We'd like to come to Ensenada on a mission. How do we get started?

Basically, the first thing to do is to take full advantage of all the information available to you through this website, the leaders manual, and at some point soon after your team has been selected/decided, to take Victory Missions Course. These assets will go a long way in helping you and your team to know exactly what's involved to plan and execute your team's mission trip, and most everything that will be expected of you/them at the mission base and in the field. All of this information is very important and will help ensure that we all will have a fulfilling, meaningful and rewarding experience in the mission field.

After this, the next thing you'll want to do, after much prayer, is to decide how many days you can, or want to spend here and then pick the dates for the trip. Take into account your travel days. Check the calendar here to see that your choice for dates is available, then send in a booking request. Make sure you leave you and your team plenty of time for fundraising and preparation. From there you will be able to advertise the trip, with dates, and we will together begin to create your mission itinerary.

What is the maximum mission team size?

We can comfortably accommodate and administer a team of up to 24 members. It is possible to have a few more along if the conditions are favorable and we approve the extra numbers.

18 is an excellent size for a team. You will be numerous enough to do larger outreaches and small enough for more intimate ministries. And you will fit into 2 vans making the trip a little more economical.

Do you have age restrictions?

No, we don't have any pre-set age limitations. Each situation will be different, and probably the first consideration should be to the mission team itself. Younger children can effect which ministries are chosen, or which are do-able, and are always the direct responsibility of the parent(s). If it works and fits into the mission team dynamics, then it won't likely be a problem for us. However, we would like to reserve the final descision on this.

What kind of ministries can we expect to be doing there?

We will be continually reaching out to the local community. This will be accomplish through a variety of methods. Free community BBQ's, contruction and work projects, food and clothing distibution, VBS's, dramas, street ministry, etc..... We will try to tailor your mission to match the strengths of you team's dynamics. Tell us what you'd like to do. Take a look in the Outreach Ministries Section

Please be advised: Victory House Baja exists to facilitate your mission. We plan and create success oriented opportunities and frameworks to enable you and your team to help reach, teach and mobilize the people of Ensenada for Jesus. Please come prepared with all aspects as necessary to carry out these chosen ministries.

Be sure your team has taken the Victory Missions Course.

I don't speak Spanish. Is that ok?

No problem! You've no doubt heard this before:

Preach the Gospel at all times. Where necessary, use words.

Where words are necessary we should have someone around who can translate for you.

It's a good idea for you and your group to learn a little spanish while you prepare for your mission. Find someone in your church or community who can help you get started. It's fun and the Mexicans will appreciate that you made the effort to be able to communicate with them.

Do you have a dress code?

Yes.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT DRESS CODES
• With the exception of Western Europe, other cultures dress much more conservatively than the U.S. and Canada
• The way we dress could hurt the testimony of Jesus Christ.
• Some cultures see tank-tops and low necklines as immodest
• The North American value of personal choice has crossed over into the Christian world. We sometimes think that we have the right to dress the way we choose regardless of how it may offend other people.
• A mission trip is not the time to try and transform another culture to be more like yours.
• It is the job of the missionary to conform to the host culture.

PRINCIPLES OF DRESS CODE
• Modesty – a scriptural principle of dress often overlooked at home as well as abroad.
• Cultural Sensitivity - We must set aside our dress and customs and adopt those of the country in which we are serving. It is not culturally sensitive to show off the wealth of our country by wearing fancy, expensive clothing.

FEMALES
* No suggestive clothing (i.e. tight or form fitting shirts blouses or dresses, short shorts, half-shirts, or anything that shows the tummy).
* A dress or skirt/slacks/blouse is a must for church (no sleeveless tops).
* Jeans may be worn during work projects.
* No excessive jewelry.
* Sweatshirt, jacket or hoody is recommended for the cool evenings.
* No low cut necklines on dresses or shirt.
* No strap-type shirt allowed.

MALES
* No excessively baggy clothing.
* Jeans may be worn to church (unless you will be preaching).
* Jeans may be worn during work projects and VBS's.
* Sweatshirt, jacket or hoody is recommended for the cool evenings.
* No tank top T-shirts are allowed.

Please understand that we don't ask these things to be legalistic or to deprive you of your individuality. It's just that particular appearances don't say the same thing in Mexico as they do in Canada. The people we are serving are looking at us from their culture and point of view. We must not damage our impact by allowing material things to get in the way.

Thank you for understanding.

Do I need to take the Victory Missions Course?

No. It is not mandatory for mission adventurers coming to the Victory Mission Base in the Baja, from another church family to take the Victory missions course. However, having said that, and as you read below, I still recommend it to all.

If you are from a Victory Church group, or you are coming as an extended missions volunteer, you will need to take the missions course. The missions course is a very important part of your teams preparation for it's mission trip. The course, combined with this website and the leaders manual, will go a long way to help you and your team to do this mission well. From team formation, logistics, execution and even re-adjusting to life back home, are all covered in this three pack of preparation helps. Take full advantage of all the materials available to you.

Do we have to be from a Victory Church to come to your mission base?

No. All Christian mission groups coming to our area to preach and reach with the true word of God are welcome to make a booking with us. If you want we can set up your missions activities, or you can simply use our facilities as your base and do the activities you've planned.

Do I need immunizations etc, to come to Ensenada?

There are no shots required to come to the Ensenada area. Hepatitis immunization and current Tetanus coverage are recommended.

Do I need a passport?

YES, you need a passport! This may be more to get you home than into Mexico, but even here it is the best form of identification for the international traveler. USA passport information: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html Canada passport information: http://www.pptc.gc.ca/

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FAQs

How will we get there?

The choice is up to you. You could drive the whole way, or you could fly into San Diego, rent vans and drive 90 minutes south into Ensenada. We have some detailed maps and photos to help get to the mission base. Normally, we meet teams at the third toll booth and lead you to the base from there. If need be we can meet you at the Tijuana side of the border, at extra cost, and guide you in. Make sure you budget for your chosen transportation method.

What should we bring as a group?

As a group you will need to bring any equipment necessary to support your chosen ministries. This could be props and costumes for dramas, possibly construction equipment - tools, gloves, etc. Some outreach giveaways, like teddy bears, toys, shoes, clothing, candy, etc. Spanish bibles and/or tracts. Some English tracts could be handy if we go to the touristica on a day when a cruise ship is in port. This can be fine tuned as we develop a schedule of events for your particular mission trip. Our selection of tools and ministry equipment is growing so we may already have all the tools needed for your work or ministry projects. Please check over the Suggested Items list and even print it out and make it availible to all team members and team supporters within the church. Though times are changing, some airlines still allow two pieces of luggage per passenger without extra cost. If so, team members usually take one luggage for their personal needs and another for giveaways, ministry gear etc. ***Note: please do not come expecting the mission base to have a stockpile of giveaways to use during outreaches and other events. Come fully prepared***

What should I bring as an individual?

You can view and print a personal checklist here.

Do we need to bring our own bedding?

We now have a full compliment of sheets, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags, including extras to cover the needs of your team. You will not need to pack any bedding to bring with you for your stay at the mission base.

Where should we rent vans?

If you're flying into LAX, here's a hot tip for your van rentals. A mission organizer from Grande Prairie, Daryl Hewko has a tip for us all on van rentals. He was here with groups from churches in Grande Prairie. He figured they saved over $300 per van with this company. And I think he said they bring the vans to you. Check them out! "LAX Van and Truck Rental" 1 310 671 7771 or 1 800 641 0075. Their address is 4900 W. Century Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90304. Website: www.lax-rentacar.com UPDATE: For $100 dollars extra the company is meeting the group from Kitchener at San Diego Airport with 2 vans. The owner, who is a Christian, said it normally would cost $100 extra for each van, but is giving them a break because they're doing mission work. PTL!

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FAQs

How much does it cost to stay at the base?

We are charging $25 US per person per night. This includes your accommodations and most of your meals. The only meals we do not cover is during free times. Meals also include some local dinning out which normally includes a couple of taco lunches and a Chinese food buffet. Bottled drinking water is not provided, nor included in this rate.

Now that we have a booking, do you need a deposit?

Yes we do require a deposit from most groups upon booking. In fact, your booking is not confirmed until we receive your deposit.

How do we get our deposit to you?

A deposit, (if required) can be sent to us by wire transfer. That information is available when needed.

Is there anything else we need to raise funds for?

Yes. A part of most every mission will be some form of contruction or work project. We can try to co-ordinate a project which will suite your timeframe and budget. Our position here as mission base directors is not a paid position and as such we depend upon donations from groups and churches to cover our expenses and make a living. If you can include a gift for us in your fundraising efforts, that would be a great blessing for Cindy and I.

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FAQs

Are there longer term missions opportunities at VHB?

Yes. There are opportunities to serve here at the Baja mission base involving longer term commitments. VHB has short term missions and long term missions available for different purposes. The purpose of your mission would be designed for you according to your gifts, talents and abilities and experience.

Would I need to take the "Victory on the Mission Field" course?

To go on missions with Victory Churches International you will need to complete a short missions course, "Victory on the Mission Field", by Dr. Hazel Hill At the completion of this course you will have a very good idea about the Victory Missions Vision and what we expect from our missionaries and what we have to offer. You can acquire the course from the USA or Canada depending where you live. Just Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Do I have to serve in Mexico?

The country in which you would serve is more or less of your choosing and would need to be confirmed by the leader of the nation you feel led to go to, before confirmation is given to you and your trip arranged. Victory Churches International is in 43 nations around the world with many opportunities to serve.

Do I need to raise my own funding?

Yes. All missionaries with VCI raise their own funds.

How much money will I need to raise?

The amount of funds you will need will depend on where you are going and how long you wish to stay. Presently, volunteers/interns serving at Victory House pay $300 per month, and this **generally includes** food as well. When we have mission teams at the base there is plenty of food and you are covered, however, when we don't have teams here you will need to kick in for groceries as we all do. When we go out for meals, you are responsible for your own costs. We are offering an all inclusive* room and board package at $500 per month for those desiring a fixed cost. (*does not include airport service) Pick up and drop off service at the San Diego airport is $50 each way. This will cover the tolls, fuel and expenses. You are free to take public transportation, which is fairly easy and cheaper, at around $20.

What accommodations can I expect duriung my stay?

Answer Coming Soon

How do I get started?

If you believe you're called to serve in Mexico, then use the contact page here on this web-site. If you'd like to serve in another country then please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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FAQs

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