A Message from our Founder!
Kevin Hoy, Chief
Executive of Smiles, says,
“Because I passionately believe in the
importance and value to be gained in our Christian life from
experiencing the right Mission Trip, I want to do all I can to provide
that opportunity for more people.
Having personally first experienced a Mission Trip
more than 20 years ago, there is no doubt the impact the opportunity had
on my own life in :-
Firstly, being obedient to God
who says “Go
into all the World.”
Secondly, “To be His Hands and Feet in the World.”
Thirdly, “Draw closer to God through
Service as we seek to serve others for God.”
I
believe everyone should take a Mission Trip and once they do, they will
no doubt want to do another and another. When I decided in 2003 to
develop Mission Trip Experiences to Romania with the Smiles Foundation,
I didn’t realise more than 1,000 people would make the trip to see the
work ‘first hand’ and even more important, get involved!
The
positive comments from Mission Trip visitors over the years has been a
wonderful encouragement to us in Smiles, knowing that Mission Trips are
greatly appreciated by everyone and the majority have indeed been back
again and again.
One
issue I hear that concerns me from those who don’t make the trip, is
people being unable to commit to a Mission Trip due to the Cash required
6-8 weeks before departure and sometimes the air ticket months in
advance.
a
Problem ...
I have thought about this for some time and
have come to realise the problem is quite simply ‘not preparing’
ourselves for a trip. Basically ‘not budgeting’ and that then
often makes the trip impossible when the time comes to pay for the trip
that people so much want to do!
I
always want to find solutions to problems and not get stuck at the first
hurdle! The problem here is one of budgeting. That’s totally
understandable. Important things in life need budgeting for. We’re all
accustomed to budgeting. Each month we budget our house payment, our car
payment and many more important expenses – so why not a Mission Trip
budget, especially if it can be monthly!
If a Mission Trip Experience is as important and valuable as I believe
it is – we should budget for it. To be sure we can do it!!
a
Solution ...
I
therefore have an offer for all who want to be sure they can take a
Mission trip later this year or next year. Global Missions Management (GMM), providers of
organisational management for Smiles Mission Trips, will provide a
Monthly Budget Plan for those wanting to take a Mission Trip to
Romania with the Smiles Foundation.
The offer is that when you sign up for the
Budget Plan and you can then book your trip on any of our planned dates
(subject to availability). You must sign up at least 3 months prior to
your trip and commit to the 12 monthly payments as from that date.
The
Trip Cost and Airfare will be covered by GMM with your 12 regular
monthly payments commencing one month after sign up, payable to GMM .
a Challenge ...and an Offer...
In
closing, one challenge I would put out for consideration by churches
to join me in encouraging more Mission Trips by their members who have
never been on a Smiles Trip.
If the Church budgets for a minimum of two people to undertake their
first Mission Trip with Smiles in 2011, Smiles will provide one FREE
place for the Minister or an Elder/Deacon to spend a week in Romania on
the trip. Only the airfare is paid by the FREE place visitor.
a Summary ...
-
Budget Plan runs for 12 months, from the
date of booking.
-
Various payment options to be confirmed by
arrangement.
-
A Trip must be booked at least 3 months in
advance or as soon as possible to ensure availability of preferred
dates.
-
Undertaking of booking Flights is by GMM –
first reasonable choice will be offered, but individual will have
option to pay any extra for their preferred choice, if available.
-
Budget Plan
based on Dorm Room occupation, but additional supplement can be paid
for Single or Twin rooms if desired and available.
