Thank you for your willingness to lead a short-term missionary team with Missions Ministries. Our mission is to transform lives and communities through short term mission teams — meeting spiritual needs, providing medical care, building homes and community infrastructure, and expanding educational opportunities for children.
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THE TEAM
COSTS $14,500* COST OF A STANDARD HOUSE (36X12 feet). $15,300* COST OF A SQUARE HOUSE WITH PORCH (24X24 feet). This includes all construction materials and construction staffing.
FOOD AND LODGING FOR A 4-DAY MISSION TRIP 3 nights lodging | 8 meals | bottled water Prices per person** Adult (18+) — $235 Youth (13-17) — $175 Children 12 and under — $150 $35 registration fee per person Effective 2025 13+ — $300 12 and under — $200 * The house construction costs are due 30 days prior to the trip. A $500 deposit is due at the time dates are reserved. Teams will be charged food/lodging for any person who cancels less than 7 days before the trip. |
STANDARD 36 x 12 HOUSE WITH THREE ROOMS.
SQUARE 24 X 24 HOUSE WITH THREE ROOMS AND PORCH.
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OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Interior paint — $150/house
Note: Fills 1st afternoon, or simply leave paint with family.
Beds — Provide locally-made beds with new mattresses to the family
Double — $315 | Single — $250 | Bunk bed — $600
Cistern — $240 — A cistern is a plastic, sealable, 290 gal. water tank that families use to hold their water, which is delivered by truck
NEW Refrigerator — $620 | NEW Two Burner Stove/Propane Bottle/Connections — $270
Curtains — $80 --Provide locally-made curtains for the house. Rods included
Dresser— $120—Provide locally-made dresser to the family
Food outreach — $350 — Provide approximately 100 people from the community a meal at a local church. This outreach is often combined with children’s crafts and activities. Missions Ministries will provide the food.
Point Zero— Visit a local residential community for adults with developmental disabilities. Teams can provide crafts and activities. A food outreach can be added ($350).
Soup kitchen—$350—Provide a meal to the community served at a local soup kitchen. This outreach can be combined with crafts. Missions Ministries will provide the food
Prayer walk — $36/interpreter — Get to know some of the specific needs of people in the community and join with them in prayer
Family visits — Returning teams may visit families that they have built for previously
Family dinners — $10 per guest-- Returning teams may invite 1-3 families, who they have
built for previously, to dinner at the team center
Interior paint — $150/house
Note: Fills 1st afternoon, or simply leave paint with family.
Beds — Provide locally-made beds with new mattresses to the family
Double — $315 | Single — $250 | Bunk bed — $600
Cistern — $240 — A cistern is a plastic, sealable, 290 gal. water tank that families use to hold their water, which is delivered by truck
NEW Refrigerator — $620 | NEW Two Burner Stove/Propane Bottle/Connections — $270
Curtains — $80 --Provide locally-made curtains for the house. Rods included
Dresser— $120—Provide locally-made dresser to the family
Food outreach — $350 — Provide approximately 100 people from the community a meal at a local church. This outreach is often combined with children’s crafts and activities. Missions Ministries will provide the food.
Point Zero— Visit a local residential community for adults with developmental disabilities. Teams can provide crafts and activities. A food outreach can be added ($350).
Soup kitchen—$350—Provide a meal to the community served at a local soup kitchen. This outreach can be combined with crafts. Missions Ministries will provide the food
Prayer walk — $36/interpreter — Get to know some of the specific needs of people in the community and join with them in prayer
Family visits — Returning teams may visit families that they have built for previously
Family dinners — $10 per guest-- Returning teams may invite 1-3 families, who they have
built for previously, to dinner at the team center
PASSPORTS
International law requires that every team member must have a valid passport. Please check with the U.S. Department of State for up-to-date passport requirements.
www.travel.state.gov
Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 entering or departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s.)
A sample form can be found here >
Missions Ministries Team Center
Calle de la Roca #3904
Col. Villa Esperanza (Km27)
Cd. Juarez CHIHUAHUA 32691
Mexico
International law requires that every team member must have a valid passport. Please check with the U.S. Department of State for up-to-date passport requirements.
www.travel.state.gov
Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 entering or departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s.)
A sample form can be found here >
Missions Ministries Team Center
Calle de la Roca #3904
Col. Villa Esperanza (Km27)
Cd. Juarez CHIHUAHUA 32691
Mexico
FUNDRAISING
The team will be responsible for funding all costs of the trip. All donation checks should be made payable to Missions Ministries. The team leader should collect all check and cash donations and mail to Missions Ministries with team name and dates noted.
Send supporters to your Service Reef link to donate online.
TEAM CENTER
23 comfortable rooms are available for team use. Each room sleeps 4, some sleep 5, and contains the following:
Alcohol and illicit drug use is prohibited at anytime and anywhere during your mission trip.
The team will be responsible for funding all costs of the trip. All donation checks should be made payable to Missions Ministries. The team leader should collect all check and cash donations and mail to Missions Ministries with team name and dates noted.
Send supporters to your Service Reef link to donate online.
TEAM CENTER
- A safe, secure home base where teams eat, play and sleep
- Includes playground, basketball court, four-square court, pavilion, dining room, medical clinic and a ministry store
- All food, water, and ice served in the team center dining room are safe
- Surrounded by 10-foot walls with on-duty guards
23 comfortable rooms are available for team use. Each room sleeps 4, some sleep 5, and contains the following:
- 2 sets of bunk beds (some rooms have a bunk with a queen bed on the bottom)
- Private bath with shower
- Air conditioning and heat
- Towels, linens and blankets
- Alarm clock
- Dresser
- Soap and shampoo
Alcohol and illicit drug use is prohibited at anytime and anywhere during your mission trip.
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WHAT TO PACK
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TOOLS
Each person should have the following: 1 — Nail apron 1 — 2” or 3” paint brush 1 — 9” Paint roller cover 1 — Small trim pan and small trim brush Note: Double paint supplies if painting interior Hammers, paint roller frame, and pans to be provided by Missions Ministries (If you would like to bring your favorite hammer feel free to do so.) |
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Devotional leader(s) - Prepare and lead morning devotions for team
Outreach leader(s) - Plans the crafts and activities for any outreaches the team chooses
Water Captain - Loads water for each outing. Cooler and water provided.
Devotional leader(s) - Prepare and lead morning devotions for team
Outreach leader(s) - Plans the crafts and activities for any outreaches the team chooses
Water Captain - Loads water for each outing. Cooler and water provided.
schedule
DAY 1 Please understand that every team is a little different and the following scenarios may vary.
DRIVERS
- Meet at the Harvest Christian Center in El Paso, Texas by 2:00 p.m.
- Load belongings into Missions Ministries vehicles
- Leave personal vehicles in parking lot
FLYERS
- Arrive between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
- Missions Ministries will pick up team in front of baggage claim area. Please be patient as flights arrive for a single one time pick up around 1:30 p.m.
- Plan to depart El Paso after 12 p.m.
Meeting Location
Harvest Christian Center, 1345 New Harvest Place, El Paso, TX 79912
WAL-MART, BORDER CROSSING, EVENING
- After all team members have arrived, the team will be taken to Wal-Mart for any extra supplies or donations
- Head to border together in Missions Ministries vehicles
- Arrive at team center, unload trailer, eat dinner, tour of facility, etc.
BORDER TAXES
- Mexico can charge 16% tax on any items that are not personal.
- Normally ranges from $100 to $500
- Missions Ministries will pay the tax at the border then reconcile with team finances after the trip
DAY 2:
7:00 Devotions
7:30 Breakfast
8:15 Load for jobsite
1:00 Return for lunch
2:00 Begin 1st afternoon activities
6:00 Dinner
DAY 3:
7:00 Devotions
7:30 Breakfast
8:15 Load for jobsite
11:30 Dedication — a special moment when the family receives the keys to their new home!
1:00 Return for lunch
2:00 Begin 2nd afternoon activities
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Church — service at the sponsoring pastor’s church. Offering optional, but appreciated
DAY 4:
7:00 Devotions
7:30 Breakfast
8:10 Group photo
8:20 Head to border
9-10 Arrive at vehicles
10-11 Arrive at airport
Our teams build more than structures. We build communities, relationships, faith and hope.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your
labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your
labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
General information
The clinic has four medical exam rooms, one optometry room, two dental rooms, a pharmacy, and a laboratory. The clinic is open five days a week by a local nurse, Adriana providing year-round care through medication refills, follow-up care, and nursing care to patients with chronic and minor acute illnesses.
Clinic Staffing
At least one doctor is required to open the clinic. A minimum of two medical professionals is preferred. As we strive to operate an American standard clinic, we ask that you keep non-medical staff to a minimum. To maintain inventory and ensure safe distribution of medications, Missions Ministries has full-time personnel on staff to operate the pharmacy. Only those with pharmacy experience will be permitted to assist in the pharmacy.
The clinic has four medical exam rooms, one optometry room, two dental rooms, a pharmacy, and a laboratory. The clinic is open five days a week by a local nurse, Adriana providing year-round care through medication refills, follow-up care, and nursing care to patients with chronic and minor acute illnesses.
Clinic Staffing
At least one doctor is required to open the clinic. A minimum of two medical professionals is preferred. As we strive to operate an American standard clinic, we ask that you keep non-medical staff to a minimum. To maintain inventory and ensure safe distribution of medications, Missions Ministries has full-time personnel on staff to operate the pharmacy. Only those with pharmacy experience will be permitted to assist in the pharmacy.
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Listed below are the equipment and supplies that we have in stock for each clinic team.
Listed below are the equipment and supplies that we have in stock for each clinic team.
Supplies
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Equipment
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More than anything, we want to thank you for your willingness to serve with us. Each clinician who comes down is a huge blessing to the community, and we hope you will also be blessed through this experience!
Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 entering or departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s.)
Missions Ministries Team Center
Calle de la Roca #3904
Col. Villa Esperanza (Km27)
Cd. Juarez CHIHUAHUA 32691
Mexico
Missions Ministries Team Center
Calle de la Roca #3904
Col. Villa Esperanza (Km27)
Cd. Juarez CHIHUAHUA 32691
Mexico
Clinic Needs
The ministry clinic is always in need of over-the-counter medications. To help medical teams, Missions Ministries asks all teams bring some medications to help stock the pharmacy. Below are some ideas of what is needed. Any amount is helpful.
Children's ibuprofen and Tylenol
Children's cold/cough suspensions
Children's vitamins
Children's loratadine and cetirizine
Adult ibuprofen, Tylenol, and naproxen
Adult cold/cough suspensions
Adult and prenatal vitamins
Adult loratadine and cetirizine
Omeprazole
Ranitidine
7-day vaginal antifungal treatments
Nasal saline spray
Triple antibiotic ointment
Antifugal cream
Muscle rub cream
Hydrocortisone cream
TrueTrack brand blood glucose test strips
The ministry clinic is always in need of over-the-counter medications. To help medical teams, Missions Ministries asks all teams bring some medications to help stock the pharmacy. Below are some ideas of what is needed. Any amount is helpful.
Children's ibuprofen and Tylenol
Children's cold/cough suspensions
Children's vitamins
Children's loratadine and cetirizine
Adult ibuprofen, Tylenol, and naproxen
Adult cold/cough suspensions
Adult and prenatal vitamins
Adult loratadine and cetirizine
Omeprazole
Ranitidine
7-day vaginal antifungal treatments
Nasal saline spray
Triple antibiotic ointment
Antifugal cream
Muscle rub cream
Hydrocortisone cream
TrueTrack brand blood glucose test strips
Trip Cancellation Policy
All team leaders and volunteers should keep in mind that when scheduling a trip to serve, the funds raised are planned for and used to impact the colonias of Juarez for Jesus. We are His hands and feet. Rescheduling and canceling of trips are difficult and impact the ministry, the families, and the churches we serve.
Rescheduling of Trip while leaving funds with Missions Ministries.
A trip needing to be rescheduled must be done at least 30 days in advance. If it is rescheduled within this time frame, 100% minus a $250 rescheduling fee of the deposit will be held for those groups who plan for a trip within the next 12 months from the original date. A team will need to pay an additional $250 to meet the required $500 deposit. Missions Ministries will account for the team's money through a team fund.
Teams Canceling Trips
All Trips must be canceled in writing. Email [email protected] or [email protected]
A trip must be canceled with at least 30 days’ notice. Requested cancellations within this time frame will receive a refund of hospitality costs minus the $35 per person registration fees and the $500 deposit. Teams will be asked if they would like the funds raised for the building of the house to go towards a house built by the Missions Ministries staff. If the team elects this option, the funds will be used in this way. If the team wants a refund, only 75% of the money raised for the home will be refunded.
A trip canceled with less than 30 days’ notice will receive a refund of hospitality costs minus the $35 per person registration fees and the $500 deposit. Teams will be asked if they would like the funds raised for the building of the house to go towards a house built by the Missions Ministries staff. If the team elects this option, the funds will be used in this way. If the team wants a refund, only 50% of the money raised for the home will be refunded.
No refunds with less than 15 days of a trip.
If Missions Ministries and the Board of Directors need to cancel a trip for any reason, it is at their sole discretion as to the reasoning and refunds necessary, as they prayerfully and dutifully aim to protect and to provide safety for the staff, volunteers, and the ministry.
All team leaders and volunteers should keep in mind that when scheduling a trip to serve, the funds raised are planned for and used to impact the colonias of Juarez for Jesus. We are His hands and feet. Rescheduling and canceling of trips are difficult and impact the ministry, the families, and the churches we serve.
Rescheduling of Trip while leaving funds with Missions Ministries.
A trip needing to be rescheduled must be done at least 30 days in advance. If it is rescheduled within this time frame, 100% minus a $250 rescheduling fee of the deposit will be held for those groups who plan for a trip within the next 12 months from the original date. A team will need to pay an additional $250 to meet the required $500 deposit. Missions Ministries will account for the team's money through a team fund.
Teams Canceling Trips
All Trips must be canceled in writing. Email [email protected] or [email protected]
A trip must be canceled with at least 30 days’ notice. Requested cancellations within this time frame will receive a refund of hospitality costs minus the $35 per person registration fees and the $500 deposit. Teams will be asked if they would like the funds raised for the building of the house to go towards a house built by the Missions Ministries staff. If the team elects this option, the funds will be used in this way. If the team wants a refund, only 75% of the money raised for the home will be refunded.
A trip canceled with less than 30 days’ notice will receive a refund of hospitality costs minus the $35 per person registration fees and the $500 deposit. Teams will be asked if they would like the funds raised for the building of the house to go towards a house built by the Missions Ministries staff. If the team elects this option, the funds will be used in this way. If the team wants a refund, only 50% of the money raised for the home will be refunded.
No refunds with less than 15 days of a trip.
If Missions Ministries and the Board of Directors need to cancel a trip for any reason, it is at their sole discretion as to the reasoning and refunds necessary, as they prayerfully and dutifully aim to protect and to provide safety for the staff, volunteers, and the ministry.
frequently asked questions
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
Yes, all U.S. citizens will need to present a passport for land travel between the U.S. and Mexico. Children will need a passport too.
Who participates in the mission trips? Do I have to be involved with a church to go?
People from all walks of life participate in the mission trips– men and women, young and old. They are great for adults, families, small groups, youth groups, family reunions, neighborhood friends and corporate groups. Missions Ministries is a Christian organization, but we welcome members of all faiths and you do not have to be a church group to participate.
Can I bring my young children with me?
The trips are a great experience for families. However, to adhere to safety issues and for the enjoyment of the team as a whole, we recommend that children be six years of age or older.
Do I need to know Spanish?
No Spanish is needed. It is a nice gesture though to learn a few Spanish phrases such as “Hello”, “How are you”, “It’s nice to meet you”, in order to communicate with the families you’ll be working with.
How big can my team be?
Teams vary in size from 11 - 42. Teams of 25 or more, we suggest building 2 houses for the best experience!
Can I bring donations with me for the family?
Yes, we encourage that. Due to size limitations of our vans and border restrictions, all donations must be placed in individual luggage or duffel bags. Many team members just bring an extra, old duffel bag that can just be donated and left in Juarez. You will also have opportunity upon arrival in El Paso to visit a Walmart, so you may purchase the items for the family at that time if you wish.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
See the Leader guide for a list of tools to bring.
Do I need to have any special immunizations?
Health alerts come up unexpectedly, so it’s wise to check with your doctor concerning any recommended immunizations. You should get a tetanus shot if your immunization in not up to date (every 7 years).
Where will I stay? Do I need to bring my own linens and towels?
You will stay in the Team Center on our property. The rooms are very nice and designed to hold a family of four or five with 2 sets of bunk beds (some rooms have a bunk with a queen bed on the bottom)
Each unit has a complete bathroom with shower. All linens and towels are provided.
Each unit has a complete bathroom with shower. All linens and towels are provided.
How do I get to the team center in mexico?
Team members can travel to El Paso by driving or flying and our staff will facilitate transportation across the border into Mexico. For teams that are driving the meeting spot to leave cars is at Harvest Christian Center (HCC). For those that arrive by plane our staff will pick you up at the airport.
Do I need to bring my own food with me?
Meals are all provided by the ministry, including evening of arrival. There are a wide variety of choices, served buffet style.
Do I need to bring my own water?
No. Missions Ministries will buy bottled water for the team at Sam's Club in El Paso, Texas. All water at the team center is good for washing and is filtered, but it is suggested to not drink it. All water used in the kitchen for cooking and cleaning is American Standard.
What if there is an emergency and I need to be reached? Will my cell phone work at the Missions Center?
Emergency numbers are provided to team leaders for distribution to team members before they depart for Juarez. These numbers are cell phone numbers of our staff representatives that lead the teams. Many cell plans today do provide for some international coverage, however please check with your carrier to not incur significant charges.
How long are the trips?
The trips are four days long, including travel time. They run from either Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday.
Is there any opportunity for additional projects or ministry or will I just be building a house?
Yes, there are many opportunities for extra activities after your work on the house is completed each day. Many teams are involved in food outreaches, prayer walks, and more. These will all be arranged by your team leader prior to your trip.
How long does it take to build the house?
The house will be completely constructed in two days. Typically, depending on the size and composition of your team, time at the worksite will be from approximately 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM.
What about security? Is the mission trip safe?
We at Missions Ministries understand security is important to each team member who comes with us on a mission trip. Missions Ministries' primary ventures are into the colonias of Mexico, just southwest of Juarez. This is the same area where we have worked with nearly a thousand teams building homes for the poor, working with local Mexican crews and supporting the local Mexican pastors for more than thirty years.
Missions to Developing Nations
Mission trips to developing nations, by nature, include some measure of risk. Organizations around the world offer many wonderful short and long term mission opportunities. Their missionaries face challenges and conditions unique to the area they serve. Variables include political landscapes, the strength of national and local security, military activity, societal movements, violence, crime and extortion, local health concerns, etc. When choosing a mission it is wise to research the sponsoring organization and the mission area. The US State Department and mission organizations provide timely security updates on their respective websites. Short term mission members should understand the risk of changing environments that do not provide the consistency and civility we enjoy and are accustomed to within the United States. However these very risks and difficulties actually present the opportunity to the mission team to make such a difference. These are times to reach out to those who have experienced deep hardship, oppression, hopelessness and who struggle to help themselves.
Missions Ministries
Security is a subject Missions Ministries takes very seriously, both for your team and for our US and Mexican staff who serve in Mexico. On your mission trip, the first border crossing is from Santa Teresa, New Mexico into the colonias less than 20 km inside the border. We travel as a group and make daylight crossings whenever possible. The drive to the colonias from the border is approximately 30 minutes. The destination is the Missions Ministries Team Center where food and lodging are provided. This is where we all stay for the remainder of the trip. The Team Center is surrounded by a wall, has barbed wire and glass atop, and has 24/7 security during the team’s stay in Mexico. We have local Mexican staff with us when we aren’t inside the team center. The Mexico staff and Mexican pastors and their congregations provide Missions Ministries with local information about the community and have a vested interest in seeing to the team’s safety during their stay in Mexico as you construct a home for one of the church members. We are always together as a group when outside of the team center during home building projects and any outreach activities. We normally cross the border to and from Mexico at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico crossing for added security. It is important to know that Missions Ministries hasn’t experienced any security related incidents with our teams to date. That being said, there are never any guarantees. We are cautious to provide as secure an environment for our teams as we can. We will not hesitate to cancel a team or trip if the conditions in Mexico deteriorate to the point Missions Ministries has concerns for your welfare or that of our staff. We are prudent and care greatly for our teams. We trust God to watch over us, guide and protect us.
Missions to Developing Nations
Mission trips to developing nations, by nature, include some measure of risk. Organizations around the world offer many wonderful short and long term mission opportunities. Their missionaries face challenges and conditions unique to the area they serve. Variables include political landscapes, the strength of national and local security, military activity, societal movements, violence, crime and extortion, local health concerns, etc. When choosing a mission it is wise to research the sponsoring organization and the mission area. The US State Department and mission organizations provide timely security updates on their respective websites. Short term mission members should understand the risk of changing environments that do not provide the consistency and civility we enjoy and are accustomed to within the United States. However these very risks and difficulties actually present the opportunity to the mission team to make such a difference. These are times to reach out to those who have experienced deep hardship, oppression, hopelessness and who struggle to help themselves.
Missions Ministries
Security is a subject Missions Ministries takes very seriously, both for your team and for our US and Mexican staff who serve in Mexico. On your mission trip, the first border crossing is from Santa Teresa, New Mexico into the colonias less than 20 km inside the border. We travel as a group and make daylight crossings whenever possible. The drive to the colonias from the border is approximately 30 minutes. The destination is the Missions Ministries Team Center where food and lodging are provided. This is where we all stay for the remainder of the trip. The Team Center is surrounded by a wall, has barbed wire and glass atop, and has 24/7 security during the team’s stay in Mexico. We have local Mexican staff with us when we aren’t inside the team center. The Mexico staff and Mexican pastors and their congregations provide Missions Ministries with local information about the community and have a vested interest in seeing to the team’s safety during their stay in Mexico as you construct a home for one of the church members. We are always together as a group when outside of the team center during home building projects and any outreach activities. We normally cross the border to and from Mexico at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico crossing for added security. It is important to know that Missions Ministries hasn’t experienced any security related incidents with our teams to date. That being said, there are never any guarantees. We are cautious to provide as secure an environment for our teams as we can. We will not hesitate to cancel a team or trip if the conditions in Mexico deteriorate to the point Missions Ministries has concerns for your welfare or that of our staff. We are prudent and care greatly for our teams. We trust God to watch over us, guide and protect us.