Trip Information

After Hurricane Dorian swept through the Bahamas in 2019, the need for gospel ministry is now greater than ever. Servant Life partners with missionaries and churches on Grand Bahama Island to share the hope of Jesus Christ with islanders. Native Bahamians are generally receptive to the gospel, with many of them claiming Christianity as their faith practice and possibly even attending church. However, there is often a deep disconnect from what people claim to believe and what they actually believe about how the gospel is eternally good news. Christian commitment tends to be a low priority; for many Bahamians, Christianity functions more as a cultural and traditional structure than it does a life-changing faith. Materialism runs rampant across the islands and is certainly perpetuated by tourism and wealthy foreign residents who make their vacation home on the islands. Furthermore, the younger population on the island is growing increasingly out of touch with the church culture.

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Short-term teams are needed on the islands to work with local churches and help engage the youth culture. We are looking for teams who are rooted and grounded in their faith, salt and light Christ-followers who represent a stark contrast to the materialistic Christianity that runs throughout the Bahamian culture. Teams will certainly have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas, but your primary focus above all else must be to proclaim the hope of Christ to this island nation. Teams will fly into Freeport on Grand Bahama Island and serve on this specific island for the week.

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What will my team be doing? 

Short-term teams will work alongside missionaries and local churches to do Vacation Bible School and other relational outreach in partnership with local churches. Teams will arrive and will typically be staying at a local church for the week, sleeping in air mattresses. We begin the week by attending the local church service and preparing for the week ahead of VBS. Throughout the week of ministry, teams will have the opportunity each morning to share the gospel through VBS events such as Bible study, crafts, and games. In the afternoon, we often spend time in that same community, building relationships with locals and seeking to share the gospel and invite them to church; the local children love to spend time with the teams each day after VBS. Teams may also be involved with construction in the afternoons, as there are great needs on the island in the aftermath of the hurricane, but sometimes there is an additional cost to be involved in this type of ministry.  On the last day, teams will have the opportunity to visit Port Lucaya for shopping, relaxing, and enjoying local cuisine.

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What does a general weekly schedule look like?

• Saturday. Travel day. Arrive and get settled in.

• Sunday. Attend local church. Spend time in the community. Prepare for VBS for the week ahead.

• Monday - Thursday. Ministry: VBS, community outreach, evangelism, possible construction projects (additional cost).

• Thursday afternoon. Free time at Port Lucaya where you can shop at the market, go snorkeling, eat dinner, etc.

• Saturday. Travel day. Depart for home.

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What does my cost include?​

• In-country transportation. From the moment you land at the airport until the moment you leave, we will take you everywhere during the week. You will not need to arrange your own transportation, but teams should be prepared to do some walking as we navigate different villages and communities.

• Housing. Your team will sleep on air mattresses (provided) at a local church with access to showers.

• Meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day! (Note: You need to pay for your own meals at the airport, while traveling, etc., and for one meal on Thursday evening at Port Lucaya.)

• Supplemental Traveler's Insurance. In the event of a medical emergency, you'll be covered with an international policy!

• T-Shirt. Every participant gets an awesome mission trip t-shirt.

• Pre-Trip Training Material. We provide training sessions, trip overview documents, assistance from our team of mission trip experts, and communication with in-country missionaries to make sure your group is fully prepared for your trip.

• Pre, During, and Post-trip Devotionals. This 4-week printed missions journal will help every team member grow and encounter Christ.
   

Airfare is not included in the trip cost, but will be taken care of by Servant Life's travel agent who gets humanitarian rates and often free baggage. You may book on your own if you prefer to do so, but we ask to approve the itinerary first.