» Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide if I should go on a trip?

Pray! Seek the Lord through prayer, the Word, wise Christian counsel and watch for the Lord to open or close the door. Also, the DownLine leadership is happy to talk with you as well as other DL students who have gone on a DownLine International trip. Taking time to read this page and check out the links will give you significant insight into DownLine's International trips as well as help you in the decision to go!

Click here to watch a video from a previous trip.

How do I apply to go on a mission trip?

Please download and complete the mission application and turn it in to Steve Winstead with a $250 deposit .

Click to download DL Mission Application

Why does DownLine send mission teams?

The unique aspect of DL mission trips is our goal is to equip and empower believers to build spiritually mature, reproducing disciples of Christ in their current context. To get a better picture of what DownLine does on the mission field, click here to watch a video from a previous trip.

What does DownLine teach on trips?

* The Biblical Standard of Discipleship
* The Bible
* Christian Foundations
* Biblical Manhood / Womanhood
* Spiritual Life Formation

How do I get fully equipped to train leaders and pastors in an
international context?

Click here to check out the Preparing to Train page.

What do trips cost?

Trip prices vary based upon location - most trips stay within ranges below:

Central America - $1500-1900
South American - $1700-2200
Middle East - $2500-3000
Africa - $2500-3000
Asia - $2500-3000

Prices include airfare, lodging, and training cost. You are responsibile for passports, shots, personal supplies, personal spending money, and some meals.

How do I raise financial support for a trip?

Click here to check out the support team page.

How do I get a passport?

Please allow at least 12 weeks for your passport. Passports are taking much longer due to increased security and requirements for Mexico and Canada . You may need to expedite your passport (click here for normal processing time). If you are going to a country requiring a visa you will need to have your passport in hand at least two months before depature. You may pick up a passport application at most post office locations (click here to find a location near you) or you can find both new passport and renewal forms by clicking passport forms.

What shots do I need?

Here are a couple helpful websites listing health requirements and recommendations for specific countries Center for Disease Control or the International Mission Board.

Required shots for all countries are Tetanus and Hepatitis A.
Please check your countries information at the above website.

Check with your doctor to see if any of these shots are covered on your insurance or go to The Shot Nurse across from White Station High School at 4646 Poplar Avenue in Memphis or at 714 N. Germantown Parkway in Cordova.

Where is there information on the nations and how to pray for them?

We have links to numerous websites and information on books, click here for nations information.

What about packing?

Your luggage should be strong and durable. It may get beaten up along the way. Also, please check out the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for a list of prohibited items and other security measures for travel.

Have a durable name tag on the outside of your luggage.
Put all your valuables, medications, documents, and film in your carry on.
Pack one change of clothes, basic toiletries, etc. in your carry on in case of delayed luggage.
Two copies of your passport face page in case of a lost or stolen passport.

What about food?

Here are general guidelines you should follow:

Follow the advice of the trip leader and host.
Do not drink tap water. Hot beverages, most bottled water, and bottled soda are usually safe.
Check the seals before drinking.
Avoid raw fruits and vegetables. These may be contaminated with the same organisms that are in tap water. Washing them will not make them safe, but you may soak them in iodine. Fruits with thick coverings (e.g. bananas, citrus fruits, and melons) are always safer than fruits without
coverings or with thin skin (e.g. grapes, apples).
Avoid rare meats. Well-cooked meats are much safer. Consider how long food has sat out in room temperature and how it has been prepared.

What about spending money?

Typically $100-$200 is plenty. You may want to carry it in a money pouch/belt. Choose one that goes around your waist and under your pants to hold your passport and money. This can be obtained from a luggage/travel specialty shop or even a superstore (Note: You can get those that fasten around your neck, but they are not quite as secure.)

What will the weather be like?

Two sites to check the weather where you will be:
www.weather.com
www.cnn.com/WEATHER/