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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