What experience does STCH Ministries have in leading mission trips?
Joanna Berry, Vice President of Family and International Ministries, has a long history of experience in Latin America. Raised in the Dominican Republic by missionary parents, she has worked with missionary activities in many countries and speaks Spanish fluently.
Mark Lozuk is our Director of International. Serving with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for 26 years, gave Mark a great deal of experience in supervising mission work in multiple countries. He is fluent in Spanish. He is a licensed and ordained minister who has planted new churches and trained new missionaries.
What is the purpose of STCH Ministries International?
STCH Ministries International is committed to the care and development of orphans and at-risk children through evangelism and loving interactions; providing needed resources such as food, medical and dental clinics, and training for parents and teachers; and construction projects for orphanages, schools, and churches.
STCH Ministries International also manages and encourages international child sponsorship through our Samuel’s Fund program. We are firmly committed to an on-going partnership with local churches, Christian schools, and childcare organizations who are dedicated to caring for children and strengthening families. You can be assured that the seeds of your efforts will be nurtured and continued as you return home.
Who can go on a STCH Ministries sponsored mission trip?
STCH Ministries International is focused on family and church groups of all ages. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is recommended that children be at least 6 years of age or older. Also welcome, are individuals with special skills such as health professionals, teachers, people with construction abilities, along with anyone who has both the heart to love children and a desire to encourage and support those who minister to children in Jesus’ name. We are always in need of participants who have the ability to speak Spanish to help with translation and communication.
What kinds of ministry activities and projects are available?
STCH Ministries International mission trips are tailored to each group’s interests and skillsets! This means that if you have a gift or desire to serve in a special way, please let us know. Some of the many activities available on our trips include:
Children’s Ministries – Backyard Bible Clubs, VBS, camp and recreational activities, handicrafts, puppets, musical and drama programs, taking an orphan or needy child shopping or on an outing to the zoo or beach, or visits with children sponsored through Samuel’s Fund.
Orphanage Ministries – opportunities to spend time with the children within several of the orphanages STCH Ministries International works alongside, you’ll have the opportunity to help meet some of their most pressing current needs.
Medical Ministry – medical, dental, and eye clinics.
Construction Ministry – building beds, desks, benches, and doing minor repairs to partnering schools, orphanages, and churches.
Teacher Training and Workshops – to help Dominican teachers gain new skills and strategies.
Parent Education – health, nutrition, and parenting skills.
And More
What are the accommodations like?
Dominican Republic Koinonia Housing
Trip accommodations depend on the ministry activities and location and can vary between dormitories or individual rooms for couples and families at a mission compound to hotel room accommodations. We try to honor special requests when possible. More specific information on accommodations will be provided in your confirmation packet for the trip you have selected.
What about the food and drinking water?
Bottled water is provided for drinking. STCH Ministries International will also supply you with a refillable water bottle. Water coolers used to refill these bottles will be located everywhere we take you on your mission trip.
You will also enjoy a variety of food, both American and indigenous, carefully prepared either by the ministry staff or in restaurants recommended by the staff. Many of our mission trippers say with a smile, “You will definitely not lose weight during your mission trip!”
How can I sign up to go on a mission trip?
To sign up for a mission trip, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Starting January 2024, you can complete the STCH Ministries International application form online. This application is per family household, so you can include your spouse and children. The application is valid for two years, and returning participants will need to fill out a new application after that period. Once you’ve filled out the application, please attach your passports and the signed and notarized mission trip agreement form.
STEP 2: After submitting your application, we will confirm your final acceptance. Keep in mind that spaces are limited and may fill up quickly. Additionally, all participating churches are required to conduct a background check.
STEP 3: A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to secure your spot.
Please note that, in rare cases, mission trips may need to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. STCH Ministries reserves the right to cancel trips when necessary. If STCH Ministries International cancels a mission trip, any deposits made for land expenses will be refunded, but this applies only if the trip is canceled by STCH Ministries.
Who will make my travel arrangements?
Each person is responsible for coordinating their own travel arrangements. If you need assistance, the STCH Ministries International Trip Coordinator can help you research the best rates and schedules from your preferred departure city. They will then provide you with a proposed itinerary and flight confirmation number. Once you confirm the date and time, you can purchase your tickets directly from the airline.
Please note that airlines often offer group discount rates for groups of 12 or more, so be sure to inquire about this if you’re traveling with a larger group.
When making your own reservations, it’s essential to coordinate your arrival and departure times with the STCH Ministries International Trip Coordinator. Failing to do so means you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport and within the country.
What is the cost of going on a mission trip and what does it cover?
The land package price for 2024 trips to the Dominican Republic and El Salvador are $995 per adult and $750 for children up through high school age when accompanied by a parent or grandparent.
The rate is $850 for college students and $995 for medical professionals for a typical week. This cost includes all transportation, lodging, food, bottled drinking water, recreation fees, translators and guides.
This does not include airfare.
Half (50%) of land costs are due in the STCH Ministries International office 60 days before the trip travel date. The balance of land costs is due in the STCH Ministries International office 30 days before the trip travel date. This allows time for the funds to be processed and sent down to the International field to prepare for the team that is coming.
If you make a group reservation with one of the major airlines:
- You need to be prepared to make a deposit of either $100 or $200 per person (depending on the airline) when you make the reservation. The balance of the air expense for group reservations are due to the airlines 30 days before the trip travel date.
- In special circumstances, the STCH Ministries International office will help teams book their group reservations. When this happens, the airlines ticket cost will be due in the STCH Ministries International office 45 days before the trip travel date. This allows time for the payment to be processed before the ticket balance is due.
* Please note that prices are subject to change. However, firm prices for land and airfare costs will be quoted to you at the time a mission trip is booked.
What costs are NOT covered?
You will need to budget for additional expenses such as meals while traveling through airports, snacks on the field, and souvenirs.
How can I pay for the trip?
Land Package Cost – 50% of the land cost is due in the STCH Ministries International office 60 days before the trip travel date, and the full land cost is due 30 days before the trip travel date. Trip payments can be made online with a credit card online at www.STCHM.org , under the “GIVE” tab, then under the “International Trips” tab, or can be made by check. When paying by check, the check should be sent to the trip leader from your church or organization. The trip leader will collect all of the check payments for his or her team/group, then send one payment to the STCH Ministries International office.
Airfare Cost – Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own airline ticket directly from the airline. In order to make sure that a group travels together, the trip leader for the church or organization will often purchase tickets for all of his or her team at the same time, and then collect payment from each individual member.
In special circumstances, STCH Ministries International can make group ticket reservations for a whole team. Please contact STCH Ministries International to inquire about how this would work.
How can friends and family help to sponsor my mission trip?
Friends and family members can contribute to your mission trip expenses as well as to various ministry costs, such as food for orphanages, school supplies, construction materials, and medicines. Donations can be made online at www.STCHM.org. Click on the “GIVE” tab, select the international option, and fill out the required information. It’s important for sponsors to include a note specifying how they would like their contributions to be used.
Donations can be mailed to STCH Ministries International at 4438 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi, Texas, 78411. Please ensure that the name of the person or project being sponsored is included on the check.
STCH Ministries International has a customizable sample letter available that you can send to anyone interested in supporting you. Additionally, you are encouraged to give presentations to groups about the work you will be doing and the overall mission of STCH Ministries International. Let them know that their support would mean a great deal to you and significantly enhance our ability to serve!
What happens if I have to cancel my trip at the last minute?
Per STCH Ministry International policy on cancellations
If you have to cancel your trip within 30 days of the trip travel date, STCH Ministries will refund you 50% of the land costs for the trip.
If you have to cancel your trip within 31 – 60 days of the trip travel date, STCH Ministries will refund you 75% of the land cost for the trip.
Minus the non-refundable deposit of $100.00 per person.
In rare occasions special circumstances may apply, please contact STCH Ministries at 361-994-0940 for more information.
What additional funds will be needed to support our ministry projects?
Additional project funds are always needed to cover the expenses of mission team projects, such as medicines for medical clinics, construction materials for a building project, outings or supplies for an orphanage or a school. These activities and costs will be discussed and chosen according to your group’s interests and the needs of the ministry. Information will be provided to help you share these needs and opportunities for giving with interested individuals and church groups.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, you must have a current passport to travel outside the United States. Information on obtaining a passport can be obtained by visiting your local post office or on the web (https://www.usa.gov/passport).
Note: Most countries want you to have a passport that is good for at least 6 months before letting you in to their country.
Do I need immunizations?
Immunizations are not required, but you should consult a qualified medical professional for specific recommendations for your individual needs.
If I sponsor a Samuel’s Fund child, can I visit my Samuel’s Fund child while on a mission trip?
Yes, you can! The STCH Ministries International office maintains a database of sponsors and the Samuel’s Fund children they sponsor, ensuring that every sponsor has the opportunity to meet their sponsored child during their trip. However, it’s a good idea to inform the office about your travel plans in advance so that we can arrange a visit. You can email or call 361.994.0940 for more information and assistance with planning your meeting.
If I sponsor a CLEP student, can I visit my CLEP student while on a mission trip?
Yes, you can! The STCH Ministries International office maintains a database of sponsors and the CLEP Students they sponsor, ensuring that every sponsor has the opportunity to meet their sponsored child during their trip. However, it’s a good idea to inform the office about your travel plans in advance so that we can arrange a visit. You can email or call 361.994.0940 for more information and assistance with planning your meeting.
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