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applicationThe first step is for your LifeGroup to pray and ask God for direction and confirmation. Then each person desiring to travel submits a $120 non-refundable deposit (make all checks payable to FHC), completed short term application, copy of passport and documentation showing background check is being acquired. All participants are required to have a valid passport. If you do not have a valid passport, please begin the passport application process before the short term missions application process as it may take 3-4 months to receive a new passport.

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Passport applications can be downloaded from www.travel.state.gov. The passport form must be presented and signed in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. You will need to bring your actual birth certificate (not a copy) and two passport photos.

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You do not have to be a member of a FHC LifeGroup to join a trip; however, LifeGroups desiring to travel together will be given a higher priority than individuals.

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FHC Global Missions trips are planned for individuals, age 16 and older. (FHC Student Ministry plans trips for middle/high school students) Each trip requires a different set of criteria. It is important that we place participants on trips where they will best fit the needs of that trip and our Global Partners. If you have health concerns or issues, please discuss those with a FHC staff person before starting the trip application process.

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Each trip cost will vary depending on destination and type of trip. All participants are required to raise 100% of the cost of the trip 30 days before your trip departs. If you have not raised all of your funds, you will need to leave a “good faith” check with the Serve Team, which will be deposited if the necessary funds have not been raised by the time you return from your trip. Deadlines are set in place because of financial commitments for airline tickets, lodging, and ground transportation. Raising support offers a unique opportunity for friends and family to participate in the mission experience. Just as you are building relationships with people in another country, your supporters invest in that same Kingdom work by giving financially. Those that support your trip become a vital part of your team. You can pay for your own trip; however, we encourage everyone to send out letters and use the blog provided to raise the support. There is something incredible about completely trusting God to provide your monetary needs. If you still want to fund your own trip, we suggest sending out support letters to help others on the team raise funds.

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Supporters can make checks payable to Forest Hill Church. Checks can be mailed directly to the church or they can be sent to you. Your supporters should write the name of your TRIP (not your name) on the memo line. The best way to keep track of who is financially supporting you is to have them send in a tear-off receipt, similar to the one found in the sample donation letter, with their check. The tear-off portions are collected by the Serve Team and are returned to the trip leader after the trip returns. These can be used when you write thank-you letters to those who supported your trip. FHC 7224 Park Rd. Charlotte NC 28210 attn: Global Missions Each trip will also have access to a trip specific blog with a paypal link for contributors who would like to give online.

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The church subsidizes 50% of the overall cost for the team leader’s trip. This allows the team leader to concentrate on the spiritual and logistical preparation of the team.

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We encourage the team to organize fundraising activities that can help offset the cost of the trip. Many teams find fundraising efforts to be an effective teambuilding activity as well. The Serve Team can assist short-term teams with brainstorming ideas. The church does not permit the use of church facilities for fundraising activities.

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The support you raise covers your travel costs, food, lodging, exit cost, ministry expenses, and local ground transportation. Participants are responsible for the cost of passports, souvenirs, immunizations and food/drink while traveling to and from your trip destination. Some of the money you will raise is needed to cover the project costs of your specific trip. Please note: your support money does NOT cover medical expenses in the event you are injured or become sick while on your trip. It is imperative that you have your own personal health insurance additionally each team will purchase travel insurance which is included in the cost of the trip. Any monies that are raised over the cost of your trip will go towards helping a teammate reach their goal, help cover the cost of supplies for the trip, or will be used in a manner decided upon by FHC and our Global partner. No money will be refunded and it will be used strictly for the partnership for which it is raised.

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Your donors will have the choice of receiving a refund; having their money transfer to another Forest Hill Mission trip you are taking during the same fiscal year (October 1, - September 30), or donating it to the Global partnership associated with the trip you were fundraising for. There are individual financial responsibilities if you must cancel your trip. Once the plane tickets have been purchased, you are responsible for the full price of your airline ticket. Your non-refundable deposit will go towards the cost of your ticket and you will be required to reimburse the church for the remaining balance. The deadline for refunds will be made clear and communicated through the short-term trip leader.

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Each participant is required to sign a liability waiver releasing Forest Hill Church, its leadership, and the partnerships from liability.

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Every person is required to get the necessary immunizations/inoculations for your destination. Please visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for the most recent list. Check with your Primary Care Physician and your personal health insurance company to determine cost and coverage. It can take up to 6 months (or longer) to complete the immunization/inoculation process so please begin as soon as possible. The cost of required immunizations/inoculations is not included in the cost of the trip.

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Accommodations vary depending on the location. Some teams will stay in local homes, ministry centers, and possibly hotels while others may stay in tents. Flexibility is vital on a short-term mission trip.

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The most effective teams range from 10-12 participants.

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Each trip will have a minimum of 6 team meetings/trainings. Each team member is required to attend a minimum of 80% of the meetings. All teams will have trip specific meetings as well as a full day cross-cultural training held a FHC and a debriefing after the trip returns.

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If your desired trip is full, your application(s) goes onto a “waiting list”. If a leader of another trip is still recruiting for his or her team, they may contact you about joining their trip.

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All FHC teams travel together; it is imperative for team unity and for liability reasons. All of the trip departure and arrival dates are posted; however, exact flight times are subject to change.

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In the event of a medical emergency, personal medical insurance is primary. Each team will purchase short-term travel insurance. The team leader will provide the Serve Team with each team member’s name, birth date and name of local health insurance provider. The Serve Team will arrange for the short-term travel insurance 30 days before departure.