAISING

Sometimes team leaders will also explore other ways to raise money from community and civic groups, foundations, and other activities. From time to time, you may be asked to speak or attend functions that will help with this process. These events are generally not mandatory; however, thank you for your willingness to participate in these special instances that will help to educate others about the trip and its goals.

HOW CAN I AFFORD IT?

Please do not let the cost of a trip deter you from participating in a short term mission trip that you feel called to join. Yes, short term mission trips can seem expensive and, therefore, out of reach. But Hillsboro and the trip leaders are here to help you work through these challenges with a variety of resources. Please be sure to ask about what may be possible for your situation.

Passport Info

NEW PASSPORTS

A passport will be required for all international short term mission trips. Apply NOW for your passport! To obtain a passport, you will need a certified birth certificate, two passport photos and a driver’s license. In addition, you will need to pick up and fill out an application from the Post Office or fill out an application online, and turn it in for processing with the US Passport Agency. All of this can cost from $65 – $100, depending on when you apply. You should allow 6 – 8 weeks for your passport to be processed and arrive. Also, account for any delay if you need to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from your state of birth.

RENEWALS

If you have a current passport, check the renewal date. If it expires within 1 year of the travel date, trip leaders will ask that you go ahead and have it renewed. Again, DO NOT WAIT to renew your passport! Please do not risk being left at an airport and not being able to participate in a trip because you do not have an up-to-date passport.

General Passport Info
How to Apply
How to Renew

Medical Info

IMMUNIZATIONS

As you travel to other countries, it is important that you have the proper immunizations against diseases that you might not experience in the U.S. Please be sure to check with trip leaders and consult the latest CDC recommendations for specific immunizations you may need for each specific country.

CDC Travelers' Health Recommendations

Immunizations are generally available at your local health department, your family doctor, or a Travel Medical Office. DO THIS EARLY. Some immunizations are given in stages or require a certain amount of time to be well-established in your system to have maximum effectiveness. Other immunizations come in a pill form that you will need to obtain before your departure to take with you. You cannot wait until right before a trip to start investigating immunizations.

PRESCRIPTIONS

If you have prescription medicines that you take regularly, be sure that you have current, valid prescriptions with enough medication to last the entire duration of your trip, at a minimum. (A few extra pills are recommended for unforeseen circumstances.) All medications must stay in their original packaging to easily answer potential questions that may arise at customs or checkpoints. Also, if you have special conditions or needs, please notify trip leaders early.

It is also recommended that you take a broad spectrum antibiotic (Ciproflaxin or equivalent) with you in case you need it during the trip. Ask your doctor for more information and recommendations.

Trip leaders will share additional needs and recommendations specific to your short term mission trip.

INSURANCE

Check your medical insurance coverage to see what is covered and what isn’t while you’re out of the country. Some trips will have a trip policy that will cover emergency evacuation and emergency services during our trip. However, we do recommend that you know any limitations or special conditions of your own insurance. Trip leaders can also offer further advice if you have any questions about your coverage.

Travel Links

Learning about your short term mission trip location and current travel guidelines is recommended. These links can provide some interesting information to help you get started.

CIA Factbook | Interesting facts on history, society, geography, etc.

US State Department | Fact sheets and embassy information is available by country and area.

TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items | A list of what you can and can’t have in your checked and carry-on luggage.

Packing Lists

Trip leaders will share what items are needed for your short term mission trip. Each trip will likely have some specific needs related to that trip’s particular destination and goals.

In general, please be prepared for all personal effects to be packed in ONE checked bag (weighing less than 50 lbs.) and ONE TSA approved carry-on, such as a backpack. Please familiarize yourself with TSA recommendations and guidelines prior to packing both checked and carry-on bags.

Below is a generic list of items you may want to bring or be asked to bring with you on your short term mission trip.

Clothing / Miscellaneous

  • Work Gloves
  • Work Shoes – closed toes, sturdy
  • Work Clothes  – items that can get dirty or ruined and possibly be left behind, depending on trip location
  • Lt. Jacket / Sweatshirt
  • Hat / Bandanna
  • Sunglasses – for (1) brightness in the sun and (2) eye protection when working
  • Church / Going Out Clothes – please consider what types of clothes may be culturally appropriate for your trip location
  • Bedding – if you have particular needs

Medicines / Toiletries

  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Kaopectate / Immodium
  • Cortizone Cream – for bug bites or scratches
  • Prescription Meds – must be in original bottle with YOUR name on it to get through customs
  • Pain Meds – such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.
  • Pepto Bismol tablets
  • Fiber Pills
  • Soap, shampoo, other personal toiletries
  • Shower shoes – depending on trip location
  • Feminine products
  • Toilet paper – travel size for use in the field
  • Prescription glasses / contacts – backup vision correction just in case
  • Towels – if you have specific needs

Gear / Miscellaneous

  • Bible, Journal, Pen
  • Passport – in a secure, dry covering
  • Water bottles – recommended 1.5 liter for use in the field
  • Camera – in a protective bag
  • Small flashlight – with extra batteries
  • Backpack – for daily personal use to carry snacks, supplies, etc.
  • Snacks
  • Powdered drink mix – to mix with water in the field or during evenings
  • Large garbage bags – to carry in the field for team trash
  • Hand sanitizer – wet wipes AND liquid
  • Insect repellent spray – not cream or lotion, if applicable
  • Sun block & lip balm – high SPF recommended, if applicable