Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can go on a Home And Away Missions Trip?

Anyone believer with a heart for God is eligible. No one under the age of sixteen can go unless accompanied by a parent. For those under the age of eighteen, parents must sign a consent form and have it notarized in order for the minor to be able to enter Mexico with the group.

2. What is expected of each participant?

Each participant is responsible to raise his or her own support for the trip. The Home And Away Ministries staff will help each person in this process. This is a vital part of the experience because it enables the participants to understand how missions work is funded.

Each participant is expected to follow all rules and guidelines. Failure to do so may result in a participant being asked to leave early. Guidelines for behavior are listed below

Each participant is expected to dress appropriately at all times. More information on suitable attire is given below.

Each participant is expected to be ready at departure times.  It is crucial to stay as close as possible to departure times in order to arrive at ministry locations on time.

A good thing to keep in mind is that you are entering a foreign country, and your behavior is very important. What may seem a small thing to you could be something that is offensive in another culture. A good rule of thumb is to ask someone who knows before acting or speaking. Before leaving, each participant will be given a list of things to avoid doing or saying.

Treat all people with respect. Remember that as a U. S. Citizen in Mexico, you represent your country, your church, Home and Away Ministries and most importantly, you represent your Savior, Jesus Christ. The Mexican people are very loving and we do not want to do anything that would give Americans a bad name.

3. What does the week consist of?

Depending on the type of Mission outreach you are on will determine the week’s activities. For those involved in ministry only, each day will consist of up to three services, in which there may be multiple types of ministry, including children’s ministry, drama, music, preaching, etc. Each member of the group will be part of the singing group. Other ministry activities will be divided up according to the abilities of each participant.

For those involved in construction, the construction will take place during the day and there will ministry opportunities at night. Dress codes are different for the two types of teams.

     Guidelines for Attire:

            Men:

                        It is necessary to wear casual pants or nice jeans for ministry.                     
No big, baggy jeans. No chains hanging from the pants.                   
No torn clothing.                 
Pants are required for construction.                    
Button down t-shirts are good for ministry.                    
No T-shirts with questionable graphics or logos, even on construction.                  
No earrings.             
Long hair may have to be worn pulled back.

            Women:

It may be necessary to wear dresses or skirts for ministry. Dresses & skirts must be knee-length or longer.
It may be acceptable to wear nice pants during some ministry times.
A slip must be worn with dresses and skirts.
No sleeveless dresses or blouses may be worn during ministry times.
Pants or modest shorts may be worn during non-ministry times.
Pants are required for construction.
You may wear jewelry and make-up as long as it is not in excess.

            Both:

                        Visible body piercing needs to be removed during ministry times.               
Tank tops may only be worn during non-ministry times.                    
It is important to wear flip-flops in the shower.              
No cross necklaces or jewelry can be worn.

Basics on behavior.

            Talk quietly. Shouting is not needed and can be seen as rude behavior.

            Treat all with respect. You may not be able to communicate, but a smile goes a long way in breaking down barriers. Do not be afraid to talk to people. Ask the interpreter to help you talk to people in the churches. You will be surprised how quickly you will make friends.

            There are things that we do in the states that would be offensive to people in Mexico. You will be given a few examples. Basically, when in doubt, ask.