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| Other Misc. Expenses to Consider |
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In addition to your group fees & registration fees, there are other costs you will want to be aware of:
Food Cost
Cost of food is not covered in your group fees. A furnished kitchen and dining hall is provided for you to
prepare your meals. Meal prep can be very easy if you consider the following options:
1. Most groups have each person bring their favorite box of cold cereal for the week in Mexico. Milk and fruit
can be brought with you, or purchased here in Mexico. This provides a quick, healthy breakfast with little
costs or work.
2. We provide an option (highly recommended) to groups of eating the Sunday evening meal and the noon
meals (Monday-Thursday) at the church you will be serving at. These meals are prepared and served by the
women of the church . This is a wonderful way to save time, money, and get to know the people and culture of
Mexico . It’s a popular hit among all groups (you will be hard pressed to buy and cook a meal for less than
the recommended donation and the cost even covers the meals so all the Mexicans who will be serving with
you can eat with you as well). A charge $3.50 per person per meal for this option please. And once again,
this amount also includes enough money so the Mexicans who are ministering with you can eat with you as
well.
3. The remainder of the meals can be prepared at the base or you can eat out at some local taco stands.
The facilities are very accommodating (two stoves, refrigerator, freezer, large work areas, large serving bar &
more).An option to consider if you don’t have a cook, is to designate a kitchen and meal coordinator to
oversee the meals and kitchen. Divide the group into food teams and allow them to plan the meals (with the
oversight of the kitchen and meal coordinator). Meals can be pre-cooked in the States and then prepared in
Mexico. Make sure you have healthy meals as you will be exerting extra energy while on your trip. Also, you
can eat out at local taco stands if you'd like which cuts down on meal prep too.
Suggested shopping list for items other than food
Our hope is that while you’re on the ministry base with us in Mexico, you feel at home. Our mindset is that,
"Mi casa es tu casa" (My house is your house). We don't operate like a hotel service, we basically loan you
the base during your time here. Taking this in mind, here's a suggested shopping list for your time while in
Mexico. It is best to purchase main items in the States before crossing the border (costs are less and
selection is better). Please consult the website for a recommended shopping center close to the border.
http://www.gomissionstomexico.com/food4lessshopping.html. Items like fruit, bread, and milk can be
purchased locally if you wish.
Cleaning Items
Several liquid hand soaps (anti-bacterial).
Small bottle dish washing liquid
Couple scrubber pads for pots and pans
Paper & Plastic Items for meals prepared at the mission base
Small bathroom trash bags (10 gallon)
Large trash bags (40 gallon)
Paper towels for kitchen and bathrooms
Toilet Paper
Hand Soap
Napkins
Paper plates (we recommend using paper plates, bowls, cups & etc. for eating, this cuts down on work & time)
Paper bowls
Paper cups
Plastic eating utensils
Baby wipes for cleaning hands after V.B.S. and etc. (put in vans)
First Aid Kit & Medicines to carry with you We have first aid kits at the ministry base for use as well.
Neosporin
Hydrogen peroxide
Tylenol
Imodium AD
Sun block
Purified drinking water in Mexico
We will have at the Ministry Base 5 gallon bottles of purified drinking water for your use. These bottles can be
filled with purified water at all grocery stores for less than $1.00 each. It will be your group's responsibility to
purchase your own water. There is no need to bring purified water with you unless you would feel more
comfortable doing so.
Work Projects
Part of group fees will be used for your construction projects, however, if your group wants to do a major
construction project, we ask that you raise addition funds for this.
Vehicle Insurance
Although vehicle insurance is not required in Mexico, you might want to have it just in case. We strongly
recommend that you purchase insurance prior to your trip. Purchasing insurance at the border can be costly
and time consuming.
Bibles
We ask each group to bring two cases of Bibles (NIV complete Spanish Bibles) to be able to give to those
who might receive Christ through your time in Mexico, and also, to be able to provide pastors and churches
with Bibles. Many churches and pastors come to us asking for Bibles and it’s nice to be able to provide them
with this important resource. You will find an order form enclosed in this packet. We ask for the NIV version
(NVI in Spanish). Please bring complete Bibles containing both the Old and New Testaments. These can be
ordered from International Bible Society at: www..ibsdirect.com/c-35-spanish-scriptures.aspx Tel: 1-800-
524-1588
Evangelistic tracts
On Sunday, the day after your arrival, we start the week off by doing an evangelistic outreach in the
community of the church you’ll be serving at. We hand out invitations for the week’s activities at the church,
and tracks as well. We ask that you bring at least 600 tracks for this important activity. We have found that
tracks by Chick Publishers or Atstracks work very well because they are in a cartoon format. Because many
here in Mexico lack the ability to read, a cartoon format really grabs and holds their attention. Make sure you
order all tracks in Spanish!
Tracks can be ordered at: www.chick.com Tel: 1-909941-8128, or at www.atstracts.org select international
tracts, then select browse by category, then select Spanish and you'll find the Spanish tracks. Make sure you
order tracts that have a cartoon format and are in Spanish.
Ideas for fund raising
1. Each month, set aside a regular amount to give toward your cost. Example: if you just put $20 per month
toward your trip cost, in six months you would have $120 saved for your trip.
2. Consider having a garage sale to sell items you no longer need.
3. Cut down on part of your entertainment spending, and save it for your trip.
4. Pray and ask God to help you. Who knows what might happen?
5. Send out a letter to your friends and relatives, share the plans of your short mission trip and ask if
they’d like to share in the cost.
Here's a link for more help with a Fund Raising
Food Cost
Cost of food is not covered in your group fees. A furnished kitchen and dining hall is provided for you to
prepare your meals. Meal prep can be very easy if you consider the following options:
1. Most groups have each person bring their favorite box of cold cereal for the week in Mexico. Milk and fruit
can be brought with you, or purchased here in Mexico. This provides a quick, healthy breakfast with little
costs or work.
2. We provide an option (highly recommended) to groups of eating the Sunday evening meal and the noon
meals (Monday-Thursday) at the church you will be serving at. These meals are prepared and served by the
women of the church . This is a wonderful way to save time, money, and get to know the people and culture of
Mexico . It’s a popular hit among all groups (you will be hard pressed to buy and cook a meal for less than
the recommended donation and the cost even covers the meals so all the Mexicans who will be serving with
you can eat with you as well). A charge $3.50 per person per meal for this option please. And once again,
this amount also includes enough money so the Mexicans who are ministering with you can eat with you as
well.
3. The remainder of the meals can be prepared at the base or you can eat out at some local taco stands.
The facilities are very accommodating (two stoves, refrigerator, freezer, large work areas, large serving bar &
more).An option to consider if you don’t have a cook, is to designate a kitchen and meal coordinator to
oversee the meals and kitchen. Divide the group into food teams and allow them to plan the meals (with the
oversight of the kitchen and meal coordinator). Meals can be pre-cooked in the States and then prepared in
Mexico. Make sure you have healthy meals as you will be exerting extra energy while on your trip. Also, you
can eat out at local taco stands if you'd like which cuts down on meal prep too.
Suggested shopping list for items other than food
Our hope is that while you’re on the ministry base with us in Mexico, you feel at home. Our mindset is that,
"Mi casa es tu casa" (My house is your house). We don't operate like a hotel service, we basically loan you
the base during your time here. Taking this in mind, here's a suggested shopping list for your time while in
Mexico. It is best to purchase main items in the States before crossing the border (costs are less and
selection is better). Please consult the website for a recommended shopping center close to the border.
http://www.gomissionstomexico.com/food4lessshopping.html. Items like fruit, bread, and milk can be
purchased locally if you wish.
Cleaning Items
Several liquid hand soaps (anti-bacterial).
Small bottle dish washing liquid
Couple scrubber pads for pots and pans
Paper & Plastic Items for meals prepared at the mission base
Small bathroom trash bags (10 gallon)
Large trash bags (40 gallon)
Paper towels for kitchen and bathrooms
Toilet Paper
Hand Soap
Napkins
Paper plates (we recommend using paper plates, bowls, cups & etc. for eating, this cuts down on work & time)
Paper bowls
Paper cups
Plastic eating utensils
Baby wipes for cleaning hands after V.B.S. and etc. (put in vans)
First Aid Kit & Medicines to carry with you We have first aid kits at the ministry base for use as well.
Neosporin
Hydrogen peroxide
Tylenol
Imodium AD
Sun block
Purified drinking water in Mexico
We will have at the Ministry Base 5 gallon bottles of purified drinking water for your use. These bottles can be
filled with purified water at all grocery stores for less than $1.00 each. It will be your group's responsibility to
purchase your own water. There is no need to bring purified water with you unless you would feel more
comfortable doing so.
Work Projects
Part of group fees will be used for your construction projects, however, if your group wants to do a major
construction project, we ask that you raise addition funds for this.
Vehicle Insurance
Although vehicle insurance is not required in Mexico, you might want to have it just in case. We strongly
recommend that you purchase insurance prior to your trip. Purchasing insurance at the border can be costly
and time consuming.
Bibles
We ask each group to bring two cases of Bibles (NIV complete Spanish Bibles) to be able to give to those
who might receive Christ through your time in Mexico, and also, to be able to provide pastors and churches
with Bibles. Many churches and pastors come to us asking for Bibles and it’s nice to be able to provide them
with this important resource. You will find an order form enclosed in this packet. We ask for the NIV version
(NVI in Spanish). Please bring complete Bibles containing both the Old and New Testaments. These can be
ordered from International Bible Society at: www..ibsdirect.com/c-35-spanish-scriptures.aspx Tel: 1-800-
524-1588
Evangelistic tracts
On Sunday, the day after your arrival, we start the week off by doing an evangelistic outreach in the
community of the church you’ll be serving at. We hand out invitations for the week’s activities at the church,
and tracks as well. We ask that you bring at least 600 tracks for this important activity. We have found that
tracks by Chick Publishers or Atstracks work very well because they are in a cartoon format. Because many
here in Mexico lack the ability to read, a cartoon format really grabs and holds their attention. Make sure you
order all tracks in Spanish!
Tracks can be ordered at: www.chick.com Tel: 1-909941-8128, or at www.atstracts.org select international
tracts, then select browse by category, then select Spanish and you'll find the Spanish tracks. Make sure you
order tracts that have a cartoon format and are in Spanish.
Ideas for fund raising
1. Each month, set aside a regular amount to give toward your cost. Example: if you just put $20 per month
toward your trip cost, in six months you would have $120 saved for your trip.
2. Consider having a garage sale to sell items you no longer need.
3. Cut down on part of your entertainment spending, and save it for your trip.
4. Pray and ask God to help you. Who knows what might happen?
5. Send out a letter to your friends and relatives, share the plans of your short mission trip and ask if
they’d like to share in the cost.
Here's a link for more help with a Fund Raising
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