In this section we will do our best to answer your questions, however, please contact us if you have any question about any of these or other details. The information provided below is for a typical Big World Ventures mission trip. There may be some slight variations if you are going on a custom trip.
What does the trip price include?
The trip cost covers pre-trip administrative costs, training, food, lodging, international airfare, transportation during the mission trip (typically these are private chartered buses), translators for teams, etc. We strive for excellence in all of our mission trips, especially in the areas of safety, quality of food and lodging to provide a positive and effective mission experience.
Are there group discounts?
Yes, please contact our offices for details. We have many years experience with large groups.
What is not included in the price?
The trip cost does not cover transportation to and from the training city, costume assignment, cost of passport, visa or spending money. Also any costs incurred by a participant returning home early due to serious violation of the rules or for medical reasons will be the parent’s financial responsibility.
How safe are the mission trips?
Safety is our priority on all trips when considering hotels, chartered buses, etc. Each team leader has the ability to communicate with the staff at all times. In the event of an emergency, our team leaders, contacts and translators are instructed on how to handle any situation. Big World staff is always available to assist in any situation. If travel to a country is unadvised you will be notified and allowed to switch to a similar trip.
How does the application and acceptance process work?
In order to begin the acceptance process, our staff needs to have the application form, health history form, pastor’s recommendation and app fee, to process your application which will take 7-10 business days. You will be notified with a letter of acceptance, fundraising tips, and instructions on how to link to our online travel guide, payment schedule and other details to help you prepare for your venture. If your application is not accepted you will also be notified with a letter.
***Note*** this information is how a typical acceptance process is handled. If you are going on a custom trip, please contact us to see if there are any differences in the process.What will I experience on a Big World mission trip?
We believe that anyone who participates in a summer venture with BWV will return from their mission a changed individual. As you leave your “comfort zone” and find yourself in a whole new culture, you will experience your faith working though your life to help change others. Your world view will take on a new perspective and for the first time, you may realize how other people in the world live their day-to-day lives. Be ready for something great to happen in your life! This summer you will be able to make many new friends for a lifetime. You will sweat, laugh, cry, minister, have fun, and change with the people you venture with this summer. You may decide you don’t want to return home unless you can sneak your friends in your suitcase!
What type of ministry is used on Big World mission trips?
We use several different methods to minister on the mission field.
Drama is an incredibly effective and versatile tool that we use to present the Gospel. After each drama, the team will give the opportunity for those watching to respond to the Gospel with the help of translators, pray for those who desire prayer and reach out to the lost. We also partner together with churches and organizations to help through small work projects that could include painting, digging, soup kitchens, medical efforts, etc. We have also ministered in nursing homes and orphanages. We are always looking for new areas of ministry to expand the effectiveness of our teams.Will a leader be with my youth at all times?
Everything on our mission trips including international travel and ministry is done as groups and are supervised by Big World staff, team leaders and other adult sponsors. Leaving the hotel or ministry site alone or without an “approved” adult or group is never permitted and violation of this could result in immediate dismissal from the mission field.
What is the age requirement for a Big World mission trip?
Individuals who are 12 and older can participate on our mission trips, however, children 11 and under can participate with a parent, guardian or authorized adult. We encourage people, groups and families of all ages to take part in our trips, it creates a wonderful atmosphere and experience.
What kind of training takes place before the trip?
Training is held in Miami, Florida for the first 3 days of the mission trip. Training will include drama, cultural sensitivity and some language training. In addition to intense training, time is also spent getting to know each other, building team work and spending time in prayer and worship. We believe that it is important to prepare mentally and spiritually before going onto the mission field.
***Note*** If you are going on a custom trip, please contact us to see if there are any differences in training city, etc.
How can we raise money?This seems to be one of the largest mental obstacles for all of us to overcome, but we have seen God faithfully provide when individuals were faithful to do their part. Once you have received the acceptance packet, please review it very carefully. You will find a link to our online travel guide which will give you several fundraising ideas. Support letters to friends, family and businesses are one of the most effective ways to raise the funds for your venture – you are giving people a chance to take part in making a difference in another nation and in your life! Just a few other quick ideas are: car washes, penny drives, garage sales, dinners, pet washes, egg drives, bake sales, pizza sales, babysitting, etc. Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding how to raise money for your mission trip.
Is the money contributed for the mission trip tax deductible?
Big World Ventures is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, therefore any donations made to Big World is tax deductible. In order to receive a tax deduction, contributions must be made payable to Big World Ventures. The IRS requires donors to release to BWV the control of how their donations are allocated, however, a record will be kept of each trip participants’ account.
Tax receipts are mailed out yearly at the end of January. If you have contributed over $100 to Big World Ventures, you will automatically get a receipt in January. However, if you have contributed less than the above amount, you may contact us and request a receipt to be printed and mailed to you.For Canadians Only, please note:
1. All trip costs are in US dollars.
2. US non-profit organizations are not able to give tax receipts for Canadian funds. We suggest working with your church for tax deductible receipts for your sponsors. Ask your church if they would be willing to receive checks made out to them on your behalf (they will issue a tax receipt to your sponsor) and then your church can forward the funds collected in one check to Big World Ventures.
3. All check received in Canadian funds take up to 2 weeks to process before they will be credited to your account. They will be changed at the current exchange rate.What happens if I decide not to go? Can I get a refund?
Due to IRS rules, contributions are non-refundable when one does not go for any reason. However, funds raised can be held over for 1 year to be used on the next Big World mission trip. After 1 year, if the individual does not use these funds for a trip, all remaining funds will be applied to offset Big World Ventures’ costs. If Big World is notified after the international tickets are booked (typically 60 days before the mission trip dates), the cost of the international ticket and a 10% administrative fee are deducted from the amount of funds raised. If the international ticket is not yet booked, then only the administrative fee will be deducted.
Will there be any way to communicate from the mission field?
We require all missionaries to make contact with their families as soon as possible when they arrive at the training city and international destination. It is a good idea for each participant to bring international phone cards for use from the mission field. We also do our best to make arrangements for email usage. Due to the number of trip participants and busy ministry schedule, it may not be possible to communicate every day, but we encourage each person to communicate at least a couple of times during the mission trip.
How do I obtain a passport? Do I need a visa?
Passport: Contact your local courthouse for information on how to get one or visit National Passport Center at: www.travel.state.gov/passportservices.com .
You will be notified by Big World Ventures if the country that you are going to requires a visa for travel.
What about travel insurance?We request that each mission participant obtain travel insurance for the time frame of the mission trip. Some insurance policies include international travel, but please verify the details in your policy’s coverage. If your current health coverage does not include international travel, you can purchase travel insurance for your trip dates from many different providers. Please contact us if you would like any suggestions.
Are there any required vaccinations?
It is always necessary for each mission participant to be up to date on all child hood vaccinations. However, we cannot recommend any additional vaccinations, but we do ask that you talk to your family doctor for his recommendations. You can also find out more information by checking with the Center for Disease Control online.
How and what should I pack? What are the weight regulations?You can bring one large suitcase and one carry-on for the mission trip. The weight requirement on your large suitcase is 50 lbs, if it is above that weight, your domestic airline will charge you extra for the additional weight. We require that only one suitcase and one carry-on are brought to allow the teams to move quickly through the airports and customs. All the required drama costumes, clothes, supplies, etc. must be included in your luggage. If you purchase souvenirs save packing space for your return. Your team will be doing the drama many times which means you will wear your costume the most. For work projects please bring old work clothes. complete details regarding other items that you need to bring with you once the mission trip dates are closer.
Can I, my family, church or business donate to a Big World Ventures scholarship fund?
Absolutely, please contact our staff and we will give you further details. We have seen many lives changed because of the generosity of people like you. It is our desire to see many more lives changed through the scholarship fund.
Big World Ventures "Statement of Faith"
We believe the Bible to be the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ in his virgin birth in his sinless life in his miracles, in his vicarious and atoning death through his shed blood, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return in power and glory.
We believe that for the salvation of the lost and sinful men, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.