What Training Looks Like For Our Short Term Teams

What happens between being accepted onto a team and stepping onto an airplane? A lot! In the months leading up to departure, our teams meet together two to four times each month to prepare for the ministry they will be doing overseas while also building strong relationships with one another. Each team also participates in a team retreat, giving them extended time together to pray, prepare and solidify team relationships. 

Training involves both practical preparation and personal growth. Team members work through important logistics like gathering documents, applying for passports and visas, scheduling vaccinations, and learning how to pack effectively. They also spend time preparing for ministry by learning how to share their personal stories, prepare curriculum to teach English Camp, create skits, prepare activities and even learn the steps to a camp dance. Along the way, teams learn about cultural norms, customs, appropriate dress, and behaviors so they can serve respectfully and effectively in their host country. 

In addition to those logistics, an important part of these months is about growing together. Teams spend extended time in prayer, learning about resolving conflict and living out the one anothers, go on extended hikes to build stamina, share meals, play games, and hear one another’s testimonies and life stories. By the time departure day arrives, they are not only prepared for travel and ministry, but have also formed meaningful friendships and a strong foundation as a team to be known by love.