BE A VOICE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NONE...PARTNER WITH US ON A VISION TRIP

ONE MOM'S QUESTION ABOUT HER DAUGHTER'S UPCOMING MISSION TRIP TO AFRICA: "Would people be better served by sending the tens of thousands of dollars that a group mission trip costs instead of sending an assortment of Americans?"

THE DAUGHTER'S REPLY: "Will people send money? Will they care if they don't know? Will they know if they don't go?"

Most people weigh cost with benefit. While money is measurable, the effects that a mission trip has on the participants and those they minister to is not. That trip to Africa generated a lasting commitment to financially help with basic needs (food, clothing, healthcare). It also inspired funding for education to send children to school as well as build new schools. An entire congregation was moved to supply mosquito nets, which moved a local business to do the same. Many of the members of the team made return visits. Real relationships of the heart formed.

The third time the daughter journeyed to Africa, she brought her mother and brother with her.

AS A RESULT OF GOING ON THE MISSION TRIP, THE MOM NOW SAYS: "I have the tiny nation of Swaziland burned lovingly in my heart and in my consciousness, no longer a hazy image of a dark foreign land. There is value to missions that go deeper and wider than the eye can easily perceive."

How are Vision Trips different from other trips?

These trips provide an experience unlike any other that we have at Adventures in Missions. The group is smaller. You are typically accompanied by a key leader from Adventures. In addition to hands on experiences, you get an organizational overview of how our presence impacts the area. Once back home, you share that with others. By becoming a more informed and passionate voice for the need and the ministry, and by using that voice within your circle of influence, you continue to build and impact the work long after your visit.

Who is a candidate for Vision Trips?

Pastors, lay leaders, missions committee members, business people, families and individuals who want to make a difference by being a committed partner with us in bringing life and hope to a targeted area or project. That commitment can take the form of fundraising, encouraging others to go, praying, telling people about the ministry or even returning to the area as a missionary.

Ultimately, a Vision Trip participant has a desire to draw on their influence, network, insight and resources to help us realize the vision of a specific ministry.

What can I expect?

You will stay in comfortable lodging and experience the local culture, food, and attractions. Your days will be filled with hands-on experiences and life-changing encounters as you share in our passion for serving and loving our brothers and sisters around the world. These trips challenge you to a deeper level of commitment in your own walk with the Lord as you are Jesus' hands and feet for others in need.

What if I have a desire to go, but don't have the funds?

You may raise funds to go toward your trip cost. Donors may send gifts directly to Adventures in Missions as a result of your appeal. Adventures In Missions, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a long-time member of ECFA. Donations are tax deductible based on the policies and principles detailed at www.adventures.org/policies.

For more information regarding Vision Trips, please contact Adventures In Missions at 800.881.2461 x244 or by email at visiontrips@adventures.org.

Cambodia 2012

Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world based on the recruitment, harboring, and transportation of people solely for the purpose of exploitation. Twenty seven million men, women, and children are enslaved in our world today, 80% of which are women and 50% children.

We believe that God has a divine purpose and plan for these individuals and that we get to be a message of truth and hope to them.

When: To be determined

Cost: $800 plus airfare. You make your own travel arrangements to and from Siem Reip.

Includes: Lodging, food, and transportation; we will take care of all the details once you are there.

For more information on Cambodia, visit http://www.adventures.org/cambodia.

Swaziland 2012

Swaziland needs our help. If you have donated to any of AIM's orphan causes before, if you have a heart for Africa but have never seen it with your own eyes, or if you simply need to be stretched to step out of your comfort zone a little, this is a great trip for you. Please consider joining us in allowing your heart to be broken for the "least of these." - Seth Barnes

When: March 2-10th, 2012

Cost: $1,800 plus airfare that you purchase to and from Johannesburg.

Includes: Lodging, food, and transportation; we will take care of all the details once you are there.

For more information on Swaziland, visit www.adventures.org/a/centers/swaziland.