Parent Resources

Mustard Seed Communities warmly welcomes individuals aged 15 and above, fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity in all its forms. Regardless of your child’s background, religion, or level of experience, our mission trips offer a transformative opportunity for growth and service.

At Mustard Seed Communities, we embrace individuals of all abilities. We value inclusivity and strive to accommodate everyone’s needs, so please inform us in advance of any physical limitations to ensure a suitable schedule and project for the team. For those with serious healthcare conditions, we recommend consulting your primary care physician before embarking on a mission trip with us. Feel free to reach out to our office at missiontrips@mustardseed.com for further discussion and assistance in making your decision to join us on a mission trip.

Trip cost and fundraising initiatives vary by team and school – contact your child’s mission team leader for details.

This amount covers all expenses for meals, accommodation, and transportation throughout your child’s stay with Mustard Seed Communities, while also contributing to our program costs and resident care. We offer support to assist mission teams in fundraising endeavors, providing ideas and materials to help reach the team reach their target.

Note: Airfare is not included in the fundraising target and is the responsibility of each individual volunteer to arrange and cover.

Volunteers might consider having some funds for incidental expenses like souvenirs, leisure activities, or personal purchases during your trip. Rest assured, your child’s essential needs and meals are fully provided for during your stay with us.

Ensuring the safety and security of mission volunteers is Mustard Seed Communities’ top priority. Dedicated mission representatives, who are full-time employees of MSC and native to the country, oversee all volunteer activities, accompanying groups throughout the day and evening. They possess deep familiarity with the local culture and customs. All homes are equipped with 24-hour security, featuring gated premises for added protection. With nearly three decades of experience, Mustard Seed Communities has a proven track record of facilitating safe and enriching mission trips abroad.

Mission trips with Mustard Seed are one week long, beginning on a Saturday and ending the following Saturday.

During their mission trip, all volunteers are accommodated on Mustard Seed properties. Each location features a dedicated mission house building with multiple spacious dormitories, a fully equipped kitchen, and communal areas.

Mustard Seed Communities ensures that mission volunteers are provided with three meals daily during their stay. While teams are responsible for preparing their breakfast with provided groceries, MSC staff will handle the preparation of lunch and dinner. Emphasizing a full cultural experience, meals are typically Jamaican or Dominican cuisine. Any allergies or dietary restrictions are communicated to staff in advance, who make every effort to accommodate them. Mission volunteers are encouraged to bring snacks or supplementary food if needed, and can reach out to missiontrips@mustardseed.com for further assistance.

Every mission group is supported by a seasoned driver and dedicated representatives from Mustard Seed Communities. From airport pickups to drop-offs, they ensure seamless transportation and provide continuous assistance throughout the entirety of your child’s journey.

Each day on the mission trip offers the chance to engage with the residents, providing assistance or simply being present with them. Throughout your child’s journey, they will foster community bonds within their team and with the residents and staff of Mustard Seed Communities. Every day is rich with opportunities for reflection, sharing, and prayer, alongside experiencing the local culture and enjoying outings in the community.

Above all, every group will have dedicated time allocated for engaging and playing with the residents, which is the primary focus for mission teams. Additionally, each group will undertake a meaningful work project, which could involve tasks such as light construction, painting, farming, or landscaping. As your child’s trip nears, the Mission Program Manager will provide details about the specific project(s) your group will be involved in.

Yes, your child needs a passport to travel to our Mustard Seed locations. Please make sure your child’s passport doesn’t expire for six months after your scheduled trip. Your child does not need a visa to travel to our mission locations if they are a U.S. citizen. For other nationalities, please check with the consulate to make sure your child has the necessary travel documents.

Please consult the CDC for the latest guidance on recommended and required vaccinations, and consult with your family’s physician for personalized medical advice.