South Texas / U.S. Border Town

Ministry

• Food and Clothing Distribution: Work with a local food and clothing bank to help meet the needs of vulnerable families in the Harlingen area. Starting by meeting their physical needs, you will then have the opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.

• Vacation Bible School: Your team may be able to assist them in helping facilitate programs for these kids camps, including helping with sports, snacks, crafts, Bible lessons, and other fun activities where they may be able to build meaningful relationships, share their faith, and pray for others. This depends on the timing of your trip. If you’re interested in this, please ask your Missions Advisor if a VBS will be an option during your trip.

• Work Projects: Help nearby families with light construction projects, gardening, and cleaning. Working through our local ministry partners, this then paves the way for opportunities for discipleship and connection with the local church. Work projects vary depending on the skillset of your team.

• Community Outreach: Host a block party and dinner at a neighborhood or nearby park! This is a great way to gather people together and encourage them around a delicious meal.

• Sports Ministry: Basketball, soccer and baseball are great ways to encourage local families. It gives kids a healthy way to spend their time while parents work hard to provide for their family.

• Evangelism: Visit local families and share the Gospel with the locals. There are many places in the area that tend to have people who are open for prayer and conversation. 

• Retama Retirement Living Center: Visit with the residents, sing songs, pray, hear stories, and play table games as an opportunity to uplift their spirits and show God’s love.

• Prayer Walking: Serve alongside a local church and reach out to their community with them. Discover the power of prayer and learn more about God's heart as you pray. 

Please come with flexibility, as ministry schedules may change.

Lodging

This location has a capacity for 105 people. Your team will sleep in a dorm style arrangement with bunk beds. There are male and female dorms and a few additional rooms for some of the adult leaders. Bring all your bedding (sheets, light blanket and pillow) as well as a towel and toiletries. Bathrooms and showers are on site. The dorm rooms, kitchen and conference room all have air conditioning.

The grounds are beautiful with a lot of trees and flowering plants, making it a unique space to walk and find time with the Lord in the mornings and evenings.

Food

Breakfasts and dinners will be prepared and provided for you by local staff. You will prepare your lunches before heading out to ministry each day. Lunch will include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit, and chips. 

Transportation

Your team will fly into Valley International Airport or drive into Harlingen, Texas. The address will be provided. If you fly in, your team will be responsible to rent all your transportation during the entire time there.

Project Leader and Team

An adult Project Leader will be assigned to your team throughout the duration of your trip. They  will stay with you and your team, as well as engage daily with you throughout ministry and daily life activities. This leader will have strong missions experience, leadership experience and a demonstrated competence in the area of discipleship of youth and young adults. In most cases, your project leader will help with facilitating ministry, meals and daily debrief and devotional time. Your Project Leader will be assigned to your trip and you’ll have the opportunity to have conversations with them during the weeks leading up to your trip.