Spain (STJ)

Vision 

What is the Goal of the Trip? 

Impact the ministry partner’s community, composed of immigrants from unreached people groups, with the gospel of Jesus through an English camp, while building relationships, providing practical support, and creating a welcoming space for learning and spiritual conversation.

How Does the Trip Serve the Ministry Partner?

These camps have a three fold impact. They promote interest for their community in their English and Spanish classes during the school year, they serve the community by providing a service (childcare) while parents are working  and they allow for community impact through relationships and further dialogue. The majority of the community that is served by the camp are immigrants from unreached people groups. Within their local team and the local church, they will follow up with each of the families and invite them to be a part of some of their other initiatives and ministries. 

What Heart Posture is Needed for the Trip?

As team members are learning from and engaging with others, team members should have a heart posture of humility and remember that culture does not make people, people make the culture.You are part of the long-term team and are expected to participate in all their team-wide activities, events, fasts, meals, prayer meetings, work meetings, etc. Be ready to be flexible, as activities are often subject to change due to various factors (e.g. last minute invite to someone’s home).    

Other expectations include: 

• In light of our value to hear and obey the Holy Spirit, we expect all team members to spend individual time in the Word and prayer outside of group prayer meetings. This may sound far too obvious, but this can be a hard discipline to carry out, especially when on a village trip. We can’t emphasize enough the need to daily abide in the Lord!
• Come ready and eager to learn, as life and ministry here are most likely different from what you’re accustomed to.
• Be aware of your personal needs to maintain spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically health. If you need something, ask. 

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What to Expect (Logistics)

What Does Time with the Ministry Partner Look Like? 

The ministry partner will be hosting and participating in the camp with the team!

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

• Travel/Arrival day
• Sunday: Go to church with the ministry partner/work day
• Monday: Prep, participate in camp, lunch, debrief
• Tuesday: Prep, participate in camp, lunch, debrief, fireworks in the evening
• Wednesday: National Holiday - free day for tourism
• Thursday: Prep, participate in camp, lunch, debrief, all family get together at river
• Friday: Prep, participate in camp, lunch, tear down, week debrief and dinner 
• Saturday: Team leaves

What are Accommodations Like?

• Rooms will be same gendered because the majority of the rooms are bunk style beds. 
• They will be staying at an airbnb in the same area as the ministry partner. 

What’s the Location Like?

• Weather - The weather will be hot!
• City vs. rural - You will be staying in a large, metropolitan city. 
• AC - There is air conditioning where you are staying, but there may not be AC in public areas. 
• Public transportation/walking: You will be taking public transportation and walking to different areas. The majority of the ministry will happen within a couple mile radius. 
• Traveling there: Traveling usually only has 1 lay over. Teams usually leave Austin in the late morning/early afternoon and then land in England the morning of the next day. 
• Food:  Food allergies are easy to accommodate. If you have any food allergies, please let the FTN team know so that we can talk to you about how to best prepare and make accommodations. 

What All is Covered in the Trip Cost? 

Everything you need for your trip is included in the trip cost, which can be viewed here. These amounts are based on preparation costs and costs given to us by the ministry partner.

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Trainings

Trainings are essential for preparing well for the ministry your team will be participating in. Therefore, trainings are mandatory and if you need to miss, you will work with your trip leaders and Mission Lead to make up the content. 

The Heart Behind Training

We desire you to pursue Jesus in your daily life and grow to be more like Him. We will provide trainings that walk through abiding and resting in Jesus (John 15), ministry overview and expectations, culture, and logistics. While we can’t perfectly prepare you for everything you might encounter, we do our best to train you with everything you’d need for your trip. 

What is Covered in Trainings? 

• The vision and practicals of how to support raise. 
• The importance of gospel conversations and prayer coming from a place of overflow from your relationship with the Lord. 
• How and what to prepare for the English Camp. 
• What the culture of  location you are going to is like.

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Trip Leaders

What Are the Expectations of a Trip Leader? 

Being a short-term mission trip leader is a rewarding experience. It makes you a part of the Great Commission, letting you respond to God’s call to the nations in a sacrificial way while also shepherding a group of people. Check out the benefits and expectations here. If you are interested in being a trip leader, you apply through the application and complete the "Trip Leader" question section. 

What does Training for Trip Leaders Look Like? 
Once confirmed as a trip leader, the trip leaders will meet with the Mission Lead from their congregation and the For the Nations staff regularly for ongoing connection and support as well as equipping you on how to lead your team well!

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IRS Guidelines for Donations Given to Fund Short-Term Trips

Gifts to the For the Nations Fund are tax deductible. Gifts to the For The Nations Fund are used to support the church's global mission initiatives. You may preference the use of your gift, and we will endeavor to use the funds as you desire, but in order for the contribution to be tax-deductible, the church must have ultimate control and discretion as to how the money is spent.