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What We Do

Short-Term Missions

Steps to Service

Qualifications:

Spiritual maturity, measured in terms as:

• Conversion—a definite experience of salvation through Christ.
• Consecration—recognition of the lordship of Christ in every area of life.
• Call—conviction of personal responsibility for making Christ known in Latin America.
• Service—willingness to identify sensitively with the culture of Latin America and its peoples and have a servant attitude.
• Doctrine—wholehearted acceptance of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed in the doctrinal statement of the Mission.
• Character—as attested to by church, friends and colleagues.
• Adaptability—basic flexibility of attitude, willingness to minister in areas of service, even if humble circumstances or situations.
• Active commitment to the church and participation in a local expression of the Body of Christ.
• Servanthood—willingness to be a servant leader is the key to successfully integrating into Latin America. Having a servant's heart is essential.

Age and experience:
Those who apply should demonstrate an interest in service and give evidence of being used of God in their own church in the past. The Spearhead, Ignite, and Spearhead YearOut programs accept candidates from 19-30 years of age. For individual placements with Tailored YearOut, all candidates over 19 are welcome to apply and we will look to find a placement that fits your age and experience.

Couples:
In the case of married candidates, both the man and the woman will be expected to comply with all requirements, unless otherwise stated in advance when service is discussed with the Short-term Missions Coordinator.

Candidate Procedures for Short-term Missions

1. Preliminary Information Form (PIF):
   If you are interested in exploring opportunities for short-term service with LAM, the first step is to help us get to know you by filling out the PIF. This form will not obligate you in any way, but will help us to begin to explore your interest in short-term service. It will help us ascertain your skills, interest, and provide basic information. On the basis of your PIF, we will consider our ministry needs and match you up with your interests, gifts and abilities. If you match up, you will be contacted and encouraged to complete the rest of the application.
2. Formal Application
   Once you have completed the PIF, you will receive instructions on how to complete the full application. The application consists of a personal & ministry questionnaire, a medical form and a Statement of Conduct. You will need to get a police clearance, and obtain 3 references. You can send your resume and a digital photo by e-mail and pay the $80 application fee by check or online.
3. Acceptance
   Your application will be reviewed by at least two people, the Short-term Missions Coordinator and the Personnel Director. One other person may review it. Once it has been reviewed, you will be notified of your acceptance by phone, e-mail, or in a formal letter. During the application process, the Short-term Missions Coordinator may begin to explore with you possibilities of ministry, giving you 2 or more options to be praying about. A complete description will not be available until after your official acceptance. Once you are accepted, more details of the ministries can be discussed.
4. Mailings & Preparation
   Various pieces will be mailed, including an insurance form, an emergency contact sheet, a book to help you prepare spiritually, and a Preparation Handbook with practical information. Later as e-mail and calls increase, you will be given more information concerning your ministry, the dates for orientation and debrief, a list of costs, support raising materials and how you should handle travel arrangements.
5. Orientation
   All short term missionaries are required to participate in an orientation, but this differs depending on the program. Participants in Spearhead receive orientation upon arrival in Mexico City while Tailored program participants will schedule a time to attend a tailored orientation in Miami. During orientation we offer valuable information on the Latin culture and church, the language, and things you will need in order to function during your short-term experience. A time of debrief at the end of your experience will help you to return to the U.S. and share your experience with friends, family and members of your church.