Parent FAQ
Q: Do you have a Doctrinal Statement?
Yes we do. This can be found in the
About Us
section on our website.
Q: Where and when do you send teams?
Our locations vary. In the past we have sent teams to Brazil, Guatemala, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Egypt, Netherlands, and Northern Ireland. Your student may or may not be going to one of these countries. Most of our trips occur the summer following the Training Camps.
Q: Who do you send the teams to?
We work with different ministries and missionaries around the world, who are part of ministries like UW Sports Ministry and AWANA.
Q: How long have you been training and sending teams?
YMI began in March of 2007 and was formed by mission trainers who have 20 years combined mission experience working with churches and AWANA's MIT Program and have personally trained and sent over 90 mission teams on six different continents.
Q: Why will our student not know where they are going
until they go to a training if they sign up for a Tier 3 trip?
YMI's desire is to make faith active in the lives of young people. Faith involves a deep abiding trust in God. We do not let the student know where they are going in order to give them the opportunity to determine whether or not they truly feel called by God to go to the mission field and to allow Him to determine where they are sent. Our commitment to you, as parents, is that we will never send your student to a location that is not deemed safe by YMI and the U.S. Department of State.
Q: How long are the trips?
Trips typically last for 10-14 days. However, we have time for the team to gather and time for a debriefing upon arrival back to the U.S. This can add up to 5-6 more days to the trip depending on departure and arrival times with the air itinerary.
Q: How much does a trip typically cost?
Trips for 2009-2010 can cost anywhere from $2,800 to $3,600. This amount will fluctuate on a year-by-year basis, based on many world economic factors including exchange rates for currency and even the price of oil.
Q: Why does this cost seem so high?
Great question! The main reason for this price stems from the cost of transportation for the team both from the U.S. to the mission site and when the team is in country. Unfortunately, transportation is very expensive and is by far the largest expense incurred upon our teams. We strive to make sure that our teams are properly taken care of in the mission field. While we are cost-conscious, we want to ensure the team is cared for in the field and that the host missionary has enough resources to use in order to provide the best experience possible for the team in the field.
Q: Is there anything not covered by the trip funds?
Yes. Team funds pay for all the lodging, transportation, ministry equipment, t-shirts, devotional material, briefing and debriefing, food and some fun activities. Any personal costs associated with the trip such as immunizations and passport or visa costs are to be covered separately from the trip funds. In addition, it is suggested that some spending money be brought on the trip for buying gifts and, in some cases when asked for by the missionary, for an activity in the country that may cost a few dollars more than the team funds allow.
Q: Will we get a schedule from YMI?
While YMI does not generally give out detailed schedules for the mission trip, just prior to the trip you will receive a parent survival guide. You will be given the dates and times for dropping off and picking up your student at the launch and pick up locations. You will also be given the air itinerary for your student. If you would like to request a general itinerary for the team while they are on the field, you may do so by email us through the "Contact Us" page on this site.
Q: Will my student contact me while they are on the trip?
Students are not permitted to contact parents while on their trips. However, you will be receiving at least two updates from the team while they are in the field. The leaders will send a correspondence when they arrive safely and when the trip is half way done. This should be emailed to you directly, but will also be available for you read on our YMI Ministry Blog that is active during the summer.
Q: Can I contact my student while they are on the trip?
If there is an emergency that needs to be communicated to your student, please contact the YMI representative for the trip. This can be found in your YMI Parent Handbook given to you at the completion of Training Camp. The YMI Representative will get the message to your student.
