Trip FAQs
- How
do I sign up for a trip?
Instructions for signing up for a trip are located at the back of the Missionary handbook and on the Amazon Outreach website under TAKE A TRIP.
Back to top of page - Is
this trip for me?
One of the first questions that everyone asks when considering a mission trip is, “Should I go?” The hardest part of the entire mission adventure can be taking that first step and making the decision to go! Inevitably doubts will arise, and possible reasons for not going will appear. Common concerns can include vacation time conflicts, uncertainties about leaving family members behind, not being able to teach or having done ministry before, not knowing what to expect or how you can be used on the trip, not having ever traveled outside of the country, not having financial support and much more! Take heart! These are all normal and very valid concerns. Just remember, that what seems impossible with man is possible with God! If you are meant to take part in this mission trip, nothing you do or don’t do will stop you from going! God’s strength is perfected in our weakness. God does not ask that we are able just available! He will open every door and take care of your every need. As you begin stepping out in faith, having the desire and passion to see the world come to Christ, the Holy Spirit will confirm that this is for you.
Back to top of page - What
would I do on this mission trip?
You do not need to be a health care professional to be a part of this mission trip. MDs, DDSs, Nurses and Pharmacists are greatly needed and welcomed, but we are never short of things to do during the trips. There are numerous ministries you can serve on that need no prior experience. These ministry teams include Vacation Bible School, Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Construction, Hair Ministry, Soccer Ministry, and of course Evangelism. God may even use you to begin a new ministry!
Back to top of page - How
do I receive information about the mission trip once I sign-up?
In addition to the handbook, you will be receiving a list of trip meetings (dates & times) from your trip leader. At these meetings, you will receive specific information regarding your specific trip. Please remember that your attendance at ALL of these meetings is extremely important for planning purposes and reflects your commitment to the trip and to the rest of your team. Also, you will begin to receive NUMEROUS emails with information and updates. It is important to check your email often and reply back or take any action promptly that is requested in the email. Finally, please feel free to browse our website or contact your trip leader at any time with any other questions you may have.
Back to top of page - Who
is going from the U.S. and who will we be working with in Brazil?
There will be a wide assortment of Americans who will be participating in this mission trip including youth, college students, single adults, married couples, parents and grandparents. You may be on a trip with members of your church only or it may include people from other area churches, other denominations, or even from other states. Each trip will also have Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ who we will serve alongside. Amazon Outreach has partnered with churches on the Amazon River that are currently involved in evangelizing the people living in the Amazon River Basin. The pastors and missionaries proceed us, make follow-up visits after us, and have a good knowledge of the people and the culture. The Brazilian churches we partner with graciously provide translators from their congregations that we will travel with.
Back to top of page - Can
children go on the trip? Is there an age minimum to go on the trip?
Youth are encouraged to participate in the trip; however, they must be at least 12 years of age to go. Please note: Exceptions to the age requirement are possible. It is solely at the discretion of the trip leader whether or not a child, below or above the age of 12, will be allowed to go on the trip. Parents and children will be asked to meet with the trip leader on an individual (family) basis in determining each child’s maturity level, their ability to tolerate the physical and emotional aspects of the trip and to ensure their parents’ understanding of THEIR responsibility for their child throughout the duration of the trip in the event the child be allowed to participate.
Back to top of page - Is
a minor child (under the age of 18) allowed to come without a parent?
Not unless the parents of the child give full and written consent and also if a willing adult is identified to be their chaperone and be fully responsible for the minor.
Back to top of page - How
can a child participate in the trip?
Each trip member, including youth, will have real-life opportunities to be used by our Living God to change the eternal destinies of the people they will meet. And, they’ll have an opportunity to entrust their lives to Jesus Christ more completely than ever before. Therefore, their participation in all aspects of the trip, from raising prayer and financial support, collecting supplies, attending all meetings and general preparation for the trip is crucial to the effectiveness of God’s work in their lives as well as the lives of the people they will be ministering to.
Back to top of page - What
type of clothes do I wear on the trip?
On the plane to Brazil, you should wear long or crop pants, Bermuda shorts (long shorts) or a dress. During the trip, while on the boat and while ministering in the villages, Ladies & Girls should wear comfortable shorts and t-shirts during the day. For the evening services, dresses or a skirt & blouse. Low cut, tank tops, tight fitting tops or tops with spaghetti straps are not appropriate. Tops or t-shirts must cover the entire midriff area. Shorts must be mid-thigh length or longer for ladies and girls. Shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited. Bathing suits are required to be worn when showering on the back shower porch. Bathing suits must be one piece. Men & Boys should wear comfortable shorts and t-shirts during the day; Long pants or Bermuda shorts for the evening services. A shirt must be worn at all times. All clothing should be appropriate for a Christian mission trip.
Back to top of page - How
many clothes should I take for a 10-day trip?
You will take three (3) changes of clothing plus an outfit for the evening services.
Back to top of page - How
can I get by on three changes of clothes for a 10-day trip?
The laundry will be done daily so there is no need to bring more than a three-day supply of changes. Don’t take anything you would mind losing or leaving behind.
Back to top of page - Is
there a personal packing list available with everything I will need?
Yes. There is a personal packing list located in the Missionary Handbook.
Back to top of page - What
do I pack in?
You will pack all of your personal belongings in one carry-on bag. In addition you are allowed to carry a small backpack or purse. Two suitcases are also permitted per person; however, these will be used to carry supplies needed for the trip.
Back to top of page - What
about medicines I am currently taking?
If you are on any kind of medication, please take it with you. If refrigeration for such medication is needed, such as insulin, be sure to let your trip leader know. Please advise the trip physician prior to your departure of any special medical needs. We also recommend you bring a small emergency medication kit for yourself. This kit may contain anti-diarrhea medicine, Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, Dramamine, allergy medicine, etc. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.
Back to top of page - Should
I bring and/or wear jewelry on the trip?
Jewelry, with the exception of watches, wedding rings, and small earrings need to be left at home. We don’t want to stereotype the image of rich Americans.
Back to top of page - Can
I use my cell phone while I’m on the trip?
The environment of this mission trip allows you and your fellow trip members the opportunity to detach from any distractions from home and be totally focused on God and His plans for the trip. It also may provide the opportunity for God to do some faith-building in you/your family members. THEREFORE, CELL PHONE USE IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED WHILE ON THE TRIP.
Back to top of page - What
type of supplies will I be collecting for the trip?
Every trip member is asked to collect supplies/donations that are needed for the trip. At each village we minister to, we will give out “family packs” to each family in the village. Each family pack includes items (supplies) like toiletries, clothes, multiple pairs of flip flops, dish towels, etc. There is a list of needed supplies located in the Missionary Handbook.
Back to top of page - Where
do the supplies come from?
Everyone going on the trip collects the supplies we will take with us. You should start collecting supplies as soon as you know you are going on the trip. Each person will need to collect enough supplies to FILL TWO large suitcases/duffle bags (i.e., a family of 4 people going on the trip will need to collect enough supplies to fill EIGHT suitcases). Your trip leader will provide you with more information regarding supplies to collect and will suggest different ways of collecting them.
Back to top of page - How
do the supplies get to Brazil?
Each person going on the trip will need 2 LARGE suitcases or duffle bags. Each person will need to collect enough supplies to FILL both of their bags. You will bring your 2 packed suitcases/bags to the airport with you on the day your trip departs. These will be your “checked” luggage. (Your personal items – clothes, toiletries, etc. – will be packed in your carry-on bag.)
Back to top of page - How
can I prepare myself physically, spiritually, mentally for the trip?
Physically – Beginning 4-6 weeks before your trip, a brisk walk in the heat of the day is very helpful to begin getting accustomed to the temperatures on the river. Drink lots of water before, during and after the trip! Spiritually – Pray, pray, pray!!! Get a prayer partner or a group to pray specifically for you. Study your evangelism tools provided by your trip leader to be prepared to present the Gospel message in a way that is comfortable to you. Pray daily for the many different aspects of the trip. There is a prayer request list at the end of this section. Mentally – The key words on any mission trip are FLEXIBILITY and PATIENCE! From the moment the trip begins until you have returned home, plans and events seem to change with every turn. If you know this ahead of time and are prepared for these changes, the trip can be fun and exciting. God is in control of our plans, and we are always amazed at how creative He is and how much we learn.
Back to top of page
General Mission Trip Information
Food and Accommodations
- Where
will I be staying during the trip?
God has blessed Amazon Outreach with two beautiful Brazilian river boats, the Linda Esperança (Beautiful Hope) and the Amor e Esperança (Love & Hope). One of these boats will be your home during the trip. Both boats are open-air boats (all decks open) and have been beautifully designed with Brazilian wood.
Back to top of page - Where
do we sleep?
A hammock will be provided for you to sleep in. Most previous trip members say that sleeping in these hammocks on the boat is the most comfortable and restful sleep they have ever experienced. A pillow and a blanket are also provided.
Back to top of page - What
do we eat and what is the food like?
All meals are prepared by a Brazilian cooking crew who are part of the boat crew. All meals are Brazilian in nature and flavor and are eaten on the boat. The food on board is fabulous; however, you may want to take along your favorite snack food (peanut butter, crackers, candy bars, etc.) for between meals.
Back to top of page - What
about laundry?
Our “Wash Lady” will do your laundry every day. You will put your dirty clothing in a laundry tub and they will be washed, dried and put into designated areas ready for pick up, usually by the next day.
Back to top of page - What
are the bathrooms and showers like on the boat?
There are several bathrooms on the boat and several inside showers as well as outdoor showers (a bathing suit is required when showering on the back of the boat).
Back to top of page - What
is the weather like along the Amazon?
The average daytime temperature can go up to the mid-90's though there is much variability and cool days (mid to upper 80’s) are common. Nighttime lows are generally in the mid 70's to high 60's.
Back to top of page - Is
the water safe to drink?
Although the water on the Amazon Outreach boats is filtered and is safe for showering, it is not drinkable. There is plenty of bottled water available on the boat for drinking and individual bottles are plentiful for you to take into the villages with you to drink throughout the day while you are ministering.
Back to top of page - Will
I be able to have a private quiet time each day?
With approximately 50 people on board an 85-foot boat, it can be challenging to find a private or quiet spot . . . but it CAN BE DONE! Some people will arise early in the morning and spread out on the boat to experience a uniquely wonderful time alone with God while viewing the awesome sunrise over the river. Some people prefer to have their prayer time right after lunch each day while most of the other people on board are taking a “siesta”. Still, others are able to have a nightly quiet time with their flashlight and Bible in tow after most others have gone to bed.
Back to top of page - Are
we expected to tip the boat crew and the translators?
Our translators and boat crew are invaluable to us and will become like family to you. The staff consists of the boat captains, cooks, boat crew, cleaning people and translators. As the trip progresses, getting to know these people can become one of the most memorable times and experiences of the trip! The crew and our interpreters are a lifeline to the work that God has opened the doors for us to do, and they are a very integral part of the team. At the end of the trip a love offering will be collected and divided among them. This is an optional donation, but if you decide to contribute, whatever you feel led to give will be greatly appreciated. We discourage any one-to-one gifts because this seems to create competition among the crew members for our attention.
Back to top of page - Will
there be any time to shop for souvenirs?
Some trips have an afternoon to shop at the end of the trip. Take a little cash if you desire. Most shops accept MasterCard and Visa.
Back to top of page - What
about tobacco use and alcoholic beverages while on the trip?
Absolutely no tobacco products or drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted at any time from the beginning of trip until your return. Brazilian Christians do not smoke or drink and this could be a stumbling block in our witness to them.
Back to top of page
Travel Information
- Do
I make my own travel arrangements?
No. All travel arrangements are made by Amazon Outreach. You will receive your travel itinerary from your trip leader prior to departure as well as your airline ticket.
Back to top of page - How
do you get to Brazil?
The trips usually fly out of Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport to Miami or Atlanta and then on to Manaus, Brazil. Upon arrival in Manaus you will board one of Amazon Outreach’s boats.
Back to top of page - Will
I need a passport? How long will it take to get one? Will I have to pay
for it?
Yes, you will need a passport. Applications for a passport can be obtained from most U.S. Post Office locations. You need to allow 2-4 months to get a passport, so don’t delay! Your trip leader will need copies of your passport at least 2 months prior to your trip departure date. Your passport must have at least 2 blank consecutive pages and must be valid for 6 months past your trip departure date. The name on your passport MUST match the name we submit for your plane ticket. So, please make sure we have your correct passport name. You must pay for your passport and cannot use your support raised funds to pay for it. See the financial section for more information on this issue.
Back to top of page - Will
I need a Visa to enter Brazil? How much will it cost?
Yes, you will need a Brazilian Visa. About 6 weeks before the trip, your trip leader will instruct you on filling out the visa application. Your trip leader will collect your application along with the applications of the other members of the team and will apply as a group for the visas. The estimated cost is $200.
Back to top of page - What
will happen if I have to cancel my trip?
If a team member should cancel their trip after their airline tickets have been purchased they will forfeit $500 of their trip support. Any money left over after the $500 is deducted can be used for a future trip during the following year from the date of the cancelled trip.
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Take a Trip
