Short-Term Missions - Frequenty Asked Questions:

Is a Passport required to go to Mexico?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda are required to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere (including Mexico) effective January 23, 2007. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea could be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. We recommend all visitors obtain and carry a passport. For up to date information in travel requirements, go to http://travel.state.gov/

Are any other travel documents required?

A Tourist Card is required for people entering Mexico as visitors - it is an entry/departure document, not a visa. Proof of citizenship is necessary to obtain one (a passport is best). For those flying to Oaxaca or Michoacan, a tourist card is obtained at the airport. For those driving to Baja California, a tourist card can be obtained at the border at Tijuana. Immigration requirements are subject to change; please verify current requirements before leaving on your trip. http://www.consulmexny.org/eng/visas_fmt_paid.htm More information will be provided once your visit to the Mission has been scheduled.

Can I just drop in a the Mission anytime?

No - reservations are required for all visitors. Anyone desiring to visit the Mission must contact the US office, either by email info@ffhm.org, or by phone (949) 492-2200. Space is limited at all our Missions, and we take reservations up to one year in advance, so please contact us so we can see if there is room for you when you want to be there.

What's the usual week like for a visitor?

Following is a typical week for visitors to Baja California Mission - Oaxaca and Morelia have similar schedules, but may vary somewhat. Visitors usually arrive on Sunday, and are able to attend the evening church services at the Mission Church, after they get settled into their rooms. Monday morning, you will be given a tour of the Mission grounds to see all the various ministries, and get a feel for the campus. On Monday nights, visitors give the house parents a much needed night off by babysitting in the homes, playing with the kids. Each day you will start with breakfast at 7am followed by devotions at 8am. At 9am, you will meet with the work coordinator, and depending on your skills and abilitiles, you will get your work assignments for that day. Teams are sent out on Tuesday afternoon to participate in Child Evangelism, and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for Adult Evangelism. Wednesday evening, there is a lively service at the Mission church. Depending on the time of year, the Bible Institute students host a dinner on Wednesday nights after the service to raise money for their annual evangelistic outreach to Oaxaca. Visitors have Friday afternoons off and can take a short trip to nearby beaches, or spend time packing, visiting; there is a church service at the church in Zapata that you are invited to attend also. Visitors depart early Saturday morning.

Am I required to speak Spanish?

No. Many of our staff are bi-lingual, and church services and devotions are translated (either into English or into Spanish, depending on who is speaking). Of course, we are delighted when visitors can understand and speak Spanish, and this should be included on the skills list when applying.

What kind of work will I be doing?

There are many and varied opportunties to serve at the Missions, and we try hard to match up the skills and abilities of our visitors with our needs. Every part of the Mission has been built with help of our volunteers, including: construction, gardens and orchards, kitchen, auto repair, general facility maintenance, harvesting and processing macadamia nuts, medical clinic, wheel chair ministry, elementary education and day care, infant care, sewing room, laundry, outreach ministries ... and more. Everyone is able to help in a meaningful way.

Is there a dress code for visitors?

The local Christian community adheres to a conservative, modest dress code and we require all volunteers and visitors to comply with this code: * Shorts, short skirts, hats, and caps may not be worn in morning Devotions or in church; pants and skirts that come to the top of the knee or lower may be worn at other times, except on adult evangelims outreach. * Clothing should not be tight fitting, sheer, or see-through; midriff and shoulders should be covered; bathing suits should be conservative and only worn at the beach. * For women, when ministering in the work camps, a long skirt, hair tied back or under a scarf, and no makeup is appropriate, * No bare feet, please, for your health and safety.