How can I find the time to go?
Most HCC trips are only a week to 10 days in length and include at least one weekend. Those who have gone have been known to use a combination of personal days, vacation time, or comp time with their place of employment. If you think that taking time that is available to you might endanger your being seen as a needed employee at work, this may be an issue to make a matter of prayer. Trust that God will sustain you and provide for you as you honor Him by going.

How can I financially afford to go?
You will have about 1/2 of a year to save toward taking a short-term trip, since most trips are announced 6 months to a year ahead of time. Some people get financial support from friends and family members. Others sign up in faith, believing that God will provide needed funds. There are also scholarships available. (Contact Paul Wides for further information)

I have time off from work during the Christmas holidays and/or spring and summer breaks. Is there a trip that is scheduled for the time when I am available?
Trips are scheduled at various times throughout the year. If you let us know when you are available, we may be able to send you (or a small group) to a mission station that has special needs that you can help meet during this time. Please let the Global Outreach committee know of your skills and availability and we will work hard to find a match.

Can families serve together?
We want to encourage families to minister together in missions. Experience has shown that youth, age 13 or older, accompanied by a parent have found mission trips very rewarding and even life-changing. Experiencing God's hand at work in a foreign culture can have a significantly positive effect on family relationships. You will need to prepare the children for a cross-cultural situation and for the physical demands of travel. With good planning and preparation, it is possible to find a place for your entire family to serve together. Your children will learn more about the prioity of missions by watching you as you work and pray for mission work.

What if I am not able to do heavy lifting or vigorous labor?
Not all of our HCC trips involve building or construction. You may be able to help with a Vacation Bible School ,teach English as a second language, work in your career area, or any number of jobs that may help a field worker where physical labor is not needed. Even on construction trips there is the need for support people to help with meals, ministering to the laborers and encouraging the local believers. You may also want to remember to pack light and use wheeled luggage to help in transporting your belonging through the airports.

But, I'm not skilled. Can I be used?
Two of the best abilities you can have are "dependability" and "availability". Any of the ways that you serve at HCC can also be used overseas: singing, leading worship, helping with AWANA, teaching a Bible strudy. Just let us know what gifts God has given you and we will find a place for you to serve.

I'm not a perfect Christian...
None of us are. If we waited for perfect Christians to do the work, it would never get done. Thankfully, we have a perfect Redeemer, who works in us to make us like Himself. He is patient with us and we can be patient with each other as we understand this. The key thing is to be an available Christian. If you feel that God is calling you, answer the call.

What about the language barriers? Can we really accomplish anything if we do not know the language? Most of the people who go do not know the local language. Sometimes they may have a high school level of language skills. Other times the teams try to teach common phrases in preparation of the trip. They always find ways to communicate their love and concern for the people they meet. Often, there are interpreters who will tranlate for you. Whatever the level of communication, the people will see your smile and the work you are doing for them or in their church, and they will get the true.message- Jesus cares and so do you.

What if I don't like the food, or am allergic to certain foods?
Part of the fun in taking a trip is trying new things and experiencing the culture. We encourage team members to be flexible and open to different tastes. We've had no one ever wasted away on a short-term missions trip due to starvation. Most places where we go have food chains such as McDonalds that you will be familiar with. Also, in all cultures, people understand if we explain that you are allergic to certain foods. We also will use caution in areas where we know that the water could make you sick.

I have some medical issues. What if there is an emergency?
Most welfare countries extend medical coverage to you as a visitor. In some countries, we would recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Some trips are to developed countries where a high standard of medical care is available. The key is in being selective about where to serve. Ask your doctor for advice about traveling with your medical conditions. Also, remember to take along any prescriptions that you will need.

Will the trip be dangerous?
We won't send you some place that we haven't already sent full time field workers. If they are willing to surrender their lives to the Lord for the sake of the gospel, the least we can do is to support and encourage them in the place where they serve. Our Global Outreach committee monitors the state department bulletins and other news sources in order to stay abreast of any risks in the area where you will serve. Make this a matter of prayer for your team as you prepare.

Will I know anyone else on the team?
Ministering together is a wonderful way to really get to know your fellow HCC members. Without fail, the experience and enviroment of short-term trips foster a strong bond of fellowship amongst team members- a fellowship that usually lasts long beyond the trip. You will get to know your team as you pray and prepare for your particular mission.

Will I know what to wear or pack?
Of course. Your team leader will provide a list of what is recommended. Some teams need to bring in medicines or supplies. Some may take teaching materials. Each team is unique in this regard. But there won't be any surprises about what to take or what to leave at home.

Will I need to got shots to protect against disease?
While we all dislike getting shots, some trips do require certain immunizations. These are available inexpensively at the county health department or at your doctor's office. A little prick doesn't seem like very much when we consider the pain that our Savior endured upon the cross on our behalf.

What if I can't take extreme heat or cold?
Many trips are to areas where the climate is much warmer than in northeast Ohio. However, there are others, Belgium for example, that have temperatures very similar to home. Think about what you can tolerate as you consider going abroad. Remember that you may not have air conditioning. Many of these places are still unreached with the Gospel due to the fact that they are uncomfortable and remote. Try to be realistic about what you can do for a short period of time and think about ways to cope.