Messiah Lutheran Church - Poland Mission Trip 2009

Poland Mission Trip 2009
July 17 - July 28, 2009

What is the Poland Mission Trip

The Poland mission trip is an English as a Second Language (ESL) Bible camp for children ages 8-14 in the town of Jastrzebie Zdroj in south-central Poland. It's very much like Vacation Bible School in America (songs, skits, memory verses, crafts, etc) with English lessons included. We have the opportunity to take part in all of these activities, and through these activities we share our love for Jesus Christ with the children of Poland. They will hear it in our words, but most importantly they will see it in our actions.

How old do I need to be?

Everyone, ages 13 to 113, is invited to join us. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18 you must have a parent or guardian join you.

Dates & Travel

We will leave St. Louis at 10:00 am on July 17th and arrive in Krakaw, Poland at 10:20 am on July 18th, flying through Chicago and Frankfurt, Germany. For the return trip we will leave Krakow at 11:00 am on July 28th and arrive in St. Louis at 11:00 pm on July 28th, making stops in Frankfurt, Germany and Chicago.

What are the costs involved?

The cost of the trip is $2250 per person. This includes airfare, room & board, transportation, tours, supplies, gifts for children, etc. You will also want to budget money for a few meals during travel, as well as money for shopping while in Krakow. While we may do a few fundraisers prior to the trip, you are expected to raise most of this money. Sending support letters is a great way to make this possible. If you are interested but have financial concerns, please speak with Pastor Schlie.

When is the deadline?

We need to have a commitment from everyone by Sunday, April 12, 2009 to confirm travel arrangements.

What role can I expect to serve while at the camp?

Most importantly, we would request that you go with an open heart, willing to serve the Lord however He leads you. Excitement about spending time with kids is definitely a must. Adults will mostly likely be asked to lead one of the ESL groups. They are divided by age, and as a team we will decide what age group is best suited for each leader. About 1 1/2 hours/day is devoted to the ESL groups, where you will lead them in games, English lessons, learning the Bible verse of the day, etc. Teenagers will assist the group leaders during the ESL groups.

Training

Training will be provided before the trip, and we'll give you all of the tools you will need to prepare lesson plans that are appropriate for your age group. There will also be two Polish counselors in each group that will assist you.

Siteseeing

We will also have the opportunity to experience Poland during the evenings/nights that we are there. Past activities have included visiting a castle, dining at a castle, visiting a "secret church", going bowling, eating at a Polish pizza parlor, visiting a local park, and traveling into the Czech Republic. After the camp is over, we will also visit the city of Krakow for a day and the concentration camp at Auschwitz.