Mission Immersion Trips
COME AND SEE WHAT GOD IS DOING
Immerse your congregation in the daily realities of mission work. We're looking for passionate, dedicated individuals excited to serve the body of Christ and willing to use their unique gifts and abilities to support long-term missionaries around the world. You'll gain firsthand insight into the challenges, opportunities, and victories of our ministry partners while providing practical support, encouragement, and partnership.
These are more than just trips; they are opportunities to actively extend God’s Kingdom and witness firsthand the powerful work He is doing across the globe. Turn your faith to action, and join our mission of showing people everywhere God's love!
%20('Slum%202%20-%20food%20distribution').jpg)
Logistics
Planning your Trip
To ensure a successful experience for both your congregation and our local partners, we collaborate closely with your church to design the ideal trip. Because this process requires careful coordination, we generally recommend beginning the planning phase at least seven months prior to your intended departure. (Click HERE to see what trips are currently available)
Assembling Your Team
Once your trip is confirmed, we will provide an application for you to share with potential team members. After participants are approved, our team will partner with you to help you navigate the necessary logistics, including passports, visas, vaccinations, and required documentation. (We'll coordinate travel insurance and tickets for you!)
Training for the Mission
Effective training is the cornerstone of any successful mission trip. With years of experience navigating international travel both within and beyond the mission field, our staff is eager to share their extensive knowledge with your team!
Our objective is to prepare you to offer meaningful assistance to our partners. We facilitate this through a four hour training session, available in-person at our headquarters or via a virtual platform. These comprehensive sessions address vital topics, including:
-
Personal testimony sharing
-
Sustainable support strategies
-
Safety protocols for overseas travel
-
Essential packing guidelines
Starting the Journey
Throughout your entire journey, IDES staff will be there to guide your team. You will have the opportunity to travel together, visiting our local partners and witnessing their ministry firsthand.
You'll get to see firsthand how they are sharing the gospel in their specific culture, using everything from education programs to clean water initiatives, and opportunities to serve everyone from kids to retirees in order to tangibly share Jesus's love and the hope of the gospel.
By supporting their mission, your team will step in to assist our partners with various needs as they arise. Whether you are leading VBS, preparing meals, or helping out at sports and medical camps, your contributions can take many forms! Additionally, you will dedicate time to pray for our partners, their communities, and the nation they serve.
Debriefing
After you return home, we'll take some time to talk about what you experienced and learned. We'll work with your leaders so you are well equipped to help your team members celebrate what they accomplished and unpack what they experienced.
Our hope is that you'll end your journey with a greater appreciation for missions, a greater connection to the global body of Christ, and a greater hope in the kingdom of God
So, do YOU want to join us?
2027 Trips
Honduras
Possible Highlights
Assessing patient needs, distributing necessary medications, providing instructions for further care.
Providing spiritual ministry and prayer for people receiving treatment.
If your team includes healthcare professionals, there are opportunities to work directly with local physicians to provide essential healthcare to remote communities. However, there are still opportunities for non-healthcare roles.
When? August 14th-21st OR 21st-28th
How many people? 8-15
Estimated cost? $900 in-country (airfare not included in estimate)
Type of work? Medical, Food Distribution
The Basics
Brazil
Possible Highlights
Traveling on the Amazon river to reach remote communities with much needed healthcare
If your team includes healthcare professionals, there are specific opportunities for them. However, there are still opportunities for non-healthcare roles.
When? May 25 - June 5
How many people? No more than 10
Estimated cost? $1500 in-country (airfare not included in estimate)
Type of work? Medical Boat Trip
The Basics
Philippines
Possible Highlights
Ministering to the local community.
Assisting with construction on a new building where people will be able to commune and worship their Creator for years to come.
When? May (Flexible dates)
How many people? 8 - 10
Estimated cost? $750 in-country (airfare not included in estimate)
Type of work? Church construction, VBS
The Basics
Kosovo
Ghana
Possible Highlights
Assisting with training for hundreds of men and women to become better pastors and leaders.
Assisting with leading a VBS program for thousands of young people.
When? March (Flexible dates)
How many people? 8 - 10
Estimated cost? TBD (airfare not included in estimates)
Type of work? Leadership Training
The Basics
Malawi
Possible Highlights
Organizing, packaging, and distributing relief supplies for thousands of peoples in nearby villages
Special children's outreach event featuring relief distributions, children’s Bibles, games, activities, worship, and ministry opportunities designed specifically for kids and families.
If your team includes pastors and church leaders, there are opportunities to preach, minister, and pray with families/communities during outreach events.
When? March OR September (Flexible dates)
How many people? 8 - 10
Estimated cost? $1000 in-country (Airfare not included in estimate)
Type of work? Food Distribution, Relief Work
The Basics
FAQ's
I have a specific professional background. Is there a way I can use that to help?
YES! We'd love to help you find a specific way you can use your unique skill set to serve. Some trips have specific professions already mentioned. But if yours is not (or if you're interested in a trip that doesn't mention your profession) reach out to us and we'd love to work with you to find a place where you can be most impactful.
But I don't have a specific professional background—is there still a way for me to help?
YES again! We also have plenty of opportunities for unskilled labor. If you're willing to work, we have a place for you to serve. Certain trips may have specific requirements, so if you're unsure, please reach out and we'd love to talk to you further.
What kind of travel medication or vaccinations do I need?
Requirements and recommendations vary from country to country. We'll cover this in detail during our training (along with our local partners' tips and tricks!). Ultimately we highly recommend visiting your medical provider before you depart. You can visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel for current travel warnings and legal requirements.
How much will the trip cost?
Costs vary from county to country and trip to trip, based on the requirements of the trip, the economy of the country, and the expected expenses. Everything listed on this page is an ESTIMATE ONLY. Once we figure out the specific needs/requirements of your team, we'll be able to give you a more concrete number.
Is airfare included?
No. Due to fluctuating prices, we cannot give an estimate on how much the flights will cost. Your team is responsible for paying for their own flights, however, we will take care of booking them.
Do I need a passport?
Your team will be responsible for getting their own passports. We are happy to give instructions about how to do so, but ultimately you will need to fill out the paperwork yourself. Note that it typically takes 4-6 weeks to process a passport application, so we recommend your team get started ASAP.
What about a Visa?
Not every trip will require a visa, but if it does, we will guide your team through the application process.The trip I'm interested in has exact dates.
Does that include travel time?
Yes! We have taken into account the days you will need to travel into the country and home. However, all dates are estimates. As we book flights, we may need adjust dates due to price fluctuations and availability.