Journey Details

This is not a vacation! Though we hope that everyone truly enjoys the experience, team members are accountable to each other for physical, emotional and spiritual support. Each team member must commit to abide by the team covenant and remain with the team from start to finish.

Each journey is unique. Plans often change and the necessary mode of operation is FLEXIBILITY. Activities normally include (but are not limited to) daily prayer, personal reflection and Bible verse memorization, evening Bible studies and debrief, and "work" projects (evangelism, teaching, construction, and Vacation Bible School). Much of the journey will consist of interaction with the host community (visiting people’s homes and churches, sharing testimonies and songs, worship service participation, and recreation).

There will be time for play and relaxation; however, most days will be full. Any "exceptions" to the group schedule must be discussed with the team leaders and determined on an individual basis. This is necessary to ensure the integrity of the team and our purpose, as well as to maximize personal safety. It is challenging to live within the inherent restrictions of a group, but the rewards of living in a Christian community are rich indeed.

Participant Criteria
The criteria for participation on an IMPACT journey are laid out in the "Covenant and Release of Claim Form" included in the application. Essentially, one must express a willingness to participate fully in the Christ-centered nature of the journey, comply with all of the health and safety precautions mandated, and raise his or her own funds through support letters and home churches.


 
  


2008 Trip Descriptions: Turkey, Honduras, Uganda, Romania

The following are general descriptions for Summer 2007 IMPACT trips. These descriptions are subject to change based on applications received, airline ticket availability, scheduling conflicts, and the needs of our host communities. We try to keep all dates and journeys as close to these descriptions as possible, but in preparing for cross-cultural mission, be prepared to be flexible. Trip costs are raised by each participant, through donations from church, friends and family. Most of the trip cost is for airplane tickets.

Though it rarely happens, Impact may decide to postpone a trip due to political/social unrest or natural disaster. A team will not be sent if we feel the safety or health of the participants is in jeopardy. In the event this occurs, team members have the option of switching to a trip with available space or waiting until the following summer to participate.

Cross Training (Pre-Trip Orientation): June 23rd – June 27th
IMPACT journeys begin with four days of personal and team preparation and cross-cultural sensitivity training. This time is designed to be part of your trip. During Cross Training week, teams stay in dorms at a retreat center. In most cases, teams leave directly from Cross Training for airport departure on their journey (transportation is provided by Impact.) This year, Cross Training will begin on approximately June 25 th through June 29 th.

Antalya , Turkey: June 27th to July 18th
Project: Our partners in Turkey work on the Mediterranean coast in the city and suburbs of Antalya, in a country where 98% of people are Muslim. This team would serve under the guidance of established Presbyterian missionaries. This project includes opportunities working with developmentally disabled youth, ages 8 to 18, through arts and crafts, sports, horse therapy, swimming in a camp setting. You do not need special expertise with the disabled – you just need to feel comfortable and love them. You may also have the opportunity to meet Turkish adults interested in learning about western culture through English Clubs at the International St. Paul Cultural Center. Minimum age: 18 (or a mature 17 year old). Estimated cost is $3000.

Honduras , Central America: June 27th – July 11th
Project: The team will work in the highlands of Honduras, with Orlando Japas of Union Biblica (Scripture Union). Impact is invited this year to join UB staff in construction of a dormitory at the “Cerro de Luz” Christian camp (located in the pine trees…where our team would stay!) We are also invited to share the gospel through music, drama, and crafts with school children in the cities and in rural areas. We may divide the team into two parts: Construction and presentations in schools. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required. Minimum age for applying is 15. Estimated cost is $1,900

Uganda: June 27th – July 23rd
Project: The team will return to Jinja, Uganda, to work with George and Stella Muzaale, community development workers with YWAM in Uganda, living and working beside the great Lake Victoria. There will be further help with a construction project for additional school classrooms, or other projects. Team will have opportunities to share in worship in local churches, play and work with children in the Jinja community, and help with outreach visits to the sick who are not able to walk to local clinics. Minimum age for this trip is 16. Estimated cost is $3700.

Romania (Lupeni): June 27th to July 18th.
Project: Impact team will work with VIATA, a ministry to youth in this mountain village of Romania. VIATA serves to help build a sense of community and hope for better life in this former communist area, where people seek work, basic needs, and a vision for the future. Team will work to support a summer camp for middle school aged children, where they are taught outdoor skills, rock and rope climbing, and Christian values. There will be some painting and maintainance work to help improve the camp. You will be working with an experienced couple who lead a Romanian staff in this ministry. Minimum age for applying is 16. Estimated cost is $3000.