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Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)

If this is your first trip with us, you probably have lots of questions.  That's okay, we have lots of answers!  Here is a list of our most common questions.  You'll find it divided up into sections, including Basic, Getting Ready, and His Warehouse.  If you can't find the answer to your question, do not hesitate to contact us.  We can't over emphasis our desire to enable you and your team to not only come alongside us on a mission trip, but to make that trip a successful one!
 

Category:

Basics

  • Who can come on mission?
    Everyone! We believe that the Great Commission is a command to all therefore it is one of our goals to make obedience to this command a reality for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. While we work closely with the Southern Baptist Convention churches, we invite all who love the Lord and want to spread His love and Good News. Denominational lines become irrelevant when our focus is on mission evangelism and God’s kingdom.
  • What is the cost of a mission trip?
    The cost of the trip depends upon the length of stay. It is our desire to make going on mission a reality for all, therefore we make our trips as affordable as possible.
    The Friday night His Warehouse is $10.
    The 24-hour mission trip, Late Nights @ His Warehouse, is $39 per person.
    The 3-day trip is $125.
    The 5-day trip is $179.
     The 7-day trip is $239, but early bird registration discounts are available.
    Specifics concerning deposits and deadlines are provided in the financial section. If you desire, you may use Visa or MasterCard, however a 5% service charge will be added to the total. Please note that all deposits are nonrefundable and cancellations are not accepted.
  • We're here to serve God. Why do you charge us?
    Words To Works Ministries will both feed and house you during this period. Additionally, we are a year ‘round ministry with year ‘round expense. The money from mission groups is the primary source of our funding. All money collected goes back into our ministry.

  • What ages to you accomadate?
    Whatever your age, interest or skills, we have a place for you! We do not believe that mission trips should be only for our middle and high school youth. We have had the pleasure of working with groups of seniors, nurses, bikers, families, college students, and intergenerational church groups. A team from Belize came and serve, learning how we do what we do so that they could implement a similar program in their own country. A group of seniors, the youngest of whom was 65, came and fed the hungry and prepared medical package for overseas. A small church came on their first ever mission trip and brought over half their congregation, from ages 6 months to 60s. We believe that God has called all of us to Go and share the Good News, and it is our heart to enable as many who want to be obedient to this command!
  • How long are the mission trips?
    How long do you want it to be? We customize our trips for you! If you are here locally, you may want to do just an afternoon, an evening or our 24-hour Late Nights At His Warehouse. Those traveling a distance may prefer a 3-day, 5-day or 7-day trip. The 7-day trip usually has figured into it one "free" day to allow your group to enjoy the sights and beaches of our area. Again, it is up to you!
  • When can we come on a mission trip?
    When do you want to come?  We host mission groups year 'round!  Spring and summer are our busiest times.  The 24-hour trip is popular all year with local groups.  Seniors generally prefer to come in the off season when it isn't as hot ~ smart, aren't they!?!
  • Is it safe?
    Your safety is our primary concern. We have never had a safety issue, and if you follow our simple guidelines, you should not have one either. Always travel in groups of four. Never travel without a man in your group. Do not go into the local stores. Do not wear flashy jewelry or flash money. If you follow these simple, common sense rules, there will be no problems.
  • Where will we stay?
    Words To Works Ministries is located at 7137 North Main Street, on the corner of 63rd and Main. Groups stay in our Missionary Training Center (MTC), a two-story building adjacent to North Main Street Baptist Church. We will provide a bunk bed and pillow, but ask that you bring your own twin sheets and blankets. If you need sheets, please let us know ahead of time. Showers are available. Please provide your own towel and toiletries.
  • Where will we eat?
    There is a large kitchen and fellowship hall in the MTC. We’ll do all the cooking Sunday morning through Thursday night. Fridays are a free day for both groups and interns, and Saturday is our clean-up day, so on those days groups eat out in the community.
  • What should we wear?
    Comfortable, casual clothes: jeans or longer shorts, t-shirts or sweatshirts. Closed-toe shoes, not sandals. Ladies, please do not wear short shorts or tight-fitted/low-cut tops. These prove to be a distraction and may bring undue attention to you. Groups coming for 7 days will be provided a Words To Works t-shirt. Additional ones may be purchased for $10 ~ they come in lots of great colors! If you have team t-shirts, we encourage you wear them. Please do not wear matching shirts for the Friday His Warehouse event - you do not want to send an "us/them" signal.
  • Where can we keep our valuables?
    Please don’t bring them. You will be here a short time, so please leave at home your laptops, i-pods, jewelry, etc. Keep your cash on you in a wallet. Avoid bringing a purse. And, while we’re talking money, please do not give money to the people you meet. They will ask. Your answer is that you do not carry money with you.
  • How about cell phones?
    We recommend that team leaders collect all cell phones so that members can stay focused on the task at hand. Even if a person doesn’t call out with their phone, incoming calls and texts can be very distracting. Sending a quick text message seems like a harmless thing, too, but all of these a huge distraction. Team leaders should have their phones with them so that team members can be contacted in case of an emergency. All other calls should wait until after your trip. Let this be a period devoted purely to our Lord’s work, with no distractions.
  • Are there laundry facilities?
    Yes, there is a laundry matte within half a mile of our campus.  However, we recommend that you bring enough clothes to last you the trip so that you do not need to break out to do this.  You may go home smelly, but you'll go home on fire for the Lord!
  • How do we get ready for a mission trip?
    Whether your first or twentieth mission trip, you’ll love our step-by-step guidelines on planning a successful trip! We have a proven system that we will share with you and help you implement. It is contained in our downloadable Go Manual, a 100+ page book that will help you and your team prepare physically, financially and spiritually. We will work with your leadership to ensure that all the appropriate steps are taken for your team!
  • How do I get more information?
    We've tried to design our website to answer most general questions, including a Frequently Asked Questions page, but know that you'll have some that we've missed.  When your're ready for specifics, simply  Register on our website, indicating your areas of interest and we'll get the right staff member to contact you.  Of course, you can call or e-mail us too.  We'd love to answer all your questions!
  • What else can we do to help Words To Works Ministries?
    The need does not end when your trip is over. There still remains the homeless, the hungry, the poor, the lost. Here at Words To Works Ministries, we continue to reach out to them. We hope that our partnership with you will continue long after you leave. Some of the ways you can continue to be involved are:

    Supplies. We need all sorts of supplies. Craft, cleaning, food, clothing. We have set up a “gift registry” at Wal-Mart, Target and other stores, and will happily give you a specific list, but in general:

    Crafts: paper, glue, crayons, markers, chalk, scissors, popsicle sticks, baby shampoo
    Cleaning: bleach, dish soap, liquid hand soap, sponges, paper towels, mops, toilet paper, long handle scrub brushes, brooms

    Food: peanut butter, jelly, hot dogs, Kool-Aid, cereal, canned tomatoes, rice, instant potatoes, instant oatmeal, plastic cups and utensils, napkins, pop-top cans for homeless (Vienna sausage, soup, etc)
    Clothes for Compassion Center. We are most lacking in shoes, items for children 3-12 and clothes for large adults. New socks and underwear in all sizes. Please, no polyester suits or extremely dated items.

    Hygiene kits for His Warehouse homeless: gallon-size or larger Ziploc bags, each containing a washcloth, hand towel, new socks and underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, comb, deodorant, disposable razor, shaving cream, gum. Mark outside with gender and size.

    Financial Support. Words To Works Ministries is a self-sustaining outreach. If you can provide financial support, either one time or on a monthly basis, it would be a great blessing.

    Rent from Go Inflatables. If you or your group needs a bounce house or other inflatable, please rent from Go Inflatables. Our prices are competitive and our profits are put back into His ministry. We want to support those who serve with us, so if your budget is tight, let us know so we can try to make this happen for you!

    Come Back. Consider making Words To Works Ministries a regular part of your group activities. We have one-, three- and seven-day mission trips available with various focuses including children, construction and street ministry. Whether monthly, quarterly or yearly, you will be building on your experiences, sharpening your evangelism abilities, and changing Jacksonville for the kingdom of our Lord!

    Pray. Pray for our ministry. Pray for the people of Jacksonville. Pray that revival sweeps through our churches and spills out onto the streets and that people will turn back to God.

    Spread the word. Tell others about our ministry and encourage them to come to Go!
  • I want to spread the word about your ministry. How can I do this?
    Personal testimony is the most powerful tool. Share your experience with others. Tell them how you impacted others and were, in turn, impacted.
    Refer them to our websites, www.wordstoworks.com and www.hiswarehouse.com and to our Words To Works Fan Page on Facebook. Show them our videos on our You Tube Channel, wordstosworks. And have them e-mail or call us. We’d love to talk with them.
    But the best way to learn is to do. Encourage them to come on mission. We want to help them help us!

Getting Ready

  • How do we raise money for our trip?
    The Words To Works Go Manual will help you get ready financially, physically and spiritually. In the financial section you will learn ways to get your family, friends, church and community involved in supporting your trip. Use both this website and the videos on our wordstoworks You Tube Channel ~ they really help people connect with what you will be doing.  Link to other resources, including an online fundraising site, from our Fundraising page.
  • What should we pack?

    For a general list, check out our Things To Bring page.  This list will be modified based on the length of your trip and the type of ministry you will be engaged in.  Our Mission Trip Coordinator will help you fine-tune it.  And don't forget ~ Jacksonville is a big city.  If you forget something, you'll be able to buy it here.

  • Why day camps and block parties?
    We work in many of the multi-family complexes of the northside. This is hard ground to plow, but we must Go!, for they are full of children growing up amid drugs, alcohol, abuse and despair. They clamor around us when we are there. Pastor Patrick is in Washington Heights every day of the week and the hard ground is beginning to take seed. He fills our van to overflowing on Sunday mornings with children who want to come to church service. Think about that; the parents don’t come but they send their children. Perhaps they don’t yet believe that they are worthy of forgiveness, but they want more for their children. Hard ground taking seed… .
  • What do we teach at Day Camps?
    Anything you like, as long as it is Christ-centered and firmly grounded in sound biblical principles. Use any method you would like to present the Gospel, just keep it fun and exciting. Remember that these are inner-city children, so they may have a shorter attention span than you are used to.
  • What should we do for crafts and games?
    Remember that the crafts and games are not the goal; they are a mechanism and a tool to draw children so that you can talk to them about Christ. At day camps, you’ll be working mostly with children under the age of 12. Avoid crafts paint and rough games. Sing songs with hand motions, perform interactive skits, make balloon animals, paint faces,…. But again, don’t forget the purpose - sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • Do we need to bring out own supplies?
    Yes, in the leadership packet you will be given a list of supplies. They will vary depending upon the focus of your trip. You are planning your craft activities, therefore you know what you will need for them. Plus, we operate on a shoestring. By providing your own supplies, you free up our budget for other luxuries, you know, like electricity.
  • How many people should we expect?
    There is no predicting this. The Lord draws those whom He draws. Some Friday evenings at His Warehouse there may 60 people. Others there may be just 6. Day camps can draw 100 kids or just 10. It isn’t about the numbers. You have made yourself available to the Lord. He will plan the divine appointments. You just show up ready and willing!
  • What type of people will we meet?
    Plan on all types, but recognize that the degree will depend upon the emphasis of your mission trip.  If you are focusing in on day camps, you will deal predominately with children, many of whom come from troubled homes.  In the Compassion Center, families and homeless.  At His Warehouse, adults looking for fun, homeless looking for showers, addicts looking to fill the empty place in their lives with a chemical substitute.  This may be a real stretch for you and your team, but remember, Jesus spent more time with the masses then he did in the temple.  You have the opportunity to touch lives that are empty, to shine a light into dark places.  Pray for wisdom.  Pray for boldness.  Our God desires such prayers!
  • How do we share about Jesus?
    First pray. Pray for opportunity. Pray for boldness. Pray for humility. Pray to have your heart broken for the people you will meet. And ask others to pray for you. Imagine the impact if you know that there are prayer warriors gathered together to pray for you while you are ministering!
    When you are meeting with people, listen to them. If you are only there to talk and not to listen, they will know and shut down on you. Listen to them. Hear their story. Genuinely care. If it is a child, kneel down so you are eye level. And pray for opportunity. When the Holy Spirit nudges you, share the hope that is in Jesus Christ. Let God move in the hearts of His people.
    This may be totally new territory for may in your team so prepare ahead of time.  The Go Manual has a lot of information to help you get ready in this area.   Also, an excellent book on one-on-one evangelism is The One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven by Mark Cahill.

His Warehouse MInistry

  • What is His Warehouse?

    His Warehouse is a ministry set up out of the warehouse adjacent to Words To Works Ministries.  Mission groups open it up to draw in the adult community found on Main Street every Friday night.  Many of these live in the nearby trailer parks; many of these are homeless; all of these are loved by our Lord.

  • What do the mission groups do at His Warehouse?
    Mission groups  provide a meal, entertainment and, for those who need it, a shower and fresh change of clothes. It is our greatest hope that some will take this opportunity pray and come back to the Lord God who calls to them.
  • What is the 24-hour Late Nights @ His Warehouse outreach?
    Late Nights is our high impact, minimum time mission trip. It starts with the Friday night outreach from our warehouse.  Following the Friday night event, you will spend the night at our Missionary Training Center and the next morning, after breakfast, embarq on a totally different mission experience such as light construction, painting, food/clothing pantry. Back for lunch and then out again, this time for an afternoon children’s day camp at one of the nearby multi-family complexes: games, crafts, Bible stories. Then you’re packed up and out by 6pm. 24 hours, 3 missions, $39 per person. The next morning you can share your experience with your church body, giving testimony to how, in such a short period of time, you’ve touched lives and been changed yourself!
  • What is the cost of His Warehouse?
    The 24-hour Late Nights @ His Warehouse trip is $39 per person.  With that, you spend the night at our facility, are fed breakfast and lunch, and experience three mission opportunities.
    For those who desire to only do the Friday night outreach, it is $10 per person.  This is a great opportunity for local churches to schedule into their church calendar, to allow all of their members to get a taste of mission, to perhaps open their eyes to a part of Jacksonville that they do not usually see.
  • What should we wear for Late Nights?
    Comfortable, casual clothes: jeans or longer shorts, t-shirts or sweatshirts. Closed-toe shoes, not sandals. Ladies, please do not wear short shorts or tight-fitted/low-cut tops. These prove to be a distraction and may bring undue attention to you. If you have team t-shirts, we encourage you wear them on Saturday. If you wish, you may buy Words To Works t-shirts for $10. Please do not wear matching shirts for Friday’s His Warehouse - you do not want to send an "us/them" signal.
  • Where is His Warehouse?
    His Warehouse is located at 7111 North Main Street, adjacent to our Missionary Training Center. You will be cooking hot dogs just outside the chain link bay door, in the parking lot of the convenience store. You will control access to the building from the main entrance on the street. There is a small toilet room and separate shower room inside. Please check them frequently for cleanliness.
  • Why do we collect money from Christians who come to His Warehouse?
    This is an opportunity for these brothers and sisters in Christ to be obedient to the command to Go! by supporting this outreach. Also, we most definitely welcome Christians, but we do not want His Warehouse to become a hangout exclusive to Christians. That would defeat the purpose. We welcome all but we do not want to inadvertently make the lost feel unwelcome. Be sure to immediately pass any money collected to a staff member so it can be locked away. Avoid flashing cash as much as possible.
  • What should we do for entertainment during Late Nights?
    Remember that the entertainment is not the goal; it is a mechanism and a tool to help people relax and be receptive to conversations about Christ. Friday night you can set up a band or play music on our sound system, play a movie on the screen, perform a skit, offer karaoke, hold a comedy club,…. Be creative. At day camps, you’ll be working mostly with children under the age of 12. Bring crafts, sing songs, play games,…. But again, don’t forget the purpose - sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • How do we share Jesus with the different people we will meet during Late Nights?
    First pray. Pray for opportunity. Pray for boldness. Pray for humility. Pray to have your heart broken for the people you will meet. And ask others to pray for you. Imagine the impact if you know that there are prayer warriors gathered together to pray for you while you are ministering!

    When you are meeting with people, listen to them. If you are only there to talk and not to listen, they will know and shut down on you. Listen to them. Hear their story. Genuinely care. And pray for opportunity. When the Holy Spirit nudges you, share the hope that is in Jesus Christ. At some point in the evening, it may be appropriate for your team to share their testimony and offer a time of one-on-one and group prayer. Let God move in His Warehouse.

    This may be totally new territory for may in your team so prepare ahead of time.   The Go Manual has a lot of material to help you in this area.  Also, an excellent book on one-on-one evangelism is The One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven by Mark Cahill.
  • How many people should we expect during the weekend event?
    There is no predicting this. The Lord draws those whom He draws. Some Friday evenings there may 60 people. Others there may be just 6. Saturday day camps can draw 100 kids or just 10. It isn’t about the numbers. You have made yourself available to the Lord. He will plan the divine appointments. You just show up ready and willing!
  • What type of people will we meet during Late Nights?
    All types, ranging from residents of the trailer parks to people looking to buy drugs on the street corner. Friday night you can expect to meet drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, homosexuals, and those just going through hard times. These are the same people that Jesus sought out, bringing upon Himself condemnation from the religious leaders of His day. Pray for a soft heart. Pray for understanding. And pray for boldness in Christ. Again, if we hide from these people then they will never be reached.
  • Why do we need to bring so much food for Friday night?
    We never know how many people you will be ministering to, so you want to be ready for God to open the floodgates! Should there be anything left over, don’t worry - it will be used in the ministry.
  • Why do you specify Bush's Baked Beans in the food list for His Warehouse?
    If we don’t specify, we get a lot of generic brands that taste, well, let’s just say not so great. It’s even worse when we mix cans together. Plus Bush’s Bake Beans are Pastor Nick’s favorite, and if he's happy, we're happy! And don’t bring chicken and turkey franks! Yuck. Consider the food as if you were feeding to Him or angels unaware!
  • Why do we have to set up the Party Room for Saturday morning?
    His Warehouse is converted into Go Inflatables Party Room on Saturday. Go Inflatables came about as a way to generate financial support for Words To Works Ministries. Rather than rent inflatables from businesses for our day camps and block parties, Pastor Nick decided to set up an inflatables business that others could rent from, with the profits going to the ministry. The Party Room is just another part of this. It provides a safe environment for those who want to have an inflatables party for their child but not living in an area that permits this. Since the proceeds go back into the ministry, we save every penny we can. By helping with the set up, you are essentially donating the money that would otherwise have to be paid to an employee!

Summer Intern

  • What will I be doing as a summer intern?

    Each week the Summer interns will be assigned to different jobs, so a few will be in the kitchen and they will cook all the meals, do the cleaning in the rooms, bathrooms, sanctuary, fellowship hall, etc., maybe do some office work, and basically do whatever they can to help out.
    Then one or two summer interns will be assigned to each of the mission groups that come for that week, so you will be their go-to person, you will go out to the day camps and block parties and street ministry with them and make sure they have everything that they need, and basically float around during the activities, making sure that they have everything under control and asking where they need help and all of that good stuff. You will also be who they ask about the schedule for the week, any supplies they need, etc. Each week interns get different jobs, so you will be able to experience everything.
     Another component of your experience here in Jax is that you will be taught leaderships skills. We meet weekly to discuss different leadership principles and then throughout the week you are given opportunities to put those into practice.

  • What should I expect upon arrival?
     A staff member will call you a couple days before you are scheduled to arrive to confirm your flight times and such.   She will tell you what she will be wearing and where she will be waiting for you at the airport. Then she will be there at the scheduled time to get you from the airport, get your baggage and head to the church. (Note: Please review your baggage policies before you get to the airport.) Those of you that are arriving within the first couple of days will make a Wal-Mart run as a group for you to get any items you need or forgot. Those that are arriving in the middle of the week may have to wait till Friday to go to Wal-Mart. So keep this in mind when packing. If it’s an emergency we can work something out. We will just play it by ear!
  • How many shirts do I need to bring?
    We provide a different colored t-shirt for each day except Friday and Saturday.  On Friday you can wear whatever you want, keeping in mind that this is our "fun day," with activities like the beach, minature golf, bowling, etc.  This is also laundry day, so you'll need a shirt to wear while doing wash.  Saturday is our cleaning day when we prepare for the incoming mission group,so you'll want to bring an old t-shirt to wear.  So, the answer is, four shirts should do the trick!
  • How about shorts, jeans, skirts, swimsuits, whatever?
    You'll want long jeans or capris for Saturday night's orientation and Thursday night's praise and worship. 
    Khaki pants, or shirt if you prefer, for Sunday morning. 
    Shorts will do for the rest of the week.  Girls should be fingertip length at least; guys, no saggy pants please.  Bring at least one pair of shorts that you don't mind getting dirty ~ remember that Saturday is clean-up day!  
    Dresses and tops should have straps and be wider than spaghetti straps.  If you want to layer over spaghetti straps, that's fine.
    Bathing suits should be modest one-pieces or tankinies, not too low in the front, not too high on the sides. 
    So, overall, two pair of jeans/capris, one pair of khakis, and eight pairs of shorts.
  • What do I wear for Sunday church services?
    We provide a polo shirt for you to wear to church services.  You will need to bring a pair of khakis or dressy jeans to wear with them.  Sunday shoes should be nice, a simple sandel or men's dress shoe, but no cheesey shower shoes.  That being said, please do not buy something specifically for this.  Whatever you wear for your regular church services will be just fine.
  • Shoes. What do I pack for shoes?
    I love flip flops and you may too.  However, you can't wear them during the week when we are working.  They're alright for Friday's free time, but not while we're doing ministry. 
    Plan on wearing tennis shoes Saturday through Thursday.  And bring at least two pairs of them:  Jacksonville is hot in the summer, your feet will stink and your shoes will rot if they don't get to air out every other day.  Okay, they might not rot, but they'll smell like they are!  I recommend bringing shoe spray, too. 
    Shower shoes are a good idea.
    Sunday morning service is dressier shoes, sandals for ladies, dress shoes for guys.
    In summary, two pairs of tennis shoes, one pair of sandals/dress shoes, a pair of shower shoes, and an optional pair of comfortable shoes for Friday's fun day.
  • Linens? Towels? Blankets?
    Words To Works will provide you with a fitted sheet, pillow case and summer weight blanket.  That being said, you may want to bring your own.  You'll notice that a top sheet was not included in that list.  When you wash your sheets every week (and you will wash your sheets every hot, sweaty week, right?), it is a pain to wash a blanket instead of a sheet.  A lot of people like to bring their own pillow, too.  It can be so hard to train a new pillow to fit your head!

    You'll want to bring both a bath towel and a beach towel.  You don't want to use your bath towel at the beach.
  • Tell me again about the living arrangements.
    It may help if you realize that the Missionary Training Center used to be a standard two-story Sunday school building.  The guys stay downstairs, adjacent to the fellowship hall.  The ladies are upstairs, adjacent to the church offices.  The individual rooms are linked together in a pattern of one large interior room with two smaller rooms off of each end.  Each room has several bunk beds , allowing us to sleep up to 170 people.  Interns are assigned a room separate from the weekly mission groups.  Under each bed are large plastic totes in which you can stow your personal items.  You will have two, but one will end up being where you put your dirty clothes.  Trust me, when the weather is hot and sticky, you'll want an airtight container in which to put your dirty clothes!  Air freshners are not a bad idea. The totes are plenty big enough for your clean clothes if you do not over pack.
    Upstairs, the ladies have two shower rooms with three individual showers each.  They are connected to a large room we call the vanity room, with multiple mirrors and plenty of counter space to get ready for the day.  Another space has a bank of five sinks, with two powder rooms off of it.
    Downstairs, the guys have two shower rooms with two individual showers each.  There are five sinks spread out through the rooms.  Sorry guys, no vanity room!
  • Can I bring music?
    You can bring your ipods, mp3s, and cds as long as it is Christian music. Broadway and Disney soundtracks are also acceptable. These are lots of fun to listen to in the kitchen. You are responsible for the safe keeping of your cds and ipods and such.  Also, if you have a wall charger, make sure you bring that, because you won’t be able to use the computer to charge it.
  • Tell me again why I can't have my cell phone during the week.
    Cell phones are a major distraction.  Even if you only use it in your down time, it will constantly pull your mind away from the task at hand, serving the Lord, and back to all the things that are going on back home.  It will make you much more homesick.  It will keep you in turmoil with all the drama of your friends, their breakups and make ups.  It will keep you from committing yourself 100% to this summer endeavor.
    We do make exceptions for birthdays, parent's anniversaries, etc.  We are not trying to sever all ties with friends and family at home, but we expect that constant cell phone communications are a sacrifice that our interns will make.  If your family needs to get in touch with you, they will be able to call the staff and we should have you on the phone with you within an hour.

    This is how one summer intern looked back on the cell phone issue:  "It was really hard for me, but it really teaches you to rely on God for EVERYTHING.  I am very close to my family, especially both of my parents, and you have no idea how much of a leap of faith it was for me to even go somewhere without them for an entire summer, let alone not talk to them every day.  But it was actually a blessing in disguise.  Also, in order to be an effective missionary, you need to be in Jacksonville, not just physically, but mentally too, and if you are calling/texting every day you are not really allowing God to use you to His full extent and you are nto forming the bonds with the people you are ministering with and to.  I know it sounds strict and annoying and incredibly difficult, but it makes for a much more amazing summer."
  • Can people write me?
    Yes, and we hope they do!  Letters may be sent directly to our Main Street address.  Items of value are best sent to our post office box.  That address is:
    P.O. Box 26118, Jacksonville, Fl, 32226
    If you have a Facebook account, set up a group of people who are committed to pray for you during the summer.  Better yet, ask them to each take a day of the week when they will pray for you and and then send you a posting when they do.  This is not only encouraging but covers you in prayer during difficult days.
  • Any other tips?

    One of the most useful things I brought was a mesh tote bag (I got it for like 3 dollars at Wal-Mart).  It was good because we have to walk a little ways to the showers so I was able to put my towel, change of clothes, and whatever else I needed to shower in the bag and it wasn't a big deal if the bag got wet. ~ Maggie Bertram

    Rather than use a full-size bath towel, I found a large hand towel worked better since it hangs over the foot of the bunk bed without overlapping someone else's towel (yuck!).  Also, it uses less room in your suitcase and laundry. Being smaller, I could bring two, so if one smelled a bit sour half way through the week, I could switch it out. ~ Caitlin Ryerson

    I found it was easier to handle my money with a debit card rather than cash. ~ Seth Scarborough

    I brought a journal.  It was nice to write my daily thoughts in it.  And when I got home I let a few people read it so I wouldn't have to keep explaining what I went through!  ~ Hannah Calvert

    The environment is probably a lot differrent than home.  Not scarey, just different.  The opportunity is there to mold yourself in a way that will allow you to grow.  ~ John Yount 

    Shoe spray.  Did I mention that your shoes may really start to stink?  And air freshner.  Just firing a shot into your dirty clothes tote can make a difference.