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| Costs |
MOST Ministries plans and schedules teams as far in advance as possible. We do this for the benefit of our team members and congregations / organizations who need time to plan, schedule, organize, train, and raise money in order to participate. However, it can be very difficult for foreign fields, especially in more remote areas of the world and newer mission sites, to anticipate circumstances and needs a year or more in advance. It is also difficult to estimate cost factors of airfare, housing, food, ground transportation (van or bus rentals, gasoline prices), etc. in these times of fluctuating economy around the world. The cost of each trip is based upon a per person breakdown of total team expenses. MOST Ministries does everything possible to accurately estimate all the team expenses. There are occasions when unforeseen changes in arrangements or increase in costs can occur for which we cannot fiscally prepare. These increases will be passed on to team members as soon as possible and with full explanation. On the other hand, any unexpected team-related expenses occurring after the team has entered the field will be the responsibility of MOST Ministries. In the event there are unused funds after all the team accounting is completed for this team, these additional funds will remain with MOST Ministries for the continuation of the ministry.
Please note: The Registration Fee, passports, immunizations, any necessary domestic connection flights to and from our departure city, as well as any domestic overnight accommodations, are NOT included in the cost of the team and are the responsibility of each team member.
Cost Breakdown in Estimated Percentages
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Airfare: 37-52 % (from determined departure city)
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Room and Board: 6-19% (on-the-field housing and meals, not including meals on travel days)
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On-the-field Ground Transportation: 1-11% (vans, buses, trains, in-country flights)
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Supplemental Insurance: 3-4% (Supplemental health insurance is purchased for each team member. This coverage includes health care obtained and costs incurred within a foreign country NOT covered by your regular insurance)
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Pre-Field Expenses: 7-9% (real costs involved in international planning, phone calls, mailings, etc., as well as training materials, phone calls and mailings for team members)
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In-Field Expenses: 1-2% (tips for porters, drivers [consider that each team usually travels with 40-60 pieces of luggage] tips for waiters/waitresses, etc.)
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Mission Stipend: 15-25% (which covers about 50% of our actual operating expenses such as rent, utilities, salaries, etc. The remaining 50% comes from individual and congregational donations, as well as our ongoing efforts to obtain organizational and foundational grants and various fundraising activities)
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Team Leader Expenses: 5-10% (team leaders provide pre-field training, on-the-field leadership, project management and post-field support. The team covers all expenses incurred on their behalf)
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Project Expenses: 2-8% (real costs of preparing or purchasing project materials such as eyeglasses, English curriculum, construction supplies, etc.)
Sample Team Cost Breakdown
Churches also often appreciate the opportunity to participate in the mission efforts of its members. There are unlimited ways to creatively raise funds as well as raise interest and awareness in mission and in your church. Many churches choose activities that involve not only church members, but community members as well. Your liaison has been provided with suggested fundraisers.
Our encouragement is for gifts and fundraisers to total only a portion of the total personal cost. We believe that each team member should be personally involved financially in his or her trip as well. “Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Cancellation Policy
If for whatever reason, you are forced to cancel your participation on the team, please understand that you will forfeit your Registration Fee, the Pre-Field Expense, and any other additional fees and expenses incurred on your behalf in preparation for this mission. This includes fees and expenses that have been based on group rates.
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