Short-Term Mission Trip Support Policy
Purpose for STM Trip Assistance
GCC provides several opportunities each year for members to go to a mission field and participate in global outreach firsthand. We have offered trips to Southeast Asia, Brazil, Mexico, Appalachia, Louisiana, Montana, India, Africa, and more. Some concentrate on work projects, some on personal evangelism, and others are specifically to encourage and minister to the missionaries.
We believe these trips are vital to growing a missions-minded body of Christ. We don’t want to just send money to missionaries, we want to be involved. Sometimes those who go on trips realize their potential as long-term missionaries, and even more come back with an increased desire to support and encourage the missionaries on the field. Our desire is to provide more people with the opportunity to participate in a short-term trip.
Eligibility Requirements
*Must be a member of GCC
*The organization leading the trip must be in agreement with the foundational doctrines of Greencastle Christian Church and the purpose of the trip must be in agreement with that of the GCC missions team.
*A written letter of request must be submitted to the Missions Budget Team.
Letter of Request
All requests for aid must be received in writing. All letters should include:
* Name of Participant
* Involvement at GCC
* Stated purpose of the trip
* Reasons for wanting to be a part of this trip
* Total trip costs, and plans for paying the other 2/3.
Financial Need
These funds are made available for those individuals who are not able to cover the full cost of a trip by themselves. Trip participants who are able to pay for the trip in full are encouraged to do so. On the other hand, no one who needs these funds should be hesitant to send a letter of request to the Missions Budget Team. We desire to help make participation in these trips possible for everyone.
Level of Support for Participants on Trips not sponsored by GCC (including Missionary Internships)
The level of support given to individuals will be decided on a case by case basis, with the support not to exceed one third of the cost of the trip (and in many cases will be much less). In addition to the elements stated above, the letters of request for these trips need to include:
* Name of the organization that is leading the trip.
* How you came to be involved with this organization.
* Mailing address where any support should be Sent.
* Phone or email Contact information for the organization.
