Logistics

Tentative Itinerary: August 3-17, 2026 (if you are unable to attend entire trip, contact us about coming for part of it)

• August 3: Arrive at Missoula Airport

• August 4-9th: Generations Church Youth & Adult Camp (music, teaching, testimonies, baptisms)

• August 10-14: St. Ignatius Church Vacation Bible School (teaching & fun for kids)

• August 15: Visit Glacier Park

• August 16: Church Service Ministry

• August 17: Depart from Missoula Airport

Cost: $500 per person plus sightseeing and airfare (to and from Montana Missoula Airport); Cost includes Montana accommodations, van travel, food (cooked by team members), trip medical insurance, and outreach supplies.

Air Travel: Team members must arrange and pay for their own air travel; fly only into Missoula airport in Montana on August 3 to meet the team. You may decide to arrive early or leave later at your own expense to go on your own adventures in Montana.

Fundraising: Connect with your church, friends and family about raising funds for this trip. For a sample fundraising letter, click here.

Ages: 18 years and older unless accompanied by parent.

Accommodations: We will be staying in a hotel that is managed by the church we are doing the VBS in.

Deadlines: Apply by July 5th if you want to participate, non-refundable deposit of $200 due by July 10, payment in full and flight itinerary due by July 25th.

Preparation: Our team will be ministering the Gospel with others so we want to do all we can to prepare for this. We will be sending team members a schedule of online Zoom meetings where we can get to know each other as a team, train for ministry, and pray for the mission. Not sure how to share the Gospel with others? We will teach you in a way that is natural, authentic, and caring. Overall, we ask each team member to agree to the following principles:

1. Flexibility

When going to serve on a mission trip, being flexible is of utmost importance. Plans change, time is relative, and God is ultimately in control. Being flexible and understanding is vital while serving on a mission trip.

2. Humility

Humility is key to successfully serving on a mission trip. You need heaps and bounds of it. Pray, read the Word, seek Holy Spirits guidance and direction continually. Prepare your heart and ensure you are ready to serve alongside and under your local partner, listening to their needs and guidance.

3. Get ready to work

Those people answering the call to go have to be ready to answer the call to work. At times we could get sweaty, sore, tired…it can be a lot of work to serve sometimes, but being the hands and feet of Jesus is so rewarding.

4. Missions trips aren’t vacations

A mission trip isn’t a time to lay back, sightsee, buy souvenirs….while those things can happen, If your reason  for going is vacationing it isn’t a trip for you. If your reason is for going to win souls for Jesus and serve the local church - go on a mission trip!

5. Know the plan of salvation

The goal of missionaries is to see people come to know Jesus and start down the path of discpleship. Make sure you know how to present the Gospel to the people you will be coming into contact with. Even if you aren’t fluent in the language, it’s okay, just know where to start in sharing about Jesus and trust the translators on staff with you. Know the Word… even without the Bible in hand.

Be prepared to share Christ with them within 5 minutes - the culture can be fast paced.

6. Partnership

If you are going to work with a church or a community in another place, stay in touch with them. Encourage the peopleyou are working with before, during, and after the mission trip. Tell them you are praying for them, and then actually do it! Even if you never go back to that exact location, be committed to pray for the people in the long-term.

7. LOVE the people you are serving

This is the key. If you truly love the people you are serving and the team you are serving with, you will be willing to do everything listed above. When you see people how the Lord sees them, your heart grows tender and you want to do whatever it takes for them to know and follow hard after Jesus.

To see the beauty in all people – the dark eyes and captivating accents of the Costa Ricans. The joy and mystery in a Belizea smile. The busy-ness and craving for hope in a Chicago city subway station. The sense of independence and adventure in a city like Miami. The richness of culture and history of people in South Africa. The grace and beauty in faces of the people in Haiti. There’s so much beauty. If we choose to see that beauty, it spurs us to love. If we truly love people… there’s nothing we won’t do. Once our hearts are engaged in the personal calling to missions… we’re hooked.

So, let’s go. Let’s love. Let’s serve. Let’s partner. Let’s be flexible and learn from others’ wisdom. Let’s share Jesus. Let’s live life – in our schools, work, home, travel – with the end in mind.

Taken from “Seven keys of preparation for your mission trip ”Pelican Missions” Organization

Got Questions?

Email us at shine@saltandlight.live