Real Value — in Short Term Missions
How do you measure VALUE in your short term mission experience? As one who has received teams (while serving in Lithuania and Uzbekistan) — and as one who has sent hundreds of teams (while serving with CCC, and directing STM for a denomination) — I know there are many factors in determining where to serve, who to serve with, and even when to serve. It’s amazing to see how God guides, directs, and provides for so many to serve both locally…and globally!!! One common mistake that I’ve seen however — is the...
read moreThe ‘Dangers’? of ‘shopping around’ …
You are putting together a group service project, mission, or humanitarian effort. More than likely you are serving in a church, mission, or other 501c3 Non-Profit organization, and your desire (rightly so!) is to MAXIMIZE your travel dollar. You contact 3 different agencies — and ask each of them the same question: “Can you help us get to the field for the lowest price?” Can you beat the competition? Good question. However — sometimes we approach group travel like we approach ‘purchasing in bulk’ at Sams...
read moreThe NEXT Step…..after your Short Term Experience…
The Next Step …..Your time on the field is complete. Undoubtedly, you were able to see first-hand some of what God is doing around the world! But … where do you go from here? Should you pursue another short-term mission trip? Get involved in praying for your missionaries? Call others to join you? Receive further education or training in evangelism and discipleship? Look for ways to reach your neighbors, co-workers, family and friends here in the States? What is the ‘Next Step’ for your team? More importantly …. What is YOUR...
read moreSummer Travel
Just a quick note to those of you following the blog. ‘tip for the day’ — Try to lock in your space as soon as possible. We are seeing the SPACE disappear for groups as far out as next November already!!!! If you are able — consider directing your funds towards purchase of sale fares immediately, OR to put a deposit down on space more than 3 months in advance. This will hold the space — at a relatively low risk. Go go go! Mike
read moreFuture of Missions Travel
I’ve had several people ask me lately if travel agencies are going to survive the current economic challenges. Are people traveling? Are churches still sending out missions teams? Aid Organizations still serving internationally by sending others to train, equip, or empower those they are partnering with? The short answer is ‘yes’. — Churches and agencies are still sending teams and individuals all over the world. And, given the fact that the need is still urgent — humanitarian and aid organizations are...
read moreWorking within our Niche —– Directions…
The majority of our business is spent serving ministries, non-profits, student groups, and humanitarian aid organizations. 90% of our work (obviously!) involves helping with the travel arrangements. The other 10% of our work involves connecting our ministry partners and clients with opportunities for shared ministry worldwide. Strategic thinking, innovative collaboration, and a passion for serving those in need fuel our workdays. Do you have a ministry or cause that you are passionate about? Are you looking for ways to increase exposure...
read moreDeposits Deposits Deposits!
Ok — So you’ve got your dates picked out for next year — and you would LOVE to lock in the price 11 months out — but you simply do not have the information needed to hold the space. Namely, — the final number of people — and that infamous DEPOSIT!!! Deposits run anywhere from 50-100 dollars per person on average — and depending on the airline and contract — are either fully refundable (usually up to 90 days prior to travel) orat least partially refundable. One advantage that we are able to...
read moreA brief word about Short Term Missions
There have been several reports out lately calling in to question the validity of short term missions in regards to whether or not there is actually ‘long term impact’ (on either the field, or in the lives of those going). The short story is this: — If DONE RIGHT — Short Term Missions can not only benefit the long-term efforts of the national church — it can also serve to effectively raise up laborers for a lifetime of continued service on behalf of the Great Commission. Admittedly — there are issues...
read moreIs it possible to travel inexpensively with a group?
Group Air Travel can sometimes be quite an experience. You are competing for an increasingly small percentage of each aircrafts’ available seating – at a discounted rate. If you have 20 passengers, and there are only 15 at the lowest ‘class’ of service – than the next five will be a bit higher, and the (average) cost for your entire team will go up. There are several ways we can help you in this – including:1.) Splitting your team up in to two smaller groups — and working to get you to the same...
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