Summary Information
for Mission TeamsWhat agencies are involved in this project?
Church World Service (CWS), an agency of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, has been asked by several member denominations to coordinate the ecumenical effort to send mission teams in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Participating denominations include the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church USA, Reformed Church in America, United Church Of Christ, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Mission teams will go to Central America to work in reconstruction projects set up by the Christian Commission for Development (CCD) in Honduras, and the Council of Evangelical Churches (CEPAD) in Nicaragua.
Prior to the establishment of CWS coordinating office, denominational offices received requests for scheduling of teams. Up-dated information on the mission teams may vary slightly from the information provided by the denominations.
How many can go on a mission team?
The best group size, given the accomodations available, is from 10-15.
How long is the mission?
Teams can elect to stay from 1-2 weeks.
How much will it cost?
An 8 day trip, including travel days (e.g. Sat-Sat) is $195 per volunteer. A 15-day trip is $255. This covers food, lodging, transportation, airport exit tax and baggage handling. (Fee will vary slightly depending on length of stay.) Airfare can range from $400-$700 depending on where you are located, how much advance time you give, and the time of year. The organizer’s packet will help the team leader prepare a budget and determine what to collect from each member.
What will the team be doing?
The team will work with the local community in housing construction for those whose homes were destroyed by the hurricane. This includes everything from laying a foundation to nailing on roofing. There will be a construction supervisor at the site and, if needed, a translator. Construction materials have been provided through donations.
What are the living conditions like?
The team will stay in large multi-person tents near the construction site. Clean water and food is transported to the site and a trained cook will prepare meals. There will be cots to sleep on, though team members should bring sleeping bags. It may be rainy and muddy or dry and dusty, depending on the season. Roads are in poor conditions and most sites are in insolated areas.
Do volunteers have to speak Spanish or have construction skills?
The main qualifications are good will, an attitude of service and humility, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. Good health is important since the conditions are primitive. It is very helpful for a team to have members who speak Spanish and who have construction skills. The team leader may want to make a special effort to recruit people with these skills.
How do we get started?
Return a Request for Scheduling form to the coordination office. The U.S. Teams Coordinator will send you an organizing packet and seek confirmation for your schedule from the staff in Central America. You may call with questions, toll free, at 888-283-6113.