Encounter teams

Join an Encounter Team with NZCMS and get the opportunity to encounter God in another culture, and partner in the work God is doing among the nations! Our Encounter Teams are 2-3 week mission experiences in countries within the Pacific, in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Encounter Teams partner with Mission Partners and/or local Christians to engage in God’s work. Find stories from people who have been here.

Occasionally teams are made up of people from different parts of NZ, but it is our preference to send teams whose home base is all in one location (i.e. a team made up of people from one church or a team made up of people from one region) as this makes training easier and more comprehensive. If you are interested in drawing together a team from your church or region get in touch with Anna Tovey: anna@nzcms.org.nz.

Encounter teams provide the chance for you to:

  • Learn more about God’s global mission call
  • Experience cross-cultural ministry first hand
  • Engage in the life of another people group and build relationships
  • Have a better understanding of what NZCMS Mission Partners experience daily
  • Develop a heart of prayer for the nations

What’s involved?

As part of an Encounter team you will participate in a number of different stages:

  1. Pre-departure training
  2. Host country training
  3. Encounter trip
  4. Host country debriefing
  5. Returning home debriefing and integration

Part of the pre-departure training will involve an orientation programme. Depending on practicalities the orientation programme will either happen about a month before departure or in some cases a few days before departure.

Locations

We have an extensive range of country locations where we take Encounter Teams; previous teams have included Cambodia, Kenya and the Solomon Islands. Team members need to be aware that there will be varying conditions depending on location. In 2012 there will be teams going to Vanuatu, Fiji and the Middle East.

Be ready for:

  • Extreme climates
  • No electricity
  • No running water
  • Camping style accommodation

In essence an awesome adventure!

Funding and Costs

All Encounter Team members are required to raise their own funds for the trip. Costs vary depending on location but are generally between NZ$2000 and NZ$5000. NZCMS will support you in your fundraising, mainly by liaising with your church to encourage people to give money towards your trip. Often people feel really daunted when they hear they have to raise such a large amount of money but it is very possible! It is exciting to see how God provides in different ways. We firmly believe that if God wants you on a trip He will provide the funds!

Costs cover all food, accommodation, travel and insurance needed for the trip, as well as any training costs and materials. Vaccination costs are not included in the trip price so this additional cost needs to be considered when preparing for a trip. On some trips an optional safari or tour may be organised, however this will be at team members’ own expense.

Age

Encounter Teams are for people aged 18+ and are generally aimed at young adults. However, many teams are made up of people from all ages and stages of adulthood. Some trips will have specific age restrictions. There are also certain circumstances where someone under 18 can come on a team following consultation with and consent from a parent or caregiver.

How to apply

To apply for an Encounter team you must:

  • be at least 18 years old *
  • have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ
  • have a heart to serve
  • have an attitude of flexibility and adaptability

*There are some exceptions for taking someone under 18 years old as referred to above.

Process

  1. Contact Anna by emailing anna@nzcms.org.nz to discuss your initial interest
  2. Fill in an application form including two referee contacts
  3. Receive an acceptance letter
  4. Complete Encounter trip pre-departure training
  5. Complete the Encounter experience
  6. Complete post Encounter debriefing

Conditions

No alcohol, drugs or smoking permitted on Encounter teams.

A police check may be required.

A liability form must be signed by every team member.

Members need to be in reasonable health. If there is any doubt about the health of a team member a medical clearance may be required.

Applicants need to be aware that there is a selection process and that not every applicant is guaranteed a place on an Encounter trip. Reasons for non-acceptance will be given.

Youth groups

NZCMS is committed to helping youth groups have an Encounter experience. In this case team members can be under 18 years old and will be accepted on a trip as long as they have received parental consent. At least one leader from the youth group must also be part of the team. If your youth group would like to go on an Encounter trip then please contact Anna at anna@nzcms.org.nz.

Church teams

NZCMS is willing to help church teams (of all ages) have an Encounter experience. Please contact Anna for further details.