Dear Youth and Parents,
I wanted to write about an exciting opportunity in the summer of 2024. The First Presbyterian Church of Norwalk is going on a mission trip to Puerto Rico. The trip will be on July 1-8, 2024.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are a people on a mission. We are called to go into the world, whether in our neighborhood or across the globe. Too often, we view mission as simply a transaction, “I do something good for you.” What is special about this summer trip to Puerto Rico is that we are joining existing congregations in ministry. We will discover that mission is partnership. We don’t bring Jesus. He is already at work with his people in the places we go. They will be our leaders, and we have much to learn.
Moreover, there is a special benefit to participating in cross‐cultural missions. We learn about their lives and challenges. Seeing God’s good news applied in a new situation, we appreciate better how that same good news can be applied to our situation. Deeper compassion and deeper faith commitment often follow cross‐cultural mission trips.
As with many mission trips, cost is a concern. We believe the total cost, including airfare, lodging, and incidentals, will be around $750 per participant. We will be fundraising both as a group and individually. We are also seeking grants and outside funding for the trip.
Please review the material, pray about the opportunity, and then, if interested, complete the form and make a $100 deposit by December 15, 2023.
Grace & Peace,
James Hodsden
FPC YOUTH MISSION TRIP 2024
LOCATION
Puerto Rico
WHEN?
July 1-8, 2024 (7 days)
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any high school student involved in FPC and/or HYPE, committed to attending the required training meetings, 30 hours of service, and fundraising.
WHAT IS THIS TRIP?
It is an exciting opportunity to experience the church in a multicultural setting, work alongside existing ministries, and witness God’s grace both in Puerto Rico and Norwalk.
WHAT WILL WE DO?
We anticipate that we will be helping with a Vacation Bible School with a Presbyterian congregation and a Disciples of Christ church about 15 miles west of San Juan. We may find other service projects in and around Espinosa, Puerto Rico. We will also be touring sites in Puerto Rico and having fun together.
WHERE DO WE STAY?
We will be staying in the homes of families from the host church. Food will primarily be eaten with our hosts, with an occasional visit to a restaurant.
WHAT IS THE COST?
$750 per person, including airfare, lodging, food, excursions, bottled water, and ministry supplies. We are asking all participants for a $100 deposit. We will be fundraising for the trip both as a group and individually.
ARE THERE HEALTH ISSUES?
We will have access to emergency medical care if a crisis arises. Otherwise, we will take the usual precautions, such as drinking large amounts of bottled water, using sunscreen, taking regular breaks, etc.
IS THERE SECURITY?
We do not anticipate any problems. Lodging will happen in secure locations. We will be working with local pastors and church members the entire time. Our hosts will never put us in a potentially dangerous situation.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
No. Puerto Rico is part of the United States. We will need appropriate identification for airline travel and paperwork signed by a parent or a guardian.
WHAT’S NEXT?
1. Pray. Talk with family and friends. Ask God if this trip is right for you.
2. Contact James Hodsden or Dawson Strong if you have any questions.
3. Attend the monthly meetings.
4. Begin earning service hours.