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Where:
El Salvador is a country bordering the North Pacific Ocean in Central America, between
Honduras and
Guatemala.
El Salvador is the smallest country in
Central America, with a population of roughly 7,185,000. The capital is
San Salvador. Over 90 percent of the population is of mixed Indian and Spanish origin. The language spoken by the majority is Spanish. Thirty-one percent of the population is considered to be impoverished, and the underemployment rate is high. The governmental system utilized is the republic system.
El Salvador has lush vegetation and is known as the
Land of
Volcanoes. Criminal activity can be high at times in
El Salvador, but
U.S. travelers do not generally experience safety or security problems. Safety and security precautions will be handled carefully in regards to this mission trip.
Who:
Approximately fifteen
Vineville
Baptist
Church members will be selected to attend the
El Salvador mission trip. Around eight of these slots will go to youth 14 years of age or older, and the remaining slots will go to members from various age groups. All are encouraged to submit an application. We would like this to be an intergenerational trip! If interest and funds allow, we may be able to add a few more people to the missions group. Church members will be considered first, and then other interested parties will be considered. We will have a better idea of numbers when applications are returned to the office.
When:
The trip is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th, 2010 through Saturday, June 26th, 2010. A travel agent is arranging the travel reservations, so airline price, departure, and arrival times will be secured at a later date.
Why:
As Christians, we have been called by Christ to be His hands and feet. We will be demonstrating the love of Christ in
El Salvador through the cultivation of relationships, home-building assistance, and the delivery of needed items such as Spanish reading materials and sewing materials. We are answering Christ’s call on our lives to love each other and spread His message of salvation throughout the world.
What:
Through the organization Global Builders and in coordination with the
Fuller
Center, Vineville’s main mission focus will be the building of homes. On Monday through Friday we will travel to the work site for rigorous home building assistance. Accommodations will likely include modest homes near the beach, one for men and the other for women. Global Builders, Inc is responsible for organizing accommodations, meals, and transportation within
El Salvador. One day may include hospital visitation and the delivery of our collected items.
Cost:
The cost of this trip will be between $1300.00 and $1400.00 per person, which includes airfare, accommodations, and most meals. Airfare costs will not be solidified until the beginning of 2010. The Missions Committee has graciously agreed to assist with a large portion of the costs. Financial assistance will also be available through fundraisers and other scholarship opportunities at the church. Events like the Fall Festival and Consignment Sales are key in funding these kinds of projects. Keep your eyes and ears open!
More Information:
- You will need to start the process of getting a passport. Passports usually take 6-8 weeks to process, so this needs to be done well ahead of time.
- Typical daily schedule: Breakfast, travel to site, devotions, work, lunch, work, travel to accommodations, shower/clean-up, dinner, devotions/free time
- There will be opportunity for some sight-seeing and shopping excursions to experience the beauty and culture of
El Salvador.
- Trip deposits will be made in February, and the balance will be due in late April/early May. Save and plan accordingly.
- There is little luxury in regards to this trip. Accommodations and food will be modest, and you should expect to deal with some critters. We are going to work, not to vacation.
Prayerful Consideration:
Applications are available at the bottom of this article. Please pray about your participation in this mission trip. We will need all types of personalities, skill sets, strengths, and gifts on this trip. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and dedication to Christ’s message are must-haves for this trip. Traveling outside the country is exciting and adventurous, but safety and responsibility is vital. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity, and I pray that the Holy Spirit’s call is clear for you.
For Further Research: Educate, Educate, Educate!!
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/es.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2033.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1220684.stm#overview
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1109.html
Article regarding U.S. Travel within
El Salvador
http://countrystudies.us/el-salvador/38.htm
If you have questions or concerns regarding the trip or application process, please call or email Angela Crosby, 793-9366 or acrosby@vbcmacon.org. Thank you for your time!
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