So, you’re interested in going on a short-term mission trip. Where do you start?
Pray. The decision to go on any mission trip, short or long, should begin with conversation with our heavenly Father. The moment you connect with OC about a potential trip, we put you on our prayer list. Each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays, we pray for anyone considering missions and OC, because we know and have seen the power of prayer in missions.
Learn. If you decide to pursue OC, we sign you up for “The OC Way.” This short online course teaches our organization’s history and core values, and is required before beginning the application process. Of course, the Mobilization team is always available to answer questions at any time throughout this process. Email us at mobilization@oci.org and either Connor, Jeff, Josh, or Carole are happy to talk!
Apply. If you continue to feel that OC’s values align with yours and would be a good fit with how God is calling you, we move forward with the application process! For short-termers, we ask for four references, a completed application, and a personal supplement (as well as a few legal forms). These help us get to know you a little better, so we can decide together if OC can help you follow God’s leading.
Interview. Once we receive all your application materials, we set up an interview together either in person or over Skype! We may also ask you to meet with someone from our MemberCare department should any concerns arise – we want to make sure we know our missionaries and are well-suited to caring for them once they’re on the field.
Acceptance. Congratulations! You have been accepted to OC and we are so excited to have you! At this time, each missionary’s path can look different. Where you go, what you do, and for how long all factor in here. We begin active communication with your desired field of service in order to start setting your place up overseas.
Fundraise. The length, location, and living situation of your trip determine the support level needed. If you are planning to go longer term, we recommend working with a Tailored Fundraising coach – this is through an organization we partner with, and they can prove invaluable to your financial journey. They help you stay on task to reach your support goal, providing encouragement, accountability, and various other resources.
Train. Once again, the length and location of your trip can affect the amount of training required. Longer term (1 year+) might require attending CORE or Transitions Orientation, which are both programs to help prepare you before deployment; shorter term might require only some of that, or none – i.e. a 2 week trip does not require what a 6 month trip would.
Go. When you’re fully funded and have completed training, we pray over you and the ministry God has laid for you. We are with you every step of the way and continue to pray week after week. Although we always hope for smooth sailing for all our missionaries, we know things do come up. You will be partnered with a team in country that helps with immediate needs, and we’re always here in the US to help with logistics that can’t be handled on the field.
Blessings be upon you, for you are the harvesters of the Lord. May God use you in special ways to bring many closer to him and grow his kingdom around the world!