Short Term Mission Participant Handbook - Catch the Fire

SHORT TERM MISSIONS INFORMATION
Mission Teams
Everyone on the trip functions within a team. We may divide the team into groups to minister to several churches/locations at the
same time. Each person will be a part of a smaller team of about 6-8 people, including a team leader, to have meals, pray and share
testimonies together.
Ministry Conditions
Some of the locations and accommodations you may encounter will likely be austere in comparison to what you are used to. The
pace required on these trips can be rigorous, emotionally draining, and physically exhausting. Each team member must be able to
stand for long periods of time, continuing to function autonomously, even under trying conditions. We ask that you be prepared, yet
on the other hand, the rewards of being instrumental in God pouring out His Spirit on His people are immeasurable!
Job Description
The key words are flexibility and patience. Ministry meetings are often held in local churches, but sometimes are held in open-air
arenas or large tents. Catch the Fire works side by side with local church and ministry leadership in submission to their authority.
Meetings or mission objectives are subject to change at any time during a trip. Your work will entail employing your skills in
innovative ways, sometimes on your own or with others, to teach, support and initiate programs. Please watch for testimonies that
can be used at home for communication to encourage and minister to others.
Mission Training
It is essential that all team members attended pre-trip training sessions with their Team Leader prior to leaving, to pray and seek
God together, to learn about cross-cultural differences, determine the projects you will engage in, expectations, rules and so on.
Each trip will have different parameters but training is essential.
Questions & Answers
Q. Can I travel from another country and join with a Catch the Fire Team?
A. Yes, with the permission of the Team Leader; however you must complete all of the listed documents, and complete pre-trip
training (obtained from the Team Leader) prior to trip date. (see note below)
Q. Can I travel on my own and not use Catch the Fire’s Travel Agent when the flight is included in the mission trip?
A. Yes the mission Team Leader can authorize an exception for a team member to make his or her own travel arrangements (not
use our travel agent) in the following cases:
□ You are traveling to the host country from outside of the US or Canada
□ You are using Frequent Flyer Miles
□ You are authorized to use an Airline Employee Discount: and
Note: If you qualify for one of the above, you must also understand that you will be responsible to get to the host city (this may
include a connection fee in the host country) and be at the airport or hotel in the city/area where we are ministering at the time the
rest of the team is arriving. If you are not at the airport during the time the other team members arrive, you will be responsible to
connect up with the rest of the team and pay all costs associated with making this connection. If there are any internal flights, you
will also be responsible to make these arrangements.
Q. Can I upgrade my ticket to business or first class?
A. Yes, you will however pay the difference in price of what the standard flight would cost.
Q. Can I have a single room on the trip?
A. Usually no, but exceptions can be made. Roommates are an important part of the trip and we don’t want you to miss out on that
fellowship. The Team leader may make an exception depending on room availability. An additional cost will be incurred if approved.
Q. Can I leave for the trip early or stay later than the rest of the team?
A. It is not recommended. We prefer for everyone to travel and stay together. However, if it is an exposure trip or ministry trip
without a tax benefit then allowances can be made. You would be completely responsible for all transportation, accommodations
and expenses incurred if you elect to take this option. This must be approved by the Team Leader.
Q. Can donors get a tax receipt for contributing to my mission trip?
A. Canada Revenue Agency has strict rules for mission trips to qualify for a tax deduction. Donations directed to Catch The Fire to
offset expenses for a church approved mission trip can generally be tax receipted. Donations must be directed to the charity, Catch
The Fire and not to an individual. Catch The Fire can at its discretion allocate the funds to the mission trip.
Q: Can we sign up as a group for the trip?
A: YES! Catch the Fire welcomes groups on its international trips, whether a church, a ministry or it is simply a group of friends. We
ask that all payments to our office be done individually. If the church or ministry is making a payment toward one or more
individuals, be sure that it is clear exactly how much each person’s account should be credited. You will be able to choose
roommates if you wish by contacting our office 3 weeks prior to the trip in insure your request. On the trip, we do form “teams” with
team leaders. Our experience on past trips has taught us that it is better if we mix up your group with others on the trip instead of
your group forming its own team. Married couples are placed on the same team.
Visit our website: www.catchthefire.com for updates and additional information.
For questions or more information, please call (416) 674-8463
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