What will the ministry look like?
Our ministry activites will vary by location, but we always emphasize ministering to individuals through relationships and sharing the Gospel. We may visit people in their homes and get to know them, sharing our stories of what God has done in our lives, praying for them, and making sure they have Bibles. We may spend time in local parks, playing soccer or basketball, joining kids on the playground, and presenting dramas that demonstrate the salvation message. We’ll find practical ways to serve, like building a home or cleaning up trash, feeding the homeless, or visiting rehab centers and orphanages.

What if I’m not ready for ministry?
We’ll get you ready! We’ll give you tools for your ministry times – phrases in the local language, dramas, how to share your testimony, and how to present the Gospel. And remember – it’s not about you, it’s about Jesus working through you.

How will we communicate?
In some locations, like the Yucatan, we’ll have translators who will join you in ministry and help you connect with the people you’re ministering to. In other areas we minister in larger cities where there are plenty of English speakers. Of course, even a little bit of language skill is a plus, but it's definitely not required.

 

What will a typical day look like?
Anything but typical! Each day we’ll get up and spend personal time with the Lord – that’s the fuel for our day. We’ll gather for worship and then hit the ground running. Often we'll take the first day or two for a “training camp,” learning how to live and minister in our host culture and gearing up with some practical ministry tools. Then we’ll hit the streets, spending most of the day in ministry. Throughout the trip we’ll also continue to gather together, reporting back on what God has done, asking Him to work through us, and learning more about following Him.

 

Where will we live?
Sometimes it's a basic-but-clean hotel; sometimes we camp out on a church floor. We'll give you specific instructions for the trip you're on.

 

What will we eat?
You’ll get an authentic experience. We'll eat a variety of local cuisine, either from trusted restaurants or prepared by our staff. In some locations we'll be able to offer a few American meals to give you that taste of home.

 

How can I keep from getting sick?
Minor intestinal disturbances are normal while you're traveling. When you arrive we’ll give you some do’s and don’ts that will help keep you healthy. Staying hydrated is at the top of the list, and we’ll provide as much purified water as you can drink.

 

Do I need to get any shots before I come?
We ask every participant to have an up-to-date tetanus shot. If you're interested in additional precautionary vaccinations, check out the Center for Disease Control and see what they recommend for the country where you're headed.

 

Is it safe?
No place in the world is risk-free, but we do take your safety seriously. We stay in close communication with our contacts on location and choose our outreach locations and housing situations carefully. We’ll prep you on some basic safeguards when you arrive and accompany you as you're out and about. Most importantly, we trust God to protect us wherever we go.

For specifics on security in the Yucatan, check out this letter from our director.

 

Will we have any free time?
We typically schedule some rest time during the day and reserve the last day before you leave for shopping and fun.

 

How do I get there?
Typically you’ll need to arrive at your outreach location on the starting day of your outreach. If you're flying in, we’ll pick you up at the airport and take it from there. Your plane ticket is not included in the cost of the trip, but if you need help finding a flight, be sure to let us know.

 

What do I need to enter a foreign country on outreach?
You need an up-to-date passport. Visa requirements vary depending on where you're headed; we'll give specific instructions when you apply.

 

How do I sign up?
Apply online or contact us and we’ll send you an application. There’s a non-refundable application fee of $25. (If you’re going with a group of nine or more, it’s just $200 per group.)

 

Is there an age limit?
Unless otherwise specified, you need to be at least 16 years old if coming on your own, 13 if coming with a group. Talk to us if you're a parent wanting to bring your kids – we love working with families but would need to make sure the ministry opportunities are viable for younger ages.

 

How do I get the money?
If you don’t have the money to pay for the trip, don’t let that hold you back. Get creative! Past outreach participants have put in a few extra hours at work, done odd jobs, sold things on ebay, or taken on other projects like fundraising letters or car washes. If you’re feeling stuck, let us know – we’d love to help you come up with ideas to pay for your mission trip. The most important thing is to remember that God is our source – if He sends you on a mission, He’ll be faithful to provide.

 

How do I pay?
Send a check made out to “YWAM” to PO Box 22185, Louisville, KY  40252. Include your name in the memo and specify what trip it's for.

 

What is YWAM?
We’re an international missions group that began 50 years ago under the conviction that God wants to use young people to reach the nations. Mission trips like these are just a small part of what we’re doing around the world – check out our missions training schools!

 

Is YWAM affiliated with a denomination?
YWAM is interdenominational, which means that our staff and participants come from many different church backgrounds.  We believe that the Bible is God’s Word and our ministry and training are grounded in its principles. Read more about our values and beliefs, or check out YWAM International's website for more about our history and who we are.

a ministry ofyouth with a mission