Q. How do I pay for this?A. If you're going on a short-term cross cultural team to share Jesus Christ and the hope you have in Him, you're a missionary. It's appropriate for others to participate in your ministry by praying and supporting you. We'll provide you with materials and ideas to help you contact people who may be interested in praying for you and investing in your ministry. Many people also find that they are able to invest some of their own resources. In the end, God really does provide. Coming to God with your financial need is just one aspect of bringing your whole life to Him in anticipation that He will work. If God wants you there, He will get you there.
Q. What are we going to do? (Can I handle it?)
A. Many GO Teams make contacts for local ministries. That is, we look for people with whom to initiate relationships that can be turned over to local believers when we leave. Most people overseas want to know why you're there. That's a natural opportunity to share the reason - your hope in Jesus Christ. Your goal is not to see many "decisions" for Christ; it's to see a person start the process toward Christ. You don't have to be a spiritual giant, just sure of your salvation and growing in your relationship with Christ. You'll need to be able to work as part of a team and have the flexibility and willingness to try new things. So if you can smile, say "hi," ask questions and talk to people, you can handle a GO Team!
Q. What will the conditions be like?
A. GO Teams find accommodations in many situations, from dorms to housing with local or missionary families to hotels. Of course, food varies greatly from culture to culture. In many cultures, you'll eat a lot of rice with meat or vegetables. Most of the world's staple foods are not that different from what you're used to. At the same time, accepting hospitality offered by local people is part of your ministry and a great way to build new friendships. As you enter a new culture, we'll work hard to help you understand and adapt to a new world of experience.
Q. Is it safe?
A. More than 2,000 people say "yes." Of course, there are health and travel risks any time you travel, particularly in developing countries. We will help you manage these risks. We provide information from the U.S. Center for Disease Control on immunizations and other precautions. We monitor safety and travel issues in the areas where we travel, and we will cancel a trip rather than put team members in harm's way.
Q. Which team should I go on?
A. We don't assign you to a team, but some of the best team experiences started with a person who told us, "Send me where you need me." The team you go on is your choice. If the team you choose is cancelled, we'll give you the opportunity to go on another team. We advise you to discuss your choice with your family and church.
Q. When should I apply?
A. There is a short application for you to fill out. In addition, we ask for two personal references and a church reference. A church reference allows your church to officially say, "We want to send this person into this ministry." As soon as we receive these materials, we review them and approve you. Often the church reference takes the longest for us to receive because some churches have an approval process for short term missions. The earlier you start, the better. Starting a minimum of three months before a team leaves gives you time to contact your potential support team and time for them to respond.
Q. How are the finances handled?
A. We set a budget that covers all your expenses from your point of departure in the U.S. to your return. If costs change, we let you know as soon as we can. You are responsible to make sure all the needed money for your trip is in before you go. Funds given to GBIM preferenced for your ministry will be tax deductible. We pay all the bills along the way. Most people, however, want to bring a little extra spending money for souvenirs. We contact you personally six weeks before departure to confirm where your support will be coming from. You do not have to have all the money at that point, but you should see evidence that God will provide for your finances before you leave. At that point, we'll purchase your tickets and plan for your departure with the team.
Q. What about orientation?
A. As soon as you are approved, we begin sending you materials. We do not meet for orientation before you leave because many teams are composed of people from all over the U.S. We will focus the first days in-country on orientation to the specific culture and to your ministry, since orientation there is more effective.
Q. Do I have to know the language to be on a GO Team?
A. There are occasions when a GO Team will have a special language requirement. But for most teams, there are no language requirements. We use translators where needed, and in those situations our goal is one translator for every two team members, so you can get into personal contact with people. You will often have the opportunity to learn and use a few phrases in a new language to help build friendships.