Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the main objective(s) of this mission trip?

A: This mission trip has the objective of giving out 3 million tracts in Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and La Paz, Bolivia. The outreach will be a cooperative between those of us coming as missionaries and the local Adventists in Bolivia.  Santa Cruz is one of Bolivia’s largest cities with a population of over 3 million people. It has excellent temperatures all year long. Our missionary group will be giving out tracts to tens of thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of people throughout the city and in some surrounding villages. On the last outreach day which is March 25, Bolivian Adventists throughout the Union will join in with us and help us to distribute a total of 3 million tracts.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: First, fill in your info in the form below as well as info for two references. References are people that we will contact to learn a little more about you prior to acceptance on the mission trip.  After you have submitted your info in the forms, we will contact you regarding your acceptance.  Once accepted, we’ll be in contact with you regarding any further details such as booking tickets, and payments. (For mission trip costs, see question below)

Q: What is the cost for this mission trip?

A: Following is a breakdown of the costs for this mission trip:

1. Flight to get to Santa Cruz – Estimate $750-$1,000. (Flights to be purchased by missionaries)

2. Entry Visa into Bolivia – $160

3. Food – $100

4. Lodging – Provided

5. Transportation while there – Estimate $100

6. ARM Short-Term Travel Insurance – Estimate $30

7. GLOW Bag Rental – $15

8. Background Check – Estimate $30 (Not necessary for everyone)

9. 3,000,000 tracts – Provided

Estimated Total: $1,155-$1,425

Q: Is there an age requirement?

A: Yes, you must be over 18 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Q: Who will be leading this mission trip?

A: Leaders include GLOW Director Nelson Ernst and experienced literature ministry leaders.

Q: What kind of outreach will we be doing?

A: During the week we will divide up into teams which will go into Santa Cruz and give out literature.  We will place tracts on doors and mailboxes (where allowed) in neighborhoods. We will place literature on cars.  There will also be distribution of literature in areas of public transportation and on busy streets where crowds of people are.  The bulk will likely be on cars and directly into people’s hands. We also aim to go into some surrounding villages to give out literature. Note that we will have limited time to converse with people in the field.  We aim to get out tens of thousands of tracts per missionary. This requires that we focus primarily on giving out literature quickly to many people rather than working in depth with individuals. Each recipient of literature will have opportunity for deeper study and further connection with the church through the opportunities listed on the tracts themselves.

Q: Will we go two by two?

A: Yes.  We will be going out in teams and typically have two on a street across from each other—not two people at each door.  Parking lots, crowded streets and other public venues will have us in teams close by each other as well. In some instances missionaries might even be partnered with a local church member.

Q: Will we be giving literature directly to people?

A: Yes. We will be alternating between placing literature in neighborhoods, parking lots, public transportation venues, and any crowded downtown streets.  Each participant must be willing and able to give literature directly to people even though it might not be for the majority of the time.

Q: Will we be doing anything else like signing people up for Bible studies or praying for people or…?

A: If time permits, yes.  Our first and primary goal is to make sure that we distribute as many tracts as possible in Santa Cruz.  This will be our only focus until we know that we have some extra time to slow down.  The tracts will enable readers to sign up for studies. Most of the people we will be reaching will speak Spanish, so unless you speak Spanish, the tracts will do the talking to the people on your behalf.

Q: What will the temperatures be like there?

A: Average temperatures in Santa Cruz in March are in the high 70s and low 80s. There is a small probability that we will have some rain as well. Consider packing an umbrella or other water protective clothing.

Q: What will the Covid safety protocols be on the trip?

A: We will be asking all missionaries to follow any Covid safety guidelines that are outlined by the local Bolivian government at the time.

Q: Where will we stay? What will the accommodations be like?

A: Since this is a mission trip and we are trying to keep expenses as low as possible, we will be staying at church or school facilities.  Missionaries need to bring sleeping items as we will be sleeping on the floor.  Blow up mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows will definitely be a blessing.

Q: How will meals work?

A: The trip organizers/conference will provide two plant-based meals a day with a light supper option.  A late breakfast will be in the morning and we will have time for a break for lunch in the afternoon while out in the field. We will also plan on having some light supper options after outreach for those who are wanting some extra food. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. We might not be able to accommodate various requests but will make a reasonable attempt to do so.

Q: Will we do anything illegal, or will people get upset at us?

A: We will not be engaging in illegal activity. 99% of people are normally quite happy to receive the literature, for those that are not, we simply try to bless them with a smile and kind word.

Q: How do we get to Santa Cruz facilities?

A: We ask missionaries to arrive at the Santa Cruz facilities by 6pm local time on Friday the 17th of March 2023 for our orientation meeting. Once you have booked your ticket, please send the flight information to glow@cccsda.org. We will then pick you up at the airport in Santa Cruz when you land and take you to the facilities.

Q: What tracts will we be using? What titles?

A: This is still to be determined. Information will be forthcoming.

Q: What is the daily schedule?

A: Below you’ll find the tentative daily schedule (Sabbath schedule differs):

Before 7:30 a.m. Morning Devotions, Showers, Personal Time

7:45 – 9:15 a.m. Mission Trip Preparations

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast

10 – 11:30 a.m. Testimonies / Songs / Worship

11:30 – 3:30 p.m. Missionary Work!

3:30-4:30 p.m. Lunch

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Missionary Work!

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Light Supper and Sharing Time

10:00 p.m. Lights Out