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If you're considering a trip to Africa, we can imagine that your mind is flooded with questions. So, we would love to answer as many of those as possible and settle any unnecessary concerns.
q. Will the donations towards my trip be considered tax-deductible?
a. Yes, ALL checks written towards your trip should be made payable to Mocha Club. Mocha Club is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization according to all U.S. IRS laws and therefore can receive tax-deductible donations for the work that they are doing in Africa.
q. How will my airfare be booked?
a. 963 Missions also handles international airfare, so we will handle the booking of all INTERNATIONAL airfare for all trip members from each team's respective international departure airport. Some trips are also eligible to have their domestic airfare included with the international itinerary. In this case, the cost of the trip might increase to include the domestic portion.
q. Will I receive any assistance with fundraising?
a. Oh yes! We're in this thing together! If you cannot pay for the trip yourself, 963 will coach you on how to write a support letter to ask your friends and family to donate financially to your trip. 963 and Mocha Club have helped tons of people do this before, so although it may sound intimidating, don't worry! If you need additional assistance, we can walk you through other great ways to raise funds for your trip, like the 963 Coffee Fundraiser. Get more information on our Coffee Fundraiser by clicking here. More information on fundraising is also available in the trip workbook.
q. When are the application and money due?
a. There is no official application deadline. However, team sizes are limited and will fill up fast. Once they are filled up, we will have to place you on another team or on a waiting list. There are three financial deadlines for your trip, listed below. Failure to meet these payment deadlines could result in your removal from the team.
- 6 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE – 33% of total trip cost (you can include your deposit in this amount)
- 4 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE – 66% of total trip cost
- 2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE – 100% of total trip cost
q. "I heard that I have to get shots to go to Africa. How many? Where do I go to get them?"
a. Yes, you must receive the appropriate immunizations to travel to Africa. Because each country has different requirements, your best resource is the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov. All requirements, recommendations, prices and more information are listed in the workbook as well.
q. "Will I undergo any kind of preparation before the trip?"
a. Definitely! Once you are placed on a team, you will be contacted by your team leader and instructed through the ongoing training process before departure. Typically, you will prepare as a team every two weeks through a phone conference meeting. More specific information about the preparation process can be found in the Trip Workbook.
q. "Where will be staying? How will we be traveling once in country? What will we eat?"
a. Each team's on-the-field details will be different in nature. We will ensure that living conditions are more than adequate in each location. Specific information will be distributed to team members closer to the trip's departure.
q. "I've heard of the major violence in Africa…how safe will we really be?"
a. 963 Missions considers your safety of the utmost importance. Now, of course there is violence in Africa. Africa is enormous; nearly three times the size of the US with 54 countries. We cannot guarantee your safety in Africa any more than we could you walking around a college campus at night. But, please realize that you will be with experienced people of the area in any location that you visit with 963. Finally, let us put this way – we would not take you anywhere we would not take our own children.
q. "What kind of ministry will we be doing?"
a. While each ministry site will offer various ministry opportunities, much of the ministry efforts of Mocha Club are directed towards the children of the continent. AIDS has ravaged many of the countries that we will visit and, therefore, left countless children with no parents. So, much of our time will be spent with the orphanages that Mocha Club supports.
q. "What costs are covered in my trip cost?"
a. The trip costs that will be covered will be international airfare, ground transportation, lodging, food, visa application fees, travel insurance and possibly even your domestic airfare. You will be responsible for your domestic airfare to/from your international departure airport if it is not pre-arranged by our offices. The only money that you will need to bring with you on the trip is the cost of any souvenirs/gifts that you plan on purchasing.
q. "How will we work with the native missionary contacts?"
a. One of the most important goals of taking these trips is to assist and further the long-term work that is already present in each location. With that in mind, our teams and team leaders will always submit to the guidance and direction of the long-term contacts on the ground in regards to ministry decisions and behavior. As much as possible, we seek to work hand-in-hand with the long-term workers that are serving as our hosts.
q. "Where will I first meet my team members? Will I be traveling to Africa alone?"
a. You will first meet your fellow team members at a domestic airport that will serve as the international departure hub. You will then travel AS A TEAM to your international destination. Possible domestic airports are JFK in New York, Dulles in Washington D.C., or another east coast airport. More specific information about air travel will be distributed by your team leader closer to departure.
If you did not find an answer to your question here, please feel free to email geoffrey@963missions.com.
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