• A follower of Christ
• Humility to learn from and serve others
• Membership to Two Cities is not required, but we do ask that each participant has been
  through the Weekender

The trip cost covers airfare, transportation, lodging, meals, ministry expenses, visas, and supplemental travel medical insurance. The trip cost does not cover passport application or renewal (if applicable), immunizations (if applicable), medications, phone plans, or fees from online fundraising.

The cost listed on the website is a general estimate for each trip location. The actual cost of your specific week may vary slightly depending on unique weekly expenses such as airfare and lodging. Two Cities Staff will communicate with you the exact cost during the onboarding process.

Generally speaking, personal funds are not necessary once you are on the trip. Participants may choose to bring money for souvenirs.

There are a few steps to go on a short-term mission trip.

First, each participant must fill out the form on the missions page of the website.

The next step will be a short (30 minute) phone call with our missions staff.

Thirdly, each participant will be sent a team member guide to review before being added to the trip roster.

One of the great opportunities of going to a new place is getting to taste foods of another culture, which can be fun and exciting. It can also endear you to the people you go to serve. So, you will be encouraged to eat as you see others eating. We do not want to offend our hosts by snubbing their food or disrespecting their table customs. At the same time, we don’t want to offend our tummies. Our field partners understand the American pallet and will help guide you on the appropriate way to decline something you just don’t think you can stomach. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to note that in your team member application.

The short answer is no. Learning basic greetings and phrases in your host’s native tongue communicates your interest and care. But you are not expected to speak their language. Interpreters will be assigned as necessary to overcome language barriers.

Accommodations vary for each trip. Our field partners strive to find accommodations that are clean and appealing, but don’t expect to stay at the Ritz. You will likely be without some of the amenities you’re accustomed to.

Modesty is required for all team members. We want to honor the culture and the people we interact with by dressing in a way that communicates respect. The last thing we would want is our dress to hinder our witness. Specifics on appropriate apparel will be provided at the team meeting prior to the trip.

Few Short-term Team Members fund the entirety of the trip themselves. You are encouraged to raise support because the process of support raising will better prepare you for your ministry in multiple ways. Upon acceptance to a team, you will be coached and equipped to successfully raise support to cover the cost of your trip.

All giving to the trip whether personally or through support raising is tax-deductible.

Safety can never be guaranteed. That’s true when traveling abroad or on your daily commute. But we certainly do our best to keep our teams, partners and the locals we serve safe. We do purchase insurance for each participant for each day they are on the trip. Regardless of the country/location we enter, the risk of persecution is far greater for our field partners and local natives than for our teams. If applicable, care will be given to protect their identity and ministry. But ultimately, we go in the authority of Jesus and with the assurance of his promise to be with us always.

All international locations require a valid passport. To be considered valid, many countries require that upon arrival, there be at least six months left until the passport expires, even if you plan on leaving before your passport’s expiration. To get a new passport or a renewal, please refer to the document linked here. Generally, it takes 2-3 months to get a new passport. Paying for an expedited one will generally get you a passport in 3-5 weeks.