We’d love to have you join us this summer but we want you to be confident that it’s the right fit for your team. The following details will answer your questions and prepare you to bring your team overseas – we understand, it's no small task! You can also check out our frequently asked questions and feel free to contact us if there's anything else you need.

 

Why do a mission trip with YWAM Louisville?
1. It’s what we do. We exist as a ministry because of our firm belief that God wants to use young people to impact the nations. Our staff combine years of experience leading cross-cultural ministry teams with a passion to see youth empowered to be used by God.
2. We minister to your team. We’ll arrange effective ministry opportunities for your students, not just busy work intended to give them a good experience. At the same time, the training we provide pairs practical ministry prep with teachings designed to challenge young people on a heart level. Throughout the trip our staff will be encouraging your students, praying for them, and setting an example of loving Jesus and loving others.
3. We offer “maintenance-free mission trips.” Getting your group ready for a trip like this is hard work. Once you arrive here, we want you to be able to relax so you can minister and have fun alongside your students. That’s why we handle all the logistics for you; all you have to do is show up.

 

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.

The goal is to connect your students with real people and give them opportunities to share their faith. By the end of the trip, each of them will have shared their testimony and the Gospel message, probably multiple times.

 

How will you equip the team to minister?
Some outreach participants have never shared their faith before and it can be intimidating; our staff minister alongside them, providing coaching and encouragement. We’ll train them in practical tools – explaining the Gospel, sharing their testimony, presenting evangelistic dramas, even speaking basic phrases in the local language where applicable. In foreign locations we’ll provide translators to make sure they can communicate with people. We’ll also give cultural orientation upon arrival.

 

What about follow up?
Great question. Again, we’re interested in more than just giving your students a good experience – we want to be strategic as well. Whenever possible we’ll partner with a nearby church and invite them to minister alongside us. This serves a dual purpose: directing new believers or seekers to a local fellowship and helping motivate local believers to reach out in their community.

 

What will the schedule look like?
Typically the first couple of days are what we call “training camp.” This includes practical ministry orientation like drama rehearsal and evangelism training, with an emphasis on “heart prep.” We’ll teach them how to spend personal time with God, setting time aside in the schedule each morning for that purpose. We’ll also teach on topics like having compassion for the lost and surrendering to God’s will.

After the training camp we’ll have full days of ministry. We’ll start off with personal devotions and worship, then spend the morning in ministry. When possible we'll provide a couple hours of down time. Throughout the trip we will also incorporate small group meetings, prayer times, report back times, teaching, and worship.

At the end of the outreach we’ll debrief the team and have a free day for shopping and fun.

 

What’s the food and housing situation?
This varies by outreach location. Sometimes our base of operations is a basic-but-clean hotel; other times we stay at a church or campground. Either way, we'll make the arrangements for you and take care of providing authentic local food for your team – whether it's from a trusted restaurant or prepared by our staff. In our foreign locations we're able to offer some American meals to make your team feel at home.

 

How will we get around?
Whether we're renting vans or helping you navigate the public transportation system, we'll make sure your team gets where it needs to go.

 

Is it safe?
We take care to select outreach locations and housing situations that are relatively safe. We’ll give basic security guidelines upon arrival. Our staff will accompany your team as they're out ministering; they are prepared to be watchful and careful.

We take the safety of your team seriously and would not proceed with a trip that was unnecessarily risky. With that said, it’s important to acknowledge that neither we nor anyone else can absolutely guarantee safety. Bad things can happen right here in our own neighborhoods. Ultimately, we have to trust the Lord to protect us, wherever we are.

 

Are there any health concerns I should be aware of?
Minor intestinal disturbances are normal while traveling internationally. The orientation we provide for your team upon arrival will include some basic do’s and don’ts for staying healthy. Hydration is at the top of the list; we’ll provide purified water and encourage the students to drink lots of it.

 

Are vaccinations required?
We ask every participant to have an up-to-date tetanus shot. Those interested in additional precautionary vaccinations should check out the Center for Disease Control and see what they recommend for the country where you're headed.

 

How do we get there?
For international locations, you’ll be responsible for booking plane tickets for your team. Plan to arrive the day your outreach begins; we’ll be waiting for you at the airport. Let us know if you want input on booking tickets; we purchase group fares frequently and would be happy to help you out.

For our Louisville outreaches, you'll provide transportation both to Louisville and to all outreach activities and ministry sites. Don't worry – we'll be prepared to help you navigate the city and get where you need to go.

 

What documents are needed to enter the country?
For foreign outreach locations, each team member must have a valid passport. Visa requirements vary by location; we'll give you instructions once you apply. For each minor on your team you will need a notarized statement signed by each parent or guardian that gives their consent for their child to leave the country with you. We can provide a template for this form if needed.

 

How do I sign my group up?
Apply online or contact us and we’ll mail you an application. You will only need to fill out one application form per group but you will need to send in a separate authorization form for each team member. Minors must have the authorization form signed by a parent or guardian. There is a non-refundable application fee of $100. (If you’re traveling with fewer than five people it’s $25 per person.)

 

Is there an age limit?
While we require individuals joining our trips to be at least 16 years old, team members traveling with a group can be as young as 13 as long as there is an adult responsible for them. Any adults accompanying the team who wish to bring their young children along should contact us; we'll do everything we can to accomodate them.

 

How many adults should accompany the team?
We recommend having one adult leader for every seven students, but this is not a requirement – you know your group better than we do.

 

How do I help my team come up with the money?
If you know that some of your students won’t be able to pay for the trip out of pocket, there are plenty of fundraising options available. Some group leaders leave it to their students, who work odd jobs, send out fundraising letters, or raise money in other ways. Some take a more active role and organize group fundraisers. We’ve seen teams raise money through car washes, candy bar sales, talent shows, fundraising dinners, silent auctions, babysitting, offerings, and much more. Let us know if you need ideas – we’d love to help in any way we can.

Please don’t let money hold you back. We’ve seen God come through with finances for teams when it looked impossible. He is our source and He’ll be faithful to provide.

 

How do I prepare my team to go?
Once you’re signed up, we’ll send a pre-trip information packet which includes a packing list, details in answer to the questions your students and their parents may ask, and suggested topics for team meetings. In the weeks and months leading up to your trip, let us know if there is any other way we can help you prepare.

 

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. We now operate in virtually every nation, focusing on training, mercy ministries, and evangelism. 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 and our staff and participants come from many denominational and non-denominational 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